The Unchosen Wife (Book II) Mature Content/Rated 18

Covetous

"Addi!!"

A cheerful Mikasa greeted them after their four-hour drive, her excitement evident in her bright smile.

"Hello, guys. Happy birthday, Eren," she said warmly to her fiancé. They had invited everyone to celebrate Eren's birthday at a private resort.

"Happy birthday, scum. You're getting older and uglier," Levi quipped dryly.

"Haha, that's the rudest greeting I've heard today, but thanks, bro," Eren replied, shaking Levi's hand before pulling him in for a brief hug.

"Oh, there's Jean!" Mikasa waved at Jean, who had just arrived.

"Poor guy," Levi muttered, watching Jean approach. "Should've brought a side chick along, so he doesn't die of envy."

Eren smirked and nudged Levi lightly. "Not a big deal. He can fish around for someone here," he joked, gesturing at the girls swimming nearby.

"Tsk. He better."

The resort was cozy yet exclusive, filled mostly with foreigners and affluent guests. Good place to finally unwind. 

"Happy birthday, fucker," Jean greeted Eren, wrapping an arm around his neck in a mock chokehold.

"Are you even my friends?" Eren groaned, swatting him away.

"Can we bring our stuff inside first?" Mikasa complained, struggling with her bags.

"Sorry, babe. Here, let me take that."

Once everyone had their belongings settled in their rooms, Mikasa brought out a surprise cake for Eren, with Addi lighting the candles.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Eren, happy birthday to you!" they sang in unison, clapping as Eren blew out the candles. He leaned over to kiss Mikasa on the forehead.

"Thank you, guys. I love you, babe," he said, his voice tender.

"Alright, enough with the PDA. Let's start drinking!" Jean interjected, ever the buzzkill.

Mikasa turned to Levi with a mischievous smile. "Levi, can I borrow Addi for a bit?"

"Where?" Levi asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Just somewhere. Don't worry about it, di ko siya kikidnapin!" Mikasa replied breezily, dragging Addi away before Levi could protest. Clueless yet compliant, Addi followed.

Now, only Eren, Levi, and Jean remained.

"Did you tell her yet?" Eren asked, his tone serious.

"I don't plan to tell her anything," Levi muttered, reaching for the cigarette Jean offered him.

Jean shook his head as Levi lit up. "Man, your mom should run for president. She's great at dictating. But seriously, three million? Three million for two years? That's insane."

"Don't worry," Levi replied coldly, exhaling a puff of smoke. "This will be the last time they meddle. Once I graduate, I'm cutting ties with the family business."

Both friends stared at him in disbelief.

"Bro, have you thought about the consequences?" Jean asked cautiously. Wala na, nabaliw na yata itong kaibigan nila.

"I don't care. I'll even live off the grid if I have to," Levi replied firmly.

"Damn," Eren said, shaking his head in amazement. "You've fallen hard for her, bro. Respect."

"Actually," Levi continued, taking a slow drag, "I'm meeting her grandfather tomorrow."

"What for?" ngunot noong tanong ni Jean.