Whisper of the Heart (Pordee)

Chapter 9 - Determination

Anntonia's attention was caught when Kylie spoke.

"Hey Ann, what are you doing with your life now?" Kylie asked politely.

"I'm currently the CEO of Porsild Grand Hotel based here in the Philippines since my father retired last year," Anntonia replied.

"Oh my god. So you're the only child of Morten Porsild, one of the richest businessmen in the country," Kylie said, her surprise evident.

Anntonia's father was a very private person. He didn't like to publicize anything about his life. Anntonia nodded to confirm Kylie's statement.

"Besides being a CEO, what else keeps you busy?" Celeste asked hint of sarcasm at her voice.

Everyone's attention shifted towards Celeste, including Michelle, who looked at Anntonia with a serious expression.

"I am the founder of the Porsild Charity Foundation. I am also a member of other charity institutions in the country. Since childhood, my mother has shaped me to have a heart for helping people. So, that became my advocacy to assist those in need," Anntonia replied.

"Wow, that's a great advocacy. It seems like you and Michelle have similar passions. It's rare to find people who genuinely care for others," Rhian responded with a smile.

"So, how did you and Mich meet?" Matthew asked with a smile.

"We've known each other since we were kids. Our fathers are close friends," Anntonia replied.

"When did you two become a couple? Because Mich never introduced a girlfriend to us, except for Celeste," Miguel asked with a grin.

Everyone turned to look at him, including Celeste, who had been quiet for a while. Anntonia was taken aback but tried not to show it. It seemed Miguel understood the meaning of their stares.

"I'm sorry, I was so stupid." Miguel said embarrassedly. There was a moment of silence. Michelle cleared her throat before speaking.

"Our parents want us both to get married, so they planned an Arrange Marriage for us," Michelle confessed to their friends.

Everyone fell into a stunned silence, perhaps taken back by Michelle's revelation. Anntonia, too, was speechless, feeling a mix of surprise, confusion, and anxiety.

"Entering into an arranged marriage is not something to be taken lightly, but it's up to the two of you to determine how to make your relationship successful. And now, I am willing to do everything to make our marriage work. I know that married life won't be easy, but I am ready to take the risk for our future," Michelle said with sincerity, gripping Anntonia's hand tightly.

The admiration on their friends' faces was evident as they listened to Michelle's words. Except for Celeste, who simply bowed her head. Anntonia felt her heart being touched by what she heard, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her wife.

"We will start working on fixing our relationship now, right, love?" Michelle asked with a smile, squeezing Anntonia's hand.

She looked into Michelle's eyes, searching for sincerity and reassurance. In that moment, she saw the love and commitment reflected in Michelle's gaze, and it gave her the strength to respond.

"Yes, let's work on our relationship together," Anntonia replied, her voice filled with determination.

Anntonia's response caught her off guard, but Michelle could feel overwhelming joy enveloping her heart. She couldn't help but smile, her eyes shining with happiness.

"Thank you, love," Michelle whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and affection.

A sense of relief washed over Sam and Rhian face as they witnessed the couple's resolve to overcome any challenges that may come their way.