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
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
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
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
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
I learned that my stepmother had filed a lawsuit against me regarding the inheritance my father had left me. I didn't know all the details because Oliver mentioned that we had a major disagreement. Arik had told me the same thing.After our brief conversation, I suggested to Arik that we go home because I was still concerned about Ariah's safety, even though Aurora and Kim were with her now. I couldn't take any risks, especially when it came to my daughter. I couldn't bear anything bad happening to her."What would you like to eat? I'll cook something for you," Arik interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to the present.He was smiling, but I could sense his worry about something concerning him.When I first learned about his secret organization, I didn't have an immediate reaction. I didn't want to rush to judgment; I wanted to uncover the truth first.I knew Arik could be honest with me, that he wouldn't hide anything because he knew I trusted
"Do you ever plan to seek justice for your parents, especially your mom?" Oliver asked me one afternoon while I was in his office.I had come to consult with him about what could be done regarding William and his son Liam for the crimes they committed a few years ago – whether they could still be prosecuted."Of course, that's why I'm here," I replied, giving him a pointed look. Oliver burst into laughter."Your attitude just keeps getting worse with time. I was merely asking because I noticed that you didn't seem to have any intention of approaching the two elders regarding William Johnsons," he said, causing my eyebrows to raise."They told me I can handle it. They shared all the necessary information with me without hesitation. Perhaps they already anticipate my next moves because they haven't said a word about it. I think they want to expose that damned William, but they fear he might retaliate and target them next," I explained calmly b
The moon taught me that there's beauty in darkness too. Even when I didn't feel complete, Arik made me feel like I was more than enough.We drove for half an hour to the main office warehouse, which was Arik's secret place. Oliver mentioned that Arik's mother's remains had been sorted after the investigation. That's all I had heard from their conversation the other day.If only we could just stay away from this mess, we will. I don't want to know about everything anymore. I just want to be with Arik and our daughter and live peacefully.When we arrived, Rusty greeted us immediately. He seemed surprised to see me."I thought you wouldn't be able to come here," he said, making me frown."Who said that?""Cali. She said you can't see her, or she just doesn't want to let you out because of what happened last time at the hospital. We also know that you're not fully recovered," he replied seriously, causing me to laug
Luckily, the rain had subsided, but it was still chilly at that hour. I hugged myself."It's okay. I understand. Hannah is his sister," I said."Stepsister, Celeste. You could've stopped him earlier. Why didn't you?" he asked further.My lips formed a thin line, and I shook my head. "It's an emergency, Rust. It's okay. I understand. Maybe he really needed to be there because his dad called him earlier. You know, Arik's memory is still not fine."I leaned on the car's hood, just like Rusty. I remained in a daze for a few more seconds until I smelled cigarette smoke, so I turned to look at him. He was puffing on one while gazing into the void. His forehead was slightly creased.I couldn't help but stare at him. His hair was tied in a bun, and like Arik, he had tattoos. He had a few rebellious strands of hair on his face. He stood at 6 feet and had a tan complexion.He wasn't the typical guy you'd see in bars. He was actually decent and handsome. It seemed
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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