Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 5

Disclaimer: This is pure fiction. Any similarities to real people, places, or events are purely coincidental. Read, enjoy, and don't take it too seriously!

- ✦ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 ✦ -

Mikhazra's POV:

I have my own condo in BGC, but tonight, I'm here at the family house for a dinner I didn't even want to attend. The moment I stepped inside, Pochi, my fluffy little ball of sunshine, came running toward me, wagging his tail like crazy.

"Aww, my baby!" I cooed, kneeling down to let him shower me with his adorable licks. He was the only one I was actually happy to see tonight.

But my happiness was short-lived.

"Mikhazra, we need to talk."

I sighed before evmyen turning around. I already knew what this was about. Dad's voice was firm, demanding-he wasn't asking. He was about to dictate my future again.

I straightened my back and faced him. He was seated at the dining table, fingers tapping against the polished wood, his eyes piercing through me like he already expected my resistance. Mom sat beside him, quiet as always, but I knew she agreed with whatever he was about to say.

"You know the plan," Dad started. "Your sister will handle the Japan branch, and you will take over our company in Los Angeles. It's time for you to step up, Mikhazra. You need to start preparing."

I clenched my fists under the table. "Dad, I already told you, I don't want to run the company. I want to focus on my career as a pilot engineer. That's my dream."

His jaw tightened, and I could already feel the storm brewing. "Dreams won't secure your future. The company will."

"Then let someone else handle it!" My voice came out louder than I intended, but I couldn't help it. "I'm not my sister. Just because she agreed doesn't mean I have to."

Dad slammed his palm against the table, making Mom flinch. "Enough, Mikhazra! You are my daughter, and you have responsibilities. Stop acting like a child."

That was it. That was my cue to leave. If I stayed any longer, I'd end up saying something I'd regret.

I pushed back my chair and stood up. "I lost my appetite." Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and walked out.

I drove back to my condo, my hands gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly. I needed to clear my head. As soon as I parked, I changed into my workout clothes and decided to go jogging. Maybe the night air would help me calm down.

The moment I stepped outside, rain started to pour. Great. Just my luck. I debated going back, but I was already here-I might as well run.

I jogged through the empty streets, my hoodie pulled over my head, my mind still clouded with frustration. That's when it happened.

Bam! I collided with someone, sending both of us stumbling backward.

"Oh my god-"

I looked up and realized the other person was also in jogging attire, equally drenched by the rain.

"Arisha?"

"Mikhazra?!"

What the hell was she doing here?

She groaned, adjusting her wet hoodie. "I was jogging too. But then the rain started, and now I'm stuck out here."

I exhaled, running a hand through my damp hair. "What are the odds?"

Arisha huffed. "Honestly? With my luck? Not surprising."

I chuckled. "Come on, let's get out of the rain. My condo's nearby."