Chapter 39

Aiah’s POV

​They say that in life, you can’t say never. I used to think that was just a cliché line from fictional romance books-something authors wrote just to make their readers cry. But when it happened to me, I realized how beautifully terrifying reality could be. I never thought the day would come when I’d love someone this deeply, to the point where it scares me. It’s the kind of love where I’m already dreaming of spending my last breath with her, raising our beautiful daughter Jannaiah, and soon, officially walking down the aisle to marry Mikha.

​I will repeat this every single day like a prayer: I have absolutely nothing left to ask for. I must be the luckiest, happiest person alive ever since I started building a family with Mikha. Looking back, our journey wasn’t a walk in the park. We faced so many storms, heartbreaks, and life-threatening hardships. There were moments when the weight of the world felt too heavy to carry. But through all the chaos, one thing remained crystal clear, steady, and unchanging: my love for her. I love her so much, more than my own life, more than the air I breathe.

​We are finally safe from the danger that haunted us for so long. It turns out that her Tito Leo-the brother of her father was the mastermind behind everything.

But When he and her dad finally faced each other, thank God, the long-standing family feud and decades of bad blood ended in tears and forgiveness. But despite the family’s mercy, Tito Leo still chose to take accountability for his actions. He willingly surrendered and went to jail.

​​Nalaman namin na dahil lang pala sa sobrang inggit at galit sa pamilya kaya niya nagawa ‘yon. He had lived in the shadows for so long, completely consumed by bitterness, feeling like he never had a family who truly loved him. But during that intense confrontation, he tearfully admitted that he was only trying to scare them into giving up the company assets. He never had any real intention of hurting Mikha. “Hindi ko kayang gawin ‘yon sa sarili kong pamangkin,” he had sobbed, breaking down in front of everyone. Because the Lims are naturally forgiving, they agreed to a lighter six-month prison sentence, in exchange for returning every single asset and property he had wrongfully taken from Mikha before. It was a fair price to pay for a clean slate.

​Since then, our lives have been incredibly peaceful. Hindi muna kami lumuwas ng Maynila kahit alam naming ligtas na ang lahat at wala nang nagbabanta sa buhay namin. Why? Because we genuinely fell in love with living here in this quiet, coastal countryside. Moving to this baryo was the best decision we ever made. There are no flashing paparazzi lights, no corporate politics, and no toxic noise. Just the sound of the birds, the rustling of the trees, and the warmth of a simple life.

​”Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to youuuu!”

​The small backyard was decorated with pastel balloons and fairy lights. Our neighbors and close friends were all singing along, clapping their hands.

​”Blow the candle, Anak! Make a wish!” Mikha smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she carried Jannaiah securely in her arms.

​Jannaiah closed her eyes tightly, her tiny eyebrows knitting together in deep concentration, before making a wish for her third birthday. Yes, time flies that fast. Tatlong taon na ang anak namin. Our whole world revolved around her the moment she arrived into our lives.

She was our miracle, the living proof of our survival. All the love, care, and protection we could muster, ibinuhos namin sa kanya. She grew up to be such a polite, good-natured kid, but just like Mikha-sobrang pilyo, bibo, at nag uumapaw na charm.

​”One, two, three, smile!”

​The cameraman captured the moment-a perfect family picture of Mikha and me, leaning in at the same time to kiss Jannaiah’s rosy, cake-smudged cheeks.

…..

​One morning, the sun was just beginning to rise, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and gold. I walked down the wooden stairs and caught Mikha in the living room. She was sipping her morning coffee, still clad in her grey sweatpants and a loose shirt, staring intently at our family portrait hanging on the wall.

​That specific wall was our sanctuary. It was covered in beautifully framed portraits and growth milestones of Jannaiah since she was a newborn up to the present day. Mikha loves keeping memories. She’s sentimental like that. She even made a special room in the house where we bond almost every day-a cozy mini-theater where we pile up pillows, wrap ourselves in blankets, and watch Janna’s favorite Disney movies until we all fall asleep.

​Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa kanya, making sure my footsteps were silent. It’s ironic, because even though we’ve been together for years and have seen each other at our worst, every time I see her like this-unfiltered, peaceful, and entirely mine-it still feels like a beautiful dream. My heart still beats so damn fast. Kinikilig pa rin ako sa parehong Mikha na gusto kong makasama habangbuhay.

​”Are you okay?” I asked softly, sneaking my arms around her waist from behind and resting my chin comfortably on her shoulder.

​She immediately stiffened in surprise, but relaxed the moment she smelled my shampoo. She turned her head slightly, flashing her signature, heart-melting dimpled smile that always takes my breath away.

​”Yeah… I’m beyond okay I’m blessed,”

she whispered, her voice husky from sleep. She placed her warm mug down and held my hands that were wrapped around her waist, rubbing her thumbs over my knuckles.

“I just can’t believe that I have you and Jannaiah. On mornings like this, ang sarap lang tumulala and just feel how lucky I am to have you in my life, Aiah. Sometimes, I’m scared I’ll wake up and this is all just a dream.”

