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Chapter 89 - Leukemia
I felt even more burdened about telling both of them about Ariah's illness. Like Arik, Ariah had no knowledge of her own condition. How could I tell them without causing pain to any of us?
"Hush, baby. I'm so sorry daddy took so long. But don't worry, I'm here. Daddy is here. I will never ever leave you again. You will never have to wait long again. Not anymore. I promise."
After that emotional scene, Arik didn't speak to me anymore. He had spent time playing with Ariah, and now they were sleeping side by side in his hospital bed while I occupied my own. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them sleep, seeing how much they resembled each other.
Even with their eyes closed, their similarities were striking – their eyes, sharp noses, the right amount of redness in their cheeks, the shape of their faces, and the color of their complexions. There was no denying that they were father and daughter.
"Feeling out of place, huh?" Kim's voice brought me bac
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After This Night Chapter 90 - Twin-sister
I learned that my stepmother had filed a lawsuit against me regarding the inheritance my father had left me. I didn't know all the details because Oliver mentioned that we had a major disagreement. Arik had told me the same thing.After our brief conversation, I suggested to Arik that we go home because I was still concerned about Ariah's safety, even though Aurora and Kim were with her now. I couldn't take any risks, especially when it came to my daughter. I couldn't bear anything bad happening to her."What would you like to eat? I'll cook something for you," Arik interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to the present.He was smiling, but I could sense his worry about something concerning him.When I first learned about his secret organization, I didn't have an immediate reaction. I didn't want to rush to judgment; I wanted to uncover the truth first.I knew Arik could be honest with me, that he wouldn't hide anything because he knew I trusted
After This Night Chapter 91 - Found Her
"Do you ever plan to seek justice for your parents, especially your mom?" Oliver asked me one afternoon while I was in his office.I had come to consult with him about what could be done regarding William and his son Liam for the crimes they committed a few years ago – whether they could still be prosecuted."Of course, that's why I'm here," I replied, giving him a pointed look. Oliver burst into laughter."Your attitude just keeps getting worse with time. I was merely asking because I noticed that you didn't seem to have any intention of approaching the two elders regarding William Johnsons," he said, causing my eyebrows to raise."They told me I can handle it. They shared all the necessary information with me without hesitation. Perhaps they already anticipate my next moves because they haven't said a word about it. I think they want to expose that damned William, but they fear he might retaliate and target them next," I explained calmly b
After This Night Chapter 92 - Driven by Him
The moon taught me that there's beauty in darkness too. Even when I didn't feel complete, Arik made me feel like I was more than enough.We drove for half an hour to the main office warehouse, which was Arik's secret place. Oliver mentioned that Arik's mother's remains had been sorted after the investigation. That's all I had heard from their conversation the other day.If only we could just stay away from this mess, we will. I don't want to know about everything anymore. I just want to be with Arik and our daughter and live peacefully.When we arrived, Rusty greeted us immediately. He seemed surprised to see me."I thought you wouldn't be able to come here," he said, making me frown."Who said that?""Cali. She said you can't see her, or she just doesn't want to let you out because of what happened last time at the hospital. We also know that you're not fully recovered," he replied seriously, causing me to laug
After This Night Chapter 93 - Something's Off
Luckily, the rain had subsided, but it was still chilly at that hour. I hugged myself."It's okay. I understand. Hannah is his sister," I said."Stepsister, Celeste. You could've stopped him earlier. Why didn't you?" he asked further.My lips formed a thin line, and I shook my head. "It's an emergency, Rust. It's okay. I understand. Maybe he really needed to be there because his dad called him earlier. You know, Arik's memory is still not fine."I leaned on the car's hood, just like Rusty. I remained in a daze for a few more seconds until I smelled cigarette smoke, so I turned to look at him. He was puffing on one while gazing into the void. His forehead was slightly creased.I couldn't help but stare at him. His hair was tied in a bun, and like Arik, he had tattoos. He had a few rebellious strands of hair on his face. He stood at 6 feet and had a tan complexion.He wasn't the typical guy you'd see in bars. He was actually decent and handsome. It seemed
After This Night Chapter 95 - Not Your Wife
"My family owns some businesses too, and one of their partners is the child of the Montercarlos. That's all. I just want to help," he said, raising an eyebrow. I couldn't tell if he was serious or not."And what? Are you going to get punched by Arik again?" Oliver commented."What's happening? Are you guys arguing?" Dad asked in surprise, making me facepalm."Really? Are we really discussing my personal life here? In the conference room?" I sarcastically asked them all.Mommy just smiled at me along with Dad. Rusty still had his gaze on me. Thankfully, my board members had left, and it was just us left in the room."But I'm serious though. I can accompany you to them.""And what makes you think I will let you do that, moron?"We all looked at the man who suddenly walked into the conference room. He confidently walked towards me and kissed me on the lips in front of everyone before greeting my mom and dad and exchanging pleasantries. He ignored Oliv
After This Night Chapter 94 - Still Sick
"Get up there and yell at me, you jerk! Not your girlfriend! Not Celeste!" Rusty shouted at him again. I covered my mouth because of the consecutive sobs that escaped.Arik stood up and glared sharply at Rusty, his anger blazing and evident in his expression, showing no intention to back down from Arik at this moment."A freaking playboy who knows nothing but collecting girls! What can I gain from you?! You'd probably lie just to get Celeste! You're trying every way you know just to get into her skirt, right?!" Arik turned fiercely towards me, his eyes burning red. "And you, you want him too!""Y-you—!"I couldn't continue my words because it seemed like I ran out of things to say, so I poured my frustration into my palm and slapped it onto his cheek. It echoed throughout the house.In an instant, everyone who needed to be silent went silent. Even my heartbeat skipped a beat for a second. Even my heavy breathing, my howl, my cry—it felt like they
After This Night Chapter 95 - Under the Rain
"Can you please shut up, Hannah? Let them talk to each other." Rusty sternly scolded her.I no longer paid attention to them. I was about to approach Arik when I saw his small step back from me. I felt a pang of pain in my heart.Especially when he glanced at me. His eyes were bloodshot red and filled with hatred and disgust."Is this how you behave just because I still can't remember most things about you? Are you trying to make a fool out of me, Celeste?" he asked me coldly.His voice was calm, not the calm I wanted, but the calm I feared.My heart dropped. "A-Arik...""How will you explain this, Celeste? I was actually trying to defend you to Hannah because she's been saying this for days, that you were in a secret relationship with that jerk. I defended you and then this is what reaches me?" he said in disbelief.I couldn't believe what he was saying either. I was expecting that he wouldn't believe what he saw because he knows me. He knows me b
After This Night Chapter 96 - Mommy's Friend
Suddenly, I feel disgusted. That was our home. That's where we lived. That's where Ariah, his daughter, slept. That's where we built our family and our dreams.But in an instant, it seemed tainted. If given the chance, I wouldn't want to go back there.I noticed tears streaming down my face as I stared at the curtain of the terrace in that room, swaying in the wind. I don't know what time it is, but I think it's still too early because it's a bit dark outside.Did Rusty bring me here?A while later, the door suddenly opened and Daddy came in, carrying a tray of food and a glass of milk. I didn't move from my lying position. He silently sat down beside me, so I just looked at him."How are you feeling?" His voice is warm. Aside from Arik, he's the only man who can talk to me like this. His voice is soothing to me. I couldn't speak because tears were welling up in my eyes."Ariah is here, too. She's downstairs with your mom. It's still early, Celeste. Res
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