LOGINShare
Announcement
Last Updated:
2024-03-07 15:00:05As Mom and Dad made their way to the stage, the crowd's attention shifted towards them. They briefly exchanged more stories and conversations with Aurora and me amidst the bustling crowd.
But when Mom and Dad reached the stage, everyone's gaze was immediately drawn to them. The room fell into a hushed silence, waiting for them to speak or make an announcement.
I could feel a mixture of anticipation and pride welling up within me as I watched my parents take center stage. They were the epitome of grace and power, commanding attention with their mere presence.
I knew that whatever they were about to say or do would have a significant impact on the evening's proceedings.
The sound of a microphone being tapped draws everyone's attention to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please." The crowd turns towards the stage, their curiosity piqued with what Dad said.
Beaming, Mom took the other microphone and looks at me.
Related chapters
After This Night Vengeful Sight
I was completely focused on him, hearing the whispers of everyone around while they looked at him and waited for what he would say. Even his father and other members of Rioflorida seemed surprised by his sudden appearance.It's as if nothing happened. When Liam told me about his disappearance, I immediately searched online for news about it and found out that he really vanished into thin air.He didn't even attend his mother's private funeral. He ghosted everyone, including his family's companies and several businesses.And now that he's here in front of everyone, effortlessly capturing everyone's attention, with camera flashes from the media all around, I couldn't help but wonder, what caused his sudden comeback.And what was the reason behind his sudden disappearance back then?"Good evening, everyone. I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that I am now taking control and managing several businesses under the Rioflorida Group of Companies
Last Updated : 2024-03-08After This Night Now Ready
"Don't worry. I won't do anything. I didn't come back for revenge because I'm not that kind of person. You can have everything to yourself, Isabella. After all, all of that is just scraps to me. Swallow it whole if you want." I said dismissively to her and quickly left the place when I noticed Arik getting closer to our direction.I went straight to the private suite in the tower instead of going home to visit Ariah. I felt exhausted when I arrived on that floor, even though I only stayed briefly at the event because of what happened.It felt like I released a lot of emotions today, but I didn't let anyone see that. Consequently, my fatigue seemed to double.But right after I saw her, running towards me while holding her unicorn stuffed toy, all the pain and weariness in my heart disappeared, replaced immediately by joy and contentment."Mommy!" Ariah cheered and hugged me. I quickly knelt down and welcomed her embrace. "You're quick. Uncle Benj said you'
Last Updated : 2024-03-09After This Night My Father
The boardroom is filled with high-ranking executives and investors seated around a large polished table. A sense of anticipation fills the air as I, stands at the head of the table, ready to deliver my closing remarks, while feeling the intense gaze of Arik piercing my soul.A projector screen displays impressive financial charts and projections."Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed investors, thank you for your unwavering support and faith in our vision. Today marks an important milestone in our journey together." I declared and stood up.The room buzzes with anticipation as the investors lean forward, eager to hear my final words."We've faced numerous challenges, yet through sheer determination and collaboration, we have emerged stronger than ever. Our innovation has set new industry standards, and our financial performance speaks for itself."A wave of pride washes over the faces of the executives as they exchange glances, silently acknowledgi
Last Updated : 2024-03-10After This Night Never Again
There, I found Arik sitting on the visitor's couch. His secretary and his cousin Spiker were no longer with him."Our meeting finished a while ago, Mr. Rioflorida. Why are you still here?" I asked as I took a seat across from him.He adjusted himself subtly, his expression lighting up upon seeing me. I couldn't help but stare at him.His haircut was neatly done. It was still somewhat long, but not as long as when I first saw him at the restaurant. He tied it in a clean man-bun. He no longer had his mustache, and his attire was also well put together.It was like a different Arik sitting in front of me now. Just last week, he looked miserable and weighed down by problems, but now his face seemed refreshed.He's indeed handsome. I couldn't help but notice how much he resembled Ariah. Damn it."Celeste," he muttered, as if rehearsing my name, which made me slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. "I'm sorry for taking your time. I just wanted to
Last Updated : 2024-03-11After This Night Exception
To Arik: I won't be able to make it, Mr. Rioflorida. I have an emergency at home. "Thought you had plans tonight?" Oliver greeted me as I descended to get some water. I ignored him and headed for the fridge. "I put Ariah to sleep. It's not that important," I replied. I didn't bother waiting for Arik's response to my text because I had no intention of going anyway. It was late, and I didn't want to waste my time on him when I should be focusing on Ariah. Besides, why did he want to talk at night? "Are you sure? It might be important," he continued teasing, so I looked at him. He had a slight smirk on his lips, clearly teasing me. "He could've set an appointment if it's really important," I answered, taking a seat on the high chair at the kitchen island and glancing at him. His meaningful smirk was still there. "What's with that smirk? You're so annoying," I remarked. Oliver burst into laughter,
Last Updated : 2024-03-11After This Night Other Man
