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Chapter 69 - Final Message
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2024-10-29 19:42:56From 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."IRelated chapters
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
After This Night Chapter 71 - Missing You
"Why did you bring me here?" I asked him as we entered his condo, which used to be our place of residence.The whole condo was dark. The only source of light was the lamp shade in the living room and the dim light in the kitchen."We just need to talk. Why do you not want to be here? Isn't this where we used to live?"I quickly turned to look at him upon hearing that. I couldn't believe what he said. I couldn't even see his expression clearly in the darkness where he was standing. But I could sense the heaviness and the dark aura around him."What are you talking about? Is this some kind of joke?""I saw this condo in my dreams... with you in it," he muttered.My shoulders slumped. He still hadn't remembered everything. Despite my efforts to hold myself back, that was the first thought that crossed my mind when he brought me here – maybe he's starting to remember. Maybe his memories are coming back.But no. I could feel it, he h
After This Night Chapter 72 - Affair
Arik: Why do you always leave whenever something happens between us? Is this how you'll treat me? Like a one-night stand, Celeste?Arik: And didn't you like it?It's as if a volcano is about to erupt in my head as I read Arik's text while I'm busy signing new client contracts. I feel the heat spreading from my face down to my body at that moment.Especially when I remember what happened between us last night.The way Arik held and touched me last night is igniting a fire within me, spreading like a wildfire that suddenly ignites and quickly engulfs everything. He was like a hungry beast during those moments. Eager, yet careful in touching me, as if I were a delicate object he didn't want to break.It's like I suddenly forgot all the time I've missed him. But it also intensified my longing to be with him again.It's like I'm having an affair with the father of my child, damn it. Is this even allowed?"So, the real que
After This Night Chapter 73 - Little Family
I wasn't sure if he genuinely wanted to know the answers because he's concerned about me, or if he's just teasing me."I-I'm not. Please, leave. I won't be able to come back there for a while because—"I didn't finish what I was saying as the door suddenly opened, and Arik's head appeared. My mouth fell open in surprise."I knew you'd be here," he said before ending the call.I couldn't move from my seat as he entered fully, closing the door behind him. My heart continued to race relentlessly."H-how did you know I was here?" I asked him, avoiding his gaze as he approached."You're avoiding me, Celeste," he stated.I shook my head and remained seated in the swivel chair in front, while he stood beside me, undoubtedly staring at me. I even noticed him placing his phone on the table."I-I'm not. I just wanted to rest.""Why? Are you tired? Where does it hurt, Celeste?" He pleaded, dropping to his knees in front of me
After This Night Chapter 74 - Leaving Again
"You should leave now. I don't have time for you, Yumi," Arik said firmly and coldly to Yumi.That's what I heard when I escorted Ariah to the connecting room in my office along with Pau. I stayed on one side and just observed the two of them.This woman has some nerve. She really forced herself to come into my office just to follow us. Thankfully, I was able to explain to Ariah right away, because if not and she saw or heard how violent she could be, I'd direct all my anger towards her."Let's talk first, Arik. You've been away from home for days. Where have you been? Is it because of her that you're not coming home anymore? Why are you doing this to me? I thought we already discussed this?" She said irritably, her tone full of frustration.Her frustration was clearly evident on her face, while Arik remained expressionless, looking at her."You should be the one to go home, Yumi, and don't come back here again," Arik stated firmly, but Yumi contin
After This Night Chapter 75 - Grief
"I don't want Daddy to leave... Daddy should stay here. He can't go."I just stared at Ariah as she repeated those words over and over. She was asleep now, clutching her unicorn toy tightly, tears still wet on her cheeks. She had cried herself to sleep while I softly patted her back.To make her feel that she wasn't alone.But I felt like it wasn't enough.I bit my lower lip and quickly covered my mouth as I started sobbing again. Arik was still outside this room. I knew he had heard us earlier when Ariah and I talked. I knew he had heard his daughter cry while she begged me not to make him leave.I felt like I was burning inside. Like I was being killed over and over again, only to be brought back to hurt again. When it came to Ariah, I was shattered. I knew how much she loved her daddy. She had waited for him for so long.But how could I tell her everything? That her father had been lying to us ever since the accident. That the reason for
After This Night Chapter 76 - Wonder
The next day, it seemed like nothing had happened to Arik. He woke up early, and I found him in my kitchen, busy cooking. Sometimes, I come back to this condo, so I try to keep it stocked with food. Our other belongings were also here.I kept staring at him. He was quiet while preparing breakfast that morning. Ariah was delighted to see him when she woke up, but I remained worried. I was waiting for him to talk to me or even just look at me, but he didn't.He's avoiding me, and I know why. I don't know how to broach the subject with him. I'm scared.I was busy washing our dishes when I felt his arm wrap around my waist. He even kissed my shoulder gently as it moved upward to my ear."I've got this," he said in a soft voice, still not letting me go."It's okay. I'm almost done.""I dropped Ariah off at school. Do you have work today? Can we just rest all day?" He asked. It seemed like he was carefully choosing his words.After finishin
After This Night Chapter 77 - Burden Me
"It's not that important," he shrugged, taking his seat at the long table. I was seated near the front but on the side."It's as important as those scars on your back and where they came from, Arik. You should've told me," I insisted.He adjusted his hair and looked at me gently. I noticed his hand playing with his pen."I don't want to burden you anymore, Celeste. You have a lot to deal with," he said, making me frown as I stared at him.He chuckled and took my hand. "What?""Burden me anytime, Arik. I want you to burden me all the time, please," I pleaded with him, feeling that familiar tug at my heart.We held each other's gaze for a long moment until he let out a sigh, as if finally giving in to what I wanted."I will. I'm sorry."The meeting lasted nearly two hours. After lunch, we headed to Arik's secret house. On the way there, I suddenly remembered Hannah because I hadn't seen her lately."She's in the US. Dad se
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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
