Maya sat by the window, staring at the bustling city below her. The lights were bright, but her thoughts felt like they were floating in a quiet, dark space. She had come so far—faced her fears, built bridges between her past and present, and learned to love without holding back. But now, as she watched the movement of people and cars, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the choices that lay ahead."How do you know if you're on the right path?" she whispered to herself.The ringing of her phone broke her from her thoughts. It was Asher. She took a deep breath before answering, still lost in the emotions swirling in her chest."Hey," Asher's voice was soft, but there was an urgency to it. "Maya, we need to talk."Maya felt a twinge of nervousness. His tone had shifted recently, and she couldn't quite figure out if it was just the stress of work or something more. "Sure, what's going on?" she asked, trying to sound casual."I'm coming over," Asher replied, his voice steady but with
Maya woke up to a crisp morning, the sunlight gently filtering through the curtains of her bedroom. She stretched, feeling the weight of the day ahead of her. It had been a whirlwind of emotions since she and Ash had decided to take the leap forward together. There was a part of her that still couldn’t quite believe how far they had come from that first awkward conversation on SoulLink. But now, here they were—facing the real world with all its complications, and despite everything, she felt a sense of calm she hadn’t expected.She smiled softly to herself as she remembered the night before. They had spent hours talking, opening up to each other in ways neither of them had ever done before. Ash had been more open, vulnerable than he had been in a long time, and she had reciprocated with the same honesty. She knew that this was the beginning of something real, something they could build on, no matter the obstacles.Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking her reverie. It was a text
Maya’s heart raced as she stepped out of the taxi and looked up at the towering building of NovaSpire. She had been here many times before, but today felt different. There was an air of anticipation surrounding her, a quiet hum of excitement and uncertainty. After everything that had happened, she was more sure than ever about the path she was taking with Ash, but today would be a defining moment for both of them.Ash had invited her to attend an important meeting with his father, Reginald Reed, and the rest of the executive team. It was a big step for Maya—not just as his girlfriend but as someone who was now deeply involved in his life and his company. She couldn’t deny the nerves bubbling inside her, but she was determined not to let them show. Ash needed her to be strong, and she wasn’t going to let him down.When she entered the building, the familiar, sleek, and modern environment greeted her. The air was crisp, the glass walls reflecting the city’s skyline in perfect symmetry.
The days felt like they were moving faster than Maya could keep up with. The weight of the decision to move in with Ash had settled in, but it wasn’t just about the practicalities—more than anything, it was the emotional commitment that felt overwhelming. Was she really ready to take this leap? To share a space, not just with Ash the man she loved, but with the complexities of his life, his company, his father, his own expectations?And yet, every time she looked at him, every time their hands met or their eyes locked, she couldn’t deny how real and strong their connection was. Maybe this was what love was meant to feel like. It wasn’t perfect—it wasn’t easy—but it was real.That morning, as she sat at her kitchen table, sipping her coffee and scrolling through her emails, Maya couldn’t shake the feeling of change in the air. She had always been the type to approach big decisions cautiously, to weigh the pros and cons, but Ash had a way of making her feel like they could face anything
The days felt like they were moving faster than Maya could keep up with. The weight of the decision to move in with Ash had settled in, but it wasn’t just about the practicalities—more than anything, it was the emotional commitment that felt overwhelming. Was she really ready to take this leap? To share a space, not just with Ash the man she loved, but with the complexities of his life, his company, his father, his own expectations?And yet, every time she looked at him, every time their hands met or their eyes locked, she couldn’t deny how real and strong their connection was. Maybe this was what love was meant to feel like. It wasn’t perfect—it wasn’t easy—but it was real.That morning, as she sat at her kitchen table, sipping her coffee and scrolling through her emails, Maya couldn’t shake the feeling of change in the air. She had always been the type to approach big decisions cautiously, to weigh the pros and cons, but Ash had a way of making her feel like they could face anything
