All Chapters of WHISPERS OF A HIDDEN HEART: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Sandra wandered through the streets of New York, strolling along the sidewalks and curiously peeking into every shop she passed.A newsstand drew her gaze. Plastered on the front page of a gossip tabloid was the face of her well-known neighbor, paired with another photo of him holding a bouquet of flowers. She skimmed through the article in silence, her only response a faint bewilderment at how something as ordinary as buying flowers could be turned into news.Placing the paper back where it belonged, she continued walking until she stopped in front of a familiar coffee shop, the same place where she’d first met up with Jessica upon arriving in the city.A “Wanted Helper” sign was posted at the entrance. Peering through the window, she saw that, just like before, it was empty of customers. Only the elderly man and the plump waitress were there, their faces looking bored and gloomy.She continued walking until she came across a large shopping mall. On a whim, she decided to go inside.

The Serenity City Café owner and the waitress were staring at the young lady clutching a piece of paper with the words “Wanted: Helper” written on it. She had a youthful, pretty face with smooth, clear skin and a calm, neutral expression. Her almond-shaped eyes were framed by straight brows with a natural arch, her lips were of medium fullness, and her nose was straight and well-proportioned to her features. Her hair was cut into a short, layered bob that fell just above her jawline, dark brown, straight, and neatly styled, with side-swept bangs that partially veiled her forehead. She wore a blue denim jacket over a black T-shirt, black leggings layered with slightly tattered denim shorts, red rubber shoes, and a body bag slung across her.“Are you sure you’re applying as a helper?” asked Mr. Juancho Castro, the owner who also the coffee shop’s cashier.“Yes,” Sandra replied with a smile.“Do you know how to wash dishes, do the market shopping, cook, and clean?” the doubtful owner ask

“Please request me a jersey to Jerome Hernandez!” Jessica coaxed over the phone to Sandra.“Why don’t you just buy one? Do you really have to ask for it?” Sandra wondered.“Of course! I want one that’s signed by him and given to me personally.”“Jessica, a matchmaker blood doesn’t run through my veins, so don’t ask me to do things like that. Why don’t you ask him yourself? You’ve met him in person, haven’t you? You two were even exchanging the sweetest smiles.”“I just happened to ride the elevator with him. How would I know if we’ll meet again? So keep an eye out for Jerome Hernandez, okay? And don’t you dare forget to ask for that jersey. Bye!” Jessica ended the call quickly, not waiting for the inevitable complaint from the person on the other end.“Mylene!” she called to her staff.“Yes, Ma’am!” The secretary quickly went up to her office.“Call Mr. Sanchez of Just! Magazine. Tell him I agree to an interview and we’ll just let him know when."“Okay, I’ll call him right away," Myle

Jessica arrived forty-five minutes late to the event she was attending. She was there to read a storybook to the children cared for by Whiteheart Charity as part of the foundation’s anniversary celebration. A pang of guilt hit her for making the kids wait…all because of her friend’s coffee.She spotted a hall full of children. As she drew closer, she heard someone speaking into a microphone. She entered the hall with a smile. Upon seeing her, the organizers immediately attended to her. She repeatedly apologized as they escorted her to her seat.Before sitting down, she glanced at the person speaking into the microphone and was startled by what she saw. It was Jerome Hernandez.The young man’s eyes also fell on her, and he, too, looked surprised, momentarily stammering in his speech.After a brief address, Jerome approached the organizers and other guests. Then he came over to Jessica, offering a formal handshake. When their palms met, she couldn’t tell whose hands were colder, his or

Sandra's eyes widened, and a grin spread across her face from ear to ear. She could barely keep herself from jumping with joy, like a child thrilled by a surprise. Before the two basketball players entered, she subtly signaled to them to pretend they didn’t know her.It was just like the time Jessica had visited, except this time, the crowd was twice as big, and her coworker Vicky was far more frantic, constantly hugging and planting kisses on a visibly helpless Jerome, who didn’t even bother to complain.The smile never left her face. The irritation she had felt toward the basketball player earlier had been replaced by an unexplainable joy and gratitude. The neighbors lingered in the shop for a while, and as they were about to leave, Jerome walked up to her. He scribbled something on a small piece of paper and handed it to her as if it were an autograph.She casually read what was written.You owe me one game.Her expression suddenly changed. Another game? She thought of the struggle