Loving Him

Chapter 8

[CHANGE POV]

The surroundings grew dim as the heavy rain subsided. Mike made the decision to postpone their return to the mansion until tomorrow, as he was certain that the road would be muddy. He didn't want to jeopardize their safety.

He stole a glance at the sleeping woman. With a gentle embrace, he peered out of the hut's window and noticed flickering lights that appeared to be coming from flashlights. He stepped outside.

His intuition proved correct. He recognized the approaching figures as the estate's personnel. Most likely, they had been instructed by his mother to fetch them, a gesture he deeply appreciated.

Although he desired to awaken Levi, he refrained from doing so. As the staff drew nearer, he observed that they carried towels, one of which was handed to him and gratefully accepted by him.

"We were sent here by Ma'am Thalia, sir."

"Thank you for locating us. Just give me a moment, I need to go inside."

Taking extra care, he gently lifted Levi, ensuring not to disturb her peaceful slumber. A strange warmth emanated from her body, evoking unfamiliar emotions within him, which he found both intriguing and peculiar. It was a sensation he had never encountered before.

Luckily, the staff sent by his mother had a vehicle at their disposal. Deciding to make use of it, he opted to ride along, allowing Levi to continue her uninterrupted sleep.

After several hours of travel, they finally arrived at the mansion. His mother and sister welcomed him with worried expressions etched on their faces.

"Thank goodness you're home safe, son. I had no idea there was a storm. How is Levi?" his mother asked.

"She's fine, Mom. She's just asleep. I need to take her to her room," Mike replied, ascending the stairs with Micah, who wore a smile, closely trailing behind.

"You know, Kuya, you and Sister Levi are a perfect match. The only issue is that you two can never seem to get along. Here, take the key," Micah said, handing Mike the key to Levi's room.

"Can you open the door, Micah? Look, I even had to carry Levi. And she snores so loudly," Mike grumbled.

Micah simply flashed a smile at her grumpy brother. "That's normal. Maybe you tired her out, that's why she snores," she teased, quickly hurrying off after unlocking Levi's room.

Mike shook his head in response to his sister's comment. He gently adjusted Levi's sleeping position and tucked her in.

Then, he went to find Aling Sita to assist in changing Levi's clothes.

"Kuya," Micah called out to him. He turned to his sister.

"Whatever, Micah. Please stop with that nonsense, whatever you're about to say," he replied, feeling a bit frustrated.

Micah's expression turned into a frown, and she playfully rolled her eyes at her brother's grumbling. Deciding to head to the dining room instead, she had a feeling that Aling Melba might have prepared her all-time favorite Filipino-style spaghetti and a refreshing glass of lemonade.

Just as she approached the table, the irresistible aroma of the spaghetti wafted into her nostrils. Excitedly, she quickly took a seat, making sure not to let her hot spaghetti go cold. With her plate in front of her, she decided to indulge in a moment of scrolling through one of her social media accounts.

Her attention was suddenly captivated by the entrance of someone into the dining room. She guessed that he was one of the children of their hacienda's workers, carrying a machine. Standing tall with a dark complexion, he exuded an undeniable handsomeness and displayed a well-built physique that caught Micah's eye.

Although he seemed a bit shy and couldn't meet her gaze directly, Micah couldn't help but feel a secret smile forming on her lips, appreciating his bashfulness. She then shifted her focus back to her cellphone, immersing herself in lively conversations with her friends.

Micah voiced her protest, saying, "But Papa, I really don't want to go to that party."

"We have no choice, Micah. It's a matter of showing respect to the Mayor of our town. Your outfit is already prepared, so you'll have to come with us tonight," her father firmly stated. Micah's face contorted into a frown.

Levi and Mike sat at the dining table, quietly listening to the argument between Micah and her father.

Mrs. Montenegro cleared her throat and glanced at Micah. "Sweetie, let's try not to argue with your father anymore. We have an obligation to attend the party tonight. I understand that you're not a fan of parties, but it's important for you to mingle with the social circle you belong to," Thalia explained to her daughter.

Micah nodded and adjusted her glasses. Despite her nerdy appearance, she had a cheerful demeanor. Parties weren't her cup of tea. She would much rather stay at home and lose herself in the pages of her favorite books.

Mike and Levi rose from the table, excusing themselves from the couple's company to pay a visit to the hacienda workers. They were confident that their planned visit would proceed smoothly.

As they made their way towards the stable, Mike turned to Levi with a serious tone. "Just a friendly reminder, at the party, I'd prefer if you didn't flirt with other guys," he said.

Levi looked at Mike's back, a mix of surprise and confusion evident on her face. "And do you really think I'm the type to flirt? We're not even married yet, and you're already acting possessive," Levi complained.

"I'm not being possessive. I just want to make sure everything is clear. One day, when we're married and you carry my surname, I want you to remember that you shouldn't engage in conversations with just any guy," Mike replied, teasingly.

Levi raised an eyebrow and playfully questioned, "Oh really? So, does that mean it's allowed if they're gay?" Mike remained silent, leaving the question unanswered.

Levi couldn't help but notice a slight clenching of Mike's jaw, but she found joy in teasing him.

Mike tapped Tigrel, while Levi gracefully mounted Sapphire. They urged their horses to gallop across the expansive hacienda, embracing the warmth of the sun on this typical summer day. Seeking respite from the heat, they decided to pass through the shade of the mango trees. As they rode, a refreshing breeze caressed their skin, providing a welcome relief.

Along their path, they encountered diligent workers engrossed in their tasks. Pausing their work, the workers respectfully greeted Mike, acknowledging his presence as the hacienda's manager.