Maya woke up to the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through the curtains of their new apartment. The feeling was surreal—this place, once just a dream, was now their reality. Beside her, Ash was still fast asleep, his steady breathing a calm rhythm that made everything feel right. His arm was draped over her waist, a gentle reminder of how far they had come. Maya couldn’t help but smile, but beneath the contentment, there was still a lingering unease. It wasn’t that she had doubts about their relationship—more than anything, she was facing the reality of this huge step.Pagkasama na sila sa isang bahay. Hindi lang basta sa isang relasyon, kundi sa isang pangakong magsasama sa buhay na magkasama. Ash had become her constant, her rock. Pero may mga bagay pa ring hindi nasasabi, mga hindi natutuklasan na pwedeng magbago ng lahat.She gently shifted, making sure not to wake him, and slowly got out of bed. Maya walked quietly towards the kitchen, savoring the peace of the morning. S
Maya woke up to the sound of raindrops gently tapping against the window. She always loved the sound of rain—it calmed her, made everything feel softer. And today, she needed that sense of calm. Ash had left earlier for a meeting, and Maya was alone in their apartment for the first time in a while. It was strange, but she wasn’t exactly sure if she liked it or not. The quiet felt too big somehow, as if it were magnifying the thoughts she had been avoiding. Lumapit siya sa mesa kung saan nakalatag ang mga papel at mga notes para sa kanilang mga plano. Lately, it had become more than just setting up their future together. It was about facing the reality of everything they had been through. The wounds, the scars, the expectations. The promises they made to each other were real, but the weight of their pasts kept pulling them back.Habang pinagmamasdan niya ang mga notes, naisip ni Maya ang sinabi ni Ash sa kanya kahapon—ang tanong kung nakikita ba niya ang kanilang future. Hindi na siya
Maya stood by the window, watching the rain pour steadily down, the soft light of the late afternoon filtering through the droplets. There was something peaceful about the rhythm of it, something that calmed her unsettled mind. But today, peace was fleeting. After all the decisions she had made in the past few days, today felt like the calm before the storm. Nagkaroon sila ni Ash ng ilang malalim na usapan sa mga nakaraang linggo—puno ng mga pagdududa, mga takot, at mga pagnanasa. And every conversation, no matter how raw or honest, seemed to bring them closer to something that, at one point, seemed impossible—a future together. But that future was still uncertain, still fragile.“Are you okay?” Ash’s voice broke through her thoughts, and she turned to see him standing at the door, his coat still wet from the rain.Maya smiled weakly, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m just thinking,” she said, motioning for him to come closer. “About everything that’s happened... about what we
One Year Later Maya adjusted the hem of her elegant yet comfortable white dress as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. It was a simple yet stunning piece—soft, flowing fabric that accentuated her curves without being too extravagant. She never imagined she’d wear something like this again, not after the last time she dared to believe in forever. But this time, everything felt different. This time, it was real. A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts. Ava peeked in, her hazel eyes shining with excitement. "Girl, ready ka na ba? Or are you still having your signature ‘Maya overthinking moment’?" Maya let out a soft laugh. "I’m ready." And for the first time in a long time, she truly was. Ava grinned, stepping fully into the room, holding a bouquet of white peonies—Maya’s favorite. "Good. Kasi hindi na makapaghintay si Ash sa labas. Para siyang batang binilhan ng bagong laruan. Halatang kabado pero sobrang excited." Maya’s heart swelled at the thought of him. Ash.
