"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

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

"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

"It's not that important," he shrugged, taking his seat at the long table. I was seated near the front but on the side."It's as important as those scars on your back and where they came from, Arik. You should've told me," I insisted.He adjusted his hair and looked at me gently. I noticed his hand playing with his pen."I don't want to burden you anymore, Celeste. You have a lot to deal with," he said, making me frown as I stared at him.He chuckled and took my hand. "What?""Burden me anytime, Arik. I want you to burden me all the time, please," I pleaded with him, feeling that familiar tug at my heart.We held each other's gaze for a long moment until he let out a sigh, as if finally giving in to what I wanted."I will. I'm sorry."The meeting lasted nearly two hours. After lunch, we headed to Arik's secret house. On the way there, I suddenly remembered Hannah because I hadn't seen her lately."She's in the US. Dad se

"Is Isabella aware of this? That's new, huh? Wasn't she upset?" Aurora inquired, her initial question after I revealed the contents of that envelope.Among them was Dad's letter. I didn't notice it initially because I didn't immediately pay attention. So, I didn't know how I'd react when I found out what he had left for me. I thought it was just a letter."She reminded me to read the letter. I think she knows," I replied, gazing at the papers.Some of them were property titles in my name. Dad's last will and testament was also there. I had it verified by our family lawyer to confirm their authenticity, and they confirmed they were legit.It was mine, part of my inheritance. Isabella knew about them, but she didn't even bring it up the last time we spoke."And then she jetted off to the UK that quickly? Why did she do that? Did she tell you the reason?" Kim asked and handed me a copy of Dad's last will and testament.I shrugged and put them away. "She di