Bound by the Waves

Prologue: Mom's call

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Author's Note

Hey there, lovely readers!

Thank you for joining me on this journey with Dr. Sydney Alvarez! This story is a work of fiction, and while it draws inspiration from real-life experiences and emotions, the characters and events are entirely created from my imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

I hope you enjoy exploring Sydney's world as she navigates the complexities of love, family expectations, and the quest for her true self. Your support means the world to me, so feel free to leave comments, feedback, and let me know what you think!

Happy reading! 💖
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Prologue

The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink as I closed the door to my hospital office, the familiar scent of antiseptic lingering in the air. The weight of the day melted off my shoulders, but as I stepped into the crisp evening breeze, a gnawing unease took its place. I leaned against my car, staring out at the bustling city that had always felt like home, yet tonight it seemed more like a gilded cage.

Just as I was about to turn the key in the ignition, my phone buzzed in my pocket. With a sigh, I fished it out, my heart sinking as I saw my mother's name flashing on the screen. A call from her was never a good sign; it was always a prelude to a conversation that twisted my insides into knots. Hesitating for a moment, I answered, bracing myself for the inevitable.

"Hello, Mom," I said, trying to sound cheerful, even though it felt like I was just acting.

"Darling!" My mother's voice chimed, but there was an undercurrent of urgency. "I hope you're not too busy. We have a dinner party planned for Saturday. You must help me prepare!"

A dinner party. The words sent a chill down my spine. I had been dreading this.

"Mom, I-"

"Oh, honey, it's so important!" Her voice cut in, excitement palpable. "We're finally introducing you to Mr. Salvador. You know, the one your father and I have spoken about? I just know he's perfect for you!"

My grip tightened on the phone, my pulse quickening. Perfect for me? I hadn't even met the guy, let alone considered my feelings about a future that felt dictated to me. "I really don't think-"

"Sydney, sweetie, please. It's just dinner. We can't miss this opportunity. You might find that he's everything you need," my mother pressed, her tone both hopeful and commanding.

Everything I needed. The phrase echoed in my mind, a bitter reminder of a life I never wanted, a future I couldn't accept. "Mom, I have work-"

"Your work will always be there," she replied smoothly. "But love? Love requires effort. You'll thank me for this later, I promise."

How can it be love? With a heavy heart, I felt the walls closing in, the pressure of expectation crushing my spirit. "Okay," I finally relented, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Wonderful! Alam kong mauunawaan mo. Now, pag-usapan natin ang details-"

As my mother rattled on, I stared blankly at the streetlights flickering to life. The world around me faded into a dull hum, my mind racing with thoughts of escape. Because deep down, I knew: the more I surrendered to my family's plans, the further I drifted from the life I craved.

And with each word from my mother, I felt a familiar tug-a pull toward a future that didn't belong to me.

But what if I didn't have to stay? What if I could break free?

That thought lingered like a whisper, igniting a spark of rebellion in my heart, urging me to seek a path that was truly my own.