No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 39- I see you again

Jho hummed on the other end. "Hmm. Alam mo, perfect timing. May alam akong magagandang spots sa BGC and Makati. I have clients who lease spaces there, and some might be available soon. Ano bang vibe ng business mo? Café, boutique, or something else?"

"More on retail, but with a modern touch. Ayoko ng masyadong corporate-looking place, gusto ko may personality," I explained.

"Got it. Alam mo, may kakilala akong real estate agent na expert sa mga commercial spaces. Pwedeng i-check natin 'yung listings niya. Pwede kitang ipaschedule ng viewing, gusto mo?"

I grinned, feeling relieved. "Jho, you're a lifesaver. Sige, let's set it up."

"Tara! Message ko lang siya. And oh-dapat sagot mo ang kape pag nag-meet tayo, ha?"

"Fine, fine," I said, shaking my head. "Salamat, Jho."

"Anytime, bestie. See you soon!"

As I ended the call, Ethan glanced at me. "Sounds like you've got things moving fast."

I smirked. "Of course. You should know by now-I don't waste time."

He chuckled. "That's one of the things I love about you."

I felt my heart warm at his words. I had a new home, a thriving relationship, and a business expansion in the works.

Everything was finally falling into place.

After the call with Jho, Ethan and I decided to grab coffee before heading to check out potential condo units. I was feeling optimistic-Manila was finally starting to feel like home again, and with my business expansion underway, things were looking good.

As we sat in a cozy café in BGC, Ethan scrolled through listings on his phone. "Babe, may nakita akong unit na maganda. Two-bedroom, floor-to-ceiling windows, and may balcony pa. Gusto mong tignan mamaya?"

I sipped my coffee and nodded. "Sounds good. Gusto ko rin sana 'yung may workspace ako sa condo. Mas okay if may maliit na office corner."

"Noted," he said with a grin. "Also, about your business-since magbubukas ka ng new branch, have you thought about hiring a new team?"

"Yeah. I'll need a manager for the new branch. Gusto ko hands-on ako sa start, pero eventually, I need someone reliable to run things," I replied.

Just as I was about to check my email, my phone buzzed with a message from Jho.

Jho: Mikha! May na-set akong viewing for you. May tatlong commercial spaces available-one sa BGC, isa sa Makati, at isa sa Ortigas. Let me know what time ka free bukas para samahan kita!

I smiled and quickly typed back:

Me: Perfect! Pwede akong mag-view bukas ng hapon. Kita tayo!

Ethan leaned in, peeking at my phone. "Mukhang tuloy-tuloy na 'to, ha?"

"Of course," I said confidently. "If I'm back in Manila, I might as well go all in."

He reached for my hand across the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm proud of you, babe."

I smiled at him, feeling a sense of certainty in my decision to return. The past was behind me, and the future was waiting.

And this time, I was ready for it.

The next day, Ethan and I started the morning with a quick workout before heading to check out condo units. The first one had a nice layout but felt too small, and the second one had a great view but was way over our budget. By the third unit, we finally found something that felt right-a spacious two-bedroom in BGC with an open kitchen, a small office nook, and a balcony overlooking the city.