"Are you sure, Celine?" asked Neeta, stroking Celine's hair."Celine is sure, Mom! Celine should stay in America for a while. Mommy and Daddy must make sure that Nico or anyone else will not be able to access Celine's whereabouts," said Celine. That was her only request. "Okay, Celine. You just calm down. Daddy will arrange it."Yes, Celine decided to start a new life in America. She would leave London for an indefinite period of time. In addition, she wanted to study business there. One day, she wants to become a CEO like her father. The difficult times with Nico have taught her to be stronger. Celine will teach valuable lessons to people who have put her down, including her ex-husband, Nico, and also her ex-in-laws. But apparently, Nico couldn't just forget Celine. After a few days without news, he felt that something was missing in his life. Nico began to find out where Celine had gone. He contacted Celine's friends and acquaintances, trying to find clues as to where Celine live
Celine stood at the window of her apartment in New York, gazing at the view of a city that was foreign to her. It felt like a dream to be here, away from all the troubles and pain she had experienced in London. However, she knew this was a step she had to take for her future and her child. "Welcome, New York! May I find happiness and peace here. Hopefully I can forget all the bitter memories I've gone through in London," Celine whispered. Celine is accompanied in New York by Devano, her father's assistant and confidant. "Miss Celine," Devano called, immediately breaking Celine's reverie."What's up, Deva?" asked Celine, as she answered Devano's call."I just wanted to say that there are some universities around here that are good for studying business," Devano said as he opened his laptop on the table. "I've gathered information on some of the best options. How about we start by visiting New York University? They have a very famous business program there."Celine nodded, smiling sl
The atmosphere inside the building was festive. Colorful balloons and birthday decorations decorated every corner of the room. The children's joyful laughter filled the room. Celine's son's fifth birthday party was indeed held very grandly, even Celine deliberately invited William's family, her ex-husband. Celine stood in the center of the party wearing an elegant maroon dress that wrapped her body perfectly. Her face was radiant, exuding a beauty that has matured over time. Many eyes were on her, including Nicolas and Ruby who were standing in the corner with the rest of the William family."Celline... " Nicolas whispered, "Is it really her? "Nicolas immediately dismissed Ruby's hand that had been holding his. Instead, he stared at Celine with an incredulous look. The sight of Celine so elegant and perfect in front of him made his heart tremble."Celine... so different now," Nicolas whispered. In his heart, he felt a deep sense of regret. "How could I be so stupid, wasting a woman
The party atmosphere grew more festive as the music resumed, and the guests started chatting with each other. Celine still looked elegant in her beautiful dress. Her father, Alex, a prominent businessman who had been known for his secrecy, stepped into the center of the room. With his strapping posture and stern gaze, he caught everyone's attention. The guests immediately fell silent, waiting to hear what the influential man had to say."Good evening everyone," Alex said in a steady voice. "Thank you for coming to my grandson Calvin Alexius' birthday party. Tonight, I'd like to introduce someone who means a lot to me, who is not well known to the public."The guests looked at each other, curious about what was about to happen. Nicolas, who stood in the corner of the room, watched anxiously. There was an uneasy feeling hanging over his heart, as if a bad premonition was coming.Alex continued, "Let me introduce my daughter, Celine. She is my sole heir and will continue our family busi
Calvin's birthday party was still in full swing. However, in the midst of the hubbub, Nicolas felt a heavy weight pressing on his chest. He couldn't take his eyes off Celine, the woman who had once been a part of his life. When the atmosphere was a little quiet, Nicolas decided to approach Celine."Celine," Nicolas called hesitantly. Celine, who was talking to one of the guests, turned to Nicolas who was standing next to her, "Nico? What's wrong?""I just want to talk for a minute," Nicolas replied, his face looking serious. "Just tell me," Celine agreed."About Devano... is he really your husband now?"Celine smiled slightly, then sighed. "Not yet, but he and I are getting married soon," Celine replied casually, "Why is that?" Celine asked sarcastically. Nicolas felt his heart stabbed again at that answer. "Celine, I want... I want to explain something to you. I know it probably won't change anything, but I have to say it.""What are you going to explain, Nico?" asked Celine but r
A few days later, a sunny morning in the city park was filled with children's voices and joyful laughter. Among the people who passed by, Nicolas' eyes were glued to the figures of Celine and Calvin who were playing in the meadow. Celine looked so beautiful in a simple dress, her face radiant, as if all the wounds of the past had disappeared. However, behind that warm smile, Nicolas knew that he himself had planted the deepest wound in the woman's heart."What have I done..." Nicolas whispered, his gaze fixed on Celine who was unaware of his presence. In his chest, there was a strong desire to go over, to apologize, to explain everything. However, he knew that no amount of explanation would erase the wounds he had left behind.While Nicolas was still trapped in his guilt, Calvin suddenly turned to him. Calvin's small eyes widened, a big smile graced his face, and without hesitation, the boy ran over to him."Uncle Nico!" he exclaimed cheerfully.Nicolas gasped, trying not to show too
