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
I wonder how Arik would react if he were lucid right now. Rusty is extremely concerned just by the idea of me talking to Esmeralda, how much more Arik?After watching, Arik suddenly went up to our room. I quickly bid farewell to Aurora and hurriedly went upstairs.I found Arik on the terrace. It's almost 8 pm. Ariah has been sound asleep since earlier; she's exhausted from her PE class. Her demeanor remains the same when her father is around—distant and seemingly afraid.I wanted to do something about it, but then I realized, like me, my daughter might need her own time.I approached Arik quietly. He didn't even look at me, which he used to do whenever he felt my presence. If there were miracles in people's lives, I'd wish for one to happen to us."Hey, are you alright?" I asked him, even though I knew he wouldn't answer me."I guess you heard me talking about your aunt. I'm sorry, Arik. I know I disrespected her, but I just can't take her words. I can't accept the hurtful things she
"Calm down, Mom. She just talked to me about Arik. About returning the company to him. That's it. Why does everyone act like you're afraid of her?" I couldn't help but ask.Her gaze hardened, and she shook her head."Who said I'm scared of that evil witch? I just don't want that woman meddling with you. You don't know how she thinks, Celeste, so you better steer clear. What did she say to you?""She just gave me a condition regarding Arik's condition. She wanted me to give up on him. Of course, I won't do that. I told her to leave us alone because she might be the one to go first..." My response to Mom was almost automatic, and I found myself staring into nothingness.Maybe that woman is truly a witch, an evil spawn, based on what Aurora said about her involvement in Rusty's sibling's death.Could she be the reason Arik couldn't do anything to save the child back then?Soon after, I heard Mommy's laughter beside me, so I turned to look at her."Oh, Celeste, darling. We didn't make a m