Chapter 18

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

Levi left the party, and Maxwell took me home last night. Olivia asked me what had happened, but I decided to lie to her. I just told her that Levi had to leave early because of an urgent matter.

“I’m sorry.” The next day, I went to his office to apologize. He did not even spare me a glance when I came in. I even brought his favorite French macarons as a piece offering. I can feel he is still mad.

“I know what I did was wrong, but you know my reason, right?” I sighed in frustration. “I would like you to date Olivia, and it’s the reason why I did not tell her about our true relationship,” I said. He looks at me in disbelief before shaking his head.

“I am not ashamed to engage with you, Levi,” I said, and he looked at me in a straight face. “It’s true, but I don’t want to marry someone just because of a contract,” I stated. “I don’t want this contract to restrain us from doing what we really want.” 

I don’t want my role as his future wife will stop me from becoming a doctor. 

“If the contract is holding you back, then let’s forget about the contract.” He said, and I looked at him in surprise.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Let’s forget about the contract and date for real.” He said, and I couldn’t believe what I heard.

“Are you drunk?!” I yelled.

“Neither the contract nor I am holding you back, Noelle. It’s you. You are making things complicated. You just have to marry me. I am not telling you to stop living your own life.” He explained before letting out a deep sigh. “With contract or not, nothing will change.” He added. I stared at him for a few minutes while processing all the things he said.

Am I making things complicated? Is marrying him that simple? Is living with someone for the rest of my life doesn’t matter? Right, why did I agree on this contract in the first place?

I pull my hair in frustration. 

How am I going to tell him that I don’t want to marry him without hurting him? How?! With all the women he dated, why did he, unfortunately, choose me?! Should I consider myself lucky?

I left Levi’s office without saying a word after that. My mind is all over the place, and I can’t think clearly.

“Noelle!” I look up to see who called me and it’s Olivia. She’s smiling widely at me. Wait, where am I? I look around the area and find myself in the lobby. I wonder if I took the elevator to get down here. “How’s CEO Levi?” She asked.

“Oh. Uhmm… Levi is fine. Nothing to worry about.” I said.

She nods. “I see. It’s good to hear.”

Levi agreed to date her, but hell, I don’t think he will do what he said.

“I hope you don’t mind me asking, do you have a boyfriend or husband? I mean, are you in a relationship right now?” I asked.

“Oh…” She reacted before blushing. Gosh. She’s like a teenager. I wonder how old she is. “I don’t have a boyfriend.” She answered, and I nodded.

I sigh. I know Olivia is perfect for Levi. Should I contact the chairman to arrange a date for his son and Olivia?

Why not, right?!

“Great!” I shouted, and she got startled.

“What?” She asked in confusion.

“I mean, I hope you find your ideal man soon, Olivia,” I said while chuckling. “I’ll go ahead,” I said, and she nodded.

I immediately called the chairman and told him about my plan. He agreed to arrange a date between his son and Olivia. I was smiling from ear to ear while walking home.

I’ve decided not to show up in Mitchell Corporation again after that day. Then, after a month, I’ve heard from the chairman that Levi asked Olivia for a second date, and I was beyond happy to hear the news.

I’ve spent the whole month making and submitting all the projects, paper research, and other requirements at school before the break.

Maxwell and I decided to spend the summer break in their rest house near the beach. It’s a five-hour drive from our city, and I’ve got to enjoy our road trip. I’ve got a singing driver plus a lot of food. I couldn’t ask for more. The last time I went to the beach was when my mom was still alive.

“Woah!” I exclaimed once we arrived at their house. Their house is just a few meters away from the seashore. The view and the air are refreshing! “It’s beautiful!” I shouted at Maxwell, and he laughed while carrying our baggage.

We will spend two weeks here, and we’ve listed a lot of activities. I am thrilled to start our vacation. Maxwell’s family rest house is a two-story all-white-themed wooden house. It has four rooms with showers, a kitchen and a living room. It has a porch facing the sea.

“This house looks so homey and warm,” I commented while Maxwell was touring me around.

“This is mom’s favorite place. This is your room.” He said before opening a room just across from his.

“Thank you,” I said after he placed all my baggage on the corner of the room.

“Let’s rest first, and then I will call you once the lunch is ready,” Maxwell said, and I nodded.

I arranged my things in the closet, and I changed my outfit into a comfy one. I wore a white shirt and black cotton shorts. I also wore my swimsuits beneath it.

Maxwell is a good cook. It’s the most delicious honey garlic butter shrimp that I’ve tasted so far. “Ugh. I will gain weight if you cook like this for the whole two weeks.” I complained while massaging my belly. I’m so full. I don’t think I can wear swimsuits in this kind of belly.

“The mouth-watering foods and breath-taking view, it’s the best thing about vacation, you know.” He said.

“You are right. Let’s forget the diet for now.” I said while chuckling.

We decided to hang out on the porch while enjoying the sun. We are both wearing sunglasses while looking at the sea. The sun and the air are not that hot even it’s already past lunchtime. It’s warm, but not hot.

“You did not post our vacation in any of your social media accounts, am I right?” I asked while looking at a few people taking photos of us.

He shakes his head. “No. I don’t want anyone bothering our private time together.” He said, and that caught my attention.

“Anyone who can hear you might think that we are really in a romantic relationship,” I commented while shaking my head.

He chuckles. “I don’t mind as long as you understand what I am saying.” He said, and I nodded in agreement.

“So, who are they?” Maxwell followed my gaze, and his expression quickly changed after seeing them.

“Damn it. It’s probably my manager. I’m sorry, Noelle.” Maxwell apologized.

“We can’t help it. You are famous, and as your friend slash fake girlfriend, I will learn how to get used to it.” I said.

“Should I talk to them to leave us alone?” He asked, and I shook my head.

“It’s okay. Let’s just pretend they don’t exist.”

Maxwell and I spend the first week of our vacation doing beach activities such as swimming, parasailing, breathing observation bubble or BOB underwater, sailing, exploring the sea caves, snorkeling, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and diving.

It’s Sunday night, and we are now watching the fire dance while eating our dinner. I am wearing a white summer dress that flows above my knee, while Maxwell is wearing a white polo and navy blue cotton shorts.

Maxwell decided to post some of our activities on his I*******m account since several of our stolen shots are already all over the social media accounts of those following us since the first day of our vacation.

“OMG! Noelle, is that you?” I looked over my shoulder to look at her, and my eyes widened in surprise. Olivia is here and behind her is Levi, who is throwing a death glare on me.

Shit. What are they doing here?!