Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 26

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:

"Shucks!" Shezelle practically shrieked, clutching her chest as if she had just heard the most scandalous chika of the century. "Akalain mo 'yon? After five freaking years, she just decides to show up? Like, diba, after graduation, she literally vanished?"

"Exactly! And can we talk about that ridiculous red hair?!" Stazia huffed, crossing her arms. "Like, girl, we get it-you're making a statement. But seriously, the audacity."

I stayed silent, my fingers lazily scrolling through my phone, but Malisse wasn't about to let that slide.

"So, Ari, what's the game plan here?" she asked, her sharp gaze locked on me.

I arched a brow at her. "Game plan? Malisse, what exactly do you mean by that?"

She smirked knowingly. "I mean, diba before... there was something going on between you two? But of course, that was years ago. And knowing you-"

"Pero Ate Ari, sobra kang nasaktan noon, no?" Shezelle cut in, her voice tinged with frustration. "Like, you literally almost lost everything because of her! Kaya nga I absolutely despise her. I mean, the way she treated you? After making you feel like a literal queen? Tapos what? It was all just a game to her? Ate Malisse and I were actually so inggit back then."

I shot her a sharp look, pero nagpatuloy pa rin siya.

"And Ate Ari, let's not even start with the worst part-she was just using you! The sheer audacity!" Shezelle huffed.

"You hate her, yet you invited her to the club later?" Stazia interjected, rolling her eyes.

"Uh, excuse me, I have my reasons, okay?" Shezelle defended herself. "And anyway, Ate Ari, I just want to say, I'm really, really happy for you kasi you're literally thriving right now. Like, your entire glow-up? Insane."

I sighed, leaning back against the studio couch. "I am, Shezelle. And let me make one thing clear-there is absolutely no space in my life for weakness."

Malisse grinned, raising an imaginary glass. "Arisha Kim Yñares-the epitome of power and grace. Cheers to you, babe."

We were at the studio, rehearsing for our brand's endorsement, pero kahit anong pilit kong i-focus ang sarili ko, I could still hear their words.

"Honestly? I never thought she'd come back," I admitted flatly.

In an instant, all eyes were on me.

I still remember my dad and hers discussing how she wouldn't come back. It was a closed chapter. A done deal. But guess what? She's here.

And frankly? I couldn't care less.

__

"Pero Ate Ari, what if may reasons si Ate Azra?" Shezelle hesitated.

Malisse turned to her, her expression unreadable. "No, Bebe. It's very clear-she used Ari."

"Exactly!" Stazia interjected, her voice carrying an edge of bitterness. "And you know what's crazy? I only found out everything because of Jhoelle. Do you remember how I was so confused before? Like, why you suddenly drowned yourself in work? Why you disappeared from almost every social event? Why modeling almost slipped out of your grasp?"

I remained silent.

"Jhoelle told me everything," Stazia continued, her expression darkening. "And girl, I was livid. The way Miss Red Hair blatantly said she used you? Like, how heartless can you be? You were literally at your peak, and then suddenly you disappeared from every opportunity, turned down every major campaign-because of her."