Nicolas sat alone in his study, drowning in the shadows of a past that never allowed him to be truly free. The room was dim, with only the desk lamp shining on his regretful and exhausted face. Every second was heavy, as if the shadows of the past were gripping her tighter and tighter.The door to his room opened softly, and Maria, his mother, entered with her usual cold and controlling gaze. She stepped closer to Nicolas' desk, her gaze sharp, radiating the disapproval that had been weighing on Nicolas."You're thinking about Celine again, aren't you?" Maria said in a sharp, judgmental tone. "Stop thinking about that woman. She only brings trouble into your life. Now that she's a CEO, you want to beg her?"Nicolas sighed, bowing his head. "Enough, ma'am, all this, all this mess happened because of my old enemy, not Celine. She's never wrong."Maria squinted, her gaze full of annoyance. "Your enemy or not, Celine is still your source of weakness. I will never allow her back in your li
Nicolas walked into the house at exactly seven in the evening. His shirt was rumpled, his face was tired, and his mind was still reeling from all the problems at the office. As he closed the door, the sound of soft steps approached, accompanied by the scent of a perfume that was too sweet for his taste."Nico," Ruby greeted softly, standing nearby with a seductive smile. Her body was clad in a deliberately sheer dress, revealing her curves in all their glory. "You just got home? It's been a long time. I've been waiting for you, you know."Nicolas just sighed softly, looking away. "I'm tired, Ruby. Don't start, please."Ruby leaned further in, placing her hand on Nico's chest, her fingers stroking gently. "Tired? Always tired," Ruby said in an annoyed tone disguised with a smile. "Don't you want to have a little fun with me?"Nicolas shifted his body, avoiding Ruby's touch without a care in the world. "I don't need that right now. I just want to rest."Ruby snorted softly, annoyance st
That morning at the hospitalNico stood at the door of the hospital room with a face full of doubt. His suitcase was already in the car, the plane ticket was in his hand. It was only a matter of time before he left to leave everything behind, including Celine and Calvin. But there was something he had to do first. He knocked lightly on the door, then opened it. Inside, Calvin was drawing at a small table, while Celine sat leaning back on the bed, her face looking more refreshed although her gaze was still cold. "Can I come in?" Nico asked softly, his voice almost a whisper. Celine didn't answer, just gave him a glance before looking away again. Calvin, on the other hand, immediately smiled widely. "Daddy!" he exclaimed happily as he jumped up from his chair and ran towards Nico. Nico lifted the boy into his arms, kissing his forehead gently. "Hi, Calvin. Did you eat breakfast?" "I did, Daddy," Calvin replied excitedly. "But why has Daddy been absent for so long? I miss you!"
The sunlight coming through the window curtains slowly woke Celine's consciousness. Her eyelids moved slowly before finally opening. Her vision blurred for a moment, but then caught the shadow of Nico sitting beside her bed. "Celine?" Nico called out softly, noticing the change on her face. "You're awake?" Celine blinked a few times, adjusting her gaze. The first look she gave Nico was neither grateful nor relieved, but cold and full of tension. "What are you doing here?" her voice was hoarse, almost a whisper. Nico was silent for a moment, trying to swallow the pain that came with the question. "I... I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Before Nico could continue, Calvin's small voice broke the silence. "Mommy! Mommy's awake!" Calvin ran over to the bed, hugging his mother's arm tightly. His face was beaming with happiness. "Mommy, I really miss you! Daddy and I wait for Mommy to wake up every day." Celine looked at Calvin and smiled slightly. However, the smile f
Two days later, in the ICU roomNicolas sat on a plastic chair. His eyes were fixed on Celine's drooping hands by her bedside. Next to her, Calvin drew something in his little book, occasionally looking up at his mother with a hopeful face. "Daddy," Calvin broke the silence, pointing at the drawing he had just finished. "This is me, Mommy, and you. We're playing in the park." Nicolas smiled a little, though his heart was heavy. "Nice drawing, Calvin. Mommy will like it when she sees it." "But when will Mommy wake up?" Calvin asked, his voice hoarse as if he was holding back tears. Nicolas didn't answer right away. He grasped Calvin's small hand, trying to provide a sense of security. "We have to be patient, son. Mommy is struggling to wake up. You know, Mommy is a strong woman." Suddenly, the fingers of Celine's hand that Nicolas was holding moved. At first glance, he thought it was just his imagination, but the movement happened again, this time more clearly. "Calvin! Loo
