Fate Meets Destiny

CHAPTER 1

Mikha's Pov

"Mikhs, it's the alumni homecoming," Gwen said.

"And?" I replied.

"And hindi ka pa naka-attend kahit isang beses," Jho added.

"I'm busy preparing for the opening of my new restaurant branch in Quezon City," I said.

"It's just one night, Mikhs. Bonding with our batchmates—and us, your best friends," Colet said.

I looked at my three best friends and took a deep breath. They’re really persuasive.

"Okay, I'll go," I said.

"Yehey!" Jho exclaimed habang nag-apir sila ni Colet.

"So the reason the three of you came here was just to convince me to go?" I asked.

"Yes," The three of them chorused.

They just suddenly appeared at my restaurant here in Baguio City. I'm Mikhaela Janna Jimenea Lim. My nickname is Mikha, pero Mikhs ang tawag sakin ng mga friends ko. I'm one of the most well-known chefs in the Philippines.

I started out working in hotels and restaurants, and my cooking helped me build a solid reputation. After a year, I decided to open my first restaurant here in Baguio. Eventually, I planned to open another branch in Quezon City, where my mom and stepfather live. I also have a condo there.

"I'm guessing the three of you came here unplanned, with no place to stay yet," I said.

"We know we can stay at your place," Jho said.

The three of them smiled at me.

"You three are lucky you're my best friends," I said.

I left the restaurant in the hands of my staff while my best friends and I headed home.

"Wow, nice house, Mikhs," Colet said.

"Simple pero ang ganda, lalo na 'yung view," Jho added.

"Feel at home, guys," I said.

They were watching TV while I cooked dinner. My kitchen is a kitchen-dining-living room combo.

"Jho, nasa news pinsan mo. She won another case," Gwen said.

"She’s one of the best attorneys," Jho replied proudly.

"Mikhs, remember Maraiah Queen Arceta?" Colet asked.

"I remember her," I said.

"Pagkakaalala namin, she was your crush since high school," Jho teased.

I threw an apple at Jho—she caught it.

"Eat an apple," I said.

"Mikhs, sinasabi lang naman ni Jho 'yung totoo," Colet chimed in.

I looked at the television. Maraiah Queen Arceta—an attorney at LawVoyagers firm. The Arceta family owns the firm, along with other businesses like hotels and restaurants. She’s proven herself to be a great attorney not because of her family name, but because of her skills. I've had a crush on Aiah since high school.

"Someone's smiling," Gwen said.

"I'm not smiling," I denied.

"Mikhs, simula bata pa tayo, kilala ka na namin. Lalo na cousin ko si Aiah," Jho said.

"Don’t you three have work?" I asked.

"I told the captain that Colet and I are visiting you, so she gave us permission to take a few days off," Jho replied.