Worry not—when the nail-biting, cliff-hanging episodes of “What Lies Beneath” consume your mind, find comfort in the heartwarming journey of Erica (Kaila Estrada) and Marco’s (Race Matias) romance.
Their blossoming relationship is a sight to behold, especially after witnessing how much Erica endures on her own—facing neglect from her mother, judgment from former best friends, and the immense pressure of maintaining a spotless record as a fearless lawyer.
Marco brings his own brand of pure love, never intending to fall for Erica after she saved him from wrongful imprisonment. Through their shared legal investigations and quiet moments of support, Marco learns to love a heart as strong and beautiful as Erica’s in these 11 unforgettable moments.
#1: Marco arrives just in time to be Erica’s anchor
During the tense period of Edong’s (Jake Cuenca) escape from Bagumbayan Prison, Erica deliberately provokes him on national TV, hoping he will target only her and avoid collateral damage.
Her bravery, however, doesn’t erase the fear she feels, and she remains especially cautious when going home and walking through her condominium’s parking area. Mistakenly, she pepper-sprays a fellow unit owner she believes might be Edong or a connected stalker—and that’s when Marco arrives.
Seeing how anxious Erica is over Edong’s next move, Marco insists on acting as her personal security, even though she insists she can handle things on her own.
#2: Erica and Marco’s lingering glances
Days after Edong’s escape and Erica’s publicized challenge, Marco shows up at her unit to update her on the tightened security measures. Erica thanks him but, true to form, insists he can go home.
Aware of the real danger Edong poses, Marco stands firm as her backup, urging her to rest while he keeps watch. Soon, the two share a silent stare, Marco’s concern for the fiercely independent Erica unmistakable.
#3: Marco steps in to defend Erica from an angry neighbor
On the same night that Edong’s false bomb scare and the revelation of a severed hand rocked Erica’s residence, hours after the chaos, Erica and Marco return to her unit.
With her mind preoccupied by Mel’s (Sue Ramirez) possible death—believing the hand might belong to her—Erica realizes she’s lost her keycard. Marco comes to the rescue, holding a duplicate.
Just as they’re about to enter, Erica’s neighbor confronts her, forcing her to pack up and leave. Wasting none of her remaining energy, Marco steps in, gently deflecting the situation and suggesting they continue their conversation tomorrow.
#4: Marco smiles proudly at Erica’s intellect
After returning from Amurao to discuss Edong with Alice (Janella Salvador), Beth (Charlie Dizon), and Mel, Marco accompanies Erica to her residence’s homeowners’ association session, as noted in the subpoena she received.
The members fail to evict Erica, as she defends her stay by pointing out that their own lifestyles could potentially endanger the lives of others as well.
At the end of her speech, she reassures everyone that police are stationed outside for their protection, which the members eventually accept. Throughout it all, Marco can be seen smiling, clearly in awe of Erica.
#5: Marco grows adorably flustered at the sight of Erica
In the aftermath of Edong’s bomb threat and Mel’s resurfacing—confirming she is indeed alive and that Edong had deceived everyone—Erica pays another visit to Alice’s house, with Beth and Mel once again present.
Their heated confrontation over Louisa’s (Mutya Orquia) possible secret lover stretches late into the night. Just as Erica is about to leave, she comes face-to-face with Althea (Andi Abaya), her half-sister, after 14 years of estrangement. Oblivious to Erica’s heartbreaking past with their mother, Althea asks her to meet with their mother.
Not long after the encounter, Marco assists a drunken Erica home as she rambles about the pain of seeing Althea again and the traumatic memories that resurface from years of her mother’s neglect.
As Erica changes her clothes, Marco grows flustered by the situation and turns his back. He manages to keep his composure even when Erica drunkenly turns him around to discuss the congressional hearing scheduled for the next day.
#6: Erica clings to Marco’s hand
Another moment that feels almost routine for the two unfolds as Marco guides Erica inside her home after yet another emotional drinking session, this time weighed down by guilt over Edong’s disappearance and presumed death reported in the news.
When Marco gently tries to pull away after Erica confesses that she couldn’t save either Louisa or Edong, she tightens her grip on his hand. Choosing to stay, Marco sits by her bedside until they both drift off to sleep.
#7: Erica and Marco’s quiet sparks
In the morning, after a tearful night, Erica wakes up to find Marco asleep on the floor, his head resting by her bedside. As Marco stirs awake, they meet eye to eye—almost kissing before both turn away.
#8: Marco leaves with a hint of jealousy
During one of their usual drinking sessions, Erica shares a mix of thoughts with Marco—from her conversation with Althea, where she asks for no reconnection, to the good Samaritan who saved her life after she left Amurao, and the latest leads in Louisa’s case. Amid it all, Marco asks if they’re okay with each other, a question that leaves Erica confused.
With the uncertainty hanging in the air, Marco gets up to grab another drink. In his absence, one of Erica’s colleagues from the legal field takes his seat—initially congratulating her, then boldly inviting her out for a private night. When Erica agrees, Marco walks away in frustration.
#9: Marco confronts Erica for pushing everyone away
Immediately after uncovering the cold “Lost Beauconeras” case, Marco brings up his encounter with Althea to Erica, sharing how she wanted to apologize for pushing the idea of reconciliation with their mother.
Marco suggests that Erica consider opening communication with Althea, pointing out that she was never responsible for the pain in her past. Still raw from the sting of her recent meeting with Althea, Erica snaps. She stresses that she likes working with Marco because their lives felt like they belonged only to them, free from meddling—especially from each other.
Though visibly hurt, Marco responds that people who insist on being alone are often lying to themselves about not wanting someone by their side.
#10: Marco catches Erica
After receiving a desperate call from Chloe (Jewel Milag) pleading for help, Erica rushes into the forest, where Beth’s life may be in danger amid accusations from Angelo (Marlo Mortel) and Liezel (Mary Joy Apostol).
In her haste, Erica nearly slips—but Marco, right behind her as always, catches her just in time.
#11: Erica and Marco share a blissful kiss
At one of their usual bar and investigation sessions, where Erica discusses the confusing details of Louisa’s case—now proving Angelo and Liezel innocent—she unexpectedly runs into her mother, Annette (Sharmaine Suarez).
They talk for a while, with Annette pleading for Erica not to contact Althea, insisting it’s for the sake of their mother-daughter relationship. In disbelief, Erica walks away, soon breaking down in front of Marco, hurt that her mother, after all these years, hadn’t even apologized.
At first, Erica refuses Marco’s hug, but realizing she needs comfort, she finally accepts the embrace. Hours later, they sit side by side, Erica apologizing for being harsh about their personal boundaries, and Marco gently assuring her that she can be human with him.
With their genuine feelings connecting, they lean in for a long, tender kiss.
Feel the sparks fly as Erica and Marco’s romance blossoms in “What Lies Beneath,” weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, ALLTV2, and iWant.