Lahat ng Kabanata ng Beyond The Surface : Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

As I lay in bed, my mom's voice pierced through the door. "Come on Maya, we're all waiting for you!" I hastily put on my shoes, took a deep breath and glanced at my reflection in the mirror. Twenty-eight years old and my life was about to take a dramatic turn. I hurried to the living room, where my parents were waiting anxiously. "Mum, I'm here," I announced. My dad's voice was laced with urgency. "What took you so long? You'll miss your flight!" I reassured him, "I'm ready, let's go." Christi, our loyal maid, helped me with my luggage while my parents exchanged worried glances. I've known Christi since childhood, and her mom used to work for us before she passed away. My parents took Christi in and she's been like a sister ever since. As we said our goodbyes, Christi's eyes welled up with tears. I fought back my own emotions, promising her, "Don't worry, when I settle in, I'll tell Mum and Dad to send you over.We'll leave this old place behind, and start fresh." Christ

I opened the door to my office, I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of flowers on my desk, accompanied by a box of chocolates and a card. The sweet fragrance of the flowers filled the air and I couldn't help but smile as I picked up the card and read the message inside. "To the most beautiful girl in the world, have a nice day. Signed, Mike." I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. This was not the first time Mike had sent me gifts, and I was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable. After the conference a week ago, Mike had made it a habit to send me gifts daily but I had made it clear that I was not interested in him romantically. Despite this, he continued to send me gifts and messages, and I was starting to feel like I was being pursued. I put the card down and sat at my desk, trying to focus on the task at hand but my mind kept wandering back to Mike and his persistent advances. I was determined to keep our relationship professional but it was getting harder and harder to ignore his

As I prepared for work, my mind kept drifting back to that dream. It felt so real, lingering like a shadow in the corners of my thoughts. Shaking it off, I focused on today's agenda. I opened my wardrobe, selected a flowing white short dress, slipped on matching shoes, grabbed my glasses, and stepped out of the house. After that dream, I had resolved to ask Dad to send Christi over. At least I would have someone to talk to. Living alone was growing increasingly dull. As I drove away, I muttered to myself, "It's so boring living alone." “Good morning, Ma!” Blessing greeted me as she walked alongside me to my office. “Morning,” I replied, appreciating her bright energy. The preparations for the product launch had everyone buzzing with activity. I opened my office door and was surprised to find Mike sitting there, waiting for me. “Good morning, Mr. Mike! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. “Oh, I just wanted to surprise you,” he said with a sm

He held my hand and guided me toward the pet shop. Although the shop was closed, there was a small overhang outside where we could take shelter from the rain. “Thank you so much,” I said, looking up at him, my heart fluttering with appreciation. He chuckled, brushing off my gratitude. “Oh, it’s nothing. I derive joy from helping damsels in distress,” he said with a playful grin. I couldn’t help but smile back. “You really are a sweet talker.” As we stood there waiting for the rain to let up, he suddenly pointed out, “You’re shaking.” I glanced down at myself, trying to appear strong despite my obvious discomfort. “Oh, it’s nothing,” I replied, forcing a chuckle as I attempted to downplay my shivers. “Come here,” he said softly, pulling me into his arms. Before I could react, he wrapped his hands around me and I immediately felt the warmth radiating from his body. It was as if an invisible force enveloped us, calming my tension and easing the cold that had seeped into my b

on our way to the hospital, I couldn’t help stealing glances at the mother and son duo in the back seat. She carefully checked her son’s body, telling him to turn around so she could see him better. I could only smile at their tenderness, the way she radiated love and concern. When we arrived at the hospital, the doctor examined the child and placed him on an IV. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as the doctor reassured us. “He’s fine; he didn’t sustain any internal injuries, but he is malnourished. I advise you to take very serious care of the kind of food he eats,” the doctor said, his tone professional but gentle. I looked at the woman, whose face was etched with pain. I could see the worry in her eyes and the exhaustion that came with being a parent. My heart ached for her. “Thank you, doctor,” I said as we both left his office, grateful for the good news. “Thank you so much, ma'am,” the lady said, her voice shaky but filled with gratitude. I smiled at her, placing my