The cold sweat on my brow bore witness to my escalating fear, and I desperately tried to make sense of the bomb's mechanism, but the enigmatic wires and blinking lights left me paralyzed with frustration. It was like deciphering a cruel puzzle with a merciless countdown.
As I heard Arik struggle with the unyielding door from the outside, the helplessness of my situation gnawed at me like an insatiable beast. My emotions churned within me like a tempest, a turbulent storm.
First came denial—I couldn't believe this was happening, couldn't believe I was about to meet my end in this forsaken place.
Anguish and anger surged through me as I came to terms with the cruel fate that had befallen us. The bomb was a malevolent specter, and I longed to cry out at the world for the injustice of it all. Why us? Why now?
And then, like a lightning strike, the unalterable truth hit me: I might never see my daughter again. Her innocent smile, her laughter, the feel o
"Hannah has been returned to the mental facility. Unfortunately, she cannot be incarcerated yet due to her current condition, which is affecting the investigation. But don't worry, everything is going well. She won't be able to leave there anymore," Oliver explained to me, his certainty evident in his voice.I glanced at Arik, whose expression remained unyielding as he focused on the documents before him.His lawyer friend was explaining something once more, but I couldn't grasp the details, my attention solely fixed on Arik, who appeared to be struggling with whatever he was reading.Then I suddenly recalled what Hannah had told me that night, the information Arik hadn't shared with me. Did he intend to tell me something? Were his symptoms resurfacing?My concern heightened when he clutched his head and closed his eyes tightly. I immediately approached him to get his attention."We can do this tomorrow or in the coming days. You don't need to do a
After few minutes, I decided to just find him. When I stepped into the garden, I saw him talking to someone. It was Rusty."I hope she won't find out what happened back then. I know you remember everything, Rik. When do you plan to tell her about your condition?" Rusty asked Arik sternly.I stood there, frozen. What were they talking about?"You no longer have to worry about that. I only agreed to have you come tonight for her sake," Arik coldly replied."I also agreed to come here tonight for her because she wants me to be here. Don't you think she should know about your condition from you? She'll be hurt even more if she finds out from someone else, Rioflorida," Rusty stated firmly. His deep concern was evident.I heard Arik's string of curses as he muttered to the air and then suddenly knelt in front of Rusty. I was alarmed but unable to move closer to them."Stop interfering in my life, Serrano. She doesn't need to know because I'm going
Rusty blinked twice. He looked even deeper into my eyes as if he didn't want our gaze to break. It seemed as though he was ready to answer all my questions if I were to ask him about it now.But that was interrupted by Arik's sudden approach."What the fuck are you doing, Serrano?" Arik's tone was harsh, which alarmed me.Rusty, however, didn't seem fazed at all. He just adjusted his seat and looked up at Arik."Ah, keeping your woman accompanied while you were with another woman?" Rusty retorted mockingly.Seeing the anger in Arik's expression, I quickly stood up and approached him. I also noticed Tatiana heading in our direction, which made me grimace."We were just talking about something, Arik," I calmly explained to him and glanced back at Rusty, who remained seated, looking unflinchingly defiant.I knew he was about to spill the beans, but Arik's sudden approach put a halt to it."Arik, why did you leave so suddenly? I still want to ask
"Thank you for giving this to us, this moment, Arik," I whispered as I gently caressed his face.I couldn't help but remember the illness he carried, but I quickly pushed it aside.Arik's expression softened even more. His jaw clenched briefly as his gaze drifted to my lips and then returned to my eyes."No, I should thank you, Celeste. Thank you for giving me this chance to be with you again, and I'm sorry for everything. Forgive me," he said in a hoarse voice and hugged me."I will ask for your forgiveness for the rest of my life, my love. Even if my memory fades away... again."The small smile on my lips vanished, replaced by fear and sadness. I held him tightly and quietly wiped away my tears.God, please, don't do this to us. I can't bear it. Every labored breath he took felt like a painful reminder of the life we were slowly losing.As I hugged him, my heart ached with a heaviness I could scarcely bear. Arik had always been the anchor of my e
In a rush, Arik sped to the hospital alongside Kim and Noah because Kim was a doctor, and fortunately, the hospital was close to our place of stay.I wished to accompany them, yet I refrained as there was no one to watch over Ariah.Arik only mentioned that something happened to Rusty without elaborating further, as he hurriedly departed.I found it surprising, especially considering his earlier demeanor, deeply concerned and somewhat upset. It made me ponder if there was still a chance for them to reconcile.Sitting silently beside my daughter, I gazed at her. She was sound asleep, but a faint smile lingered on her lips. She's probably dreaming about her father, as usual.I was in that position when my phone chimed. Arik had messaged me, followed closely by a text from Kim.Arik:I'm sorry for not updating you promptly, but we're already at the hospital. I'll be heading back home soon. Take a rest, Celeste.T
"…I couldn't stay at home. I couldn't find what I was looking for. But when I returned here, when I came back to you, one look from you, Celeste, felt like I found something that had long been missing from my life…" Arik paused and took one of my hands.I just listened as my heart felt like it was bursting with joy."...And I knew that once you touched me, once you spoke to me during those times, I knew I would keep coming back to you, over and over again. No matter how many times, I knew I would keep crawling back to you. Celeste… coming for you was like arriving home to a place I had never been but have been yearning for my whole life. I was yours before we even touched each other. That's why I couldn't stay in one house; it's because you were the one I wanted to come home to. You and our beautiful daughter, Ariah."Tears I'd been trying to hold back flowed from my eyes. I covered my mouth to stifle any sound. Arik chuckled and wiped my te
Gino ascended to the yacht first, followed by another man who would assist us. Noah and Kim followed. Then came Rusty, me, and Arik, who was behind me. I thought Arik would follow me inside the yacht, but I overheard Tatiana calling him instead."Sorry. I have a fear of heights. You know that," she said, reaching out for Arik's hand.Arik, furrowing his brow, quickly glanced at me, as if seeking permission. I just smiled and nodded at him."Let's go," Rusty whispered to me, guiding me towards Kim, who was at the yacht's railings, gazing at the sea.The yacht was spacious, rented by Arik solely for us. The island we were headed to was one of the most famous and talked-about islands in the area, but only a few people had the chance to visit. It was a private island, and the owner preferred to keep it away from the bustling crowd to prevent damage."Hey," Arik suddenly approached me while I was admiring the rolling waves.
Since we descended, Rusty had his arm around me until we reached the cottage. Everyone was silent and looked at Rusty and me with surprise, which raised my eyebrows. Especially when I saw Tatiana seated beside Arik, her body almost leaning against his arm.In utter annoyance, I sat at the far end of the long bench and quietly helped myself to some food. Rusty followed suit, taking a seat next to me, which made me smile at his action."Where were you guys?"Arik's question nearly made me lift my gaze, not just because of his question but also the tone. It always seemed threatening. I didn't intend to answer, but Rusty did it for me.Tatiana remained by Arik's side, only shifting her gaze toward me when she noticed my stare. I pursed my lips when she sighed and avoided eye contact."We were just at the rock formation nearby," he casually answered Arik while I focused on peeling shrimp for myself."What were you doing th