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Chapter 120 - New Beginning
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"Where are you headed?" Oliver asked as I packed the lunchbox and the food I placed inside.
"Are you taking that to him?" he asked again, which I just ignored. I heard him chuckle, so I gave him a sharp look."You know what? If you have nothing good to say, don't bother talking to me," I retorted. I almost threw the plate at him.He burst into laughter. "What? I'm not saying anything. I was just asking you a question.""You're mocking me. Don't put words in my mouth, Ols. You'll regret teasing me," I warned him.His laughter intensified, leaving me exasperated. After packing the food, I prepared to leave but noticed Oliver's serious expression as he looked at me, sipping water."I know. You don't need to remind me again. Mommy has reminded me numerous times," I said, guessing what he wanted to convey.He shrugged and hugged me. He took the lunchbox and walked out of the mansion with me. I suppose he's alsoRelated chapters
After This Night Chapter 121 - Date
"Yes. Dad wants to see you, so come. Aunt and uncle from the States are also coming. If you want, bring a date," Rusty said, glancing at me."A date? Fucking corny. Who would I bring? Plus, I thought it was just for dinner?" Arik asked, doing something on his phone."Yeah, it is, but bring someone along anyway. I've got a plus one. You might feel left out without a date.""Fuck you, Serrano! I can pull any woman I want if that's what your cocky attitude implies," Arik retorted. He's right. He's very right because he's still not free from the ghosts of his past relationships. Damn it."Just bring any woman you want, fucker," Rusty said, sitting in front of us.Arik looked up at him."Hmm. Can I bring Celeste instead? Since you said you've got someone. Won't you be jealous? She said she's not taken yet."My jaw dropped because of that. I saw Rusty's broad grin as he looked at me. When I glanced back at Arik, he was looking at me serious
After This Night Chapter 122 - Intensely
I bowed my head, averting my gaze to my trembling hand."But I want you to know that I'll be fine as long as you're happy with him. I can't ruin your relationship. Arik is still my best friend, he will always be. But, Celeste..."I immediately lifted my gaze to him when he abruptly took my hand. His bright, slanted eyes revealed a pleading and pained expression. They were filled with agony. He licked his lower lip and clicked his tongue, seemingly restraining himself."If the pain prevails over joy, please allow yourself to be happy. It's okay to take a break. Don't immediately think you're being selfish. We're just human beings after all," he said, gently squeezing my hand. I could feel his excessive care in that gesture.I was about to speak when Arik violently pulled Rusty's hand off me and quickly pulled me up."I told you to fuck off, didn't I? What do you want this time, huh? Are you seeking revenge through Celeste because
After This Night Chapter 123 - The Article
"You think you're being funny now, Celeste?""Arik, please . . . I want . . . more . . ." I moaned and tried to reach his face so I could finally kiss him.Seemingly understanding, he immediately captured my lips. My desire flared even more as I felt the electrifying intensity of his kiss once again. His kiss was like an ocean, deep and fiery. I was gradually losing myself!"You're mine. You've always been mine from the very start, and those bitches who tried to take you away from me will always fail. We're so damn good together," he affirmed."Really?" he said with a playful laugh. His voice was utterly raspy. "Say it clearly to me."All I could hear was the heavy breaths between us. The feeling was gradually building up inside me, about to burst at any moment, but I didn't let it. I wanted more! So intensely desiring what was happening, I slid down from the counter and knelt in front of him."Fuck, Celeste! What are you . . ."He didn't finish what he was about to say. I reached for
After This Night Chapter 124 - Life Full of Lies
"There's a video clip of Tatiana's interview during her shoot yesterday. She mentioned it," Kim answered.My mouth fell open. I was immediately filled with emotions upon hearing that. All the heat and irritation I felt rushed to my head."What the f***? What right does she have to say that in her interview when even one of Arik's relatives doesn't talk about it?" I cursed."Did you watch it? You should watch it. She said something else too," Aurora suggested, taking the phone from me and doing something on it.After a while, she handed it back to me, and the video clip of Tatiana's interview they referred to was on the screen, so I immediately played it."Well, our relationship has been a secret for a long time, and I'm here to tell my side…""Celeste Fuentebella is just his stand-in while I'm in another country. We have an open relationship, so I understand, but now that I'm here…""Arik didn't want to share this with the public because he wanted some privacy, but since our fans dese
