No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 32- My definition of love

Mikha's POV

Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow in the room. Aiah was still half-asleep beside me, her arm lazily draped over my waist.

I turned to her, forcing a smile. "Love, I'll go to the mall today. I need to buy some new clothes."

Aiah hummed, her eyes barely opening. "Hmm? You want me to come with you?"

I shook my head, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. "No, it's okay. Alam kong pagod ka pa. Just rest, okay?"

She sighed, pulling me closer. "Alright. Just text me if you need anything."

I nodded, but deep inside, guilt weighed heavy on my chest.

I wasn't really going to the mall.

I was going to her parents' house.

I needed to face them.

If I had to beg-if I had to kneel just to stop their plans for Aiah-I would do it.

Because that's how much I loved her.

And even if it broke me, I would do anything to keep her safe.

I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove toward Aiah's family estate. The farther I went, the heavier my chest felt.

When I finally arrived, I stepped out of the car and looked up at the massive gates. The mansion behind them screamed power-cold, untouchable, intimidating.

I took a deep breath and approached the guards. "Please, I just need to speak with Mr. and Mrs. Navarro. Kahit sandali lang po."

The guards exchanged looks before one of them shook his head. "Sorry, ma'am. Strict orders. We can't let anyone in without approval."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Please... I won't take long. Kailangan ko lang po silang makausap."

The guards remained unmoved.

Desperation clawed at my chest. If begging was the only way, then so be it.

I stepped closer, voice breaking. "Please... I love their daughter. Just let me talk to them. Kahit sandali lang. I'm not here to cause trouble."

One of the guards sighed, clearly torn. "I'll ask if they'll see you, but no promises."

I nodded quickly, hope flickering in my chest.

I had to do this.

For Aiah.

I clutched my bag tightly, my fingers digging into the fabric as I took a deep breath. My chest felt heavy, my heart pounding so hard it almost hurt.

I leaned against the cold metal gate, trying to steady myself. "Please..." I whispered, not knowing if I was begging the guards or the universe itself.

The seconds stretched into minutes, each one more agonizing than the last. I closed my eyes, swallowing the fear rising in my throat.

If Aiah's parents refused to see me, what would I do?

Would I give up?

No.

I couldn't.

Because this wasn't just about me.

This was about Aiah. About us. About the love I was willing to fight for-even if it meant standing in front of this gate forever.

Dahan-dahan akong pumasok sa loob ng mansyon, ramdam ko ang bigat ng bawat hakbang ko. Kahit anong tapang ang ipakita ko, hindi ko maitago ang kaba sa dibdib ko.