Habang naghahanda si Maya para sa dinner date nila ni Ash, hindi niya mapigilang makaramdam ng konting kaba. Sa bawat galaw niya—pagpili ng damit, pagsusuot ng makeup, at pagkumpuni ng buhok—may halong excitement at nerbyos. Matagal na rin siyang hindi masyadong lumalabas ng ganito. Ngunit si Ash? He was different. Iba ang dating niya—kalmado pero intense, matalino pero humble, at higit sa lahat, totoo. "Ava," tawag ni Maya habang nagsusuot ng simpleng pearl earrings. "Okay na ba ‘to? Hindi naman masyadong formal, ‘di ba?" Naglakad si Ava papunta sa kanya at sinuri siya mula ulo hanggang paa. "Girl, you look hot. Pero ‘yung tanong talaga, ready ka na ba?" Napatingin si Maya sa salamin. Sa isang banda, handa siyang harapin si Ash, handa siyang malaman kung saan talaga patungo ang kanilang relasyon. Pero sa kabilang banda, natatakot pa rin siya. What if hindi pa rin niya kayang pagkatiwalaan ang pag-ibig? "Hindi ko alam," aminado niyang sabi. "Pero malalaman ko mamaya." ---Sa
Maagang nagising si Maya kinabukasan, puno ng energy mula sa gabi nila ni Ash. Habang nagtitimpla ng kape, napatingin siya sa cellphone niya, nagbabasakaling may message mula kay Ash. Nang makita niyang may notification, isang ngiti ang gumuhit sa labi niya. Ash: Good morning, beautiful. Hope you have a great day ahead. Coffee na ba? Hindi napigilan ni Maya ang kilig habang mabilis na nag-reply. Maya: Of course, nauna pa nga yata ako sa’yo. Busy day ahead, pero worth it after last night. You? Agad namang nag-reply si Ash. Ash: Meetings as usual, but I’ll survive. By the way, I booked us dinner for Saturday. It’s a surprise.Napangiti si Maya. Isa na namang bagay na aabangan. ---Samantala, nasa opisina na si Ava, sinusubukang mag-focus sa trabaho. Pero sa totoo lang, nag-e-echo pa rin sa utak niya ang sinabi ni Julian kagabi. “I can’t ignore how I feel anymore.” “Ava, ano ba?” bulong niya sa sarili habang binabasa ang report sa harap niya. “Focus. Work first, emotions la
Sa pagsisimula ng umaga, abala si Maya sa pag-aayos ng kanyang apartment. Hindi niya maikakaila ang excitement na nararamdaman. Sa kabila ng pagiging abala sa trabaho, hindi niya mapigilang maglaan ng oras para sa nalalapit nilang date ni Ash ngayong gabi. “Relax, Maya,” bulong niya sa sarili habang inaayos ang mesa. “It’s just dinner. Nothing too fancy.” Pero sa totoo lang, hindi lang ‘just dinner’ ang tingin niya rito. Lahat ng moments nila ni Ash ay parang espesyal, parang laging may kakaibang magic. ---Sa kabilang banda, si Ash ay nasa NovaSpire, nagtatapos ng ilang importanteng meeting. Bagama’t focus siya sa trabaho, hindi maiwasang magpunta ang isip niya kay Maya. “Sir Ash,” tawag ng assistant niya. “The board wants to finalize the budget proposal for the new SoulLink update.” Napabuntong-hininga siya pero ngumiti. “I’ll look into it tomorrow. Make sure Julian and Ava are looped in for any revisions.” Habang palabas ng opisina, iniisip niya ang sinabi ni Ava tungko
Ang huni ng umaga ang gumising kay Maya. Bumangon siya mula sa kama, pinagmasdan ang sikat ng araw na tumatagos mula sa kurtina. Hindi na niya kailangan ng alarm clock sa mga ganitong araw; sapat na ang liwanag na pumuno sa kwarto niya at ang init na hatid nito sa kanyang puso. Ngunit ngayong araw na ito, may kakaiba siyang nararamdaman—hindi takot, hindi alinlangan, kundi pag-asa. Pag-asa na dala ng mga pagpiling ginawa niya nitong mga nakaraang buwan. Habang naghahanda, nakatanggap siya ng mensahe mula kay Ash. Ash: Good morning. See you later?Maya smiled at the simplicity of his text. Diretso, walang paliguy-ligoy, pero ramdam niya ang sincerity ng bawat salitang kanyang binibitawan. Maya: Good morning. I’ll see you later. Coffee’s on me this time.---Sa kabilang banda, si Ash naman ay nagmamadaling nagbibihis sa kanyang penthouse. Sa kabila ng abalang schedule bilang CEO ng NovaSpire, sinigurado niyang maglaan ng oras para kay Maya. Hindi na siya katulad ng dati—yung Ash
Maya sat quietly on the couch, staring out of the window. The soft, golden light of the late afternoon bathed the room, making the whole place feel warm and cozy. Sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyari, naramdaman niya na unti-unting bumabalik ang kanyang lakas. May mga sandali pa rin ng pagdududa, pero sa bawat araw na lumilipas, natututo siyang tanggapin ang mga pagkatalo at tagumpay. It wasn’t about perfection anymore—it was about finding peace with herself and the choices she made.It had been a few days since their dinner, and everything seemed to be slowly falling into place. Ash, despite his responsibilities at NovaSpire, had been nothing but present in her life. It was easy to see that he was as invested in their relationship as she was. And for once, Maya felt no hesitation, no fear of abandonment. Hindi na siya natatakot na baka siya'y iwan, hindi na siya natatakot na masaktan. Maybe it was because she finally believed in herself, and because she believed in him."Hey, are you okay?
