No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 44- Priceless

I laughed, feeling the weight of the past completely disappear. "Excuse me, Ms. Dela Cruz, but I believe you have the wrong name."

"Oh?" She tilted her head. "What should I call you, then?"

I intertwined our fingers, lifting them to my lips. "Yours. Call me yours."

Her smile softened, and she pulled me into a kiss—deep, slow, filled with years of love and longing finally finding their way home.

From the corner of my eye, Aurora giggled. "Ew, Mumma!"

Mikha and I broke apart, laughing as Aurora covered her eyes dramatically. Mikha pulled her into her lap, pressing a playful kiss on her cheek. "Get used to it, baby girl. Your Mumma and I have a lot of catching up to do."

I watched them, my heart so full it felt like it might burst. I was free. And now, I was finally exactly where I belonged—with the girl I had loved all along.

Aurora held up two cookies, one in each tiny hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Look, Mumma! Whose cookies are more delicious?" she asked, bouncing slightly in excitement.

I chuckled, already knowing there was no right answer. But I couldn’t help myself. I grinned and said, "Of course, cookie ng Tita Mikha mo!"

Mikha gasped dramatically before giving me a light smack on the arm. "Ayusin mo sagot mo, bata 'yan!" she scolded, though the amused smile on her lips betrayed her.

Aurora giggled, watching our playful banter. "So… mine is the best?" she asked hopefully, taking a big bite of her own cookie.

Mikha turned to her with a serious nod. "Of course, baby girl. Ikaw ang winner!"

Aurora cheered, completely satisfied with herself.

I shook my head, laughing. "Talaga lang, ha?"

Mikha smirked, crossing her arms. "Ano pa nga ba? Siyempre, Aurora’s team ako."

I leaned closer, lowering my voice. "Oh, ganun? Wala nang goodnight kiss mamaya."

Mikha’s eyes widened slightly before she scoffed, quickly recovering. "Ay, grabe! Emotional blackmail?"

I shrugged playfully. "Rules are rules."

She narrowed her eyes at me, then turned to Aurora with an exaggerated pout. "Baby, tulungan mo 'ko. Sabihin mo kay Mumma na unfair siya."

Aurora just giggled and took another bite of her cookie, clearly enjoying the chaos.

I leaned back, watching them bicker like best friends, and warmth filled my chest. This—this was happiness. I had lost so much, endured so much pain, but now, I had them.

And I wasn’t letting go ever again.

Aiah’s POV

The kitchen was filled with the smell of warm cookies, laughter, and playful banter. Watching Mikha and Aurora felt surreal—like a dream I never thought I’d get to live.

Mikha, still pretending to pout, took a cookie and held it up to Aurora. "Fine, since Mumma is being mean to me, I guess I’ll just be on your team forever, baby girl."

Aurora gasped, eyes widening. "Really, Tita Mikha? Forever and ever?"

Mikha grinned, ruffling her hair. "Forever and ever."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the smile tugging at my lips. "Oh, so ngayon nagbubuo na kayo ng alliance laban sa akin?"

Mikha smirked. "Eh ikaw kaya yung unfair, love."

My heart skipped a beat at that word—love. She said it so naturally, so easily, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Aurora suddenly hugged Mikha tightly, burying her face in her stomach. "Thank you for making me and my Mumma happy, tita Mikha."

Mikha froze for a moment, then slowly wrapped her arms around Aurora, holding her just as tight. When she looked up at me, her eyes were shining with emotion.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. This was real. This was home.

Mikha cleared her throat and playfully poked Aurora’s cheek. "Teka, so dapat pala ako ang best baker dito, kasi happy si Mumma mo sa akin?"

Aurora giggled. "Maybe! But you still need practice!"

I laughed as Mikha groaned dramatically. "Wow, hindi ko talaga kayo kaya."

I reached for Mikha’s hand and squeezed it, my thumb gently tracing circles on her skin. She looked at me, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.

I was finally free. Free from Adrian. Free from the nightmares. Free to love the person I was always meant to be with.

And I was never letting her go again.

"I love you," I whispered.

Mikha smiled, her eyes soft. "I love you more."