Arik picked me up as he sat on his swivel chair and placed me on his lap. My legs appeared because I was only wearing a blouse and skirt and the coat I was wearing had been taken off of me earlier.
"Arik… How many have you brought here to your office to do this thing?" I asked him when we separated for a moment.He grinned and shook his head as he removed his tie, one hand still on my waist."What are you trying to say here, my love? That I'm a playboy?" Desire and lust became more visible in his eyes as he stared at me.When he finally removed the tie, he followed by unbuttoning his sleeve. His tattoo appeared on his chest that reached his neck."Aren't you really like that?" I said and started tracing his tattoo. It's a dragon tattoo. It connects up to his arm. The one on his neck seems to be a vein tattoo."You were a playboy. I'm sure before that night, you brought many women here just to do this."Arik's hand moved again. He squeezed my"I told you not to let anyone into my office, didn't I?""Even so! Even if it's her, Max!"I heard Arik cursing loudly at the person he was talking to on the phone before he flipped it over on his table.Arik had to lift me and bring me to the connecting room of his office when I couldn't get dressed anymore. Hannah was just watching us angrily the whole time while I was still laughing.Her statement was so funny that I still can't forget it. How could she say that when they weren't in a relationship? Was that some sort of a taboo experience? Those stories that Aurora told Kim and me before? Step Siblings? Yuck. Fuck it."Hey…"I just looked at Arik who was currently fixing his long sleeve and its button while I was putting on my bra.I grinned at him. "Hannah's very mad. What will you do with her? She witnessed us making out, Arik.""I would love to bail out to continue that, Celeste, rather than face her and explain. Fuck. I'm so so&h
Arik's lips pursed as he accepted my brassiere. He seemed confused for a moment."You bitch. You really don't know how to be ashamed of your actions, do you? Right in front of me?" Hannah's behavior was so angry that I looked at her."What's your problem? My bag is really small, see?" I raised my bag in front of her. "Arik doesn't want me to wear a bra because he prefers that I don't wear anything. What's wrong with that? We're together and we have a daughter." I declared and stared at her even more.She looked at me more and more as if at any moment she wanted to hurt me. She's lucid. She knows what she's doing and what she's saying now, especially what she said to Arik because she knows I'm listening to their conversation."How can you say you're better than me when I'm sure he won't fuck you because he considers you a sister?" I asked her.She seemed to be shocked by what I said because there were traces of anger on her face. She's clenching her fist. She
I placed the ice bucket on the round table and glanced at everyone who was still laughing. I noticed Arik's gaze fixed on me when I didn't sit next to him."It's still spacious here. Why are you over there?" He asked me. Everyone heard it."Don't tell me you're still embarrassed because of what we saw earlier, Celeste?" Aurora boldly asked me, laughing. I almost wanted to slap her face.My cheeks grew warm, and I took a sip of the drink meant for me."Celeste," Arik called me, so I looked at him."What?""Sit here next to me. Sarah will sit there later," he said. The woman had left for a moment with Benj to buy more food.I glared at him, then reluctantly stood up and sat beside him. His arm immediately wrapped around my waist."Why didn't you tell her that today's your birthday?" Oliver asked as he sipped his whiskey. "Of all people, you didn't inform Celeste. Naturally, she'd be upset."My irritation grew even stronger.When I foun
"That's all you need to know, Celeste. Don't worry, we'll provide updates about the case soon.""Thank you so much, Yumi," Oliver said to her and stood up as well.I was the only one left seated, so the two of them looked at me. I sighed and then stood up."Thank you, attorney."I excused myself immediately, telling them I needed to use the restroom. I couldn't look at her for long. Besides feeling disheartened by the slow progress of the case, I also couldn't forget her text to Arik last night. I was sure that after our meeting, she would be going to see Arik. Should I call him? Until now, he hasn't sent a single text, even though I didn't say goodbye before leaving. I couldn't help but feel a bit hurt about that. I also couldn't understand why his mood suddenly changed. Was it because of that woman? But who is she? Who is she in Arik's life?"You're going?" Oliver called out to me as I adjusted my handbag.I just nodded and didn't respond."Are you okay? You'v
This is where I first saw Arik. The night I impulsively kissed him. That night will be forever etched in my memory. It was also the day when misfortunes started piling up in my life."Where's Arik?""I'm not sure. He might have gone home already.""Aren't you going to have him pick you up? Does he know you're here? Do you want me to call—""Don't call him, Yuan, I'm warning you. Just leave me be for now! I'm not even drunk yet!" I snapped at him. He cursed under his breath and walked away to fetch the alcohol I requested.I closed my eyes briefly, but I immediately opened them due to the scene that flashed in my mind as I shut my eyes. I couldn't shake it off. That was in his office. He told me he hadn't brought anyone else there for that purpose except me.And now, not even a week has passed, and there's already someone else.The way he stilled her face to have more and better access to her mouth... I couldn't forget that!"Not going ea
We were inseparable. He taught me how to face my fears. He healed my wounds. He comforted me when I cried. Arik saved me many times when we were still kids.I waited for him to come back, but he didn't. Until I forgot about him for an unknown reason. It was because of what Dad did to me.And now that I'm scared, lonely, and hurting, I don't know where to run. He used to be my pillar of strength, but now he's the reason why my heart shatters into a million pieces repeatedly.I forcefully closed the door to his condo unit and headed straight for our bedroom. Ariah is still at the mansion. I don't have anything there anymore, so I need to gather some clothes from here for tomorrow."Fuck it!" I exclaimed and threw my suitcase onto the floor.The door opened and heavy footsteps approached me."Celeste, please, let's talk first. Don't be like this. Let me explain," Arik pleaded. I could hear the frustration in his voice, especially when I didn't respond and continued packing."Baby, please
"Mommy, where's Daddy? Is he coming here with us?"That's the very first question Ariah asked me as we arrived in San Rafael. We hadn't even rested yet, and she had just woken up.I avoided her gaze and started arranging our things in the cupboard there."He's uh… He needs to work, baby. Maybe he'll come another day." I bit my lower lip. This was the first time I had lied to her."Really? I thought he's not, huh. Should we wait for him here?" She asked again.I looked at Ariah, sitting on the bed while hugging that unicorn. She was still rubbing her eyes, seeming a bit sleepy."We'll wait for him here, sweetheart. Are you still sleepy?""Yes, Mommy.""Then sleep. I'll wake you up when it's time to eat, okay?"I waited for Ariah to fall asleep again in our room before I went out. Benj and Sarah were in the adjacent room.I gazed at the vast grounds of Caza de Fuente. It had been a long time since I left this place. I didn't know back then that the Fuente
I quickly ran back to Caza to find Benj. I was almost tripping over myself due to panic, as I felt a different kind of unease."Benj! Benjamin!" I shouted as I entered the house.Benj immediately came out of the kitchen, looking puzzled as he approached me."What the... What's wrong? Why were you shouting?""It's Arik... Arik, he's coming here...""And?""Something happened. He mentioned it while we were talking on the phone. Like... Like something happened while he was driving. He mentioned some people. I don't know! Let's go to him!" I rambled to him in panic, even though I didn't really know what was happening."Okay, Celeste, you need to calm down and tell me exactly what happened. Where is Arik? And who's chasing him?""I don't know! I just heard a commotion! It sounded like a collision, and then he yelled and cursed at them. It was all vague! I couldn't understand. Can we just go please? Maybe we'll run into him. He said he'll be here in a few minutes.
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