​I tightened my embrace, burying my face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent of fresh sheets, coffee, and her signature perfume. “It’s real, Mikha. We’re here. We made it.”

​She turned around in my hold so she was fully facing me. That deep, intense gaze from her chinky eyes… Lord, it still makes my knees weak.

​Our love grew so deep over those years. Believe me or not, with all the love she showers me with, never kong pinagdudahan ang nararamdaman niya para sa akin. We aren’t like other couples who fight over petty things or let pride get in the way. This Mikha in front of me… she gives me everything. She treats me like her absolute queen. Siya ang gumagawa ng lahat ng adjustments, and she can never, ever say no to me.

​She leaned her face closer, her eyes dropping down to my lips. Slowly, deliberately, she leaned in and kissed me sweetly. It wasn’t a rushed peck; it was a slow, passionate kiss that tasted faintly of coffee, a quiet reassurance that sealed all her promises to me. My hands found their way to her hair, deepening the kiss.

​And of course, just when the moment was getting serious, intensely romantic, and hot… right on cue, the heavy thumping of little feet echoed from the hallway. Jannaiah came running into the room, shouting at the top of her lungs.

​”Mommy! Mimi! Totolet!” (Chocolate)

​Nasa malayo pa lang, dinig na dinig na namin ang tila pagta-tantrums niya ngayong umaga. She was wearing her matching panda pajamas, her hair a messy bedhead.

​”Mommy! Mimi! Totolet!”

​Natawa na lang ako, gently breaking the kiss, before facing my beloved Mikha. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow.

“Here we go again. I told you don’t let Janna taste chocolate, kahit konti. Now she’s having a sugar craving at 7:00 AM. Mikha lim”

​Mikha bit her lower lip, looking incredibly guilty but so effortlessly attractive that it should be illegal.

“I’m sorry, Hon. She gave me those puppy eyes earlier while you were asleep, I couldn’t help it. She’s my weakness. But don’t worry, let me handle this.”

​She gave me a quick wink before breaking away from our embrace to meet our mini-destroyer. Mikha knelt down, lifting Jannaiah up easily in one swift motion and resting our daughter securely on her hip.

​”Good morning, my love,” Mikha said tenderly, peppering our daughter’s cheeks with kisses until Jannaiah giggled, momentarily forgetting her mission.

​”Mimi, totolet! I want totolet!” Jannaiah pouted, waving her tiny hands in protest, pointing toward the kitchen cabinet.

​”Hey, listen sweetheart. How about this…” Mikha leaned in close to Janna’s ear, but her voice dropped into that smooth, low. She glanced at me over her shoulder, a playful, completely mischievous glint flashing in her eyes before looking back at Jannaiah.

“No more chocolates for now, because Mommy will get mad at us, and we don’t want Mommy to get mad, right?” Mikha whispered, her eyes dancing with mischief as she glanced my way.

Jannaiah pouted, her little arms crossing over her chest, but she nodded reluctantly. “Right… Mommy scary when mad.”

“Exactly,” Mikha chuckled, bopping Janna’s nose before leaning closer to whisper something right into her ear. “So how about this? Say to Mommy to kiss Mimi on the cheek five times. Then, I will drive us all to the beach. Deal?”

Jannaiah’s eyes instantly lit up like two bright stars. She let out a tiny gasp, her little face bursting into a wide, accomplice-like grin. Mikha winked at her, and the two of them burst into a fit of quiet, giggling laughter, looking like the ultimate partner-in-crime duo.

I crossed my arms, fighting back the smile tugging at my lips as I stepped closer to the kitchen counter. “Ano na namang kalokohan ang pinagbubulungan ninyong dalawa riyan, huh?”

Hearing my voice, Jannaiah chuckled cutely, squirming out of Mikha’s hold. The moment her feet touched the floor, she ran straight toward me. She wrapped her tiny arms around my legs, burying her face in my sweatpants before looking up at me with the most innocent, angel-like eyes.

“Mommy, you know…” Jannaiah started, her voice dripping with pure, unadulterated lambing. She reached up, gently patting my leg. “…you’re so bitipul! Pretty like me and Mimi!”

My heart completely melted into a puddle right then and there. Lord, saan ba nagmana ng ganitong ka-smooth na karisma ang anak ko? (Well, I didn’t need to look far; the culprit was currently leaning against the wall, looking incredibly proud of her miniature version).

“Wow… ang sweet naman ng baby ko na ‘to. Good morning, my love,” I cooed, bending down to scoop her up into my arms. I showered her chubby cheeks with kisses, making her squeal with delight. “I love you so, so much. *Teka…* hmm.”

I pulled back slightly, narrowing my eyes at her in mock suspicion. “Are you planning something with Mimi? Ano ang pinag-usapan niyo, huh?”

Jannaiah just chuckled, covering her mouth with her small hands. Sensing she was hiding a secret, I began gently tickling her sides. “Ayaw sabihin? Sasabihin mo o gigigilin kita?”

