Her Unwanted Marriage | MikhAiah

Chapter 26

Aiah's POV

Location: Big Buddha Phuket

Pagkalabas namin ng church, akala ko pabalik na kami ng hotel. Pero hindi. Mikhael held my hand, her grip firm but gentle.

"Saan naman tayo ngayon?" tanong ko, pero halata sa boses ko na hindi naman talaga ako nagrereklamo.

"Surprise," she answered with a sly grin.

Naglakad kami habang hawak pa rin niya ang kamay ko, at napansin kong medyo pamilyar yung daan. Nang makarating kami, doon ko lang napagtanto kung saan niya ako dinala—Big Buddha Phuket.

The towering statue of the Buddha loomed over us, its white marble glinting in the sunlight. It was breathtaking. From the hilltop, we could see the panoramic view of Phuket, with its lush greenery and sparkling blue waters stretching out into the horizon.

"Mikhael, ang ganda…" I whispered in awe, my eyes taking in the scenery.

"Worth it naman yung pag-akyat natin, di ba?" she said, grinning as she let go of my hand to pull out her camera again.

"Mag-picture ka ulit?" I teased, laughing lightly.

"Syempre. Kailangan ko ng proof na mas maganda ka pa sa view," she shot back, positioning the camera as if she was ready to take a photo of me.

"Corny mo," I said, rolling my eyes. But secretly, I loved hearing it.

"Stand over there," utos niya, pointing to a spot where the Buddha and the view would frame me perfectly. Sumunod naman ako, and as she adjusted her lens, her focus entirely on me, I couldn't help but smile naturally.

"Perfect," she said after taking a few shots.

Pagkatapos naming magpicture-picture, naglakad kami sa paligid. We saw people meditating, some lighting incense and offering flowers. Mikhael even asked one of the locals about the significance of the Buddha, and I found it endearing how curious she was.

Habang naglalakad pa kami, she suddenly turned to me. "Gutom ka na ba? May nakita akong maganda-gandang lugar dito na puwede nating kainan."

"Hindi pa masyado," I replied, looking at her with a small smile.

"Good, kasi gusto ko munang ma-enjoy natin 'ong view. Let's take our time."

Tumayo kami sa isang spot overlooking the entire island. Mikhael wrapped her arm around my shoulder, pulling me close.

"Thank you for this, Mikhael," I said softly, leaning into her.

She pressed a kiss to the top of my head, her voice warm when she answered, "Anything for you, Aiah. This trip is just the beginning."

As we stood there, I couldn't help but feel grateful—not just for this moment, but for her. She was showing me a side of her I never thought I'd see, and I realized how much I cherished it.

Pagkatapos naming maglibot sa paligid ng Big Buddha, nag-aya si Mikhael na maglakad pa papunta sa isa pang spot malapit doon. She was unusually talkative today, and honestly, it was adorable.