No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 32- My definition of love

"Sumunod ka sa akin, ma'am," sabi ng isang maid habang tinuturo ang direksyon kung saan ako pwedeng maghintay. Tahimik akong tumango at sumunod sa kanya.

Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang buong bahay. Malawak. Marangya. Halatang pinag-isipang mabuti ang bawat detalye-mula sa mamahaling chandelier na nakasabit sa kisame hanggang sa mga antigong furniture na nakapwesto sa bawat sulok. Para itong palasyo na sumisigaw ng kapangyarihan at kontrol.

Umupo ako sa isang upuang mukhang mas mahal pa sa buong buwan kong sahod. Pilit kong pinipigilan ang panginginig ng mga kamay ko.

Kailangan kong maging matatag.

Para kay Aiah.

Para sa amin.

As I continued to observe the grand living room, the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor made me tense. I turned my head just in time to see Aiah's mother walking in with an air of authority, her expression unreadable.

I quickly stood up and gave a respectful nod. "Good afternoon, ma'am," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady.

She barely spared me a glance before walking past me and sitting gracefully on the sofa across from where I stood. She crossed her legs, her posture poised and elegant, as if my presence was nothing more than an inconvenience.

The silence was heavy.

I swallowed hard, gathering every ounce of courage I had. "I-"

"Speak," she interrupted coldly, finally meeting my gaze with sharp eyes.

I clenched my fists at my sides. No turning back now.

"I'm here to talk about Aiah."

Aiah's mother let out a quiet sigh, as if already exhausted by my presence. She leaned back against the sofa, her sharp eyes scanning me with quiet disdain.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stand firm. "I love your daughter, ma'am," I started, my voice steady despite the nervous pounding of my heart. "And I know you have plans for her-plans that don't include me. But please... don't force her into a marriage she doesn't want."

Aiah's mother tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering in her cold gaze. "And what makes you think you have any say in this?"

"I don't," I admitted. "But Aiah does. And she doesn't want this, ma'am. I know she doesn't."

She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "Love," she mused, as if the word itself was ridiculous. "How naive."

I clenched my fists, fighting the frustration creeping into my chest. "It's not naive to fight for someone you love."

Aiah's mother leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "You don't belong in her world, Mikha. And the sooner you accept that, the less painful it will be."

I swallowed hard. "I don't care about status, about power, or about the world you think Aiah belongs to. I just want to be with her."

She let out another sigh, shaking her head in disappointment. "If you truly love her," she said slowly, "you'd walk away."

Her words hit like a slap.

"I won't," I whispered, my voice shaking but firm.

Aiah's mother stared at me for a long moment before she finally stood up. "Then let's see how long your resolve lasts."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there.

I refused to give up.

Before she could walk any farther, I rushed forward and grabbed Aiah's mother's hand. My grip was firm, desperate.