Oliver looked at me with malice. "Do you have a meeting with Florida INC. or just a personal meeting with the owner?" "Knock it off, Ol. Let's talk later." "Wait," he interrupted and turned to my secretary. "Please, let him in, Paula." "What? Wait—" I didn't continue what I was about to say because Oliver quickly walked out of his office. I noticed Isabella standing up and approaching me. "So, you're hooking up with him again?" She commented with disgust. I looked at her. "What?" "You're hooking up with Arik again? After I told you that you have no place in his life before? Is that how desperate you are to get everything you want? The Fuentebellas, and now the Riofloridas." She accused me confidently, almost making me laugh. I sighed, "If you only knew, Isabella, you can't say that to me now." I whispered as Oliver and Arik arrived. I gasped when Arik's radiant and handsome face greeted me. That tattoo on his ne
Last Updated : 2024-03-12After This Night See You Later
"Mommy, what does my grandfather look like?" Until now, I can't get Ariah's question out of my mind before I left the house earlier. I have no idea why it suddenly popped into her head. I wanted to think that she was referring to Papa Henry, but no, she was referring to my father—Armando Yuchengco, the founder of the Yuchengco clan, who is currently undergoing treatment for his kidney illness. "What's his condition like? Is it severe?" Kim asked as she sat down, carrying our orders from the counter. Aurora looked at her and smirked. "Why would Celeste be interested in his condition? Unless she wants to help him with his illness," Aurora sarcastically remarked. I suddenly remembered Oliver's question to me last night. "Oliver just mentioned that he needs a kidney transplant. I'm not sure of the full details. I don't intend to find out either," I replied and started eating. They invited me for lunch because Kim had just returned
Last Updated : 2024-03-12After This Night Dinner
I suddenly noticed Liam's arrival as he planted a direct kiss on my cheek. He looked serious and seemed to have something important to say. "What happened to you?" I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, as we both sat down in the visitor's area of my office. Liam's jaw was clenched. He appeared furious. What the hell? "Liam," I called him out when it seemed like he didn't notice me. "You know your father--uh, no, The Yuchengco is our partner, right?" he began, muttering a curse under his breath. I was taken aback upon hearing that name. "And?" I asked. "Dad made a deal with him. I swear, Celeste, I didn't want to agree to it, but you know Dad. Fuck it!" he blurted out, clearly frustrated. "Just tell me, Liam. What is going on?" He muttered some more curses before looking at me, as if seeking forgiveness. "Dad might call you for dinner tonight. The Yuchengco will be there. I'm not sure what it's about, b
Last Updated : 2024-03-13
Latest chapter
After This Night The End
My beloved Celeste Koa,Hi, baby. I know that at this moment, you're crying and hurting deeply. I promised that I wouldn't make you cry anymore, but I repeatedly failed, so please forgive me.Forgive me because I was a coward to face you. Forgive me because, in the end, my courage wasn't enough to fight for you and our child. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to tell you that I'm tired.I'm so tired, but I don't want to give up. I don't want to die. I don't want to leave you, but I can't do anything.When they told me that my memories would return soon, that was the sign that I would soon be gone. I wanted to tell you, my love. I wished to tell you because I wanted you to stay by my side until the end, but I felt like I was being too selfish. I couldn't bear to see you hurt and crying anymore.So forgive me if I did everything to make you hate me. I did everything to make it easier for you to accept that I'm no longer here. So that you wouldn't be hurt too much.But I was wr
After This Night Chapter 150 - Last Kiss
And what does he call what I'm feeling now? Easy? Is this easier for him? He died without me by his side. He died without me knowing his final wishes. He died without me knowing his last words.He died without us, without his daughter by his side.How do I tell this to Ariah? How do I explain everything to her? Why did he have to do this? I can't understand.I caught my breath as I tried to pull myself back from the darkness. In the midst of my sobbing and wailing, Rusty came to pick me up and hug me. When I looked at him, he was also crying. A sign that he knew nothing about what happened."Celeste, I'm so sorry. Please forgive us..." Tito Isaiah muttered. "My son... It was his wish not to let you know everything. If it were up to me, I would have told you about his last day, but he didn't want that, and I couldn't do anything."My hands trembled. I sobbed again. I covered my mouth and screamed in anguish. Rusty held me tightly to prevent me from collapsing."If only I could have tol
After This Night Chapter 149 - Whites
He had a serious expression as he stood up and approached me. He helped me put on my necklace."I'm with her, Au. If you want, you can come too. Once she's satisfied enough, then we'll bring her home immediately," Rusty convinced her.Aurora just rolled her eyes, almost losing the color in them."You're spoiling her too much, Rusty. I don't know about you two," she said, grabbing her bag. "But I'm coming along, even if you don't say so."After that, Aurora stormed out. I could feel her anger, and I understood it because she just wanted to protect me. I was also frustrated with myself for not being able to give in to the people around me.It's just that I feel like I need this. I need to witness firsthand that there's really no hope left for us to reconcile. I need to see that so I have nothing left to hold on to."Hey..." Rusty called me.He turned from behind me and faced me. His eyes showed deep concern as they glistened."Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked carefully.I bit
After This Night Chapter 148 - Invitation
