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Chapter 81 - Right-Hand Person
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I came to a halt and gazed up at the full moon, which illuminated our surroundings during this quiet moment. The distant sounds of the party on my family's vast estate filled the air.
"Celeste," he called my name in his hoarse voice, causing me to turn towards him."Hmm?" I responded.He furrowed his brow and turned to face me, his eyes filled with an intense fear that caught me off guard.Was this related to what I had witnessed earlier?"Why, Arik?""Please, be mad. Aren't you mad with me for what you saw earlier?" His voice was pleading, and it nearly made me chuckle.He reached out and took hold of my hands."Should I be angry?" I asked him simply.The crease on his forehead disappeared, but he still seemed perplexed. His jaw clenched as he gazed at me with affection.When I had seen him hugging Hannah and crying, my first thought was to inquire why she had returned from the UK and why she was in tears.When I asked him, heRelated chapters
After This Night Chapter 82 - Betrayal
"But she deserves to know the truth, Arik. You've also mentioned that Celeste can be quite trusting. I'm confident she'll believe you with a proper explanation. She's too innocent for you, anyway."My heart aches at those words. I search for something to anchor myself, feeling like I'm about to lose my strength. I can't find anything, so I brace myself, biting my lip and taking slow steps.What is she referring to? What does she mean? What do I need to know?"Stop saying that about her, Hannah. You should be grateful I spent time with you last night. I'm not going to lie to her again—""What did you lie to me about, Arik?" I interrupt him courageously before he can continue.They both look shocked and quickly stand up, especially Arik. He's about to approach me, so I immediately raise my hand in front of him."D-don't... you dare," I say, trembling."Celeste...""What lies have you told me? What are you talking about? Did you spend the n
After This Night Chapter 83 - Caged
When I looked up at Liam, he was staring at me again, his expression blank."I-I need to go home, please. Someone is waiting for me. Let me go," I pleaded, but he paid no attention, instead lighting a cigarette."Who's waiting for you, then? Is it that guy Arik?" he asked firmly, leaving me momentarily speechless.When he looked at me again, a faint smirk played on his lips."The little family you built?"I was shocked to hear that. My heart raced, and I felt lightheaded.No. No. He couldn't involve innocent people in whatever he planned to do to me. This couldn't happen. Not my child."Tell me, Celeste, why can't you just let everything passed and stop involving my family with your affair? You have your own, right? Why do you have to involve dad in searching for your mother's killer?" He was fuming mad which gave me shivers in my spine.He seems to be able to hurt me at these times.I bit my lower lip hard and blinked."I don't know
After This Night Chapter 84 - Desperate Cry
It hurts so much, and my eyes sting. I can't bear it any longer. Silently, tears welled up due to the overwhelming hatred I felt for these people who have done nothing but harm me. I wanted to ask each of them about what I did to deserve such treatment, but even speaking felt draining.I struggled to catch my breath, trying to compose myself, but it only heightened my emotions, especially when I recalled everything, he did to me last night. I sighed forcefully and looked up at him, his gaze unwavering."Why are you putting me through this? Do you realize the torment you've caused me? What do you want from me?" I pleaded, my voice breaking.He averted his eyes and turned away. I bit my lower lip and let out a despairing sigh. I can't put into words the agony I'm going through. I just don't know how to define this torment anymore.I yearn to go home! I miss my daughter terribly! I long for the comfort of holding her, even for a moment, to ease the consuming
After This Night Chapter 85 - Leader of the Enemy
My anger surged as I spoke, and I was catching my breath, fueled by hunger, the wounds on my wrists and legs, and the fact that no one had shown up to rescue me. I bit my lower lip in frustration.Arik wasn't here either. No one was coming to save me, and I didn't know what to do. It felt like my courage was fading, and escape seemed impossible."You don't know Liam that well. Maybe you're right, he's lost it. If I were you, I'd just go along with whatever he wants," Xavier advised before leaving.I wanted to ask him more questions, but it was too late. When I looked back at the table, I was shocked to see that he had left his gun. I immediately stood up even though it was difficult and jumped over to the table to pick it up.Exactly when I got the gun was the opening of the door again and the blank expression of Liam exposed to me.My chest throbbed with extreme nervousness. I simply put the gun behind me and remained standing there."You'r
After This Night Chapter 86 - Miscarried
I quickly glanced over there and saw blood leaking down my leg. I felt the pain in my abdomen even more."Celeste! Xavier! She got away! Fucking chase her!" I heard Liam shout, so I was alarmed again.I quickly clung to Xavier and sobbed again as I gradually became numb."L-let me go. I don't want to die… please… I'm sorry… I'm sorry," I said and sobbed quietly again."I'll take you outside, but I can't take you all the way home. Liam will catch us," he warned.Hearing those words, I was filled with a sense of urgency. I nodded vigorously and followed him as we made our way outside. Once we reached the road, he looked at me with an apologetic expression. I managed a bitter smile and nodded in acknowledgment before he disappeared from my sight.In an instant, a wave of pain engulfed me, both emotionally and physically. Before I could faint, I spotted a car and desperately sought help. I didn't ignore the driver's exclamat
After This Night Chapter 87 - Beaten
The night fell when I couldn't see my daughter because I wasn't allowed to leave, and she couldn't come over. It was also a night when I couldn't connect with anyone because I suddenly lost my motivation for everything. My only thought was the longing to go home and be with Ariah because I miss her so much.I slowly sat up and glanced at Oliver, who was busy on his laptop. Aurora and Dad had left earlier since she has work tomorrow, so I didn't hold her back.I tried not to stress about Ariah's well-being because she was at the mansion, but I couldn't shake off the anxiety about what had happened to me, something I had feared.Particularly, the realization that I hadn't even been able to protect what I had been carrying with me, and it was now gone."Do you need anything?"My attention was caught when I heard that from Oliver. It was only then that I realized he was in front of me.I smiled tiredly at him but it never reached my eyes."I… I just want to ask something," I told him hesi
After This Night Chapter 88 - No Joke
It was a brief, yet heartfelt kiss, and it further deterred me from revealing the truth. I could sense his immense relief when he saw me before he fainted earlier. I couldn't shatter that. But at the same time, I couldn't afford to keep him in the dark about everything."Now, please tell me what happened. Every detail," he said with a serious expression.I bit my lower lip to suppress my emotions, then took his hand that was holding my cheek and kissed it, tears streaming down my face."H-He… almost raped me." My voice broke. I saw how Arik's expression darkened. Terror overtook his face. I closed my eyes tightly."A-and I…" I stopped for a minute and burst into tears. I bit my lip again to suppress my loud sob. This is killing me!"I… I had a… I had a miscarriage, Arik. I didn't know I was pregnant. I miscarried our child. I-I'm sorry!" I declared and burst into tears like there is no tomorrow.With the intensity
After This Night Chapter 89 - Leukemia
I felt even more burdened about telling both of them about Ariah's illness. Like Arik, Ariah had no knowledge of her own condition. How could I tell them without causing pain to any of us?"Hush, baby. I'm so sorry daddy took so long. But don't worry, I'm here. Daddy is here. I will never ever leave you again. You will never have to wait long again. Not anymore. I promise."After that emotional scene, Arik didn't speak to me anymore. He had spent time playing with Ariah, and now they were sleeping side by side in his hospital bed while I occupied my own. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them sleep, seeing how much they resembled each other.Even with their eyes closed, their similarities were striking – their eyes, sharp noses, the right amount of redness in their cheeks, the shape of their faces, and the color of their complexions. There was no denying that they were father and daughter."Feeling out of place, huh?" Kim's voice brought me bac
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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
