I entered the prestigious halls of YCC for the last time, my heart is heavy with a mixture of sorrow and longing.
I glanced through the glass walls of the conference room and watched Isabella confidently lead a meeting with my important clients.It was supposed to be me, representing the family's legacy. The weight of disappointment and shattered dreams crushed my spirit.Feeling a surge of emotions, I made my way to my father's office. I knocked softly, my voice trembling as I called out, "Dad, may I come in?"Dad's stern voice responded, "Come in."As I stepped into the room, the tension between us was palpable. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, the remnants of anger simmering beneath the surface.This confrontation was long overdue. I have contemplated gathering my courage for this to happen but I feel like I'm going back out. I feel like I can't do this."Is your transition over? Don't you have anything else to do here? Why are you still here?" He asked me sternly.I could feel my heart heating up. A million pains that were already lodged there seemed to intensify. I haven't even managed to rise above, and I'm sinking again.I haven't even had a chance to catch my breath, and I'm being deprived of air once more. I haven't even healed from everything, and new wounds are already etched upon me."It's over, Dad. I just wanted to talk to you for the last time," I replied bravely.As he looked up from the folder he was holding, his gaze turned fierce."What else do you need, Celeste? I have made my decision. There's no way you could even change my mind," he declared firmly."I didn't come here to change your mind, Dad, because I know that won't happen anymore. I don't even have the strength to convince you. Even my explanations were not listened to." I said bitterly to him.My heart sank. He wouldn't even look at me. It was as if he would die of shame if he looked at me for too long.Is it because I resemble Mom?"Then why are you still here?" He asked me authoritatively."I just want to know why you're so cruel to me, even though I'm your real child and not Isabella. I have proven myself more than she has. I've almost sacrificed everything for YCC whenever it had issues. Why do I still end up being the loser in the end?" I bravely asked him.I've wanted to ask him that for a long time. Why does he favor his current wife and Isabella more than me, his own true child? Isabella is just my stepsister.She's only his child from an affair, and Mama Victoria is just his second wife. I am still his first child. I am still his first family.But why don't I feel that way?"Ever since Mommy died, you stopped favoring me. Ever since she's been gone, you don't look at me the way you look at Isabella. You know how I tried, how I strived harder just to prove myself to you, but I was always let down by your hurtful remarks, Dad." I trailed off and shook my head."You've always been so harsh to me, Daddy…""I don't owe you any explanations, Celeste. You committed wrongdoing, so it's only fair that you face the consequences. Do you think I'm punishing you for no valid reason?" He asked sternly.I chuckled."Isn't it? Isn't this punishment what you're doing to me? You're disowning me just because I got pregnant. I can rise above this! I can atone for my mistake in other ways! Why do you have to cast me aside?"I couldn't control myself anymore. I was filled with anger and resentment towards him. He didn't listen to me, and whenever Isabella or Mama Victoria spoke, he obediently followed like a meek puppy.Why couldn't he do the same for me?Dad heaved a sigh and shook his head. "Leave. I don't want to see you anymore. Leave!"I bit my lower lip, almost tasting the blood. The lump in my throat was choking me."You know very well how important the rules I've set are to us, but you still defied me!" He shouted again and stood up, pressing the intercom forcefully. "Call security, now!"My jaw dropped in disbelief. I felt like I was going to vomit from the mix of emotions I was experiencing."What? You're going to have your security drag me out?" I uttered in disbelief.His eyes grew even darker."If that's what it takes to finally get you out of my company, Celeste, I'll do it!""Oh, my God…" I muttered."This is unbelievable. I'll leave! You don't have to have your security drag me out! I can leave on my own, and you'll never see me again!" I declared.My heart was about to burst from the overwhelming anger towards him."And I hope the day never comes when you'll want to see me again, Dad. I hate you. I wish it were you who died, not Mommy. You and these family rules are suffocating!" I blurted out and stormed out of his office, fiercely wiping away my tears.It felt like I was being repeatedly killed in those moments. It went against everything inside me to beg like this because it's what I've been doing my whole life, but I love him so much. I can't bear to be far from him.He's all I have left. I can't bear to lose him too. But what can I do?The pain was unbearable. I started questioning my worth in his eyes. Did he truly love me? Or was I merely a pawn in this family's game?It's fine, Celeste. You'll be fine. As long as you still have your child. As long as you still have yourself, you'll get through this. This is fine.As I walked out of his office, I carried the weight of my broken dreams and the agony of my fractured relationship with him.It was a painful sacrifice, but I was determined to prove my worth and build a future for myself and my child, even if it meant forging a new path outside the confines of the Yuchengco name.Fuck this family reputation."Is this final? Are you really leaving? How? Where will you go?"Aurora bombarded me with questions as she hurriedly sat beside me. Kim just looked at me, holding my ultrasound results.Yes, I'm pregnant. I've been disowned by my own father. Oh, how great it is to start fresh. Fucking fresh."Don't you think you should tell him about this? You can just show him this and everything will surely be fine. Show your Dad that the father of your child is not just some random guy." Kim suggested.I lowered my gaze to my hand that was resting on my stomach. I had thought about that too.Maybe if I tell him that the child is from the Rioflorida family, he'
