Part 7

Later that evening, Colet arrived at an exclusive restaurant bar tucked away in the heart of the city, one of the many establishments owned by her tight-knit circle of friends. The four of them—Colet, Jhoanna, Mikha, and Gwen—were a formidable group, each dominating their respective industries and balancing their high-profile careers with the rare solace of friendship.

As Colet stepped inside, she spotted her friends already seated at their usual private corner booth. Jhoanna, always impeccably dressed, was scrolling through her tablet, likely skimming over tomorrow's headlines for her media empire. Mikha leaned back in her chair, sipping on a signature cocktail, her demeanor relaxed but her sharp eyes ever observant. And then there was Gwen, her usual stoic expression softened by an uncharacteristic ease that caught Colet's attention immediately.

"You're late," Mikha teased as Colet approached. "Busy conquering the trade world?"

"Something like that," Colet replied smoothly, sliding into the booth.

"Or maybe," Jhoanna said, raising an eyebrow, "you're seeing someone and didn't want to tell us."

Colet froze for a split second, her composure faltering just enough for Gwen to catch it. Gwen smirked knowingly but didn't say a word, taking another sip of her drink.

"Let's not all gang up on Colet," Gwen said with an amused tone. "I've got some news too. I've been... seeing someone."

The table fell silent for a moment before Mikha broke into a wide grin. "Wait, you? Gwen 'I-don't-have-time-for-love' is seeing someone? This is groundbreaking."

Gwen rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "It's new. We're still figuring things out, but... it's been good. Better than I expected."

"Who's the lucky girl?" Jhoanna asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Gwen shook her head. "I'm not giving you details. Not yet."

Mikha smirked. "That means she's special."

Colet observed her friend, noting the uncharacteristic warmth in Gwen's expression. It was rare to see Gwen, the most guarded among them, openly admit to being happy. The sight made Colet's own heart stir as she thought of Maloi.

"I guess I should share something too," Colet said, drawing the group's attention. "I... met someone recently."

Jhoanna gasped dramatically. "Colet Vergara has entered the chat of love? Who is she?"

Colet smiled softly, shaking her head. "I'm not sharing names or too many details either. It's still early. We're just getting to know each other."

Mikha leaned in, intrigued. "Come on, give us something. What's she like?"

Colet hesitated for a moment, then allowed herself to speak, her tone softer than usual. "She's... different. Outgoing, funny, full of life. The kind of person who lights up a room without even trying."

Jhoanna grinned. "So, the opposite of you."

Colet smirked but didn't argue. "Maybe. But there's something about her... she's refreshing. And honest. I feel like I can just... be myself when I'm with her."

Mikha whistled low. "That's a big deal coming from you."

"It is," Colet admitted quietly, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her glass.

Gwen, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Sounds like she's someone worth holding onto. Just don't overthink it, Colet. Let yourself enjoy it."

Colet nodded, appreciating Gwen's advice. "I will. I just... want to take things slow."

"Slow is fine," Jhoanna said, raising her glass. "As long as you don't let her slip away."

The group clinked their glasses together, the sound of their laughter filling the room. Despite their high-powered lives, moments like this—where they could be vulnerable and human—were rare treasures.

As the evening continued, Colet found herself thinking of Maloi again, her bubbly laughter and radiant smile playing in her mind. She realized, for the first time in a long while, that she was genuinely looking forward to seeing where this connection might lead.

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