[1] b

In the past, her world felt beautiful. She was born into a good family. Although she lost her parents in middle school, she had extraordinary love from her grandmother and grandfather. Until she graduated from college, she lived a life like any other average child. Despite her arranged marriage, she learned to accept it and put aside the knowledge she gained during college. She chose to dedicate herself as a housewife, just as her mother-in-law desired.

She had abundant wealth. She had a husband with a handsome appearance. Just by pointing at something, she could quickly obtain it. But that was only what could be seen from the outside, without knowing how miserable her life was here.

After she managed to regain control of herself, she forced herself to leave the room. Initially, the room she occupied was on the second floor. It was a large main bedroom with many complete facilities. However, there was no warmth there. The atmosphere in the room seemed stiff and superficial.

Just like her relationship with Leonel. She realized it day by day, especially since she became like this. She slowly dragged her feet, making sure with the tip of her cane that nothing would harm her.

"Oh... the lady of the house is awake."

Chloe fell silent. She recognized that voice. Ester Gisella. The woman loved by her husband is now allowed to enter their house. However, Chloe was somewhat confused because Leonel didn't immediately marry that woman. She thought Leonel would immediately legalize his affair within their marriage since she was helpless like this.

But the reality was different. Chloe no longer cared about what Leonel was waiting for. Once permission was granted, Ester became more arrogant and behaved like Ruthen in the large house that Chloe lived in.

"But it's okay if you stay in the room. Besides, it's useless for you to be around here. Dangerous. You might fall and cause trouble."

Chloe remained silent, not wanting to say anything to Ester.

"You're just ruining the view for me. Just go back to your room. Leonel will be home soon. You're useless anyway. You can't take care of him properly. You can't even serve your husband with good eyesight, let alone now," Ester said with sarcasm. There was a sense of satisfaction every time those harsh words were uttered, especially when she saw Chloe becoming more helpless.

It was her fault for agreeing to this ridiculous arranged marriage with Leonel. He was forever hers. Her love. Her sweetheart. She didn't care about being called a home wrecker. In her eyes, Chloe was the one who destroyed their love story. And now, she would reclaim what Chloe had damaged.

"I don't understand," Chloe strolled, not caring if her steps were correct. The tap of her cane indicated that there was nothing to worry about. Once again, she took a step. She hoped to get closer to Ester. "Here, am I the host, or are you?"

Ester burst into laughter immediately. "Are you... still sane?"

Chloe remained still. She continued her words. "Remember one thing, Ester Gisella. If it weren't for my permission, you wouldn't be able to enter the Hartono family. I am still the legal wife of Leonel Grisham. And you..." Chloe didn't care if her pointed finger was aimed directly at Ester's face. "You're just an outsider who satisfies my husband's desires. Without my consent, your so-called legitimate marriage would never exist."

"You!!!" Ester exclaimed in frustration. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Her breath was heavy, and she felt the urge to slap the woman standing in front of her. Even her finger was still pointing there.

"Never forget that I picked you up from the street." Chloe quickly lowered her hand. She tried hard to suppress her anger. Ester's words became more and more unbearable day by day. Not to mention, her ears were not yet deaf to hear the intimacy that happened between her husband and this serpent woman.

"Chloe," someone called, causing Chloe to turn towards the source of the voice. "It's Mama, dear."

Her anger vanished immediately. It was replaced with a genuine smile for the woman approaching her. Her arm received a gentle touch, and she could smell Agatha Theodore's perfume, her mother-in-law's.

"What are you two doing?" Agatha asked suspiciously.

"Nothing, Ma," Chloe quickly interjected. "Just discussing Leonel's visitation schedule. Right, Ester?"

Chloe didn't care if Ester's growl reached her ears. If only her eyes could see usually, she would surely be grinning with satisfaction at Ester's defeat in their conversation. But like this, she felt it was enough to convey her position.

