Chapter 88

Chapter 88


The thought of going home after school, the idea that you only have a few hours left at work and then you can finally call it a day and head back—just thinking about home brings comfort. There's truly something special about it.

Home can mean different things—a place, a memory, a feeling, a person. We all have our own definitions, but in the end, we share the same sentiment: no matter what, we all want to go home.

I stood in front of her gravestone, reading the name engraved on it. Maybe she’s home now, too. After years of being lost, she's finally where she belongs.

“I brought you flowers, Miss Montereal,” Lady Nathalia said, placing a colorful bouquet on the gravestone. “Same color palette as your makeup. Your coffin cost more than your entire family’s net worth. You finally looked more stunning than me. What more could you ask for?”

Albina Montereal, Nightfall Clan.

A bittersweet smile formed on my lips as I remembered the first time I met her. I had been crying in front of my mother’s grave when she suddenly showed up and asked why I was crying over a stone—why I was talking to something that couldn’t even hear me.

But I hope you can hear my thoughts now. We did it, Albina. We won the war. I wish you were here to see it, but I know you’re in a better place. You’ll never be forgotten—ever.

I took a few steps toward another grave. I sat down and placed the flowers I brought. Gently, I traced the letters carved on the stone:

Celeste Merjudio, Nightfall Clan.

“Hey...” I smiled as if she could see me. “I didn’t get the chance to talk to you much in the end. If all you needed was half of my blood, I would’ve given it gladly. But... it wasn’t that simple. Thank you, Celeste. I never had a sibling, but if I could choose one, I would’ve chosen you. I hope you’re at peace now.”

Tears blurred my vision. I quickly wiped them away, worried Lady Nath might scold me—she did my makeup and had strictly warned me not to ruin it.

I inhaled deeply. “Thank you for everything, Lady Celeste. You’re one of the reasons I’m still standing. Rest well… Miss Merjudio.”

Someone sat beside me.

“You visited her first, huh?” Randolf said softly. “Don’t forget to give her the flowers she deserves.”

“Of course,” I replied with a smile.

He gently rubbed my back. “Don’t be sad. Celeste is in a better place now.”

I turned to him. He was already dressed up. A pang of sadness hit me. “Are you really not letting us come with you to the airport?” I asked.

He shook his head. “I’d rather leave alone. Besides... don’t you have somewhere else to go?”

We both stood and faced each other. “Thank you for taking care of her, Randolf. Thank you for accepting her. Be safe wherever you’re headed.”

“Thank you too, Astra. I don’t know when I’ll be back. Take care, all of you.”

I hugged him. “Take care, Mr. Wenson.”

“You too, Miss Martin.”

Randolf pulled away and gave one last look at Celeste’s grave. He smiled faintly.

“So… goodbye?” he said with a soft chuckle.

I nodded. “Until we meet again…”

It seemed he had already said his goodbyes to everyone, so he walked toward his car. He turned to wave at us one last time before getting inside.

From a distance, I saw a man walking away from the cemetery. I had sensed he’d been watching us the whole time.

I hope you can forgive yourself, Oscar.

“Did you cry, Astra?”

“No!” I quickly shook my head at Nathalia. “I didn’t! Look—my makeup’s intact!”

“Good.” Wearing her signature red lipstick, Nathalia smiled. Her ruby earrings sparkled in the sunlight. “Are we good now?”

I nodded. “Let’s go?”

We joined the others. Nigel was leaning against his royal blue car. Damn. As expensive as that car was, his clothes were just as destroyed. He was literally wearing the white t-shirt Brix had signed for him—ripped right down the chest.

“Oh!” He suddenly covered his chest when he caught me staring. “Wow, Astra. Your idol has a bigger body than I do, huh?”

“Are you sure that’s what you’re wearing?” I ignored his teasing. “Lord Hezuera must be so proud of you.”

“This is fashion!” Nathalia walked up to Nigel and tugged on the rip in his shirt to make it even bigger. “Your belt looks terrible, Mr. Hezuera. We’re going to the mall—you can buy one there.”

“No, I’m good, Miss Cardinal.” Nigel cleared his throat and ran his hand over the shirt where Brix had signed. He looked genuinely proud of it.

“It’s so hot here!” Erikson complained as he leaned on his black car. He licked his lips and squinted from the sunlight. “So? Are we just going to stand here all day?”

“Let’s go, guys!” Lady Nathalia squealed excitedly.

“Wait! Where do I sit?” I asked, realizing I was the only one without a car.

“Isn’t Brix going with us?” Erikson asked.

I pouted. “He said he had a lot to do…”

“You can ride with me, Astra,” Nigel offered.

I was about to get in his car when someone slammed the door shut. I looked down at the hand, then up the arm, and finally met Brix’s eyes.

“Don’t you want to ride with me?” Brix asked.

“I thought you were busy,” I said.

“Whoa. You’re really coming, Brix?” Erikson said, chuckling.

Instead of answering, Brix pulled me into his car. I smiled when I smelled his cologne—the same one from the first time he drove me home.

The moment felt nostalgic. It brought back everything we’d been through.

I really made it this far, huh?

“Mall?” Brix asked.

I nodded. “Lady Nath wants to shop. She said she’d buy me something too.”

“Really?” His tone was dripping with sarcasm.

I glanced at him. He wore his favorite white tee, one sleeve rolled up over his shoulder. A gold watch clung to his wrist. Damn. He smelled amazing, as always.

“You’re not going to ask me for money?” he said.

“No—”

“Why not?”

I hesitated. “I don’t know. It’s free?”

“You’ve got salary from the Nightscape Club. I have it. That’s what you’ll use—”

“That’s not enough—”

“Do you need an entire bank of dollars?”

“Brix…”

“I’m kidding.” He laughed. After starting the car, he reached for my hand while his other hand stayed on the wheel. “Just know that whatever I have, you can use.”

I leaned against his shoulder. “Even this car?” I teased.

“Even the owner…”

I straightened up when someone knocked on my window. It was Nigel, smiling and waving at us.

I rolled the window down. “What is it?”

“Uhm…” He sounded hesitant and cleared his throat. “I really miss driving, but sometimes in life, even if we want to—”

“Your car’s out of gas?” I cut him off.

“I forgot to fill it up. Can I—”

“Of course you can commute,” Brix said, cutting him off.

“I was hoping—”

“No.”

Nigel pouted. “Okay…”

He turned away sadly.

“Astra…” Brix warned in a threatening tone.

“Hop in, Mr. Hezuera!” I unlocked the back door. Brix cursed and slammed the steering wheel in frustration. “Hurry up!”

Nigel scrambled into the back seat. Before he could even close the door, Erikson slipped in too, taking off his jacket.

“My car’s AC is broken. Damn,” he muttered.

I turned to Brix with an awkward smile. His face was dark, staring grimly at the road. He took a deep breath, then gave a slight nod. He turned the car and followed Lady Nathalia’s red car.

“You should be thankful Astra’s with you,” Brix muttered.

“Thank you, Astra!” Nigel chimed from the back.