Chloe once had a dream, and it was beautiful. She was beside her husband, listening to music they both liked or whatever Leonel liked. They hummed along, enjoying the road with tall pine trees standing around them. Their route was wet from the rain and slightly foggy but very romantic to pass through. Their destination was around the Rhineback area or Ellicotville, where Grisham's luxurious villa waited for them to unwind and relax together.
They held hands as they walked on the dewy grass in the morning. They felt the cool breeze that soothed their hearts and minds. And afterward, they spent time like a couple deeply in love, with loving words until their vacation ended.
It feels like a lie if Chloe didn't want that to happen in her life. Each time she fell in love with a man, in this case, she fell in love with the right person. Her husband. Not someone else or someone else's husband, right? But why? Why did her husband extinguish that love until it vanished complete
Throughout Chloe's therapy, Leonel never failed to pay attention to everything that happened there. Every conversation occurred, including the interactions between doctors and patients and Chloe's communication. Everything seemed normal, and there was nothing suspicious. But why did Leonel's heart still feel like they were hiding something? Was it because his presence was too open, and they were acting regularly because of it?Ah, that could be it.Leonel seemed to have to resort to his second option of secretly observing. He agreed with his new line of thinking. Although he occasionally participated in conversations when Chloe was being spoken to by the doctor, including discussing her progress. It wasn't that Leonel wasn't happy, but why didn't his wife mention the progress she was experiencing? What? Oh my god! Did Leonel forget how he had hurt Chloe's feelings? Wasn't it normal for his wife not to want to share about herself now?In their five years of marri
She should be happy. She should feel victorious. And her heart shouldn't be in such turmoil like this. Instead, she was restless and unsettled, even though Leonel had just exited his room. Nothing happened—only a lingering silence between them. From the edge of the bed where she sat, Ester could occasionally see Leonel wanting to speak but holding back. The man also kept his distance from her, even though he was sitting on the sofa inside the room specially prepared by Chloe.What kind of wife was this woman he loved? Maybe not good, but bordering on crazy. How could she not be? A room almost the same size as Joshua's was given to Ester for free, even though she was supposed to leave. Frustration and anger dominated her, prompting her to call Rio and Sofi to pick her up immediately. At least, with them around, she would stay within a reasonable distance if they were to visit a bar later.She still had many plans for the next month. She didn't want to ruin them wi
What silly things did Leonel do after five years of his bland marriage? This is the first time he enters Chloe's room while conscious. There was no alcohol involved. He couldn't even imagine Ester's face while he made love to his wife. Leonel truly stepped forward and approached his sleeping wife. He had been standing at the slightly open bedroom door for a while now. Perhaps Chloe had forgotten, or the door needed to be fully closed, but it was an advantage for Leonel. He could hear all the conversations taking place.Feelings of anger, frustration, and regret kept alternating in his mind.He suppressed it all until he could get closer to his wife. He looked at her peaceful face, ensuring the blanket properly covered her. He also adjusted the room temperature to ensure Chloe's comfort in her sleep. And unexpectedly, Leonel pulled back the blanket Chloe was wearing. He slept next to his wife while observing the true beauty that Chloe Delilah possessed.But why c
Did Ester sleep peacefully all night? No, not at all. Instead, her mind wandered off somewhere and couldn't be redirected to things that made her happy. It always led to Leonel, who, for some reason, left his room. There were many questions she wanted to ask, but oh God! Why did Leonel treat her differently as time went on? Since Chloe's accident, Ester tried to stick closer to Leonel because it was a rare opportunity. Also, when Chloe, in Ester's eyes, foolishly asked her to join the Grisham family.She thought that with that permission granted, their divorce would happen soon. She could be with Leonel forever. She wouldn't have excessive worries about Leonel possibly turning away. But it turned out that the accident became a turning point where she became the threatened party day by day.Ester was not blind to seeing all of that happening around her.When she opened her eyes after struggling to push away all the things weighing on her chest, she immediately gr
Ester was used to having her meals prepared by her assistant. Anyone would do, including choosing clothes that she thought would fit her mood for the day, which she would wear. But if not, Ester would choose for herself. But often, she would wear what her assistant had prepared. After all, the assistant was paid to do their job. It would be pointless for Ester to pay them and still disregard some things.This time, her outfit was decent enough for a morning breakfast together. She was much better now and could control herself, unlike when she remembered the most detestable meal. She would do it if there were a chance to retaliate against Robby and Agatha. Oh, hasn't it already started? Where did she get that special ticket? So she wouldn't waste it. She would make the most of it. As much as possible to gain control over this house and Leonel. It would be pointless to control this house if she couldn't touch its owner or Leonel anymore. She couldn't let that happen to her.
