Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 24

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!

This part of the story will be told solely from Arisha's perspective.

A journey through ambition, revenge, and the cold truths of adulthood.

Buckle up, and enjoy the read!

- ✦ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 ✦ -

Arisha's POV:

Flash. Click. The symphony of camera shutters fills the air, a dazzling storm of lights reflecting off the opulent venue. The brightness would have overwhelmed anyone else-but not me. I have long mastered the art of thriving beneath the relentless gaze of the world.

I glide down the runway, a vision of elegance and dominance, my presence alone commanding the room. The gown draping my silhouette is nothing short of artistry, each step a silent proclamation-I own this place. The audience watches, mesmerized, their admiration thick in the air, almost tangible.

The interview begins. A poised journalist steps forward, microphone in hand, her expression polished yet inquisitive.

"So, Miss Yñares, you are widely regarded as the epitome of perfection. However, in the pursuit of your dreams, what has been the greatest struggle you've faced?"

A calculated question, one designed to strip past the curated image. I take the mic with effortless grace, adjusting my expression-composed, untouchable. The cameras edge closer, awaiting my response.

"Let's just say," I begin, voice smooth as silk yet laced with undeniable steel, "I almost settled for someone who, in the end, only sought to use me. A choice that nearly cost me everything."

A fleeting smirk. A measured pause.

"But mistakes," I add, my gaze locking onto the camera with quiet ferocity, "are merely lessons wrapped in disguise. And I? I have mastered the art of turning wounds into weapons."

__

The city stretched beneath me, glittering like a thousand broken dreams. From my private suite, the world seemed so small, yet the weight on my chest felt impossibly heavy.

Five years.

Half a decade since I made the worst mistake of my life-almost settling for someone who never deserved me. No one dared bring it up anymore. My friends knew better. People whispered about it in hushed voices, cautious, aware of how much I hated even the mention of her name. And truly, after all these years, she was nothing more than a misplaced chapter in my story.

I exhaled, rolling my shoulders back. Tonight isn't about the past. It's about now.

__

The dressing room was chaotic-stylists rushing, assistants double-checking last-minute details, and the bass from the concert's opening track vibrating through the walls. Excitement buzzed in the air, but inside, a different tension settled as our conversation took a sharp turn.

Malisse, lounging on the couch like she owned the place (which, honestly, she almost did), swirled the wine in her glass before exhaling dramatically.

"College was a fever dream," she muttered, tapping her manicured nails against the crystal. "Kung kaya ko lang burahin isang decision ko sa past, I would."

Shezelle, adjusting the clasp of her watch, scoffed. "Isa lang? Ang generous mo naman, Mal."

Malisse shot her a sharp glare. "Excuse me?"