Fate Meets Destiny

CHAPTER 22

Mikha's Pov

"Gusto ko na umuwi," JL said.

"Ang sabihin mo lang, namimiss mo na si Kaori," Aki teased.

"Ikaw din naman, namimiss mo si Vivoree," JL replied.

"Ingay niyo dalawa," I said.

Kakatapos lang ng morning meeting conference namin. Maglunch pa lang kami sa isang Japanese restaurant. Feel namin mag-ramen for lunch. Last na meeting na this afternoon, then may dinner daw kami with the other chefs, kaya bukas pa ng umaga kami uuwi.

"Tiisin niyo na lang," I said.

"Tiisin? Eh ikaw, halata namang namimiss mo si Aiah," JL said.

"Pasalamat ka, good mood ako dahil sa ramen," I replied.

"JL, hindi mo 'yan ma-aasar si Mikhs basta nag-eenjoy sa ramen," Aki said.

After eating, we went back to the building where the meeting was held. Naghihintay muna kami ng oras sa lounge area. Nanunuod sa TV yung dalawa habang magcha-chat pa lang sana ako kay Aiah. Kagabi ang last na naka-chat ko siya, nung pauwi na siya. Hindi pa siya nag-seen sa mga chat ko, baka busy sa work.

"Mikhs, you need to go home now. Aiah needs you," Aki said.

Aki pointed at the TV. The news reported that Damien Lee was now dead and Aiah had been rushed to the hospital. Bigla, nanginginig ang kamay ko, muntik ko na mabitawan ang phone ko. Tinignan ko sila Aki, and they nodded at me.

"Kami na bahala sa meeting," JL said.

"Go, now," Aki said.

I nodded at them and then went back to the hotel to get my things. I called my mom.

Call Conversation:
Me: Mom, I'm going home, si Aiah.
Mom: Honey, I'm on my way to the hospital.
Mom: Pauwi na din galing Canada parents ni Aiah.
Me: I need to use the private jet.
Mom: I know, the jet is already waiting for you.
Me: Mom, si Aiah...
Mom: Breathe, honey. We'll wait for you at the hospital.

I ended the call and headed to the airport. The jet I was using belonged to Grandma. Every time I go out of the country, she always makes sure a private jet is ready, even though I tell her it’s not necessary. She insists I use it in case of an emergency; I didn’t expect I’d be using it now. I couldn't calm myself during the entire flight. A few hours later, I arrived.

Gwen picked me up, and we headed straight to the hospital. Aiah had just been transferred to a private room. Kuya Bryan and Tita Cathy were inside.

I felt weak seeing Aiah in the hospital bed. Kuya Bryan was surprised I made it back so quickly from Japan. He said Aiah was kidnapped last night and that Jho was about to pick her up when it happened.

"Maloi's team found their location and rescued them, but Aiah was shot by Damien Lee," Bryan said.

"Damien Lee? I thought he was in prison," I said.

"He escaped with Gelo just a few days ago, while you were in Japan," Bryan said.

"She should have told me, Kuya. I should have been with her," I said.

"Aiah didn’t want to tell you because she wanted you to focus on the conference," Bryan replied.

"Kuya, you said their location... Who was with Aiah?" I asked.

"It's me," Jeremy said.

Jeremy walked in with Mom and our friends. Without thinking, I pinned Jeremy against the wall, not knowing what came over me.