A bad mood indeed affects a person's performance. Usually, it's best to step away for a while to restore the already damaged spirit when it's like that. Sit down with a cup of warm coffee, hot chocolate, and a few pieces of low-sugar toast. Remember the music playing softly in the background to soothe oneself and bring the mood back to a reasonable level. However, when someone has already done that but still hasn't regained their mood, the mood damage in their heart is too significant. That's what Ester is experiencing today. Since Sofi picked her up from Leonel's house, Ester has sighed deeply multiple times. Not to mention her tightly clenched fists, causing her palms to hurt from her nails digging into them. The glare in her eyes shows she doesn't want to be disturbed. There have also been murmurs from her mouth, indicating that her teeth are grinding against each other to hold back her emotions. Sofi knows that her employer's mood is terrible and has tried a few things to allevi
Ester observed how the man sat calmly, enjoying his coffee. Meanwhile, she was still grappling with her frustration over Chloe's behavior earlier in the morning. Her hands longed to destroy everything about her lover's wife. How much longer would she have to be patient?"Why did you come to see me here?" Since her conversation partner had been silent, she decided to speak up. She hadn't even touched the cup of tea in front of her."Just visiting the boss who provides me with a stash of money."Josh chuckled. "Is that all?"The beautiful woman stared at Josh intently. "Do you... want to make me a pawn at the upcoming birthday party?""Of course. I've said it countless times, Ester. You know it very well."Ester shifted her seating position slightly. Her eyes were still fixed on Josh. "Make me a part of the Grisham family soon."Josh laughed even more. "Are you... kidding? You already have that opportunity, don't you? Why don't you make
Deborah didn't become concerned about Leonel getting angry. The man was known for his meticulousness that always made Deborah's heart race whenever she handed in reports. Leonel always found something in the pieces Deborah gave him, even though she had checked them multiple times."I've warned you many times, Di," Leonel handed over the newly corrected files. "Mistakes in calculations can have fatal consequences if you're not careful, Di. How many years have you been with me?"Deborah remained silent. Her eyes dared not meet her boss, who continued speaking. If it weren't for her argument with her fiancé before the wedding, maybe Deborah could concentrate more, and her mistakes wouldn't be as many.But that reason couldn't be justified. Personal issues should not be brought into work matters, let alone to the extent of disrupting her work activities. That would be unprofessional, and Deborah didn't want to be labeled as such. She had tried hard to focus a
"So... this is Chloe?" the woman, observing the newcomer, asked. In one glance, Rania could tell that her son's companion had quite a high taste. Everything about her attire looked well put together."Yes, Mom. It is Chloe," Darren spoke first. "Mom was questioning her like a police officer. Chloe got scared, you know."Rania frowned at her son's comment. She was already worried enough about the promises her son made. What more did Rania want? She just wanted to see Darren happy with his partner. How long would they continue their relationship? Darren was at an age where he should be starting a family. Why postpone it?"Don't talk like that by the door." This time, Bagas spoke. Since Darren's car entered the garage, Bagas had been preparing himself to welcome his future daughter-in-law. He was also quite curious about the woman Darren brought this time.Even though he had rejected the idea of an arranged marriage from both him and his mother."Oh,
It has been a month since Leonel woke up.There are a few activities Leonel can do now. All his activities revolve around the hospital bed. He is still under intensive monitoring by a capable medical team. Two days after waking up, Robby moved Leonel to Singapore.The treatments Leonel underwent brought significant changes. The surgeries on his legs and abdomen went smoothly. His health recovered quickly, although he still couldn't move as usual. There are still many therapies that Leonel needs to undergo to regain normal mobility.The atmosphere in his room has mostly stayed the same since he first occupied it."Sir," one of his employees called out. Regarding office matters, Leonel wanted to take a bit of time. His mind was still functioning, and he insisted on handling Mountain again. At first, Robby disagreed, but Leonel pleaded earnestly.He said, "If I'm not busy working, Pa, I'll go crazy. Every passing second, Chloe is the only thing on my
Agatha continued sobbing in Chloe's embrace. The news of her son's accident a while ago had shattered her world. The son she had raised with love and let go for the sake of his passion ended up like this. The last message she received on her phone informed her that Leonel was on his way back to New York City."Ma, please sit down. Let me get you something to drink," Chloe said, gently guiding the beloved woman to the chair she had been sitting in. Chris stood up and chose to talk with Robby about the latest news regarding Leonel."No need, Chloe," Agatha speak.Chloe looked at the woman with concern. Agatha Theodore had a condition that could quickly worsen upon hearing sudden news. Chloe hadn't forgotten how she had cared for Agatha when Mountain was in a critical condition some time ago.They held each other's hands."Have you been here all this time?" Agatha asked Chloe, who seemed lost in thought."Yes, Ma.""How is Leonel doing?"
