The President's Daughter (Major Editing)

Chapter 22 - I like me better

Aiah's POV:

Arghhhh. My body hurts all over. I woke up in the middle of the night, keeping my eyes closed, not quite ready to wake up.

"*Sniff* Ambango naman." I whispered to myself, noticing a sweet scent around me. It smelled like an expensive perfume—soft and comforting, almost like a baby.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I finally opened my eyes. To my surprise, I found someone next to me. Not just next to me—she was hugging me!

Mikha was sleeping peacefully, her head resting on my arm.

We were both lying on our sides, facing each other. I couldn’t believe how close we were. Had I really been lying in her arms for who knows how long?

It felt so intimate. I could see her thick eyebrows, long eyelashes, and rosy lips up close, framed by her beautiful face. It was a sight that felt almost too perfect. Waking up to this felt like a dream, and I could stare at her forever without ever wanting to look away.

I stared at her, as if trying to memorize every part of her face. I wanted to soak in and fully appreciate this moment that the universe had given me—the chance to gaze upon an angel.

"Ang bait talaga pagtulog. Hmmm, maganda na rin." I murmured to myself, smiling at the sight.

Just then, I was startled when she suddenly moved closer. She wrapped one of her arms around my waist, pulling me in even tighter.

Now here I was, nestled against her neck, feeling the warmth radiating from her.

"You'll be the death of me, Mikhaela!" I whispered playfully, but it seemed like she was deep in sleep, completely unaware of my teasing.

*Sniff* hmmm ang bango huehue, amoy baby talaga!

While I nestled against her, a sudden thought hit me about how we ended up here.

Fuck. I’m trembling again. The trauma. I felt scared once more. Kaila was right; I was weak. So small.

Honestly, I felt like a puppy—fragile and vulnerable, easily stepped on by anyone.

I thought it was the end for me earlier. Thank goodness Mikha showed up.

I couldn’t shake off the shivers that gripped me. For reasons I couldn't explain, I wrapped my arms tightly around her, seeking comfort from the fear that overwhelmed me.

I held on to her even more, feeling a sense of safety in her presence. It was as if she gave me the strength I needed, filling me with trust and calmness in a world that often felt chaotic.

Mikha: "Hey, you're trembling. Are you okay? Do you want to eat?" She asked, moving a bit away to see my face, as if she had just woken up. Gazing, full of concern.

I didn't respond, instead, I wrapped my arms around her tightly because I was truly scared.

Mikha: "Shh, now." She said softly. "You're older than me, but you look like a bunso." She teased, a playful smile on her face, and I instinctively patted her back. She chuckled at my reaction. "Hahaha, joke lang." Her laughter light and infectious. "Tara, let's eat. May ramen dito, initin ko lang." With that, we both sat up.

As she prepared to stand, I reached out and grabbed her hand gently.

Mikha: "Maraiah, it's just the two of us here. You're safe here. With me." She assured me seriously but with a tenderness that made me feel warm inside.