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Chapter 56 - The Chase
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"Mommy, where's Daddy? Is he coming here with us?"
That's the very first question Ariah asked me as we arrived in San Rafael. We hadn't even rested yet, and she had just woken up.I avoided her gaze and started arranging our things in the cupboard there."He's uh… He needs to work, baby. Maybe he'll come another day." I bit my lower lip. This was the first time I had lied to her."Really? I thought he's not, huh. Should we wait for him here?" She asked again.I looked at Ariah, sitting on the bed while hugging that unicorn. She was still rubbing her eyes, seeming a bit sleepy."We'll wait for him here, sweetheart. Are you still sleepy?""Yes, Mommy.""Then sleep. I'll wake you up when it's time to eat, okay?"I waited for Ariah to fall asleep again in our room before I went out. Benj and Sarah were in the adjacent room.I gazed at the vast grounds of Caza de Fuente. It had been a long time since I left this place. I didn't know back then that the FuenteRelated chapters
After This Night Chapter 57 - What’s the Catch?
I quickly ran back to Caza to find Benj. I was almost tripping over myself due to panic, as I felt a different kind of unease."Benj! Benjamin!" I shouted as I entered the house.Benj immediately came out of the kitchen, looking puzzled as he approached me."What the... What's wrong? Why were you shouting?""It's Arik... Arik, he's coming here...""And?""Something happened. He mentioned it while we were talking on the phone. Like... Like something happened while he was driving. He mentioned some people. I don't know! Let's go to him!" I rambled to him in panic, even though I didn't really know what was happening."Okay, Celeste, you need to calm down and tell me exactly what happened. Where is Arik? And who's chasing him?""I don't know! I just heard a commotion! It sounded like a collision, and then he yelled and cursed at them. It was all vague! I couldn't understand. Can we just go please? Maybe we'll run into him. He said he'll be here in a few minutes.
After This Night Chapter 58 - Critical
I never thought that this would happen to me. I've heard about scenarios like this before, especially among the wealthy, but I never imagined it could happen to me.Arik hid five years ago to escape from Yumi and her parents. She even wanted to become pregnant with his child so that he couldn't escape her and their only issue would be the marriage. How could she do that? She knows me. She knew that I'm Arik's current girlfriend when we met at Oliver's office, but she didn't say anything. She was so professional. And a bitch."I want to transfer my mom's case to another lawyer, Ols. Is that possible?"I heard him let out a sigh on the other end."Why so sudden? I thought everything was fine."I truly believed he already knew about this, but it seems he didn't. Well, Arik did tell me that only a few people knew about this because he disappeared even before their engagement became public."I don't want that woman to handle my mom's case anymore. I don't trust her."
After This Night Chapter 59 - Our Father
"We just arrived here with Benj. Will you be fine there? How's Ariah doing?"Arik immediately called me as soon as I texted him that we had reached the city and were heading straight to the hospital.Mom was devastated, and we still couldn't talk to her properly. Benj was by her side, trying to comfort her, but she remained with Dad as we waited for him to wake up.Apparently, Mom was blaming herself for what had happened. She felt that if she hadn't insisted on going to the Percepta Tower earlier, this wouldn't have happened. Her decision to not accompany Dad also added to her guilt."She's fine. She and Sarah are eating at the hotel restaurant right now. She said she'll pray for her grandfather. How about you? How are you? How's your Mom and Dad?" Arik's concerned questions flowed.I sat beside Oliver outside Dad's room."She thinks it was her fault. We haven't been able to talk to her yet, Arik. Dad hasn't woken up.""Do you know what happened
After This Night Chapter 60 - Karma
"Both of us are suffering and grieving here! Both of us are waiting for our fathers to wake up, so don't direct all your resentment and anger at me! Mom has been missing for over a week now! I don't know where she is. I am fucking busy dealing with my own life right now, so leave me the fuck alone!" She yelled at me, her voice echoing through the hallway. I could feel her pain and anguish in her words, especially when tears welled up in her eyes, though she quickly wiped them away and let out a sarcastic laugh."Oh, how unfortunate this is..." She muttered, cursing multiple times."We are both suffering and grieving here for our fathers, but the funny thing here is the man fighting for his life right now is also your father..." She trailed off and looked at me with disgust."But you don't care even the slightest bit. Maybe these things happening to you now, Celeste Koa, are karma."That was the last thing Isabella said to me before she shut me off. I couldn't move for a
