No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 38- Welcome back

FIVE YEARS LATER

Cebu had become my safe haven, my sanctuary. Dati, iniwan ko ang Manila para takasan ang sakit, pero ngayon, natagpuan ko na ang sarili ko.

I stood in my office, gazing out the window at the city that had witnessed my fall and rise. Five years ago, I left everything behind-my past, my heartbreak, my old self. Ngayon, I had built something from the ground up. My design and branding agency had grown into one of the top firms in the country. Hindi na lang ako basta nag-survive-I thrived.

May sarili na akong mundo, isang mundong ako ang bumuo, malaya sa anino ng nakaraan.

But as much as I loved Cebu, I knew it was time for something more.

A new opportunity had come-expanding my business to Manila. Hindi ito tungkol sa nakaraan. Hindi ito tungkol sa pagbabalik para maghanap ng sagot. This time, I was returning not because I was lost, but because I had found my way.

I glanced at my suitcase, already packed and waiting.

Manila.

A city full of memories. A city full of people I once called home. A city where a part of my heart would always belong.

Huminga ako ng malalim. This time, I was ready.

As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, the sound of approaching footsteps pulled me back to the present.

"Para sa'yo," a warm voice said.

I turned around and saw Ethan, holding a bouquet of white lilies-my favorite. His usual relaxed smile was in place as he stepped closer, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear before pressing a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Ready ka na?" he asked, his eyes filled with a quiet understanding.

I let out a small laugh. "Do I have a choice? The flight's already booked."

He grinned. "You always have a choice, Mikha. But I know this isn't just about Manila. This is about you-taking the next step."

I stared at him for a moment before nodding. Ethan had always been like this-supportive, patient, never pushing me beyond what I was ready for. He had been there when I was rebuilding myself, never asking for more than I could give.

And now, he was coming with me.

"Kasama mo ako, Mikha," he said, squeezing my hand. "Wherever you go, I'll be there."

A part of me still felt nervous about returning, but knowing I wasn't doing this alone made all the difference.

I took one last look at my office, my sanctuary, before turning back to Ethan.

"Let's go home," I said.

And with that, we walked out together-toward Manila, toward whatever awaited me there.

As we walked through the terminal, Ethan's grip on my hand stayed firm-steady, reassuring. He knew me well enough to sense the tension I wasn't voicing.

"You can do this, love," he whispered, his thumb gently stroking my palm.

Napatingin ako sa kanya, and for a moment, I let myself breathe. Alam kong tama siya. I had worked too hard, come too far, to let hesitation hold me back.

I gave him a small smile. "Salamat, Ethan."

"Now boarding: Flight 5J763, Cebu to Manila. Passengers, please proceed to Gate 12."

The announcement rang through the terminal, making my heart race. Manila. A city filled with people I once knew, memories I once lived.

I let out a deep breath. This wasn't about the past. This was about me-about everything I had built and everything I was ready to embrace.