Engaging in friendly conversation, they exchanged pleasantries, and Mike took the opportunity to inquire about any issues or concerns they might have. He displayed genuine interest in addressing any challenges that arose, offering valuable solutions.

Levi attentively listened to Mike's words and couldn't help but be impressed by his insightful ideas and the support he provided to the workers. It was evident that Mike possessed exceptional managerial skills when it came to overseeing the hacienda.

As lunchtime approached, a sumptuous feast awaited them. The table was adorned with an abundant spread of seafood, bagoong (shrimp paste), dried fish, and freshly harvested fruits. The aroma of the dishes filled the air, enticing their appetites. Additionally, mouthwatering dishes of chicken, beef, and pork simmered in savory broths added to the enticing display.

As the hours passed by, they decided it was time to make their way back home. With warm farewells, the workers bid them goodbye, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.

Levi felt a deep sense of joy, knowing that the Montenegro family had always been compassionate and considerate towards their workers. They treated them like family, never hesitating to extend a helping hand.

Levi broke the silence, observing Mike's quiet demeanor. "You seem lost in thought," she remarked.

"Just pondering over a few things, matters that require my attention," he replied, his mind consumed by thoughts.

Levi's suggestion took him by surprise. "How about considering an increase in their salaries?" she proposed.

A brilliant smile instantly illuminated Mike's face. He turned towards her, grinning with pure delight.

Levi's heart skipped a beat as she witnessed that captivating smile. It was the first time she had seen him smile like that while being with her and conversing. It made her wish that he would share his smiles more often, as they had the power to brighten up her days.

"You have a point, that's a good idea. We can suggest that to Mama and Papa once we arrive at the mansion. I'm sure they'll be open to your suggestion, Levi," Mike acknowledged, appreciating her input.

As their horses reached the mango tree, they swiftly mounted and urged them to gallop towards the mansion, eager to share the updates about the workers and the tasks that needed attention.

Levi couldn't help but wear a smile on her lips, feeling a sense of validation as the Mike finally appreciated her suggestion. It was a pleasant surprise, considering he had often been opposed to her ideas in the past. Glancing at him, she noticed his furrowed brow.

"I never thought you had a crazy side too, seeing you smile all by yourself," Mike playfully remarked, leading the way into the mansion courtyard.

She responded with a slight pout, silently following him. Upon entering the living room, their attention was drawn to Micah engaged in conversation with a young man. Levi quickly deduced that the young man must be one of Micah's suitors.

As their presence was acknowledged, both Micah and the young man stood up almost simultaneously. Levi stole a glance at Mike, who now had a raised eyebrow, his gaze fixed on his visibly nervous sister.

Levi's eyes immediately caught sight of a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. Her lips instinctively pressed together, sensing that something was about to unfold. She knew all too well how protective Mike was of his beloved sister.

"Good afternoon," Mike greeted the young man with an authoritative tone, his gaze unwaveringly focused on his anxious sister.

"Hi," Levi replied to the nervous young man.

Before the young man could introduce himself, Mike interjected with a firm question, "I don't care who you are. Micah, who gave you permission to entertain visitors?"

"Kuya, could you please not be so harsh with Gabriel? He just wants to be friends," Micah protested with her brother.

"Get out!" Mike snapped at the young man, pointing towards the door.

"Mike, please. It's not fair how you're treating Micah's guest," Levi interjected, stepping between the siblings. She then noticed Micah's suitor quickly making his way out of the house.

"Can you please stay out of this? This is a matter between siblings, Levi, so you have no right to interfere in how I discipline my sister," Mike angrily replied.

They then noticed Micah running up the stairs towards her own room.

"Micah is not a child anymore, Mike. She's already eighteen and knows right from wrong. What you did to her guest was embarrassing, do you understand that?" Levi calmly stated.

"I don't really care! You're just a step-sibling here, so you wouldn't understand the concern a sibling has for their own sister," Mike said angrily to Levi.

Levi took a step back, each word he spoke pushing her further away.

"Can you please stop pushing me? I have nowhere else to go because there's a wall behind me. Maybe next time you'll just suddenly go silent, stare at me for a long time, and kiss me like the male lead does to the female lead in the romance stories I read on Yugto and Dreame!" she retorted sharply, her words tinged with sarcasm.

Mike stared at her, his gaze fixed on her for a long moment. Levi swallowed nervously, her eyes dropping to his lips. Mike leaned in closer, causing Levi's heart to race. Was Mike about to kiss her?

They were just moments away from sharing a kiss, and she could catch the scent of Mike's breath.

Levi noticed the slight curve of his lips, as if he was playfully teasing her.

"Close your eyes, Levi," he softly whispered in her ear, sending a delightful tingle throughout her entire being.

She obediently closed her eyes, eagerly anticipating the touch of his lips on hers. But then, he murmured something that infuriated her.

"I've told you, I don't like flat-chested girls. Don't assume that I'm interested in someone like you. And could you please fix the buttons on your blouse? It's obvious that you have no curves."

His words stung, and she felt a surge of anger. In frustration, she removed one of her flat sandals and hurled it towards the retreating Mike.

Unfortunately, luck was not on her side, as it struck Mr. Montenegro square in the face just as he was descending the stairs.

"Sorry, sorry Tito, I didn't mean to," she quickly apologized to him.

"No, it's alright, my dear. It's not too painful. I have to go now, I have a meeting to attend. Please don't forget, tonight at eight, get ready because you're coming with me to the mayor's party," Mr. Montenegro hastily responded, making his exit.

She watched him leave, her expression once again contorted into a frown.