"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
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
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
"Dad granted it, Ce, but if you ask me, I'm not comfortable with this idea of yours. Percepta is known for its high-class buildings and towers. What's with this sudden involvement with the gun industry?" His forehead creased with worry.I almost laughed at his expression, but I felt it wasn't the right time for that. He's genuinely concerned, and joking might not be well-received now. He's serious, and if I tease, he might get upset. Not that I'm afraid."Then it's a deal, right? I'll get the contract for you to sign—""Celeste, I want to know why first," Rusty interrupted with a cold tone.My mouth hung open as I saw his stern face. It seemed like the longer he stayed in my office, the harder his expression became. What's with him? I'm starting to get irritated."I told you already, Rusty. I thought it was clear to you before you accepted.""I'm still wondering why..."When Dad first presented this matter to me, I was surprised and puzzled too. As far as I know, Mom doesn't like this
My heart sank, the weight of his words pressing down on me."How much time...?" I hesitated, unable to form the question fully."It's hard to predict with certainty," he replied gently. "Each case is unique. We'll do our best to support Arik and manage his symptoms, but it's important to prepare for the challenges ahead."As the reality settled in, I nodded, my eyes fixed on Arik's still form. The room felt smaller, the future uncertain, and the fragility of memories became painfully apparent.The doctor's words hung heavy in the air, a suffocating truth that wrapped around my heart. I felt a lump forming in my throat, and an ache spread through my chest.The room seemed to close in, and I struggled to maintain composure as the doctor outlined the harsh reality of Arik's condition."I'm so sorry, Celeste," he said, his voice a distant echo as he explained the limited options and the inevitable fading of Arik's memories.As he abruptly left the room, I was left alone with the weight of
Aurora grinned, "Great! Now, how about the music? A live band or a DJ?"I pondered for a moment, then replied, "Maybe a live band for a touch of elegance. What do you both think?"Kim nodded, "Perfect choice. And what about the color scheme? Any specific hues you're leaning towards?"I automatically paused in responding to Kim when my gaze once again shifted to Arik. His distant look hinted at profound thoughts. Slowly, my smile faded as realization struck me.Oh, right..."Why? Are you okay?" Aurora nudged me."Our wedding will be postponed. I forgot to mention it to you," my response lacked conviction as I turned to both of them. I could see the surprise etched on their faces."What? Why?" Kim asked, confusion evident."As if you didn't know. We can't push our wedding through because of his condition. Maybe later..." I trailed off and sighed. Or maybe not at all..."But what if he agrees, right? He agreed to live here with you. If you can talk to him about it and..."I didn't let Au
"Oh. So you want to go horse riding again? Is that it?" I inquired again, but still received no answer.Should I continue this? Should I keep asking even if I'm not getting any answers? Because as I persist, it feels like my strength to pretend in front of him is slowly fading. Why does this have to happen?As Arik's condition prolongs and worsens, the number of questions in my mind that seem to go unanswered grows. Until now, I haven't grasped anything.We fought so hard to reach this level. We fought together. We came from war. I almost died multiple times, and so did he. We always used to win. We always used to overcome all the problems thrown at us, but why is it so difficult when it comes to this?"Arik..." I called out as he suddenly stopped walking.We're in the middle of the farm. The barn, where the horses are kept, is still far from us. I glanced at it and saw Daddy with his favorite horse, Abbadon, alongside Mom. I smiled bitterly."Do you want to stay here? It's okay since
The next day, after taking care of Ariah and Arik, I headed straight to the office. While I wish I could be with Arik 24/7 and take care of him, his demeanor is changing slowly. He doesn't want people around him. He stays in his room all day.It's something I fear.As much as I try to ignore his illness, I can't. I see its effects on us, especially on Ariah. She's becoming afraid to approach her father. I feel like it's not just Arik who's slowly slipping away from us; even the family we've built is starting to crumble."Good morning, Ma'am Celeste. Someone is waiting for you in your office," Pau greeted me in the hallway."Huh? Do I have a meeting today?""No, but she said she knows you."I hurriedly went to the office to see who it was. I had no one in mind. Who could it be?As soon as I entered, I saw a woman with her back turned to me. She was standing, gazing out of the French window with a view of the entire city. I stared at her. I don't know her. I can't recognize her.Usually
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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