I suddenly noticed Liam's arrival as he planted a direct kiss on my cheek. He looked serious and seemed to have something important to say.
"What happened to you?" I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, as we both sat down in the visitor's area of my office.
Liam's jaw was clenched. He appeared furious. What the hell?
"Liam," I called him out when it seemed like he didn't notice me.
"You know your father--uh, no, The Yuchengco is our partner, right?" he began, muttering a curse under his breath.
I was taken aback upon hearing that name.
"And?" I asked.
"Dad made a deal with him. I swear, Celeste, I didn't want to agree to it, but you know Dad. Fuck it!" he blurted out, clearly frustrated.
"Just tell me, Liam. What is going on?"
He muttered some more curses before looking at me, as if seeking forgiveness.
"Dad might call you for dinner tonight. The Yuchengco will be there. I'm not sure what it's about, b
We were all silent as the dinner began, but I could feel the occasional glances from Arik and Isabella directed at me. I also sensed that anyone of them wanted to speak but couldn't decide where to start. "Celeste, my dear, I suppose my son gave you a heads up before I even called you regarding this dinner. Is that right?" Mr. William Johnsons initiated the conversation. I waited for the juice I was drinking to go down before nodding and looking at him. "Yes, Mr. William. Liam went to my office earlier to inform me, but he didn't say anything else. He just mentioned that it was important." "I see, that's why you didn't refuse. You couldn't refuse my son, huh?" His voice sounded teasing. I felt embarrassed. "Hasn't my son courted you yet, Celeste? I would be happy if that's the case between you two now," added his wife. Automatically, I turned to look at Arik. It was as if my head had a mind of its own, just to see his reaction.
"Celeste, my dear, what's your next plan for the Aomori Resort? The bidding will be held the day after tomorrow because the renovation has long been completed." I glanced at Mom, who gently wiped her mouth and looked at me. Dad did the same before whispering something to the staff and turning to Oliver. They decided to have brunch at one of the towers in Percepta instead, so they wouldn't have to return to the mansion. They had just returned from the resort, and I was sure they wanted to rest. "Will you be staying there? The bidding will last for several days. There's also a social party afterward. Of course, you can't miss it, my dear," added Dad. I nodded. "I'll be staying there with Oliver, Dad. He'll also accompany me to the party." "Celeste, didn't I mention it to you?" Oliver tapped me lightly, so I looked at him. He had a grin on his face. "What is it?" "I have an important opening event with my clients on that day that
How can he be so sure? He has no intention of doing anything, right? What is he planning? Why did his entire focus suddenly shift to me instead of his return? Is this related to his company or to ours?I hope not. I hope I'm wrong. He's Ariah's father. I don't want to be angry with him if I can help it. We can also do co-parenting once I gather the courage to tell him about Ariah.So I hope we don't have any reasons to be at odds with each other. I don't want to change how I see him.I thought Arik was just joking when he said he would stay in my office until I had free time, but I was wrong.While I had back-to-back meetings, he was like a dog following me everywhere I went. It's a good thing that Percepta has a connection with Florida INC, so it's not too weird.But what if there was no connection? What if he's always here for no reason? Gods."Aren't you going back to your office? You've been here all day, Arik. Don't you have anything im
Unfortunately, as I expected, I couldn't let Arik pursue what he wanted because I had to go and pick up Ariah. Thankfully, he understood even though I gave a different reason."So, you were making out in the conference room after your conference meeting?!" Kim harshly said to me, seeming excited about what she discovered.I wanted to deny it, but Aurora didn't give me a chance."Girl! You won't believe what I saw!" She stopped and glanced back at me."They were being so promiscuous! They were on top of the table and barely had any clothes on! It was like watching a live show! They were like animals, desperately hungry for each other!""That's an exaggeration," I quickly commented. "It wasn't like that.""What exaggeration? If I hadn't caught you, something surely would have happened. My God! That conference room is now dirty and disgusting!" She continued, so I slapped her arm.After I fed and put Ariah to sleep, the two of them arrived, claiming they missed me.
"The resort looks amazing with its new makeover. Madame Harper and Senior Henry really took care of everything. It looks completely different now," Aurora commented as we arrived in the lobby of Aomori Hotel."Yeah. Knowing Mom, she's very particular. She doesn't settle for anything less. Whoever gets it again will be lucky.""Arik will take it back, right? How much is the maximum bidding price?"We both sat down there, observing the few staff members bustling back and forth in front of us.There were no tourists around as the entire resort was officially closed to the public. Only those interested in the resort were present, including Arik, who hadn't arrived yet."60 million dollars.""Damn! That's a huge amount of money!" Aurora hissed. I nodded."They saved the whole resort. They didn't want it to become just a money-making venture because they didn't like it being under someone else's name. They wanted it to be truly theirs, the one they built and owned, so
They sure know how to ruin everything. Just a few words from them and I lose my mood. If only I could wish not to see them anymore, I would do it.But our family is like a knot in the business world. Everyone is friends with each other.."The bidding is about to start in a few minutes, and you're already drunk. It seems like you're indulging in the wines here," Aurora commented as she sat next to me. "Where's Arik?""He went to the bathroom. His uncle and aunt arrived, so I hardly got to accompany him. He's so busy when it comes to these things. He's completely focused on work," I said, pouring wine into my glass again. "I don't even get any attention."I couldn't hide my annoyance in my voice.I dressed beautifully and prepared well. I even wore my favorite army green gown that showcased my entire back, but he only glanced at me briefly earlier."Wow. Are you sulking?" Aurora chuckles. "So, you were in love with him all along? When did it start? After the one-nigh
I wanted to say something, but I was too shocked by that piece of information, so I continued walking. Soon enough, he tightly held my hand as we reached a small villa.My mouth fell open as the breathtaking view below unfolded before me. The villa was perched high, overlooking a small pool and a nearby jacuzzi. The vast and serene ocean was visible from our vantage point."Wow. I didn't know such a place existed here. It's my first time seeing it," I exclaimed, marveling at the entire setting."I asked your mom, Harper Fuentebella, if it was possible to have just this part in my name, and she surprisingly agreed back then.""Really?" I said in astonishment, turning to look at him.He leaned against the table that was there, slowly loosening his necktie. I found him so hot at that moment. I wasn't sure if he was doing it intentionally or not."Yes, they were friends, my mom and yours. Didn't she tell you? Well, only a few people know about that. They were best frie
Less than five minutes later, Arik returned and immediately embraced me before carrying me back into the villa. He knows I can't move. I was still surprised by the argument we had because it was the first time I did that."I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let her get close to you. I should have sent her away earlier," Arik whispered to me as he laid me down on the bed.I bit my lower lip and shook my head."I'm sorry, Celeste. Tell me what I should do. Where does it hurt? Did she hurt you? What did she say to you?" He bombarded me with pleading questions as he knelt in front of me.I smiled and stared at him. His forehead furrowed even more, seemingly confused by what's happening."Come on, I'm worried. Stop smiling at me like that. I'm losing focus." He said, shaking his head, which made me laugh even more."Is this really how much you care for me?" I asked, surprising him."Where did that question come from?""I'm just curious. Were you really interested in me?
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