9. Now Ready

"Don't worry. I won't do anything. I didn't come back for revenge because I'm not that kind of person. You can have everything to yourself, Isabella. After all, all of that is just scraps to me. Swallow it whole if you want." I said dismissively to her and quickly left the place when I noticed Arik getting closer to our direction.

I went straight to the private suite in the tower instead of going home to visit Ariah. I felt exhausted when I arrived on that floor, even though I only stayed briefly at the event because of what happened.

It felt like I released a lot of emotions today, but I didn't let anyone see that. Consequently, my fatigue seemed to double.

But right after I saw her, running towards me while holding her unicorn stuffed toy, all the pain and weariness in my heart disappeared, replaced immediately by joy and contentment.

"Mommy!" Ariah cheered and hugged me. I quickly knelt down and welcomed her embrace. "You're quick. Uncle Benj said you'd finish later."

"I had to come to you right away, my dear. I missed you," I said and guided her to sit on the couch there. "Where's Uncle Benj and Auntie Sarah?"

"They are cooking. Are you hungry? Do you want to eat with me? Did you eat at Grandma and Grandpa's party?" She asked energetically, her attention focused on my face.

As if she could read me and understand whatever she was looking for in my eyes, her forehead wrinkled with concern.

"Are you okay, Mommy? Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you at that party?"

My lips parted as I gasped silently, shocked by her question. I was so focused on her, wanting to release the frustration hiding in my heart, that I didn't realize I was already crying.

I quickly wiped away my tears and shook my head. "Mommy's fine, Ariah."

"But you're lying, Mommy. You're not fine. I can see it. You taught me that lying is wrong... even when it comes to your own feelings, you should still tell the truth. Isn't that what you taught me?"

My emotions intensified as she said those words, especially when she herself wiped away my tears that kept falling. "You're pretty, Mommy when you're not sad. So, please, stop crying."

"Mommy's fine, Ariah. Can you give me a hug instead?" I forced a fake laugh and opened my arms to receive her embrace.

She gazed at me for a few seconds before rushing into my arms. It was then that I quietly broke down. I felt the release of frustration and agony from my heart.

The worry about Dad's condition, the unknown nature of his illness, the pressure I felt now that I'm officially the CEO of Percepta Group, Arik's return, the pain and anger I saw in Dad's eyes as he looked at me, and whatever else awaited me and Ariah in the days to come—it all hit me at once.

Suddenly, I wanted to regret my decision. Maybe we shouldn't have come back. Maybe we should have stayed in Spain. There, we were peaceful and happy. There, we were content and devoid of the lingering questions in my heart every day.

But my desire for Ariah to know her father led me to make this decision. I don't want to be selfish.

"I'm sorry, my dear, for seeing Mommy like this, hmm?" I whispered to her.

I could feel her little hands stroking my back and hair.

"It's fine, Mommy. As long as you have me, as long as I have you, we will be fine. It's okay to cry. It's okay to not be okay. It's a reminder that we can still feel emotions. It's a reminder that we are not numb."

My daughter is very smart. I felt like she was smarter than me. She is an observer. Timid and frank. Those traits don't belong to me but to her father for sure.

After eating, I put Ariah to bed immediately. I took a shower and rested as well. Oliver, along with Dad and Mom, arrived later.

I noticed how they all looked at me, wanting to ask questions, but they restrained themselves, which I appreciated because I couldn't handle expressing any emotions right now.

Furthermore, I don't want Ariah to see me like this ever again. I'm scared that it might frighten her.

The next day, I went to the office as if nothing had happened. The company received numerous proposals and appointments for meetings with new investors, and the day arrived.

But there was only one thing that caught my attention.

I stared blankly at him, sitting at the end of the long table in the conference room. Beside him was a woman who seemed to be his secretary, and on the other side was another man. Pau entered the room followed by Liam, prompting me to stand up immediately.

"What is this? I didn't receive any heads up about this," I said to Paula, who scratched her head and looked apologetic. I noticed Liam's blank expression from behind.

"Sorry, Ma'am. It was sudden. They said they wanted to talk to you, and it's very important. I thought it would be okay since it's related to the Rioflorida Empire..."

I didn't let Pau finish and turned to Liam. "I just came to visit you."

I nodded and gestured for him to sit beside me. My gaze returned to Arik. The woman, his supposed secretary, stood up along with the man, and finally, she spoke.

"Good day, Ms. Fuentebella." The secretary greeted me. "This is Mr. Spiker Rioflorida, cousin of Mr. Arik Damien Rioflorida and the co-owner of Florida INC.," the woman introduced the two men who were simply staring at me.

I forced a smile as Spiker extended his hand in front of me. "It's so nice to finally see you, Celeste Fuentebella. I apologize for this sudden visit. I hope you understand."

"It's fine. I didn't have any scheduled meetings today anyway," I replied.

"And, Ma'am, this is Mr. Arik Damien Rioflorida..."

My gaze shifted to the man who had been silently observing me all this time. His ears turned crimson red. He looked deeply into my eyes as he extended his hand in front of me. His gaze became even more intense as he spoke.

"It's good to have you back, Celeste," Arik said, his voice filled with a mix of emotions. "I'm so glad you came back. I guess six years of hiding is enough then? You're now ready to face me, hmm?"