Falling By Design

"You know you need me, but even before I get close, you're pushing me away."

Thalia grunts, "I need you? Where'd that come from?"

Miguel runs his fingers through his hair, maintaining their proximity as his breaths become heavier and more ragged. Out of nowhere, he brushes his knuckle against her jaw, then to her cheek, and finally, he grasps her nape. Thalia stands frozen, unable to even blink.

"My parents want me to settle down. You need your status secured," he states. "You need me."

******

Thalia Sarmiento, once a shining star as class valedictorian and university cum laude, is thrust into an unexpected role after the untimely death of her family's patriarch. To support her mother and younger sister, she leaves behind a promising career and ends up taking refuge in the unlikeliest of places--a Filipino grocery store in Edmonton. Struggling to make ends meet, Thalia faces an additional hurdle with the looming expiration of her work permit.

Enter Miguel de la Cruz, a 27-year-old Filipino Canadian set to inherit the family grocery store and a YouTube sensation with thousands of subscribers. Born into privilege, Miguel's curiosity is sparked by the industrious charm of the girl behind the check-out counter.

Amidst Thalia's challenges and Miguel's parents persistently urging him to settle down, they discover a surprising alignment of interests. And perhaps, dealing with it together will be the best solution...

Start Date: February 2, 2024
End Date: May 31, 2024