As I opened the conversation after a few minutes of silence during our journey, I asked, "Why does Yumi so casual to you? Are you close?"
He glanced at me briefly and shrugged."She's our family lawyer. Actually, you're the only one who calls me by my last name often," he explained, surprising me."Huh? Why? Don't you like your last name?""It's not like that. I just hate it some time, that's all."I winced. "So, I'm forbid to call you by your last name then?"Rusty tilted his head to the side to look at me. "It's up to you, Celeste. Anything goes."I nodded and smiled. "Alright then."Somehow, I'm starting to like the budding friendship between us. He's a good coworker and friend.One might need to chase him, given his strong appeal and handsome looks."Where are we going again?" he asked, nudging me as I seemed lost in thought."Mother Theresa Hospital.""Who are you visiting there? Do you have a check-up today?" he contiFrom Rusty: Let me know when you're going. I'll come with you, Celeste.From Rusty: Please take care.I smiled at the message from Rusty. I quickly replied and then headed to Ariah's room. I found her there, writing quietly at her small study table, her unicorn beside her. When I looked at what she was writing, it seemed to be a journal."Is my baby busy?" I playfully asked as I sat down on the floor near her.She glanced at me and gave a subtle smile. "I'm writing my diary, Mommy.""Wow, you never told me you have a diary."She paused in her writing and adjusted her long, curly hair."I'll give you this when I finish filling up this whole notebook," she said. I smiled and nodded.I stared at her for a moment. She looks so much like me, but she inherited her eyes from Arik. They have the same eye color and shape—almond-shaped—so when she's angry, sulking, or sad, she resembles her father."I
"When are you leaving? I heard you're being assigned to another place," Oliver asked as we began to eat.I was busy arranging Ariah's food, who was sitting quietly beside me, listening to their conversation.Rusty being assigned to another place? Makes sense. It's common for the kind of work he does. He's a renowned engineer. Even more popular among women. It's surprising too because I thought he wouldn't stay this long in the country, but he's been here for months now."I declined that project. When did you and Maki start talking again?" Rusty chuckled."Your sister is my girlfriend's business partner. Don't be so surprised.""Mommy, I want more mac 'n cheese." Ariah whispered to me shyly, so I turned my attention to her.She had finished the mac 'n cheese I put on her plate, so I chuckled at how fast she was eating."I'll get you—""Here, Ariah."I was taken aback when Rusty put more mac 'n cheese on Ariah's plate. He moved so qui
"Why did you bring me here?" I asked him as we entered his condo, which used to be our place of residence.The whole condo was dark. The only source of light was the lamp shade in the living room and the dim light in the kitchen."We just need to talk. Why do you not want to be here? Isn't this where we used to live?"I quickly turned to look at him upon hearing that. I couldn't believe what he said. I couldn't even see his expression clearly in the darkness where he was standing. But I could sense the heaviness and the dark aura around him."What are you talking about? Is this some kind of joke?""I saw this condo in my dreams... with you in it," he muttered.My shoulders slumped. He still hadn't remembered everything. Despite my efforts to hold myself back, that was the first thought that crossed my mind when he brought me here – maybe he's starting to remember. Maybe his memories are coming back.But no. I could feel it, he h
Arik: Why do you always leave whenever something happens between us? Is this how you'll treat me? Like a one-night stand, Celeste?Arik: And didn't you like it?It's as if a volcano is about to erupt in my head as I read Arik's text while I'm busy signing new client contracts. I feel the heat spreading from my face down to my body at that moment.Especially when I remember what happened between us last night.The way Arik held and touched me last night is igniting a fire within me, spreading like a wildfire that suddenly ignites and quickly engulfs everything. He was like a hungry beast during those moments. Eager, yet careful in touching me, as if I were a delicate object he didn't want to break.It's like I suddenly forgot all the time I've missed him. But it also intensified my longing to be with him again.It's like I'm having an affair with the father of my child, damn it. Is this even allowed?"So, the real que
I wasn't sure if he genuinely wanted to know the answers because he's concerned about me, or if he's just teasing me."I-I'm not. Please, leave. I won't be able to come back there for a while because—"I didn't finish what I was saying as the door suddenly opened, and Arik's head appeared. My mouth fell open in surprise."I knew you'd be here," he said before ending the call.I couldn't move from my seat as he entered fully, closing the door behind him. My heart continued to race relentlessly."H-how did you know I was here?" I asked him, avoiding his gaze as he approached."You're avoiding me, Celeste," he stated.I shook my head and remained seated in the swivel chair in front, while he stood beside me, undoubtedly staring at me. I even noticed him placing his phone on the table."I-I'm not. I just wanted to rest.""Why? Are you tired? Where does it hurt, Celeste?" He pleaded, dropping to his knees in front of me
"You should leave now. I don't have time for you, Yumi," Arik said firmly and coldly to Yumi.That's what I heard when I escorted Ariah to the connecting room in my office along with Pau. I stayed on one side and just observed the two of them.This woman has some nerve. She really forced herself to come into my office just to follow us. Thankfully, I was able to explain to Ariah right away, because if not and she saw or heard how violent she could be, I'd direct all my anger towards her."Let's talk first, Arik. You've been away from home for days. Where have you been? Is it because of her that you're not coming home anymore? Why are you doing this to me? I thought we already discussed this?" She said irritably, her tone full of frustration.Her frustration was clearly evident on her face, while Arik remained expressionless, looking at her."You should be the one to go home, Yumi, and don't come back here again," Arik stated firmly, but Yumi contin
"I don't want Daddy to leave... Daddy should stay here. He can't go."I just stared at Ariah as she repeated those words over and over. She was asleep now, clutching her unicorn toy tightly, tears still wet on her cheeks. She had cried herself to sleep while I softly patted her back.To make her feel that she wasn't alone.But I felt like it wasn't enough.I bit my lower lip and quickly covered my mouth as I started sobbing again. Arik was still outside this room. I knew he had heard us earlier when Ariah and I talked. I knew he had heard his daughter cry while she begged me not to make him leave.I felt like I was burning inside. Like I was being killed over and over again, only to be brought back to hurt again. When it came to Ariah, I was shattered. I knew how much she loved her daddy. She had waited for him for so long.But how could I tell her everything? That her father had been lying to us ever since the accident. That the reason for
The next day, it seemed like nothing had happened to Arik. He woke up early, and I found him in my kitchen, busy cooking. Sometimes, I come back to this condo, so I try to keep it stocked with food. Our other belongings were also here.I kept staring at him. He was quiet while preparing breakfast that morning. Ariah was delighted to see him when she woke up, but I remained worried. I was waiting for him to talk to me or even just look at me, but he didn't.He's avoiding me, and I know why. I don't know how to broach the subject with him. I'm scared.I was busy washing our dishes when I felt his arm wrap around my waist. He even kissed my shoulder gently as it moved upward to my ear."I've got this," he said in a soft voice, still not letting me go."It's okay. I'm almost done.""I dropped Ariah off at school. Do you have work today? Can we just rest all day?" He asked. It seemed like he was carefully choosing his words.After finishin