“Ahaha! Mommy, stop! Mimi, help!” Jannaiah laughed hysterically, twisting and turning in my grip as her loud, sweet laughter filled the entire morning air.

After a few seconds, I stopped, letting her catch her breath while she rested her chin on my shoulder. She leaned in close to my ear, shielding her mouth with her hand as if she were about to drop the biggest top-secret information.

“Mommy… I have a huge favor. Please do it,” she whispered very seriously.

I raised an eyebrow, matching her serious expression. “Uh-huh? And what is that, my little boss?”

“I want to go to the beach with you and Mimi,” she said, her eyes wide with hope.

“Of course we can go to the beach, anak. Just ask Mimi, we will go,” I replied softly, smoothing down her messy bedhead.

Jannaiah shook her head quickly, pointing a finger back at Mikha. “But Mimi ask me to ask you… to kiss her in the cheek five times so we will go now.”

My brain took exactly two seconds to process what my daughter just said. My jaw dropped as I whipped my head around to look at Mikha, who was currently biting her lower lip, trying-and failing miserably-to suppress a massive, triumphant grin.

“MIKHAAAAAA!” I shouted, my face instantly burning a bright shade of crimson.

Hearing my reaction, Jannaiah burst into a loud fit of laughter. She quickly wiggled out of my arms, her little feet thumping against the floor as she ran straight back to Mikha, hiding behind her legs as if Mikha were her ultimate shield and protector.

Mikha instantly dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around Jannaiah and putting on the most dramatic, heartbreaking puppy-dog face I had ever seen.

“Look, anak… look. Mommy Aiah is mad at me,” Mikha said, her voice dripping with exaggerated sadness as she looked at Janna. “She’s shouting at me. She doesn’t love me anymore.”

Jannaiah’s face fell into deep concern. She patted Mikha’s shoulder comfortingly. “No, Mimi! Mommy loves you so much!”

“Then why doesn’t she want to kiss my cheek?” Mikha pouted, pointing to her own dimple, tilting her face toward me with a completely shameless, teasing glint in her eyes. “See? Five kisses for a trip to the beach. It’s a very good investment, right, baby?”

“Yes, Mimi! Very good!” Jannaiah agreed completely, turning to me with pleading eyes. “Mommy, please? Just five! One, two, Tlee, pol, pive! Please, Mommy?”

I stood there, completely trapped by the two Lims. I looked at our daughter, who was practically vibrating with excitement for the beach, and then I looked at Mikha, who was looking up at me from the floor, her chinky eyes full of purely playful, affectionate amusement.

​”Ewan ko sa’yo, Lim. Kung saang lupalop mo ba hinuhugot ‘yang mga kalokohan mo para lang makachansing,” I muttered, rolling my eyes but smiling as walking over to them with a heavy, dramatic sigh.

“I’m just a simple driver collecting my toll fee, future Mrs. Lim,” Mikha teased, her voice dropping into that smooth register as she stood up, still holding Jannaiah.

She stepped closer to me, leaning her face down just a bit, exposing her right cheek. “The counter is open, Hon.”

“Sutil,” I whispered, but the butterflies in my stomach were already having a full-blown wild party.

I leaned forward, my heart hammering against my ribs despite how long we had been together. I pressed my lips against her warm, soft cheek.

One.

Mikha’s eyes flickered with a soft, warm light.

Two.

I shifted slightly, pressing another soft kiss right above her dimple.

Three.

Jannaiah started giggling, counting along in a whisper.

Four.

By the fourth kiss, I felt Mikha’s free hand gently gently resting against my waist, her thumb lightly caressing my side through my shirt, her gaze dropping to my face with an intensity that made my knees feel like jelly.

Five.

On the fifth kiss, I lingered just a second longer, letting my lips brush against her skin before I pulled back, my face entirely flushed.

“There. Happy?” I breathed out, unable to hide the massive smile on my face.

“Extremely,” Mikha murmured, her voice soft and full of genuine, deep adoration.

She leaned down, quickly and cleanly pressing a single, sweet kiss right on the center of my forehead. “Pack your bags, ladies. Mimi is taking her beautiful family to the beach.”

“Yay! Beach!” Jannaiah cheered, clapping her hands.

As Mikha carried Jannaiah away toward the bedroom, laughing and talking about building the biggest sandcastle, I stayed behind in the kitchen for a brief moment, pressing my hand against my beating heart.

Three years, a beautiful daughter, and a lifetime of safety ahead of us… yet this woman still knows exactly how to make me fall in love all over again.*

But as I turned to look out the kitchen window, watching the morning sun fully cast its gold light over our peaceful yard, my eyes caught a strange flash of metallic reflection coming from the edge of the quiet, dusty road outside…

To be continued…

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Hi guys, how are you all? I hope your mental health is doing okay. Sorry it took me so long to update and write again. Please always believe that something good will happen soon. Don’t give up, okay? Better days are coming for all of us. Thank you for still being here and supporting my story. 🤍

P.S. I’m still bad at AI editing Photo 😭 If someone can help me make an accurate picture of them together with their Jannaiah, I would appreciate it so much 🤍

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