Addicted Love (VALENTINE SERIES #1)

Chapter 58

F I F T Y - E I G H T

FAYE

The rain softly pattered against the window as I flipped through the photo album in my lap. Each picture of Ae and me was more than just a snapshot, it was a cherished memory. The album was my way of holding onto the joy and closeness we once shared, a tangible link to the past that helped me feel connected to her despite the distance and time that had separated us. The pages were filled with snapshots of simpler times—of Ae and me, laughing together, before she flew off to America two years ago for her six-month internship at her father's company.

It's been two years since she left, and though we've stayed together, our lives have taken different paths. Ae's music career has become all-consuming while I've been managing my responsibilities here in the Philippines. We've drifted into our separate worlds, and I miss the ease of our conversations, the way we used to share everything without hesitation. Now, our talks are infrequent and often feel like they're lost in the gaps between our busy lives.

I picked up my phone and saw her name still on the screen from our last brief exchange. I hesitated before typing a message.

To: Mon Monde

Hey Hun, just wanted to see how you're doing. It's been a while. I hope everything's going well for you.

I looked at the message, considering if I should send it. The thought of reaching out, only for our conversation to be as brief and distant as our last few, was disheartening. But I needed to bridge that gap somehow. I sent it and set the phone aside, letting the rain's melody soothe my thoughts.

A few moments later, my phone buzzed with her reply. I read her words and felt a smile tug at my lips.

From: Mon Monde

Hello Misis ko, it's so good to hear from you. I need my strength today, I miss you too. Things are hectic here, but I hope we can catch up soon. Let's find a time to chat when I’m less swamped. I love you so much, Faye.

Her message brought a sense of warmth and relief. Even though we were miles apart and wrapped up in our own busy lives, the connection between us hadn't been lost. I looked out at the rain as it started to ease, feeling hopeful about the possibility of reconnecting. Maybe things would be different when we found the time to talk.

I gently closed the photo album, feeling a renewed sense of closeness despite the distance and the challenges we both faced.

The hum of the air conditioning was the only sound in my office as I skimmed through papers scattered across my desk. Triz and Chia were chatting about business, but I was only half-listening until Triz's voice cut through my thoughts.

"So, Kenzie, are you going to Amira's concert?"

I looked up, frowning. Concert? "What concert?"

Triz raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. "Seriously? It's all over social media—Amira's Asia tour. Jade mentioned it earlier. It's been trending for days, and her last stop is here in the Philippines."

I felt my stomach drop. "What?" I blinked, feeling completely out of the loop. How did I not know?

"Trending?" My voice was smaller than I'd intended. "Ae, didn't say a word to me."