Written In The Same Star

Avoiding Fate

Charlotte couldn’t ignore the pull in her heart as she watched Engfa walk down the street, blissfully unaware of the bond they would one day share.

She felt the weight of her decision settle over her. If I stay away from her, I can protect her. I won’t let her die for me.

Her mind raced as she thought of the future she was trying to avoid, the tragic accident that had claimed Engfa’s life.

I can stop it. I just need to keep my distance. 

With a deep breath, Charlotte turned away and walked in the opposite direction, determined to avoid her at all costs. 

_________________

Days passed, and Charlotte did everything she could to keep her distance from Engfa. She avoided the places they might cross paths.

She even went so far as to change her routine, making sure to be somewhere else whenever Engfa might be nearby.

But the universe had other plans.

One afternoon, Charlotte received an unexpected invitation to audition for the MGI (Miss Grand International) pageant. It was a huge opportunity for her—an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

As she read the invitation, her heart sank. MGI. That was where everything had begun.

“Great,” Charlotte muttered to herself.
“I can’t avoid her if we’re both in the same competition.”

But there was no way around it. The pageant was too important for her career. She couldn’t pass up this chance. So, despite the knot in her stomach, she decided to go.

At the MGI auditions, It was like fate had pushed them back together. Engfa stood across the room, smiling and laughing with the other contestants, completely unaware that Charlotte had been trying so hard to avoid her. Their eyes met briefly, and Charlotte felt a jolt in her chest. Engfa’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold stare. 

“Oh, it’s you,” Engfa said flatly.
“Here to waste time?” 

Charlotte held her ground. “No, I’m here to compete.” 

Engfa raised an eyebrow. “We’ll see how long you last.” 

Charlotte swallowed the sting of her words. This was how Engfa had been before they fell in love—sharp and dismissive.

She had to remind herself:
*This is for her own good. Stay away.* 

____________________

Days later, Charlotte sat quietly in the rehearsal room, trying to focus. She had avoided Engfa as much as possible, but that didn’t stop their paths from crossing. 

“Nong Cha,” Engfa’s voice cut through the air, sharp and teasing.

“You look like you’re plotting something. What’s your deal?” 

Charlotte glanced at her. “I’m just here to focus on the competition, nothing else.” 

Engfa scoffed. “Right. You’ve got this whole mysterious vibe, but I’m not buying it.” 

Charlotte forced a small smile. “Think whatever you want.” 

Engfa studied her for a moment, then shrugged.

“Fine. But don’t think I’m letting you off the hook that easily.” 

That evening, Charlotte was sitting alone, lost in thought. She felt a familiar presence and turned to see Engfa standing there, arms crossed.