When I exited, I used the service elevator as Paula said he was waiting in the parking lot. As I arrived, I immediately spotted him. He was standing, facing his car, talking on his phone. I could hear his voice clearly."I don't want to force her. I'm not expecting anything, but if she agrees to this, then okay. I'll be happy. It's for her too," he said to the person on the other end.Who was he talking to, and what were they discussing?I remained standing behind him. He was too focused on his conversation, probably not sensing my presence."I hope she agrees. I've been wanting to ask her about this since last week. I'm just looking for the right time—idiot, Ru! Fool! That's why you still don't have a girlfriend because you're a shy son of a bitch!" he exclaimed to his friend, Ruru.I couldn't help but burst into laughter at that. After a while, he ended the call and slowly turned to face me. I could clearly see how his soul briefly left him in shock when he saw me."Celeste! You sta
After This Night Chapter 147 - Close to You
I hugged Ariah, and I almost teared up. "Very good, baby! I'm so proud of you. Whatever the result of your exam, mommy will always be proud of you, always remember that, okay?""I love you, mommy. I'm happy that you're back," she whispered to me, causing me to pause."Because of that, we're going to have a little outing! Right, mommy?" Rusty cheered again, so I looked at him."Am I already your child, and is that how you address me?" I teased him.He just smirked and approached Ariah. "Don't mind your grumpy mommy. Where do you want to go?"I returned to my desk to organize my things while still hearing their conversation."Alright. Mall it is. What my little unicorn wants, my little unicorn gets," Rusty said playfully to my daughter, and I glanced at him.He stood up from kneeling and looked at me. I smiled at him and mouthed thank you. He just approached me and hugged me tightly, including Ariah."I love you both. A lot," he whispered.It was already late when we arrived at the mall
After This Night Chapter 146 - Take a Chance on Me
When he finished, he headed straight to me and sat down beside me."Your voice is amazing! You could be a dancer now!" Kim shouted at him, and everyone cheered.I just stared at him, amused by his participation in the banter."That's my hidden talent," he said."I wish you had hidden it instead," Oliver joked, and they all laughed again.When their banter subsided, he finally turned his gaze to me. I gave him a restrained smile, unable to explain my emotions.All I knew was, he is too good for me, and I am too bad for him."You were amazing," I whispered in a low voice, taking a sip of the beer in my hand before grabbing another. "I need to go to the bathroom," I excused myself when I felt a wave of nausea due to excessive nervousness.I heard Rusty calling out to me, but I ignored him. I went straight to the bathroom and threw up repeatedly, followed by another round of silent sobbing.I didn't know the reason. I didn't know why. I just wanted to cry because it felt like my heart was
After This Night Chapter 145 - In Any Ways
I couldn't control my emotions when I briefly saw her behind the large doors of the church. I gasped as I witnessed how beautiful she looked in her wedding gown. Happiness radiated from her eyes as she slowly marched towards the front. Toward Noah."Gods. It makes me want to get married too," I heard Aurora whisper, so I nudged her."Then accept Oliver's proposal already," I said, redirecting my attention to Kim."Okay, later," she replied, and we both laughed.When Kim reached our seats, she began to cry, and we couldn't help but cry along with her. She couldn't even continue walking, so Noah quickly came to escort her down the aisle, and everyone applauded.Throughout the ceremony, I just gazed at Him. I couldn't help but silently pray. I hoped that everything would be okay after this. That I could fully accept what happened between Arik and me.It was so hard. Starting over was so difficult, but every time I remembered how Ariah begged me while crying, my heart shattered. I always
After This Night Chapter 144 - Without Me
"Are you okay, Celeste?" he asked me gently, about to approach me, so I spoke up immediately."Don't you dare," I sternly replied, looking him in the eyes.Pain flashed in his eyes, intensifying my emotions. Is this real? Is he playing with me?"I just want to check on you...""Leave."My anger was barely contained, and I averted my gaze from him."I don't want to see you again. Leave, and don't show yourself to me again."It seemed like my heart wanted to take back those words, so I quickly closed my mouth and glanced at Rusty. He was just looking at me, concern evident in his eyes."Celeste-""What the hell are you doing here, moron?"I swiftly turned at the speaker, and that's when I saw Dad and Mom entering. Benjamin was behind them, marching towards me.I saw Arik glance at Dad. I suddenly felt afraid for him, but I couldn't do anything anymore. Why did he even come?"Mr. Fuentebella, I'm just here to check on Celeste—""And why? Can't you see that she's not okay? And what's next
After This Night Chapter 143 - Her Plea
Life is so mercilessly relentless, and that's what makes grieving hard. The world keeps on spinning, and after every sleepless night, the sun still rises.Even when you want to die, there are people who will persistently try to save you from the death you've long desired.I stared blankly at the ceiling in the room where I found myself, slowly recalling the memories of what I did before losing consciousness. What am I doing here again? Why am I still here?I slowly roamed my eyes throughout the entire room, and there, I saw the bandage wrapped around my pulse. There were traces of blood. What happened?Who fucking saved me?"Celeste..."I turned slowly to the one calling my name, and Aurora quickly appeared before me. I suddenly remembered that she was the last person I saw, and her loud scream was the last thing I heard.She saved me. She wanted me to live, so she rescued me. Why?"How are you? Is there still pain?" She asked me, trying to calm herself, but I could clearly see the th