"Have Mama and Papa arrived yet?" Chloe asked when she returned to the corridor where they had met Chris. He was still sitting there, occasionally busy with his phone and engaged in a serious conversation."Not yet. They're still on their way."Chloe nodded in understanding. "Has Leonel... regained consciousness?" she asked cautiously. Her eyes glanced towards the open door. She felt there might be a visit from the medical team to reexamine Leonel's condition."He has."Chloe let out a slow breath. "But why are you here, Mr. Chris? Aren't you accompanying Leonel?""The medical team is observing Leonel's leg, Chloe. There's a significant fracture in his shin."The woman exclaimed in surprise. "Is it serious?""We'll wait for the doctor's update.""Will I be allowed to go in?"Chris looked at Chloe with a furrowed brow. "Are you kidding? Leonel would be happy to be visited by you, Chloe."Chloe's smile turned awkwar
"Good afternoon, Chloe. It's nice to see you again," Chris greeted Chloe, extending his hand with a smile. Relief appeared on Chris' face, knowing that Chloe was there. She still cared for him in some way. It was understandable, considering that in the past, Chris had always emphasized how lucky Leonel was to have a wife like Chloe.Even in the last moments before he handled their divorce, Chris had given Leonel a stern warning. Now, it had become a reality: Chloe couldn't be reached again by Leonel, no matter how hard he tried."I'm also glad to see you, Mr. Chris. How have you been?" Chloe replied politely, although she felt awkward meeting Chris before Darren. Nevertheless, she was happy to see Chris there. To see that Chris was in good health and vitality. They last met at the final trial that implicated Josh and Ester. After that, Chloe chose to distance herself from the Grisham family."By God's grace, I'm doing well." Chris smiled warmly. His eyes immedia
Chloe was still in Leonel's hospital room at that time. She felt touched by what her ex-husband said. It was clear that Leonel deeply regretted his past treatment of Chloe. Not only that, it was also evident that Leonel wanted to avoid repeating all the events and mistakes he had made if he returned to Chloe. The woman didn't say much about it. She could only stay silent while holding Leonel's hand.Leonel still refused to let go of Chloe's hand. He thought that he needed his mother to accompany him now. Leonel didn't care how much pain his whole body was in. All he wanted was Chloe's presence. Unbeknownst to him, Chloe had been by his side all along.The effect of medication or the result of the accident made him unfocused. Who knows."I'll call the doctor," Chloe said as she tried to release the grip of their hands, which had not loosened even a bit."Not now, Mom," Leonel mumbled softly. The man closed his eyes again with a grimacing face, trying to en
Upon arriving at the hospital, Chloe hurriedly walked toward Leonel's ward. This time, she didn't want to leave Darren alone like when she first heard the news about Leonel. Although Darren was with her, Chloe realized that she had been neglecting Darren's presence. She didn't want Darren to feel that way again. She was in a state of panic when she found out about Leonel's accident.Darren and Chloe walked side by side toward Leonel's ward. When they arrived at the VVIP room, Chloe stopped in her tracks. Through the window, Chloe could see that Leonel was still unconscious. There were monitors and medical equipment on both sides of him, ensuring his condition was stable.Chloe leaned against the wall in the hospital. She wanted to go in but was concerned about disturbing Leonel."Do you want to go in?" Darren asked Chloe, who chose to remain silent after peaking at Leonel from the outside.Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Can I?"Darren nodded quickly. "I
Chloe would go to the hospital whenever she had free time to check Leonel's condition. She was apprehensive about him after the accident. Leonel still hadn't regained consciousness. Agatha and Robby Grisham, who knew about their son's condition, looked incredibly sad. The worried expression was visible on their faces. Agatha didn't leave the hospital where Leonel was being treated. Agatha planned to transfer him to a much larger hospital with better facilities once he regained consciousness. However, she trusted the current doctors' treatment. She couldn't doubt them because Leonel's safety was in their hands. Of course, Leonel's skillful hands were also involved. Where else would their dexterity come from if not as a gift from God? Chloe felt guilty about Leonel. Many "what ifs" were swirling in her mind, but she couldn't do anything about it. Her decision regarding her feelings was already firm. What would become of her if she wavered and left a small opening for L
The multiple-car accident had befallen Leonel. It made everyone there run instantly to check on Leonel's condition. Many were worried that the victim and the two truck drivers who unintentionally hit Leonel's car had died on the spot. This chain accident caused panic on the left side of the road. Many vehicles stopped and slowed due to the severe damage to Leonel's car.A cloud of smoke surrounded the black sedan that Leonel was driving."Quick, help! Please call the police now!" one of the drivers, who seemed very panicked, ordered."Alright, I'll call the police and an ambulance to come here immediately," replied one of the people at the scene.Meanwhile, holding a glass in her office, Chloe suddenly shattered it. She was drinking as usual, and nothing was unusual. However, she suddenly felt uneasy. She sensed something terrible was happening, although she didn't know why. She even felt her heart pounding rapidly. She didn't know what news would be brou