Nicolas stood in front of a large board full of photos, notes, and maps. Next to him, Devano was busy talking to a detective. "Gabriel can't get away again," Nicolas said in a firm tone. "We have all the evidence we need. We just need to catch him." The detective nodded, indicating their plan. "We've deployed teams to the three locations we suspect. In the afternoon, Nicolas stood in front of the desk, his face tense. In his hand was the latest report on Gabriel's escape to the Philippines. Across from him, Devano looked equally agitated, pacing the room with his cell phone in hand. "So that's it? We let him escape?" Nicolas' voice was full of pressure. "We did our best," Devano replied, trying to calm him down, though he was also disappointed inside. "The police here are limited. Gabriel must have planned everything. He has connections, Nicolas." "But I can't accept this! Celine is still in a coma, Calvin cries every night for his mother, and that bastard is enjoying his
Devano sat in front of his laptop in the corner of the waiting room. His face was serious, his fingers dancing over the keyboard. He had collected some evidence, but not enough to ensure Gabriel could be arrested. On the other side, Nicolas stood up while watching Calvin who was drawing in his little book. "Devano, do we have enough evidence?" asked Nicolas, his tone anxious yet hopeful. Devano sighed, staring at the laptop screen with a tired look. "Not yet. Gabriel is cunning. Even though I have recordings of his conversations with his henchmen, it's still not strong enough in court." Nicolas clenched his fists, frustrated. "So, what else do we need? That man almost killed Celine. He can't get away with it." "I'm trying to trace the flow of money he used to rent that car. If we can prove that the transaction came from his account, then we have a stronger case," Devano explained. Nicolas nodded, though his mind was not at ease. "Hurry up. I don't want him to have a chance t
The afternoon sky was dark when Celine came out of her office. Her heart was still heavy after canceling her wedding to Gabriel. She walked towards her car parked on the side of the road, unaware that a black car was slowly approaching from behind. Nicolas, who happened to be passing by, saw the figure. He felt there was something strange about the black car. Its speed increased slowly, and it was heading straight towards Celine. "Celine! Be careful!" shouted Nicolas, running with all his might. Celine turned her head with a confused look, but it was too late. The car was speeding away, just a few meters away from her body. In an instant, Nicolas pushed Celine to the side of the sidewalk, his own body bouncing onto the road. Celine screamed, her body falling to the edge of the sidewalk. Her head hit hard, and her vision began to blur. The black car sped off without stopping. At the hospitalThe hospital room was silent except for the sound of the monitor that kept beeping,
In a Luxury RestaurantGabriel, the man who would become Celine's husband tomorrow, sat at a corner table with a young woman in a red dress. They were chuckling, talking in low voices, as if they were hiding something. Nicolas, who was delivering documents for an odd job in the same building, accidentally saw Gabriel from a distance. At first, Nicolas only intended to ignore, but when he saw Gabriel touching the woman's hand intimately, he felt something was wrong. Nicolas decided to come closer, hiding behind a large curtain. "Honey, are you sure she's not suspicious?" the woman asked, her voice soft but full of sarcasm. Gabriel chuckled. "Celine is too busy taking care of the kids and the family business. Besides, she trusts me. The important thing is that I marry her tomorrow, and everything will be fine after that." The woman squinted. "Smooth how do you mean?" Gabriel leaned in, speaking more softly. However, Nicolas could still hear clearly. "Once I have full access to
At Celine's MansionCalvin's cries echoed throughout the mansion. The boy rolled on the living room floor, beating the carpet with his hands while crying loudly. His face reddened, the tears continued to flow non-stop. "I want Daddy! Take me to Daddy!" cried Calvin, his voice hoarse from crying so much. Celine stood by the stairs, clutching her throbbing temples. Her eyes looked tired, her hair a little messy. She looked at her son with a mixture of anger, frustration, and... helplessness. "Calvin, Mommy told you. Daddy is not someone you can trust. He can't give you a good life!" Celine tried to calm herself down, though her tone remained firm. However, Calvin's crying grew louder. The boy looked at his mother with eyes full of anger and hurt. "Daddy loves me! Daddy never yells at me like Mommy!" The words were like a hard slap to Celine. Her breath caught. She tried to approach Calvin, kneeling before him carefully. "Honey... listen to Mommy. Daddy's not a bad person, but
At Celine's Mansion, moments after Devano left without CalvinCeline stood in the center of the large living room, her eyes burning with anger. Devano had just entered the house with a worried expression, and Celine immediately approached, her arms folded across her chest. "Why didn't you bring Calvin?" asked Celine, her voice flat yet full of pressure. Devano looked uncomfortable, he looked down for a moment before answering. "Sorry, Celine. Calvin refused to go home. I tried to persuade him, but... he didn't want to come." "Doesn't want to come? Do you think I'm going to let that happen? You should have been more assertive!" snapped Celine, her tone getting higher. "Don't make excuses, Devano. I told you, no matter what, Calvin has to come home today!" Devano humbled himself, distressed by Celine's anger. "I... will go back to Mr. Nicolas' apartment." However, Celine was no longer patient. Wordlessly, she picked up the phone and called someone. After a few seconds, her voi