Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 17

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 ✦ -

Arisha's POV:

"Our school will be holding this event, anak. I know I can trust you dito."

Dad's voice was calm, but firm-final, even.

I sat across from him in his office, nodding absentmindedly. He wanted me to handle the charity event-a program meant to help children in need. It was an honor, really, a significant responsibility. But truth be told? My mind was elsewhere.

Paris.

We had just returned, yet reality was already seeping in, dragging me back into obligations and expectations.

But more than that, there was something-someone-who refused to leave my thoughts.

Mikhazra.

Shit. Hindi na tama 'to. Lately, she's been everywhere in my head. A constant presence. A lingering warmth.

It's... unsettling.

I used to see her as just a rival. Someone I had to outshine. Someone I needed to surpass. But lately... something's shifting.

And that scared me.

"Anak, nakikinig ka ba?"

Dad's voice pulled me out of my trance.

I blinked. "Uh, yeah. You were saying?"

He sighed, but let it slide. "This event is important. I want you to bring the other seven girls along. Their parents want them to experience this-helping others, kahit galing sila sa elite families."

I nodded, understanding the weight of it all. This wasn't just an event. It was an image. A display. The elite showcasing their generosity. And while some may see it as mere theatrics, for my father, it was genuine.

"Especially Mr. Valtherone. He spends a great deal on charities like this," Dad added, his tone thoughtful.

Kung usapang kayamanan lang, pang-alat lang naman talaga kami sa pinakamayayaman dito. The Valtherones and Kamizakis are always at the top, lalo na ang Dravenhart family. But the Kamizakis? Ibang level sila.

They weren't just rich. They were legacy.

Old money, refined and untouchable. The Kamizakis held a power that wasn't just built on wealth, but on history. Their family's influence stretched beyond business-into politics, education, even the arts. Their name was synonymous with prestige. A dynasty that had been cultivated for generations.

And yet, despite their untouchable status, they were remarkably humble.

They didn't flaunt their wealth the way others did. There were no extravagant displays, no reckless indulgences. They moved with quiet grace, always giving more than they took. Philanthropy wasn't just for show-it was ingrained in them. They never acted as if they were above others, despite clearly being so.

And Mikhazra was no exception.

She was Kamizaki blood, through and through. Born into power, raised in a world where people bowed at the mere mention of her last name. And yet-she never used it. Never flaunted it. She could have easily made people submit to her, but she never did.

What she did instead was keep her distance.

Mikhazra was cold-hearted before.

Untouchable. Unreachable. Ice in human form.