-AFTER ONE YEAR-
"One year apart. A thousand memories buried. One moment to bring it all back."
⸻
The airport buzzed with energy as Arianna Quinn Garcia stepped through the arrival gates, dressed in sleek black slacks, a fitted cream blazer, and heels that echoed power with every step. Her once sun-kissed waves were now straight and darker, her demeanor calm-CEO-caliber. Ice-cold poise, perfectly calculated grace.
She looked... untouchable.
After one year of staying abroad and handling company expansions in Singapore, she was finally back in the Philippines-only this time, not as a model, not as someone's wife, not as a runaway.
But as the new CEO of her family's company.
⸻
Earlier that week...
"Arianna," her father said in his usual commanding tone, "I've seen what you've built. You're ready. This company-our company-will be stronger under your leadership."
"What about Kuya?" she asked cautiously.
"He's chosen a different path. You are the future."
She hadn't expected it. But part of her felt... ready.
Even if her heart still felt fractured in places no one could see.
⸻
Same Day - Ayala District, Makati
Miles Jay Dela Cruz stood by the glass wall of her office, sipping coffee with one hand, flipping through merger reports with the other. Her red hair-dyed impulsively after the breakup-was now cut short and styled back, exposing sharp cheekbones and a more hardened expression.
Jazz entered her office and leaned against the doorway. "You're not gonna believe who's back."
Miles raised a brow. "Who?"
Jazz just grinned. "You'll find out... soon."
⸻
Greenbelt Mall - The Unexpected Collision
Arianna stepped into the luxury department store with Rain and Sierra on either side of her, both arms full of shopping bags. She laughed-lightly-for the first time in a long while.
And then she froze.
So did Miles.
Because right at the end of the row of perfumes... there she was.
Arianna.
And across from her-Miles. Red hair. Black turtleneck. Sharp as ever. Eyes wide.
Neither of them moved.
The world stopped.
Rain and Sierra whispered to each other. "Shit."
They hadn't told Miles. They thought she wouldn't show up today.
Arianna's heart skipped. A full year had passed, but somehow, everything was back in her chest-the ache, the longing, the what ifs.
Miles blinked. "Arianna?"
Arianna swallowed. Her voice calm. "Hi... Miles."
"You're back."
"I am."
They stared at each other. A thousand words left unsaid. A thousand more forming.
Before either of them could say more, Miles' phone rang. It was her mom.
