Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 27

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:

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Our company is proud to present the new faces of FlyAsia-these ladies, the most untouchable in the industry. Now, they will represent FlyAsia, a trusted airline that has been dedicated to serving for two decades!"

The emcee's voice echoed through the hall, followed by deafening applause.

Flashes from cameras burst in every direction, the spotlight trained on us-Malisse, Shezelle, Stazia, and me. We stood tall on stage, our poise and elegance untouchable. We were used to this, thriving under the attention.

But my mind?

My mind was somewhere else.

I still don't get it.

Why did Mr. Cal approve this deal?

I mean, FlyAsia is for travelers, not for models, artists, or entrepreneurs like us. Sure, I know our impact-the four of us endorsing FlyAsia is a big deal. But still... something about this felt off.

And I knew exactly who was behind it.

Kamizaki.

I clenched my jaw as my gaze landed on her.

She was sitting in the front row, arms crossed, staring at us like she owned this stage.

What a user.

I remembered that night at the park. I still haven't processed everything. Days passed, and I drowned myself in work-modeling, business, endorsements-anything to keep myself busy. I only agreed to this contract because the girls wanted it. Even Stazia, who hates Mikhazra just as much as I do, reluctantly agreed because FlyAsia is top-tier.

But something else caught my attention.

"She kind of looks like Mikhazra," Malisse muttered beside me, her voice laced with curiosity. "Baka relative niya?"

Napatingin ako.

A woman sat in the audience-sharp brows, piercing eyes, tall, confident, beautiful.

She looked like her.

My chest tightened. Who is she?

I was about to ask more when the emcee's voice boomed again.

"As for our girls, they will be given a one-week travel tour to showcase the best places in our hometown! They'll vlog their experiences and bring you along their journey!"

My body stiffened.

What the fuck?

That wasn't part of the deal.

I felt my expression falter, my practiced smile slipping.

"What is she talking about?" Malisse hissed beside me, her nails digging into her palm.

"This wasn't in the contract," I muttered, my voice sharp.

"I don't know," Stazia whispered. "Just act like it's fine, Malisse. Alam mo naman, baka mapagalitan pa tayo."

Act.

Act, act, act.

We always do.

But this?

This was different.

I sacrificed so much to be here. I gave up everything. My life, my choices, my dreams-I juggled it all, and for what?