Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 33

Hard day

"Why don't you try to listen to me for once? Bakit ba ang tigas ng ulo mo? Do you even know what you're doing, Celeste?" Arik's voice sounded like thunder when I entered his office.

"Kim already explained to you what might happen to you if you rush the procedure, didn't she? Hindi mo pa rin ba maintindihan yon? You can forget your present memory, Celeste! Goddammit!"

I bit my lower lip as I could clearly see how he was holding back from exploding. He's holding back himself and I can't do anything to calm him down.

"I... I-I'm sorry... I just want to help, Arik." I stuttered. "It didn't work out—"

"Because Kim called me that's why it didn't go through! And what happens when you get what you want, huh?" His tone was more emphatic.

Napayuko lamang ako sa sulok doon.

After picking me up from Kim's clinic, he brought me to his office. Akala ko ay uuwi na kami ngunit hindi.

And that Kim, I don't know if she considers Arik more of a friend than me. How could she betray me like this? Bitch.

"Arik, I just want to start gathering evidence. I'm bored..."

"I told you there is a process and they are starting to investigate again. Why can't you even listen to my words?" There, I heard the resentment in his voice so I immediately looked at him.

His jaw clenched while shaking his head and muttering some curses. He marched over to his table and flipped his coat over there.

"Arik, please... I'm sorry."

"You didn't even consider everything I told you, Celeste. I can't believe you. You're only remembering a few things now, what if you remember everything? Lalo kang mapapahamak! That procedure might cause harm to you. There's a possibility that you will forget something else again..." He sighed violently and turned to me completely.

He looked so stressed. His forehead was wrinkled as he seemed to be thinking about whether he should approach me or not. My heart ached there. He was so worried about me and here I am, acting casually.

"Celeste, you may forget me again. What do you want me to do when that happens? Put up with it again until you come back to me on your own?" His shoulders finally slumped. He didn't even approach me.

My heart clenched at the sight of him like this. Conscience kept stabbing my heart. I approached him and held his arm. He didn't look at me and kept looking at his shoes.

"Arik..."

"You don't know how it feels, Celeste. To see you every day but I couldn't get close to you because you didn't know me."

"I'm sorry..." I said and took his hand. I held it tightly. Damn, I don't know how to subdue him. "Hindi na... I won't do it again. Don't be mad. I-I'm sorry."

I immediately bit my lower lip to control my emotions.
When he finally looked at me, my tears started to fall, so I quickly wiped them away.

"I-I'm sorry... Please, huwag ka nang magalit."

He stared at me. His expression gradually softened and he immediately hugged me tightly. He even kissed my head firmly but he still didn't speak so I looked up at him.

"You're still mad."

His eyes were sullen as he shook his head. "I'm just disappointed."

"Saan? Sakin?"

"No, Celeste, but you need to listen to me from now on. When you want to take a step, tell me right away. When you have questions, I will answer them for you. Just stop making a decision like this, please." He begged me like he was running out of patience.