Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 35

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:

"Bub..."

A whisper-barely audible. My voice felt foreign, unsure. I stared blankly ahead, my hands cold against my lap. The weight in my chest was unbearable, pressing down like an invisible force I couldn't shake off.

She turned to me, eyes dark with something unreadable. "Why is he calling you?"

I exhaled slowly, gripping my phone a little tighter.

"Bub, can you hatid me sa office?" My voice was steady, controlled, but I refused to meet her eyes.

Her brows furrowed. "Sa office? At this time?"

She checked her watch before looking back at me, her gaze sharper. "And with Gino?"

Napakagat ako sa labi. This wasn't the conversation we needed right now. The more she questioned, the tighter my chest felt.

"Bub, this is not the right time for us to argue, okay? I have to go."

Masyadong matigas ang boses ko. The second the words left my lips, I saw her blink, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.

Silence.

I clenched my jaw, softening my tone. "Bub..."

Pero hindi na siya tumingin sa akin. Her hands gripped the wheel, her expression blank, but I knew her too well.

She was hurt.

And it stung.

---

The car ride was suffocatingly quiet.

No words, no questions-just the soft hum of the engine and the faint patak ng ulan sa windshield. I glanced at her, but she didn't look back. Her knuckles were pale from how tightly she held the steering wheel.

No accusations. No confrontation.

And somehow, that made everything feel so much worse.

When we reached my destination, I hesitated before unclipping my seatbelt. My throat felt tight. "Bub..." I called softly, but she didn't turn.

I swallowed hard, hesitating before reaching out, my fingers barely brushing against her cheek before pressing a soft kiss there. "I'll see you later," I whispered.

She didn't say a word.

I stepped out, my heart pounding.

But just as I turned toward the entrance, I froze.

Gino stood by the glass doors, arms crossed, watching me with sharp eyes.

But it wasn't him that made my stomach twist.

It was Mikhazra.

Still in the car. Still staring at me through the windshield.

No emotion on her face.

But her eyes?

They said everything.

Disappointment.

And I had no way to explain.

_

I expected only Gino.

But the moment I stepped inside the private room, a familiar voice greeted me.

"You're late, Miss Yñares."