Chapter 21

N O E L L E

Two men. Yes, two men in black are following me inside and outside of the school until I get home. I am very uncomfortable, and people are staring at us. I tried to talk to Levi to stop his men, but he refused.

Maxwell cannot go near me, and they are making a scene every time he tries. I couldn’t do anything but apologize to him, and we could only talk through the phone.

“Levi, please! Don’t do this to me!” I complained when I went to his office. “You don’t have any idea how uncomfortable I was!” I cried.

“I told you that you can do whatever that can make you happy, but not the things that you want to do with Hughes. Yes, I feel threatened by his existence in your life, and it’s the reason why I am doing this.” He said without looking at me. He is busy reading a pile of documents. “If I could only be with you 24/7, I would do it.” He added, and I groaned in frustration.

I lie on his couch. I am so tired because of the annoyance and frustration I felt these past few days. “Wait for me. Let’s have dinner together.” He said, and I groaned as a sign of complaint. I heard him chuckle, but I just ignored him.

We went to the nearest restaurant near his office. “Why don’t you move in with me?” He said while we were eating. I stop and look at him in shock. “Don’t give me that look. We are engaged, and it’s normal for an engaged couple to move in together.” He explained like I don’t know that thing.

“Are you drunk?!” I reacted before drinking my juice bottoms up.

“My mom died when I was a kid. Our house has been felt lifeless since then. When I started college, I moved out and took a pad near the school. From then, I got used to living alone that I learned how to take care of myself, cook for myself and do everything for myself.” His expression softens while telling me his story.

“Dad never tried to replace mom, and I was thankful though I know it’s selfish to feel that way.” He said while chuckling. “When I started working for the company, I told him to find a woman who would be with him until he gets old, but he refused. I realize that dad is lonely since mom died and me leaving the house.”

“So, I decided to move out from my pad and returned to our house. I’ve got to see dad smile again and celebrate occasions with him. I learned the value of family and time. I’m sure dad will be happy to welcome you in our house and our lives.” I smile at him, and I feel like my heart softens for him.

He’s successful yet sad. Being rich doesn’t mean someone is happy with his life. All of us have hardships and problems that we are dealing with, no matter the status in society.

“My mom died when I was in high school. She has a brain tumor at that time. It’s the reason why I promised her that I would be a neurosurgeon. I want to help patients with the same illness as my mom. Though, it’s not cancer that killed her.” I said while staring at my drinks. Remembering those days made my heart shattered into pieces once again.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“She got into a car accident, damaging his brain. She got severe traumatic brain injuries.” I answered. “Unlike your dad, my dad replaced my mom with a new woman after a few years. I felt betrayed that time and hurt. I tried to understand, but the pain in my heart is greater than my understanding.” I said while chuckling.

“I did not leave our house, unlike what you did, because I have nowhere else to go. I just endured being with my stepmom. I don’t hate her. It is just that I cannot accept that dad can easily replace mom in his heart and life. I was hurt for mom. I cried for mom, and I got angry every time I saw them happy together. I think I was jealous that he has already moved on while I was still mourning and longing for mom.” I explained.

“Do you still hate him until now?” Levi asked.

I nod. “I still hate him, but he is still my dad, and he takes care of me despite my attitude towards him. I am aware that the problem is me, and I think only time can tell if I will heal.” I answered before smiling at him.

Levi and I talk about our life during high school and college. I learned that he was a soccer player. He also loves camping and hiking. He is an extrovert person while I am an introvert. I told him that I could spend the whole day watching a series or reading a novel. He found me boring and I didn’t care.

Levi frequently visits me at home, at the coffee shop, and at school. He brings food and talks about his work, his dad, and his future plans.

I gradually learn almost everything about him, and as time passes by, I’ve got used to his presence, and Levi's already part of my everyday life.

Maxwell and I still talk through the phone. We are still good friends, and I am thankful for him for staying as my friend.

“Allen? What are you doing here?” He is Levi’s secretary, and I found him waiting outside our school. I look around to find Levi, but he’s not there. “Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Sir Levi is sick,” Allen announced, and I instantly felt worried about Levi. He suddenly hands over a key, and I look at him in confusion. “He is currently staying at his flat. My hands are full, so I would like to ask for your help.”

“Sure, as long as I can,” I said.

“Can you please go to his flat and take care of him?” He asked, and I threw him a questioning look. “I cannot think of someone else who can take care of him. It is also his mother’s death anniversary, so I think you can cheer him up.” I sigh before smiling at him.

“You love your boss, don’t you?” I asked while giving a teasing look. He clears his throat before diverting his gaze away from me, and I chuckle at his cute reaction. “Levi is lucky to have you, Allen. I hope he’s treating you well.”

“He is the best boss I ever have.” He commented while smiling at me.

Allen takes me to Levi’s flat. There is a supermarket near the condominium building, so I go there to buy ingredients for a porridge, fruits, and medicine for Levi.

I am now in front of Levi’s flat, and I am as nervous as hell. This is my first time going to someone else’s flat, and it’s Levi’s, for Pete’s sake! I breathed out before inserting a key card and got more nervous when it opened.

I slowly open the door and quietly walk in. His flat is dark and classy. All things are black, and I can smell Levi’s perfume. Everything is well arranged and clean. There is a living room, kitchen with countertop and stools, dining table good for four people, a shower, and a veranda.

There is only one room, and I know he is there. I knock on the door and call his name before going in. His whole room is dark, but his nightstand has lights on. He is lying on his bed. “Levi,” I called him, but he did not respond. I walked towards him and touched his forehead.

Gosh! He’s burning! What did this guy do?!

I quickly got a towel and soaked it with cold water before putting it on his forehead. He instantly winced when he felt the cold temperature, but he did not wake up. I went to his kitchen and destroyed everything, so he could think over it again and doubt my ability to serve as his wife.

Kidding. I cooked porridge. Yes, I can cook a decent porridge. I also peel and cut a few pieces of apple and watermelon. I placed all the food on a tray together with water and his medicine.

“What are you doing?”

“Holy crap!” I almost drop the tray in shock, and luckily Levi catches it. “What the hell?!” I shouted as my chest heaved up and down. “You almost gave me a heart attack!”

“I’m sorry. I thought you knew I was behind you.” He said before coughing. His face is red, and his eyes are half-close.

“What are you doing?! Go back to your bed!” I hissed.

“I’m fine. What are you doing here?” He said.

“Go back to your bed first, or I will throw this tray to your face,” I said in a straight face, and he quickly followed what I said.

What a stubborn guy!