No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 39- I see you again

Mikha's POV

The morning sun streamed through the window of Ethan's hotel room, casting a soft glow over the sheets. I stretched, feeling the slight ache of last night's drinking session.

"Morning, love," Ethan murmured, pressing a kiss on my forehead.

I smiled, leaning into him. "Morning."

After a few more minutes of lazing around, Ethan finally sat up. "So, we need to find a place today. You sure you want to stay in a condo instead of a house?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I want something more practical. Besides, a house feels too... permanent."

Ethan studied me for a moment but didn't push. He knew how much of my past was tied to Manila. A condo was enough-I wasn't ready for a home here just yet.

After getting ready, we headed out to check listings.

The first condo was too small.

The second one had an amazing view, but the layout felt suffocating.

The third...

I stepped into the spacious unit, taking in the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. The place felt modern but cozy, with just enough space for the two of us.

Ethan whistled. "I think this is the one."

I turned to him, seeing the excitement in his eyes. And for the first time, I felt it too.

"Yeah," I said, smiling. "This is it."

After finalizing the condo unit, Ethan and I grabbed coffee at a nearby café. As I sipped my drink, I opened my phone and scrolled through potential locations.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You're not looking for another condo, are you?"

I shook my head, smirking. "Nope. I'm looking for a space for my business. I want to open a new branch here in Manila."

He leaned back, impressed. "Wow. You're really settling in, huh?"

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. I think it's time."

I had worked hard to build my business overseas, but Manila was home. And now that I was back, I wanted to expand.

"Any specific location in mind?" Ethan asked, peeking at my phone.

"Ideally somewhere busy. Maybe BGC or Makati," I replied. "I want a place that attracts a lot of foot traffic."

Ethan chuckled. "Big ambitions, huh?"

I grinned. "Of course."

Just then, a notification popped up-an available commercial space in BGC. The location looked perfect.

Ethan glanced at it. "Want to check it out?"

I nodded. "Let's go."

I wasn't just back in Manila. I was building something here. And this time, I was ready.

As Ethan and I drove toward BGC, I scrolled through my contacts and tapped on Jho's name. Knowing her, she probably had a long list of recommendations-being a lawyer meant she had connections and knew the ins and outs of business spaces.

After a few rings, she finally picked up.

"O, Mikha! Ano na? Bakit bigla kang tumatawag? Miss mo na ako agad?" Jho teased.

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Actually, yes. But more importantly, I need your help. I'm looking for a commercial space for a new branch of my business. Alam kong marami kang alam tungkol sa mga locations na maganda for start-ups or expansions."