After This Night Chapter 125 - Keep Waiting for You
My mouth fell open, and I instantly recalled that day she was talking about. It was the day I saw him in the restaurant when I was with Ariah.He saw me? Was that why he returned the next day?I saw how Tatiana's tough exterior seemed to crumble into pain. I could see the hurt in her eyes as if she were replaying that day in her mind.Suddenly, I felt remorseful. But her actions of spreading lies about me to get what she wanted still outweighed my sympathy."See? Looks like you still don't know everything about him. What kind of girlfriend are you?""Stop giving me that line, Tatiana. Arik made his decision that day to return to his family. It's not my fault he saw me that day.""That's why I freaking hate you to the core! I used to really want to know you! He talked about you a lot while he was with me! He always described how brave of a woman you were, and I admired you for that because I'm not that kind of woman! But after learning how much Arik loves you, even when you weren't by
After This Night Chapter 126 - A lady
"Really?" Arik's voice quivered. I gasped, trying to suppress my emotions."Why…""Because you always came back. Every time I wait, you always return even without certainty. That's what mommy taught me. That's what mommy does because she loves you so much, and I love you too," Ariah said clearly to her father.My knees began to shake. I didn't know how to react. It felt like I couldn't move from where I stood."Why, daddy? Are you going to leave us again? Where are you going then? Can mommy and I come with you?" Ariah innocently asked her father, unaware of the gravity of his words.This is about his illness. I didn't want to accept it, but a part of me felt that this was what he meant.I wanted to hate him for speaking like that, even though it might not happen, but I guess I'm the one who hasn't fully accepted the possibilities."I can't take you with me, baby. I'm sorry…" Arik muttered and leaned to kiss Ariah on her head."Don't you want to stay here? Why do you always want to lea
After This Night Chapter 127 - My Dearest
Her brown hair now cascades just below her ears since she left. Her beauty has become more apparent, and she seems to have gained some weight. She looks so mature now, yet still pretty.The realization struck me as I continued to stare at her. She resembles her father — our father. It's undeniable; she is a Yuchengco."Why did you let her in?" I asked Faye without taking my eyes off Isabella.She's currently seated in the living room, locked in eye contact with my daughter. Arik was unexpectedly present, watching me alongside Ariah. I didn't anticipate this, unsure of how to react.What is she doing here?"Sorry, Ma'am. She said she's your sister and has something important to tell you. I'm really sorry, Ma'am," Faye apologized, bowing before me.I sighed. This isn't the right time for unexpected visitors from the past. Damn it."It's fine, Faye. Just don't let it happen again. This is not safe," I reminded her and released her.I glanced at Isabella once more before approaching Arik
After This Night Chapter 128 - Forgive Me
I regret not choosing you. I regret directing all my hatred for your mom towards you. You suffered because of my intense resentment towards your mom. It's because you resemble your mom so much that every time I look into your eyes, I still feel the pain. I regret letting myself be blinded by malice and greed. I loved your mom so much that I couldn't accept you immediately.My love, my sweetheart, I'm so sorry for everything. It was my fault, my Celeste. It was all my fault, and I didn't get a chance to tell you everything you need to know because your daddy is a cowardly guy. I beg for your forgiveness, my princess.Forgive me because your daddy loved another woman. Forgive me because I left you hanging. Forgive me because I took away everything from you, even your reason to live. Forgive me because I made you endure repeatedly. Forgive me because I rejected you and deprived you of a father's love. Forgive me for everything, Celeste. I'm deeply grateful to the Fuentebellas for taking
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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
