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Chapter 62 - Almost
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"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 hiRelated chapters
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
After This Night Chapter 65 - Desperate
"Mommy, when will Daddy come back to us. Is he still on vacation?" Ariah asked me while I looked at the large mirror in our room.I could see her reflection beside me, brushing the hair of her doll.As much as I wanted to answer her, I wished I could tell her the truth, but I couldn't. What if I told her, and it only confused her more? How would I explain everything to her when I couldn't speak?She lifted her gaze to me and handed me her notebook. I took it and quickly wrote down just enough for her to understand each word.It will take some time, baby. Hopefully, things will get better, and he'll be back with us soon. Don't lose hope, okay?I saw her furrow her brow as she read what I wrote. After a while, she looked at me again and hugged me tightly."I understand, Mom. I know you're also having a hard time because he's not here now. I'm here, though. While Daddy is away, I'll be strong for you."I gasped when I heard her say that. I qu
After This Night Chapter 66 - Beg For You
I love everything about Arik. It isn't easy being in love with him and not being able to express or even say it to him.And looking at him like this right now, with an unknown anger very visible in his eyes, is the most painful thing I've experienced. It's even more painful than when I found out it would take a while before I can speak again."How do you know about that guy? Is he also one of the men you're choosing now to save yourself from your family's mess?" He continued questioning me about various things that I couldn't comprehend.Right. He doesn't remember even Rusty.Sometimes, I wonder if this has something to do with the rumors Yumi has been spreading about me to him.I can't help but wonder what exactly Yumi told him to make him this angry at me, as if I've committed some grave offense against him, enough to insult me like this.Arik chuckled and continued to puff on his cigarette. I stepped away slightly to avoid the smoke."Right. You
After This Night Chapter 67 - Permanently
"Tell them my name. The full name. Quickly!""Let me go first. You've been at it since earlier!" Kim interjected, stopping Aurora and stepping forward."Tell them how beautiful I am, Celeste." She instructed me.I just stared at the two of them like they were crazy. They've been asking me to do this since a while ago, and I can't tell if they're messing with me or genuinely happy for me."Y-you both can leave now," I stammered with my still shaky voice.They both clapped their hands in excitement, shouting even louder. I'm not sure if we're audible outside my office, and I'd be embarrassed if we were."Oh my God! Oh my God! It's true! You can talk again! Damn, Celeste! I'm so happy for you!" Aurora exclaimed with joy, bounding over to me to give me a hug."You're acting like an idiot! She attended a meeting earlier, you know. What more proof do you need?" Kim teased her and approached me for a hug as well. We ended up in a group hug."But I'm
After This Night Chapter 68 - Last Kiss
As I opened the conversation after a few minutes of silence during our journey, I asked, "Why does Yumi so casual to you? Are you close?"He glanced at me briefly and shrugged."She's our family lawyer. Actually, you're the only one who calls me by my last name often," he explained, surprising me."Huh? Why? Don't you like your last name?""It's not like that. I just hate it some time, that's all."I winced. "So, I'm forbid to call you by your last name then?"Rusty tilted his head to the side to look at me. "It's up to you, Celeste. Anything goes."I nodded and smiled. "Alright then."Somehow, I'm starting to like the budding friendship between us. He's a good coworker and friend.One might need to chase him, given his strong appeal and handsome looks."Where are we going again?" he asked, nudging me as I seemed lost in thought."Mother Theresa Hospital.""Who are you visiting there? Do you have a check-up today?" he conti
After This Night Chapter 69 - Final Message
From Rusty: Let me know when you're going. I'll come with you, Celeste.From Rusty: Please take care.I smiled at the message from Rusty. I quickly replied and then headed to Ariah's room. I found her there, writing quietly at her small study table, her unicorn beside her. When I looked at what she was writing, it seemed to be a journal."Is my baby busy?" I playfully asked as I sat down on the floor near her.She glanced at me and gave a subtle smile. "I'm writing my diary, Mommy.""Wow, you never told me you have a diary."She paused in her writing and adjusted her long, curly hair."I'll give you this when I finish filling up this whole notebook," she said. I smiled and nodded.I stared at her for a moment. She looks so much like me, but she inherited her eyes from Arik. They have the same eye color and shape—almond-shaped—so when she's angry, sulking, or sad, she resembles her father."I
After This Night Chapter 70 - Dearest
"When are you leaving? I heard you're being assigned to another place," Oliver asked as we began to eat.I was busy arranging Ariah's food, who was sitting quietly beside me, listening to their conversation.Rusty being assigned to another place? Makes sense. It's common for the kind of work he does. He's a renowned engineer. Even more popular among women. It's surprising too because I thought he wouldn't stay this long in the country, but he's been here for months now."I declined that project. When did you and Maki start talking again?" Rusty chuckled."Your sister is my girlfriend's business partner. Don't be so surprised.""Mommy, I want more mac 'n cheese." Ariah whispered to me shyly, so I turned my attention to her.She had finished the mac 'n cheese I put on her plate, so I chuckled at how fast she was eating."I'll get you—""Here, Ariah."I was taken aback when Rusty put more mac 'n cheese on Ariah's plate. He moved so qui
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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
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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
