Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 30

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 :

The silence between us was suffocating.

Just the sound of our breathing, the hum of the aircraft, and the distant murmur of the engines. Nothing else.

I kept my eyes trained on the cheesecake in front of me, slicing my fork through it with deliberate slowness. I wasn't in the mood to eat, but I needed something to do. Anything to keep myself from looking at her.

But then-

"Arisha," she called.

Her voice was soft, careful.

I ignored her.

"Can you at least listen to my explanation now?"

I still didn't look at her. My grip on my fork tightened, but I said nothing.

She exhaled shakily before speaking again, her words measured, controlled.

"Yes, I used you."

I froze.

The fork slipped from my fingers, landing on the plate with a quiet clatter.

I used you.

Her words echoed in my head like a broken record, over and over, until they were the only thing I could hear.

"I used you because my dad needed an advantage. Expanding our business in your university's circles was crucial, and getting close to you-getting close to the head of Havord, especially your father-made it easier. It was a strategic move, Arisha."

Strategic.

That's all I ever was to her.

I felt my jaw clench, my nails digging into my palm under the table.

I wanted to throw the plate.

I wanted to flip the damn table over and scream at her.

I wanted to stand up and walk out-leave her in this godforsaken moment the same way she left me before.

But I didn't.

I sat still, expression blank, only the burning in my throat betraying my anger.

"You're a Kamizaki," I finally spoke, my voice eerily calm. "Your family is already one of the most powerful in the country. You didn't need me, Azra. So tell me, why?"

Her throat bobbed.

She looked down at her hands, like she couldn't bear to meet my eyes. "My father-he isn't just focused on national dominance, Arisha. He wants global expansion, deeper connections, and faster influence. Aligning with your family made that easier."

I scoffed. "So I was just a convenient pawn in your father's business empire?"

She winced, but she didn't deny it.

And that hurt even more.

I should've been furious.

I should've walked away the moment she admitted it.

But there was something in her eyes-something broken, something almost guilty-and it pissed me off even more.

"You knew what you were doing," I spat, gripping my fork again. "You knew from the start, didn't you? The way you approached me, the way you treated me-it was all calculated. Right?"