"Is Mama just arriving?" Chloe broke the sudden silence.

"Yes, just now." Agatha looked at Chloe with a gentle gaze, which was in stark contrast when her eyes shifted to the tall and elegant woman nearby. "Mama bought your favorite low-sugar cookies. Come and taste them," she invited as she led Chloe away from Ester. That woman truly made her heart race.

How could her beloved son fall in love with a woman who resembled Medusa? She couldn't understand. And Chloe, she couldn't grasp her thoughts at all. She even asked Leonel to formalize their affair and bring Ester to live here. Agatha gave a scornful look at Ester, who also stared back at her future mother-in-law with a resentful gaze. She didn't care if Agatha didn't like her. Since the beginning, Agatha had never approved of their relationship, right? But now, Ester chose to find a new way to make Agatha submit to her.

Just wait, foolish Mother-in-Law. That's what she thought. Ester lets Chloe be showered with sympathy from Agatha. The time would come for them to know who Ester Gisella indeed was here. And also in Leonel Grisham's heart.

Ester couldn't wait to continue her grand plan. A cunning smirk unconsciously appeared on her face. Her eyes gazed at the backs of the two women she would soon destroy. "Enjoy your time together," she whispered.

***

Leonel hasn't been feeling calm since what Chloe said three days ago. Divorce. That's something Leonel has been longing for a long time. To free himself from the shackles of an unwanted marriage. Then marry the girl he loves. And now, that desire is starting to come true, one by one.

But why is Leonel feeling uncertain instead? He still feels unfamiliar with all the changes Chloe is going through. Leonel racked his brain, trying to figure out how to return the old Chloe as soon as possible. There's an unusual sense of intimidation that Leonel is experiencing, and he doesn't like it.

He's used to asserting his presence at home. There shouldn't be any objections coming out of Chloe's mouth. His wife should comply with all his wishes. That's the punishment Chloe has to accept for agreeing to the ridiculous arranged marriage five years ago. If Chloe hadn't decided, maybe Leonel wouldn't hold such resentment towards her.

During their marriage, Chloe has always been the same. A suitable homemaker type of woman. Her hobbies revolve around cooking and taking care of flowers. Their home always has the scent of Chloe's favorite roses. Even most of Chloe's belongings are red. Her favorite color. She says it's inspired by the red roses she planted in their garden.

He opened his drawer. Chloe's written greeting cards were in the top storage box. He took them out again and read the words he knew by heart. He also remembered the phone call that disturbed him, which was news from the police about his wife's condition.

A creeping sense of guilt started to take hold because he was sure, especially after Deborah revealed the truth about Chloe accidentally opening the closed door. Chloe must have seen how he was intimately involved with Ester then.

Chloe's loss of vision is also his fault. The risks wouldn't be this big if he could control himself and take Ester to a hotel as usual. But who can resist Ester's temptations? They haven't seen each other for a long time.

No, no. Leonel is not at fault here. It was Chloe who was careless while driving. He even provided her with her facilities, but they were ignored. If someone else moved Chloe, the accident wouldn't have happened. Yes, what Leonel is thinking is the truth. He shouldn't feel guilty about Chloe's condition.

"Sir," Deborah called as she lightly knocked on his slightly open door.

His thoughts about Chloe had to be interrupted. "Come in," Leonel commanded.

Deborah was apprehensive because her boss's face was becoming scarier daily. Since Deborah started working at Mountain Pte, she knew what kind of boss she was dealing with. But Leonel's attitude has become more annoying and arbitrary in the past few months. Not to mention, he often gives orders that defy reason. And remember, if there's even a slight mistake, Deborah has to be ready to listen to a series of Leonel's anger.

"The next meeting with Doosan Group will start in ten minutes."

Leonel glanced at his Rolex watch in his left hand, realizing that his schedule was almost up. "Is everything prepared, Di?" He stood up while adjusting the end of his expensive blazer.

"Yes, sir."