Habang si Maya at Ash ay patuloy na nagsasama sa kanilang mga bagong hakbang sa buhay, may mga pagkakataon na ang mga simpleng bagay ay nagiging dahilan para magtulungan at magbukas ng mga pinto para sa mas malalim na koneksyon. Sa kabila ng kanilang mga takot, mga tanong, at mga hindi inaasahang sitwasyon, natutunan nilang tanggapin ang bawat isa, pati na rin ang kanilang mga imperpeksiyon.Isang linggo matapos ang kanilang getaway, umuwi sila sa kanilang mga routine. Ash, na balik sa NovaSpire at sa mga makukulit na meetings, at si Maya, na patuloy na abala sa kanyang mga proyekto sa kumpanya. Ngunit kahit abala, natutunan nilang makahanap ng oras para sa isa't isa. Ang isang simpleng dinner date ay naging ang pagkakataon nila upang magbalik-tanaw sa mga nangyari at planuhin ang mga susunod na hakbang."Alam mo, Ash, ang mga simpleng sandali na ito, kaya ko na ngayong tanggapin," sabi ni Maya, habang binabaybay nila ang kalsada patungo sa isang maliit na restaurant na paborito nilan
Ang mga araw ay patuloy na dumadaan at para kay Maya, natututo siyang tanggapin ang lahat ng aspeto ng kanyang buhay. Dati-rati, lagi siyang nagmamadali, laging abala sa mga plano at mga bagay na kailangang tapusin. Pero ngayon, natutunan niyang huminto sandali at maglaan ng oras para sa mga bagay na mahalaga—para kay Ash, para sa kanilang relasyon, at higit sa lahat, para sa kanyang sarili.Isang umaga, habang nag-aayos siya ng mga dokumento sa opisina, nakatanggap siya ng mensahe mula kay Ash. Ang simpleng mensaheng iyon, na nagsasabing "Good morning, Maya," ay nagbigay ng ngiti sa kanyang mukha. Hindi na siya nagmamadali, hindi na siya natatakot. Kasi alam niyang kahit anong mangyari, nandiyan si Ash upang samahan siya.Nakatagilid siya sa mesa, pinagmamasdan ang cellphone habang iniisip ang mga tanong na patuloy na bumabagabag sa kanya. "Paano ba talaga ito magiging?" tanong niya sa sarili. Marami siyang mga pangarap at plano, pero hindi niya kayang ipagpaliban ang mga bagay na na
Ang umaga ng araw na iyon ay puno ng mga pag-aalala. Habang umuupo si Maya sa kanyang desk, hindi maiwasang mag-isip tungkol sa mga susunod na hakbang. Ang trabaho, pamilya, at ang relasyon nila ni Ash ay nagiging mas kumplikado. Sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, may isang bagay na hindi kayang burahin ni Maya sa kanyang isipan—ang mga tanong tungkol sa hinaharap nila ni Ash.Nagdaang linggo, marami na silang napag-usapan ni Ash, mula sa mga plano para sa kumpanya hanggang sa mga personal nilang pangarap. Pero ang tanong ng "paano kung?" ay patuloy na bumangon sa bawat desisyon na ginagawa nila.Habang hawak ang kanyang cellphone, si Maya ay nag-aalangan kung tatawagan si Ash o hindi. Gusto niyang malaman kung ano ang naiisip nito, kung handa ba silang magtulungan sa mga bagong hamon. Ngunit bago siya nakapag-desisyon, tumunog ang telepono niya. Si Ash. “Good morning, Maya,” sabi ni Ash, ang boses nito ay malambing at maasahan. “Are you okay? I know you’ve got a lot on your plate lately.”M