After This Night Chapter 61 - The Mistress
"You have no idea what I've done for your father, so you have no right to speak to me like that!" She yelled, full of resentment."You know, Celeste, you know just a fraction compared to the whole truth. You even reopened that cunning woman's case, huh? Why? Because of the evidence handed to you by the Riofloridas and the Fuentebellas?""It's because they're more believable than you! You were my dad's mistress! You did everything to remove Mommy from her position, and you took her place as the wife and queen of the Yuchengcos! You're too greedy. You're too hungry and thirsty for love and wealth because you've never experienced it, not once!" I exclaimed, painfully recovering from her slap.My teeth were gritted, and I cursed multiple times."You deliberately got pregnant by dad! You planned everything and succeeded! You and your best friend, William Johnsons, right? You kidnapped Mom, took her to Aomori, and killed her there, right? Tell me that the accusations against y
After This Night Chapter 62 - Almost
"They're still looking for her until now. She was no longer in the place where the accident happened. I'm sure she's hiding somewhere else," Aurora said as she talked to Kim and Oliver. "That fucking old woman.""How can she be implicated in what happened to Celeste? Arik is still in a coma. He's the only witness to what really happened, whether she was pushed by that old woman or not."I turned away from their direction. I didn't want to hear that. I can't bear to hear what they're saying. All that's on my mind right now is Arik's condition.My daughter Ariah is still upset because of what happened. She couldn't be with her dad for long since children aren't allowed in the ICU.She couldn't stop crying when she found out what happened to her dad. And it breaks my heart just thinking about it."Celeste," Oliver called me.I ignored him."Celeste, there's someone who wants to talk to you. I'll leave you two alone.""W-who?" I stuttered, still not looking at hi
After This Night Chapter 63 - Mute
To Aurora: Just for a little while. I just want to see him, Au. Please.From Aurora: Celeste, what you're saying isn't possible. Have you forgotten your last encounter with Arik? If we hadn't been there, he might have pushed you away.To Aurora: I won't show myself to him. I just want to see him. I miss him so much. Please.From Aurora: God, you're so stubborn. If Oliver finds out about this, he'll be mad at me.To Aurora: He won't find out.Aurora: Wait for me there!A few minutes passed before Aurora arrived. Fortunately, Oliver wasn't home, and everyone was already asleep. We quickly sneaked out towards the bar where Arik was. I took out my phone and typed there before showing it to Aurora.How did you know he's at the bar? Who's with him?"Someone from his staff told me. They all decided to go out, and he went along. Yumi is with him too," she said, causing me to freeze.My hands trembled. I felt like I couldn't speak even more.Yumi, the only woman he remembers for some unknown r
After This Night Chapter 64 - Clinging to His Arm
Every day, Ariah talks to me and tries to help me speak, but all I can managed were nods and gestures. The guilt that pierces my heart grows deeper with each passing day because I feel like she's suffering more because of my condition.If it were up to me, I'd want to speak again immediately, as if the world suddenly stopped because of what happened.I've been absent from work for weeks because of this. I've been unable to fulfill my responsibilities properly. Although I learned basic sign language, it still isn't enough. It's not satisfying."Just let me know if there's any change in your condition, even a slight one. I'll be on my way now." She bid me farewell. I signed my thanks to her before she left.I remained there for a few more minutes until Mom suddenly took a seat next to me.She looked more relaxed compared to the past few weeks because Dad has woken up. We're also relieved that the case against Victoria is progressing since Dad has given his sta
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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
