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Chapter 93 - Something's Off
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Luckily, 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 seemedRelated chapters
After This Night Chapter 95 - Not Your Wife
"My family owns some businesses too, and one of their partners is the child of the Montercarlos. That's all. I just want to help," he said, raising an eyebrow. I couldn't tell if he was serious or not."And what? Are you going to get punched by Arik again?" Oliver commented."What's happening? Are you guys arguing?" Dad asked in surprise, making me facepalm."Really? Are we really discussing my personal life here? In the conference room?" I sarcastically asked them all.Mommy just smiled at me along with Dad. Rusty still had his gaze on me. Thankfully, my board members had left, and it was just us left in the room."But I'm serious though. I can accompany you to them.""And what makes you think I will let you do that, moron?"We all looked at the man who suddenly walked into the conference room. He confidently walked towards me and kissed me on the lips in front of everyone before greeting my mom and dad and exchanging pleasantries. He ignored Oliv
After This Night Chapter 94 - Still Sick
"Get up there and yell at me, you jerk! Not your girlfriend! Not Celeste!" Rusty shouted at him again. I covered my mouth because of the consecutive sobs that escaped.Arik stood up and glared sharply at Rusty, his anger blazing and evident in his expression, showing no intention to back down from Arik at this moment."A freaking playboy who knows nothing but collecting girls! What can I gain from you?! You'd probably lie just to get Celeste! You're trying every way you know just to get into her skirt, right?!" Arik turned fiercely towards me, his eyes burning red. "And you, you want him too!""Y-you—!"I couldn't continue my words because it seemed like I ran out of things to say, so I poured my frustration into my palm and slapped it onto his cheek. It echoed throughout the house.In an instant, everyone who needed to be silent went silent. Even my heartbeat skipped a beat for a second. Even my heavy breathing, my howl, my cry—it felt like they
After This Night Chapter 95 - Under the Rain
"Can you please shut up, Hannah? Let them talk to each other." Rusty sternly scolded her.I no longer paid attention to them. I was about to approach Arik when I saw his small step back from me. I felt a pang of pain in my heart.Especially when he glanced at me. His eyes were bloodshot red and filled with hatred and disgust."Is this how you behave just because I still can't remember most things about you? Are you trying to make a fool out of me, Celeste?" he asked me coldly.His voice was calm, not the calm I wanted, but the calm I feared.My heart dropped. "A-Arik...""How will you explain this, Celeste? I was actually trying to defend you to Hannah because she's been saying this for days, that you were in a secret relationship with that jerk. I defended you and then this is what reaches me?" he said in disbelief.I couldn't believe what he was saying either. I was expecting that he wouldn't believe what he saw because he knows me. He knows me b
After This Night Chapter 96 - Mommy's Friend
Suddenly, I feel disgusted. That was our home. That's where we lived. That's where Ariah, his daughter, slept. That's where we built our family and our dreams.But in an instant, it seemed tainted. If given the chance, I wouldn't want to go back there.I noticed tears streaming down my face as I stared at the curtain of the terrace in that room, swaying in the wind. I don't know what time it is, but I think it's still too early because it's a bit dark outside.Did Rusty bring me here?A while later, the door suddenly opened and Daddy came in, carrying a tray of food and a glass of milk. I didn't move from my lying position. He silently sat down beside me, so I just looked at him."How are you feeling?" His voice is warm. Aside from Arik, he's the only man who can talk to me like this. His voice is soothing to me. I couldn't speak because tears were welling up in my eyes."Ariah is here, too. She's downstairs with your mom. It's still early, Celeste. Res
After This Night Chapter 97 - Be Fine Without You
Surprisingly, no one informed me that there's a private event happening in my tower, which is rented by the Montecarlos. Arik and Hannah, along with Hannah's biological parents and other friends, are in a different hall, far from where we are, but we can clearly see them from where we are situated.This makes me want to ask them to leave, especially because Ariah might see them, especially her father."Nobody told me, Mom. I thought this entire floor was closed because I informed the staff early. Why didn't anyone tell me that they would be coming here today?" I asked my mom in annoyance.I immediately called her the moment I saw the Montercarlos, especially the irritating face of Hannah. It would be fine if it were just them, but Arik is here! I don't want Ariah to see him with another woman and ask about it. I can't lie to her! And I don't want to hurt her by telling the truth!I glanced at Ariah while I heard what Mommy was saying. I noticed that Aurora and Ki
After This Night Chapter 98 - Yes or No
Arik:Do you really mean it?I've been staring at that text from Arik for a few minutes now, and I still can't figure out what he's referring to.It was already 12 AM, and we were still here at the tower's bar lounge. Rusty fulfilled his promise to stay in one of the suites, but he insisted on paying for it. Oliver followed suit, along with Mom and Dad, but it's just us who are still awake and drinking."Why don't you ask? Reply to him," Kim suggested to me.Aurora's expression immediately contradicted. She took a shot and cursed."And what? Be foolish again? Of course! It's obvious what Arik is referring to—what you told him earlier, that you don't want to see him again," she said.I put away my phone and let it be.That text has been there since earlier. Around ten o'clock. I thought there might be another text because I didn't reply, but there was none. I guess Aurora was right. That's what he meant."What
After This Night Chapter 99 - Risk it All
Arik's dark expression didn't change. Instead, he stared at me even more deeply and intensely. It was as if I had done something terribly wrong to him, and he was angry now."I didn't leave your tower. Just them," he said, referring to the Montecarlos.I sarcastically laughed. "Together with your girlfriend? How rude of you to let her leave first and you're still here until now.""She's not my girlfriend, Celeste," he said firmly, and his aura grew even darker. "Hannah is still my sister."My mouth hung open. I wanted to tell him that I saw how he let Hannah kiss him that night, but I didn't let those words escape my lips.I told him I was done here. I'm done letting him know that I'm hurting. He should've known in the first place because that was his first priority back then. Now it seems like he doesn't see it anymore, even if I scream it in his ears.I averted my gaze from him. The image of him letting Hannah kiss him while holding her waist keeps re
After This Night Chapter 100 - Can't Let Go
"I'll have our things and my child's belongings picked up from your house later. I'm just letting you know to avoid mistaking the one going there for a thief," I said while keeping my gaze fixed on my laptop. I don't want to see him.I was surprised to find him in my office that morning. Pau didn't know what was going on, so she let him stay there."You don't need to do that, Celeste. Can we discuss this again?" He pleaded. His voice still sounded hoarse. It seemed like he was unwell.I glanced at him. His nose was runny, and his eyes were red and puffy. He's clearly sick."I can't talk right now, Arik. Don't you have a job? Don't you run your own company? Because I do, and I have plenty." I said firmly and stood up.I walked over to the shelf to look for the book I needed. Suddenly, frustration was overwhelming me again. Besides not finding that book, I couldn't understand my own feelings.And I knew that in searching for that book, I was venting my ir
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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
