After This Night

"Celeste, hurry up! The guests are arriving soon." Isabella yelled outside.Taking a deep breath, I composed myself and opened the door. Isabella's eyes widened at the sight of my breathtaking beauty. As she should. Hm."Wow, Celeste, you look stunning. The perfect Yuchengco princess."Isabella's voice is filled with both awe and a hint of envy. I forced a smile, grateful that my true emotions were concealed behind my polished facade."Thank you, Isabella. You look lovely as well."A lie."Right. Let's go. Dad and Mom are downstairs."As we descended the grand staircase together, my gaze caught a glimpse of my stepmother, Victoria, watching me with a discerning eye.I had spent years trying to earn her approval, to be seen as more than just a replacement for my deceased mother.But no matter how hard I tried, it seemed her love remained elusive."You look stunning, my love, Isabella." She greeted her daughter with a soft expression."Thank you, Mom." "And as usual, you're late, Celest

I could hardly bring myself to go to the office the next day because of the heaviness I felt in my body. I haven't been able to have myself checked to confirm if I am indeed pregnant because I'm still scared. I don't even know what to do next.Dad must not find out about this. He'll kill me. I've heard more than enough from him when he found out about Mr. Lim rejected the company's proposal. I wonder if he has more hurtful words in store. In the end, I arrived at the office feeling like a lifeless vegetable and immediately started my work. I didn't have a choice. I just hope I won't encounter Isabella today because I don't have the strength to engage in a heated exchange with her, knowing there is hidden anger within me."Pau, can you make me a cup of coffee, please?" I requested my secretary as she placed the files I assigned to her on my desk."Sure, Ma'am Celeste. Are you alright? You look pale," she remarked with concern.I shook my head and ignored what she said. "Just tired and

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 coul

"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

"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