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
There, I found Arik sitting on the visitor's couch. His secretary and his cousin Spiker were no longer with him."Our meeting finished a while ago, Mr. Rioflorida. Why are you still here?" I asked as I took a seat across from him.He adjusted himself subtly, his expression lighting up upon seeing me. I couldn't help but stare at him.His haircut was neatly done. It was still somewhat long, but not as long as when I first saw him at the restaurant. He tied it in a clean man-bun. He no longer had his mustache, and his attire was also well put together.It was like a different Arik sitting in front of me now. Just last week, he looked miserable and weighed down by problems, but now his face seemed refreshed.He's indeed handsome. I couldn't help but notice how much he resembled Ariah. Damn it."Celeste," he muttered, as if rehearsing my name, which made me slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. "I'm sorry for taking your time. I just wanted to
To Arik: I won't be able to make it, Mr. Rioflorida. I have an emergency at home. "Thought you had plans tonight?" Oliver greeted me as I descended to get some water. I ignored him and headed for the fridge. "I put Ariah to sleep. It's not that important," I replied. I didn't bother waiting for Arik's response to my text because I had no intention of going anyway. It was late, and I didn't want to waste my time on him when I should be focusing on Ariah. Besides, why did he want to talk at night? "Are you sure? It might be important," he continued teasing, so I looked at him. He had a slight smirk on his lips, clearly teasing me. "He could've set an appointment if it's really important," I answered, taking a seat on the high chair at the kitchen island and glancing at him. His meaningful smirk was still there. "What's with that smirk? You're so annoying," I remarked. Oliver burst into laughter,
Oliver looked at me with malice. "Do you have a meeting with Florida INC. or just a personal meeting with the owner?" "Knock it off, Ol. Let's talk later." "Wait," he interrupted and turned to my secretary. "Please, let him in, Paula." "What? Wait—" I didn't continue what I was about to say because Oliver quickly walked out of his office. I noticed Isabella standing up and approaching me. "So, you're hooking up with him again?" She commented with disgust. I looked at her. "What?" "You're hooking up with Arik again? After I told you that you have no place in his life before? Is that how desperate you are to get everything you want? The Fuentebellas, and now the Riofloridas." She accused me confidently, almost making me laugh. I sighed, "If you only knew, Isabella, you can't say that to me now." I whispered as Oliver and Arik arrived. I gasped when Arik's radiant and handsome face greeted me. That tattoo on his ne
"Mommy, what does my grandfather look like?" Until now, I can't get Ariah's question out of my mind before I left the house earlier. I have no idea why it suddenly popped into her head. I wanted to think that she was referring to Papa Henry, but no, she was referring to my father—Armando Yuchengco, the founder of the Yuchengco clan, who is currently undergoing treatment for his kidney illness. "What's his condition like? Is it severe?" Kim asked as she sat down, carrying our orders from the counter. Aurora looked at her and smirked. "Why would Celeste be interested in his condition? Unless she wants to help him with his illness," Aurora sarcastically remarked. I suddenly remembered Oliver's question to me last night. "Oliver just mentioned that he needs a kidney transplant. I'm not sure of the full details. I don't intend to find out either," I replied and started eating. They invited me for lunch because Kim had just returned
I suddenly noticed Liam's arrival as he planted a direct kiss on my cheek. He looked serious and seemed to have something important to say. "What happened to you?" I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, as we both sat down in the visitor's area of my office. Liam's jaw was clenched. He appeared furious. What the hell? "Liam," I called him out when it seemed like he didn't notice me. "You know your father--uh, no, The Yuchengco is our partner, right?" he began, muttering a curse under his breath. I was taken aback upon hearing that name. "And?" I asked. "Dad made a deal with him. I swear, Celeste, I didn't want to agree to it, but you know Dad. Fuck it!" he blurted out, clearly frustrated. "Just tell me, Liam. What is going on?" He muttered some more curses before looking at me, as if seeking forgiveness. "Dad might call you for dinner tonight. The Yuchengco will be there. I'm not sure what it's about, b
We were all silent as the dinner began, but I could feel the occasional glances from Arik and Isabella directed at me. I also sensed that anyone of them wanted to speak but couldn't decide where to start. "Celeste, my dear, I suppose my son gave you a heads up before I even called you regarding this dinner. Is that right?" Mr. William Johnsons initiated the conversation. I waited for the juice I was drinking to go down before nodding and looking at him. "Yes, Mr. William. Liam went to my office earlier to inform me, but he didn't say anything else. He just mentioned that it was important." "I see, that's why you didn't refuse. You couldn't refuse my son, huh?" His voice sounded teasing. I felt embarrassed. "Hasn't my son courted you yet, Celeste? I would be happy if that's the case between you two now," added his wife. Automatically, I turned to look at Arik. It was as if my head had a mind of its own, just to see his reaction.
"Celeste, my dear, what's your next plan for the Aomori Resort? The bidding will be held the day after tomorrow because the renovation has long been completed." I glanced at Mom, who gently wiped her mouth and looked at me. Dad did the same before whispering something to the staff and turning to Oliver. They decided to have brunch at one of the towers in Percepta instead, so they wouldn't have to return to the mansion. They had just returned from the resort, and I was sure they wanted to rest. "Will you be staying there? The bidding will last for several days. There's also a social party afterward. Of course, you can't miss it, my dear," added Dad. I nodded. "I'll be staying there with Oliver, Dad. He'll also accompany me to the party." "Celeste, didn't I mention it to you?" Oliver tapped me lightly, so I looked at him. He had a grin on his face. "What is it?" "I have an important opening event with my clients on that day that
How can he be so sure? He has no intention of doing anything, right? What is he planning? Why did his entire focus suddenly shift to me instead of his return? Is this related to his company or to ours?I hope not. I hope I'm wrong. He's Ariah's father. I don't want to be angry with him if I can help it. We can also do co-parenting once I gather the courage to tell him about Ariah.So I hope we don't have any reasons to be at odds with each other. I don't want to change how I see him.I thought Arik was just joking when he said he would stay in my office until I had free time, but I was wrong.While I had back-to-back meetings, he was like a dog following me everywhere I went. It's a good thing that Percepta has a connection with Florida INC, so it's not too weird.But what if there was no connection? What if he's always here for no reason? Gods."Aren't you going back to your office? You've been here all day, Arik. Don't you have anything im