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Chapter 99 - Risk it All
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Arik'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 reRelated chapters
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
After This Night Chapter 101 - Forcing to Remember
"Are you the family of Mr. Rioflorida?" the doctor asked, her voice gentle but tinged with professional gravity.I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, I'm his partner, Celeste. This is Lucas, a close friend."The doctor explained that Arik had been taken for a battery of tests, including scans and blood work, to determine the cause of his sudden collapse. She reassured us that the medical team was doing everything they could to diagnose and treat him.However, she couldn't provide any concrete answers just yet, and that uncertainty gnawed at me like a relentless monster."Ms. Celeste," the doctor inquired, her eyes fixed on what seemed to be an iPad, where she reviewed Arik's tests and medical records. "I've seen his medical records, and he has amnesia, correct?""Yes, doctor. Is there a problem? He had an accident recently, and that's why he's experiencing amnesia," I replied, feeling a heavy knot of anxiety in my chest."I can tell," she resp
After This Night Chapter 102 - Uptown Oasis
The evening was bathed in an aura of heightened anticipation as I meticulously prepared for the grand gala night at one of our family's magnificent towers, the Uptown Oasis.It was an event where various business ventures were to be unveiled, and only the crème de la crème of society had received coveted invitations.By my side was Arik, my handsome date, equally engrossed in his preparations. The theme of the night was a masquerade, and we were both resplendent in our enigmatic disguises."You've been quiet for a while. Is something bothering you?" Arik asked as we were in the middle of our journey toward the venue.I cleared my throat and briefly set aside the text I received from Victoria Yuchengco last night."I've just been thinking. Are you really serious about buying a new property? Did you already put your house on the market?" I changed the subject between the two of us.I knew that we still needed to discuss everything that had h
After This Night Chapter 103 - Delusional Step-Sister
Upon arriving at the 28th floor, I was greeted by an eerie emptiness. I stepped out into the lavish penthouse corridor. The extravagance of the place only fueled my anger.I made my way down the ornate hallway, the echo of my footsteps on the polished marble floor reverberating in my ears.I saw a woman standing in front of the Grand Fountain in the middle. I was so sure it was her because there were no other people here except for the two of us. I immediately approached her. Victoria, her black gown and mask concealing her identity.She had been waiting for me, standing beside the elegant water feature. My heart was heavy with anger and resentment as I approached her.The memories of that traumatic day when I had almost fallen off the cliff and was saved by Arik had haunted me for so long. I had believed all this time that Victoria was the one responsible for my ordeal."Victoria," I said, my voice trembling with emotion.
After This Night Chapter 104 - Ticking Time-Bomb
My mouth hung open, and I felt even dizzier with the new information. It suddenly brought to mind the events of the past few months: Arik's increasing forgetfulness, his changing moods.Were those the symptoms? Why didn't he tell me? Why didn't anyone inform me?"Poor Celeste, but don't worry about him anymore. I'll take good care of him once you're gone," she said and released me roughly, turning to the two men who seemed to be preparing something from a bag."Hurry up, attach it!"I had no choice but to watch in silence, paralyzed by the unfolding events. Soon after, my heart pounded wildly when one of the men approached, and I was quickly in his grasp."No, no. What's that? What are you going to do?" Desperation laced my voice."I thought you were smart. This is the one thing you don't know? That's a bomb, Celeste. You're going to explode here later on," Hannah said nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders.
After This Night Chapter 105 - Undying Love
The cold sweat on my brow bore witness to my escalating fear, and I desperately tried to make sense of the bomb's mechanism, but the enigmatic wires and blinking lights left me paralyzed with frustration. It was like deciphering a cruel puzzle with a merciless countdown.As I heard Arik struggle with the unyielding door from the outside, the helplessness of my situation gnawed at me like an insatiable beast. My emotions churned within me like a tempest, a turbulent storm.First came denial—I couldn't believe this was happening, couldn't believe I was about to meet my end in this forsaken place.Anguish and anger surged through me as I came to terms with the cruel fate that had befallen us. The bomb was a malevolent specter, and I longed to cry out at the world for the injustice of it all. Why us? Why now?And then, like a lightning strike, the unalterable truth hit me: I might never see my daughter again. Her innocent smile, her laughter, the feel o
After This Night Chapter 106 - Suffocating Bond
"Hannah has been returned to the mental facility. Unfortunately, she cannot be incarcerated yet due to her current condition, which is affecting the investigation. But don't worry, everything is going well. She won't be able to leave there anymore," Oliver explained to me, his certainty evident in his voice.I glanced at Arik, whose expression remained unyielding as he focused on the documents before him.His lawyer friend was explaining something once more, but I couldn't grasp the details, my attention solely fixed on Arik, who appeared to be struggling with whatever he was reading.Then I suddenly recalled what Hannah had told me that night, the information Arik hadn't shared with me. Did he intend to tell me something? Were his symptoms resurfacing?My concern heightened when he clutched his head and closed his eyes tightly. I immediately approached him to get his attention."We can do this tomorrow or in the coming days. You don't need to do a
After This Night Chapter 107 - Real Condition
After few minutes, I decided to just find him. When I stepped into the garden, I saw him talking to someone. It was Rusty."I hope she won't find out what happened back then. I know you remember everything, Rik. When do you plan to tell her about your condition?" Rusty asked Arik sternly.I stood there, frozen. What were they talking about?"You no longer have to worry about that. I only agreed to have you come tonight for her sake," Arik coldly replied."I also agreed to come here tonight for her because she wants me to be here. Don't you think she should know about your condition from you? She'll be hurt even more if she finds out from someone else, Rioflorida," Rusty stated firmly. His deep concern was evident.I heard Arik's string of curses as he muttered to the air and then suddenly knelt in front of Rusty. I was alarmed but unable to move closer to them."Stop interfering in my life, Serrano. She doesn't need to know because I'm going
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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
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
