STEPHANIE flashed a wide smile as she entered Mika’s office. She wasn’t surprised by her arrival since Stephanie had called earlier to say she was on her way. She even brought Japanese food for her, since it was almost lunchtime and Steph had reminded her to eat. She set her work aside when she arrived.
“How’s my gorgeous best friend and sister-in-law?” she asked with a smile.
“Where were you during the company anniversary?” she asked instead.
Stephanie waved her hand dismissively. She didn’t look apologetic at all. “Hey, I didn’t say I’d be there. I said I’d think about it, but I never promised anything.” Then she shrugged and sat on the chair. “And besides, I think it’s time for my brother to do his part this time.”
She sighed. “You already know what happened?”
“Of course,” she replied. “News travels fast. Though it was Mom who gave me the juicy details.” She even winked at her. She didn’t respond and simply opened the food Stephanie brought. She was already hungry.
She noticed her friend staring at her. “What? Do I look funny?” she asked.
“No. I’m trying to read what’s going on inside your head,” Stephanie admitted.
Yumika let out a nervous laugh. She didn’t even know exactly why she was nervous. “If you have any questions, just ask,” she said. She didn’t know she had that kind of confidence in her, and it amazed her.
“Well…” Stephanie began, picking up a shrimp tempura roll and bringing it to her mouth. Yumika started eating too. After a moment, Stephanie spoke again. “How do you feel? I mean, after my brother did what he was supposed to do?”
“Of course, I’m grateful,” she replied, taking a piece of dynamite sushi roll. “He didn’t have to do that, actually, but he still did. He didn’t have to fight my battles—”
“Girl, let him!” Stephanie cut in. “You can’t take on Mr. Tianco or anyone else on the board, but Cade can take them down. It’s no longer just your battle, Mika—it’s his too. He made that officially clear when he yanked the older man by the collar.” She grinned at her. “I’m actually proud of my brother. He really proved himself.”
“H-He’s just…” Yumika was at a loss for words.
“Hm, but tell me honestly…” Steph started.
Yumika looked at her friend, but Stephanie’s attention was on the ramen noodles she was struggling to pick up with her chopsticks. Yumika chuckled. Her best friend had never been a fan of chopsticks, but she forced herself to use them because Japanese food was her favorite.
“…do you still have feelings for my brother?” her friend asked.
Yumika didn’t answer right away. She stared sadly at the food in front of her. “My feelings for him won’t just disappear that easily. He’s my first love, and I don’t think it would be easy to forget him,” she admitted honestly. Stephanie didn’t look surprised by her answer. Yumika gave her best friend a reassuring smile. “But I’m done hoping for more from him. What we have now is enough for me. We’re friends, and that’s what matters to me.”
Stephanie squeezed her hand. “But what will happen next? What will happen after a year of you living together in the same house?”
She shrugged. “I guess he’ll finally get the Hernandez empire.”
“I’m not talking about that,” Stephanie said. “I’m talking about you, both of you.”
“We’ll stay friends,” she answered confidently. “I told you, I won’t force myself on Cade anymore. Being friends with him is enough for me. If he wants an annulment after all this, then I’ll give it to him. Whatever he wants, I’ll give it to him.”
She didn’t expect Stephanie to suddenly hug her.
“As much as I want you to be my sister-in-law, I also don’t want you to suffer,” Stephanie said softly. “But I swear, if Cade lets you go this time, then he’s an idiot.” Steph pulled away and pinched her cheeks. She winced at the gesture. “You’re loyal, forgiving, and gorgeous… it’d definitely be Cade’s loss.”
Mika laughed. “Now you’re overreacting.”
“I’m not. I’m just telling the truth,” Stephanie said, beaming. “I’ll really knock some sense into my brother’s head if that happens,” she added.
Yumika playfully slapped her best friend’s arm. “No need to be so dramatic. Cade and I are on good terms now, you know,” she reminded her again. Stephanie didn’t reply and only grinned. Laughing, they continued eating.
It was true though.
As Mika continued eating, she realized she and Cade were better off as friends. Nothing more.