Beyond The Surface のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 41 - チャプター 50

***MAYA'S POV***My eyes fluttered open, struggling to adjust to the glaring light overhead. As the brightness faded into focus, I was met with stark white walls that felt more like a canvas hauntingly devoid of color. The sterile smell of antiseptic mixed with faint whiffs of medication filled the air, suffocating me. A nearby machine beeped in a steady rhythm, the sound foreign and mechanical. Suddenly, it all came rushing back.I shot up in bed, adrenaline coursing through me, only to feel a firm hand on my shoulder, gently but insistently pulling me back down. I turned to find Christi, her face etched with concern, eyes brimming with unshed tears.“Maya, please! You need to rest,” she urged, her voice trembling slightly.Tears began to well up in my eyes. My head was pounding, each throb a reminder of the unbearable truth: my dad—my rock, my unwavering support—was gone. How could I exist in a world where he was no longer? The very thought felt like a tidal wave crashing over me.

How did I end up coming with MaiMai? It all started when I drove off from my house, feeling an impulse to be there for Maya. I drove straight to MaiMai's apartment, I had dropped her off a couple of times before so I knew the way well. As I parked my bike in front of her building, I hesitated, contemplating whether I should knock or just turn and leave. What could I possibly say to explain my sudden decision to join her? My thoughts tangled like a ball of yarn, and just when I thought I wouldn't be able to figure it out, the door swung open. There she was, MaiMai, emerging with a suitcase in tow, Juna dragging behind her. “Hi!” I said, forcing myself to sound normal “Hey, Alex!” she exclaimed, obviously surprised to see me there. “Have you heard from your friend Maya? I saw the news,” I said, trying to keep my tone as calm as possible. The evidence of her recent tears was unmistakable; her eyes were swollen and red. She nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the pain we bo

It had been three weeks since Dad's burial and two months since his death. I was back in Mafer now with Christi; I couldn't possibly leave her behind since she had known only my family all her life. The investigation was ongoing, but it seemed to be stalled. There were no CCTV recordings of anyone entering or exiting Dad’s room—the killer had vanished into thin air. The hospital had agreed to take full responsibility for the incident and offered a settlement, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I needed to find the killer. Sitting at my desk, I felt helpless. Business hadn't been good because I had been away. I had thrown myself into work to keep my mind off my parents. "Hey, Maya," Christi said as she walked into my office. I looked up from my laptop. "Sup?" I replied, forcing a smile. "It's time to go; Kate is waiting for us," she said. "It's fine. you can go without me," I replied.

**Alex’s POV** “Dude, how the hell did it happen?” Adrian was sprawled across the couch in my apartment, his grin so wide it practically split his face. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, like a kid waiting for the best part of a story. I couldn’t help but smile, the memories of last night flooding back—Maya’s laughter, the way her eyes softened when she looked at me, the way her body fit against mine. “It just… happened,” I said, shrugging, though the warmth in my chest betrayed how much it meant. “Congrats, man,” Adrian said, reaching out for a handshake. “You’re officially off the market.” I gave him a skeptical look, shaking his hand anyway. “Thanks, I guess.” He sobered, his expression shifting to something more serious. “So, when are you gonna tell her?” I took a deep breath, the weight of his question settling over me. “Soon.” “How soon, Alex?” Adrian press

The sun glared down as I stepped out of my car, the heat clinging to my skin like an unwanted embrace. My heels clicked sharply against the pavement, each step echoing the weight of my unresolved burdens, Which should I tackle first? The question gnawed at me, relentless, as I made my way into the office, my assistant Blessing trailing close behind. “Good morning, ma,” Blessing said the moment I crossed the threshold, her voice bright but tinged with caution, as if she sensed my mood. I nodded absently, sinking into the worn leather chair behind my desk. The office smelled of stale coffee and printer ink, a familiar anchor amidst the chaos in my mind. "What’s on the schedule today?” I asked, arranging my laptop in front of me, forcing myself to focus on the day’s demands. Blessing consulted her tablet, her fingers swift. “The photo shoot for Priscilla is this morning. She’ll be here soon. Maxwell is also stopping by later.” “Alright,” I murmured, my fingers hovering over the key