"Are you still going to your meeting with the Sy Corp. for lunch, dear? I'm asking because I want to come with you if it's okay with you."I looked at her and smiled. "Don't you want to stay at home and rest? You might get tired again, and Papa will worry about you."She walked around my table and sat in front of me. The pearls around her neck and wrists shimmered as she moved."Your Papa can't do anything about it. Besides, Amanda and I have plans to meet today. You can join us, and afterward, we can go shopping together."I couldn't help but grin as I stared at her. She's in her mid-50s, but she acts like a teenager. Her age doesn't show on her because she remains healthy and beautiful. It seems like she's never been stressed in her life."Fine, Mom, but we'll go home right after. I also need to pick her up," I replied.The door swung open and my secretary, Pau, walked in carrying the files I had requested. She placed them on the table and
Six years ago, he left the country to accompany his dad for his open-heart surgery. The operation went well, but his dad still needed him to take over the management of all their businesses.Liam and I talked about our personal lives for almost half an hour before he finally turned to the real purpose of our meeting."I sent a proposal to your email. Dad has been asking me to do this, especially when he found out that you're now managing the Percepta Group. I'll give you enough time to think about the proposal before we proceed with anything else, don't worry," he said, taking a sip of his coffee while still keeping his gaze on me."I'll check it when I get back to the office. Papa mentioned it to me as well. I think it's fine," I replied, referring to the bidding that will take place at Aomori Resort and their long-standing proposal for a partnership."I don't understand why there's so much interest in that resort. It's not particularly special. I've bee
"Girl, you don't look like you've ever been pregnant and given birth. Ariah is turning six years old, but you still look so sexy. What's your secret?" Aurora praised me while we stood facing each other in front of a large mirror, both of us admiring each other's appearance.Tonight, the social party at one of the towers of Percepta Group will take place. Mama and Papa, along with Oliver, have already gone ahead to the venue, while Aurora and I stayed behind at the hotel because we weren't done getting ready yet.Aurora is one of the representatives of their company. It's a shame that Kim isn't here because she's still on a business trip."Not really. I'm still the same as before," I countered."Nah. You've changed a lot, Ce, believe me. The old you is nowhere near what you are now," she said, facing me. "Who picked out your gown?""Of course, it was me.""Will Ariah be coming?""No, but she'll be staying in one of the suites in the to
As Mom and Dad made their way to the stage, the crowd's attention shifted towards them. They briefly exchanged more stories and conversations with Aurora and me amidst the bustling crowd.But when Mom and Dad reached the stage, everyone's gaze was immediately drawn to them. The room fell into a hushed silence, waiting for them to speak or make an announcement.I could feel a mixture of anticipation and pride welling up within me as I watched my parents take center stage. They were the epitome of grace and power, commanding attention with their mere presence.I knew that whatever they were about to say or do would have a significant impact on the evening's proceedings.The sound of a microphone being tapped draws everyone's attention to the stage."Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please." The crowd turns towards the stage, their curiosity piqued with what Dad said.Beaming, Mom took the other microphone and looks at me.
I was completely focused on him, hearing the whispers of everyone around while they looked at him and waited for what he would say. Even his father and other members of Rioflorida seemed surprised by his sudden appearance.It's as if nothing happened. When Liam told me about his disappearance, I immediately searched online for news about it and found out that he really vanished into thin air.He didn't even attend his mother's private funeral. He ghosted everyone, including his family's companies and several businesses.And now that he's here in front of everyone, effortlessly capturing everyone's attention, with camera flashes from the media all around, I couldn't help but wonder, what caused his sudden comeback.And what was the reason behind his sudden disappearance back then?"Good evening, everyone. I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that I am now taking control and managing several businesses under the Rioflorida Group of Companies
"Don't worry. I won't do anything. I didn't come back for revenge because I'm not that kind of person. You can have everything to yourself, Isabella. After all, all of that is just scraps to me. Swallow it whole if you want." I said dismissively to her and quickly left the place when I noticed Arik getting closer to our direction.I went straight to the private suite in the tower instead of going home to visit Ariah. I felt exhausted when I arrived on that floor, even though I only stayed briefly at the event because of what happened.It felt like I released a lot of emotions today, but I didn't let anyone see that. Consequently, my fatigue seemed to double.But right after I saw her, running towards me while holding her unicorn stuffed toy, all the pain and weariness in my heart disappeared, replaced immediately by joy and contentment."Mommy!" Ariah cheered and hugged me. I quickly knelt down and welcomed her embrace. "You're quick. Uncle Benj said you'
The boardroom is filled with high-ranking executives and investors seated around a large polished table. A sense of anticipation fills the air as I, stands at the head of the table, ready to deliver my closing remarks, while feeling the intense gaze of Arik piercing my soul.A projector screen displays impressive financial charts and projections."Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed investors, thank you for your unwavering support and faith in our vision. Today marks an important milestone in our journey together." I declared and stood up.The room buzzes with anticipation as the investors lean forward, eager to hear my final words."We've faced numerous challenges, yet through sheer determination and collaboration, we have emerged stronger than ever. Our innovation has set new industry standards, and our financial performance speaks for itself."A wave of pride washes over the faces of the executives as they exchange glances, silently acknowledgi