All Chapters of After This Night: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

"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

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.

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

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?

When I returned to the country, I realized one thing about a person's life. It's that you can forgive some people without having to welcome them back into your life.I wonder if this will hold true for me. Can I forgive even if I haven't heard a single apology?I woke up to the sun shining on my face. The curtains danced as the strong wind came in from the open terrace. It was already noon."Arik?" I called for him when I couldn't find him in the room.I momentarily froze and remembered what happened last night. It all happened so fast, just like how everything between us happened years ago. But this is real. I'm not just dreaming. After six years, I got to hold him again. I could still taste his kisses...I quickly took a shower while waiting for Arik, but he still wasn't there when I finished, so I decided to go out.I stepped back when I saw him talking to a woman and a man who looked like they were in their mid-40s."Oh, there you are, dear. You must be tire