Chapter 16

Note: Hi! This chapter will tell the story of their past. We will be back to the present timeline after some chapters. Thank you.

N O E L L E

Nine years ago…

It’s been six months since I unexpectedly met Maxwell and Levi. I always spend my time with Maxwell except for these past few days since he is currently busy with his upcoming album while we are on a school break.

Levi has been bothering and visiting me at school every now and then. Since it’s our school break, I’ve decided to bother him instead.

“What the fuck are these, Noelle?!” He shouted while glaring at me. I came to his office and brought pictures of my best candidate to be his wife. I want to help him find the perfect girl for him while I am free.

“Those are pictures of models, beauty queens, actresses, singers, and daughters of business tycoons. Please choose one from them as your next date,” I said as I looked at the paintings hanging on the wall.

“I’m busy.” He said, and that made me look at him. He is now back at reading the pile of documents in front of him.

“It’s the reason you cannot find a girlfriend. Find time for your love life.” I suggested.

“Dad has been doing the same thing, and he failed. Women hate me.” He said.

“It’s because you made them hate you, Levi. A romantic relationship is not a business.” I said, and he looked at me. “What?” I asked innocently.

“Have you been in a relationship before?” He asked.

I shake my head. “No.”

“How could you talk about a romantic relationship?” He asked.

“Books,” I said. “I love reading novels,” I added.

“Nerd.” He commented while shaking his head.

“Jerk.” I countered, and he chuckled. “Pick at least one, and I will set you up on a date,” I said while smiling.

“I can’t believe you are pushing your fiancé to date someone else!” He yelled. “I haven’t taken you on a date yet!” Shit! What is he saying?!

“A-Are you drunk?! I have no interest in going out with you!” I said as I avoided his gaze. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I felt my heart beat faster. Damn Levi!

“Oh! Really?” He asked while chuckling. Jerk.

“Shut up! Who wants to date someone like you?!” I yelled before storming out of his office, and I heard him burst into laughter. He had so fun teasing me. Damn it.

Levi did not take me seriously and never dated someone I picked for him. He sometimes goes on a date set up by his dad. He said he didn’t want to disappoint and embarrass his dad for not showing up.

“She’s one of my classmates. She wants to be a cardiologist. She’s blonde, sexy, pretty, and a part-time model.” I said after placing my classmate’s picture on his table. My class for today ended earlier than its original schedule, so I decided to come and bother Levi again. “What do you think?” I asked.

“You are not giving up, aren’t you?” He said as he looked at me in disbelief.

“Well, I thought what you really wanted was a girl younger than you,” I said as I slumped on the couch.

“Yes, you are correct.” He answered, and my face lit up. I think I am starting to see hope in what I am doing.

“I also think that you want someone with a dream. Not just someone popular or rich.”

“You are right.”

“You want someone responsible and independent.”

“You got it right. I also want someone working as a part-timer in a coffee shop.” He said, and that made me look at him in confusion.

“What?” I asked.

“I want someone plain, simple, and a not high maintenance kind of a girl.” He added, and my left brow rose upward.

“Are you making fun of me?” I asked, and he chuckled.

“I appreciate your effort, Noelle. However, I already told you that I have already found my perfect girl, and it’s you.” He said while smiling.

“I hate you, Levi,” I said with a poker face.

“I like you, Noelle.” He said before laughing. What a jerk.

The next day, I came again with another set of prospects, and this time I will make sure to set him up on a date.

“These are minors, aren’t they?” Levi asked as I showed him the pictures of my classmates.

“What?! They are my classmates!” I exclaimed. I walked over to his side and collected all the pictures scattered on his table. “How about her?” I showed him the picture of my best prospect. “She’s sweet and caring. Don’t you—“ I was interrupted when Allen, his secretary, came in.

“The new marketing department head is here to report, sir,” Allen said. I waved to greet him, and he smiled.

“Let her in,” Levi said. Allen motioned to someone outside to come in, and my eyes widened in surprise to see the new department head.

She is wearing a fitted red dress, high heels, her makeup is flawless, and her hair is arranged neatly. She looks sophisticated and sexy. She has a beautiful face too.

I think I found the perfect one.

She smiled at Levi, and I was blinded by her perfect all-white xteeth. Her red lipstick compliments her dress. “Good morning, sir. I’m Olivia Cromwell. It was my pleasure to meet you, sir.” She said.

Levi stood up and walked over to her. He offered his hand for a handshake, and Olivia took it. “The pleasure is mine, Olivia. Please take a seat.” Levi said. Olivia sat on the couch, and it was my cue to leave them alone.

I tap Levi’s shoulder before whispering. “I’ll go ahead,” I said.

“What? You just got here.” He said, whispering. Why are we whispering anyway?

“It’s okay. I’ll nag and bother you some other time.” I answered, and he chuckled.

“I am looking forward to it.” He said while smiling.

“Tss. Jerk.” I said, and he laughed. I looked at Olivia, and we both smiled at each other.

“By the way, she’s Noelle Lewis, my fi—“

“I’m his personal assistant,” I said, and he looked at me in shock. “Don’t ruin my plan, Levi. She is my next prospect.” I said, and he looked at me strangely.

“Are you going to set me up to every girl you meet?” He asked.

“Well, why not? When the opportunity knocks, grab it!” I said.

“Not to my employee, Noelle.” He warned me.

“Good luck, sir,” I said while smiling. I smiled at Olivia again before leaving.

“Noelle!” I heard Levi shout, and I chuckled.

I did not get a chance to bother Levi the following week since I was busy at school. He asked me through chat what kept me from visiting, and I told him about my projects and exams at school.

Maxwell came back just before our exam week started. His album is ready to release on its selected date. “I missed this place,” I said as I inhaled the fresh air.

We were back at the open field, and we decided to hang out after taking our exams. We brought foods we bought from the fast-food restaurant. “We were just here last month,” Maxwell commented.

“I know,” I said, and I chuckled.

“My manager asked me if you want to attend our album’s press release. He would secure a seat for you.” Maxwell said while we were eating.

“No need, but I will attend. I am happy to watch you from afar.” I said, and we both laughed. “It sounds too cheesy,” I commented.

“Now that you mentioned it. Please don’t do that again.” He said while chuckling.

“I will support you either while sitting or standing. I want to mix in with your fans and shout your name.” I said.

“My fans knew you are my girlfriend; they might find it weird if you are not with me.” He said, and I nodded in agreement.

“You have a point,” I said. Maxwell's fans assumed things, and it is now what they believe. He tried to explain everything to the media, but they did not believe Maxwell since they still saw us going out. “Please tell your manager to count me in,” I said, and he smiled.

I met Maxwell’s mom a few months ago, and I was happy to know her. She is kind and sweet towards me. She is even treating me like her own daughter. She is like the second mother to me, and I always see my mom on her. They are very alike.

“You are still visiting Levi?” Maxwell asked.

“I went to his office a week ago,” I answered.

“Are you still going to continue your plan?” He asked.

I nod. “I have to. I can’t let this contract dictate my future.” I said as I smiled. Maxwell knew everything about the contract and my plans.

A month had passed, and Maxwell’s album press release was successful. News about me being a supportive girlfriend spreads the next day.

“It’s time for Noelle Lewis to support his fiancé,” Levi said over the phone.

“What?” I asked.

“Attend a party with me, Noelle.”