[2] b

Leonel gently swayed the contents of his cup. The ripples it created distracted him slightly from the background music at the club he was currently in. It was his second drink, but he already felt nauseous enough. Usually, he would spend the whole night before finally going home. No matter what condition he arrived in, he would always be greeted with a smile. Suddenly Leonel remembered missing that smile.

Chloe's smile.

The man scoffed softly, laughing dismissively at himself. How could his thoughts be focused on Chloe in a situation like this? Hadn't he been neglecting his wife's existence all this time? Ah, Leonel was sure that's why the image of a woman who liked the color red— he could clearly remember that it was the color Chloe wore most of the time—kept spinning in his mind because she had awakened from a coma and was disabled.

He felt sorry. Yes, that's the only feeling Leonel had now.

"Are you sure about meeting me here?" a man approached him and asked. From his tone of voice, which was both disapproving and burdensome, Leonel was confident that it was Chris Yanuardi—his family's lawyer.

"At least it's not in a hotel room," Leonel joked as he took a sip from his glass. He drank it without caring about the taste that greeted his tongue, only furrowing his brow as the liquid bothered his throat. "Pour me another." He pushed the glass toward the bartender in front of him.

Members, including the lawyer, could only access the club he visited. He needed to talk about matters outside the office and his personal life at home. And he thought this place was suitable, despite Chris's unmistakable disapproving look.

"Are you deaf?" Leonel frowned and looked sharply at Kevin, the bartender before him. "Quick!"

"I asked Kevin not to pour any more, Leonel. It would be best if you had the concentration to talk," Chris patted Leonel's shoulder gently. "I think it's more relaxed over there. What do you think?" He only needed a minor approval from Leonel. Surely the man would follow him. And true to his guess, he followed even though Leonel imitated his steps with an annoyed jerk and a sour expression like a child who was denied a toy.

"You're the one who asked me to meet you here. At least don't create a scene that would make me uncomfortable," Chris grumbled in annoyance. His hands were folded across his chest after they sat in a corner far from the other patrons. Although not many people came, they still needed a quiet place. "So, tell me quickly, what's this about?"

"Is this how a lawyer treats his client?" Leonel asked irritably. He immediately leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes slightly. "You're just like Papa. Annoying."

"If you forget, I'm as old as your father."

Leonel waved his hand in disapproval. "Has Deborah told you what I want?"

"For such an important matter, you talk to your secretary? My God! I'm sure Robby Grisham would curse you!"

The still-closed-eyed man finally laughed. He straightened his back. "What's wrong with that? Deborah conveys what I want."

Chris shook his head slowly. He took out several papers that had already been prepared to be read to his essential client. If it weren't for the funds provided by the Hartono family to the law firm he managed, he probably wouldn't want to be here. "Read this." He handed the stack of papers to the man he considered his son.

Knowing Leonel since he was mischievous and taking care of many things related to the boy's mischief, Chris was confident that in the future, the naughty boy would become a star in the Hartono family. His instincts were never wrong, right? Leonel Grisham was one of the most respected businessmen in New York City.

"I can rely on you, Chris." A slight grin appeared on Leonel's lips. The lighting in the corner they had chosen was perfect. He could read all the words printed on the papers. He sifted through each page, occasionally paying more attention to specific points. "I think this is enough."

Chris nodded softly and immediately put the documents back into his briefcase. "I'll send the original documents to the office tomorrow." But before he left Leonel here, Chris needed to be assured of something. "Are you... sure about doing this?"

"Of course." Leonel picked up one of the available drinking glasses. "Why wouldn't I be sure? I've been waiting, and finally, God has been kind." He smiled as wide as possible. "Didn't you know best about our arranged marriage? And when she demanded a divorce? Why shouldn't I grant it?"

The older man shook his head softly. He stood up and patted Leonel's shoulder again. "Go home before you get too drunk. I don't want to deal with inheritance documents related to your death."

"You?" Leonel blinked in disbelief. "Cursing me to die?"

Chris chuckled. "Give my regards to Mr. Robby. Go home immediately."

"Alright, you noisy old man. I'll remember your old advice."

Not long after, Chris completely disappeared from his sight. He sighed long and leaned back on the soft sofa he was sitting on. He gently massaged his temples, hoping to alleviate the growing headache. But it seemed to be in vain. The pain only increased. He closed his eyes for a moment.

His thoughts turned to the conversation with Ester after the meeting earlier. The conversation that made him change his mind so quickly. Initially, he wanted to ask Chris for help thwarting Chloe's sudden request for a divorce. But the woman he loved managed to make him think otherwise. After all, granting her the divorce was essentially the same. Wasn't it he who asked for the divorce first? So that's what would happen.

"No need for you to visit her, Darling." Leonel planted a tender kiss on his lover's cheek. "It's better for you to rest well."

"You know, Darling?" Ester gently shook her hair, causing enough movement to capture Leonel's undivided attention. Her wavy hair cascaded in large curls at the bottom, a bright maroon red that perfectly complemented her smooth, fair skin. "I feel like this is our chance."

Leonel furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you know. I've been waiting long for when you would divorce your wife. She already permitted you to marry me. And now? Is she demanding a divorce? Why don't you grant it immediately?"

Leonel let out a soft sigh in response. "When she woke up from the coma, she became blind, Darling."

"Do you care about her?"

"Of course not!" Leonel quickly retorted. "Not. I don't care about her." He emphasized the words excessively. "But I feel like I need to give her some time to recover. Her therapist said she might regain her sight in about six months. She's undergoing regular therapy."

Ester untangled herself from his embrace. Her eyes stared at him with frustration. "I bet you'll be busy taking care of her after this. And what about me? I'm the one you love, Darling. Should I wait until she recovers? Seriously!!!" She grabbed her bag that she had placed on the glass table not far from where she stood.

"Where are you going?" Leonel asked immediately. He held Ivanka's waist tightly to prevent the woman from walking further. "Give me a week. I'll take care of it."

Ester blinked slowly. Her eyes lit up with joy. "Really?"

Leonel nodded, although sudden doubt filled his heart. "Yes."

"Oh, you're so sweet, Darling."

He gently pulled Ester's waist to bring them closer. Their breaths intermingled with tenderness. Their eyes locked, and they assessed each other. "Let me inform Deborah to reschedule the meetings and prepare the divorce draft for Chris." Another kiss, and this time it lasted longer. He softly savored the peach-colored lips with a rhythm that always heightened his adrenaline. "Can you be patient and wait?" Leonel asked as he wiped away the lingering wet traces he left.

"Always."

Recalling the conversation that had not even passed twenty-four hours with Ester, for some reason, it caused a suffocating feeling. Especially since he read through each article stated in their divorce draft. He was the one who said he didn't want to divorce Chloe, but now? Why was it so difficult for him to grant his wife's request? Wasn't this what he had been waiting for all this time?

Where could he finally be with Ester? He could take advantage of the current situation. He could gain many benefits, especially regarding his wife's blindness. He could use it as a shield against his father. Nothing could stop him now. Yes, he should be happy. Not feel this suffocating sensation. Damn! He got up from his seat and hurried home. He thought drinking too much, and the bothersome music were the sources of his fatigue.

As he was about to leave the room, his phone rang loudly. Peni's name appeared on the screen, causing him to furrow his brow. Lately, he had received calls from the person caring for Chloe.

"What is it, Peni?" he asked immediately.

"It's, Sir. Um, Mrs., Sir."

"Yes, what about her?" he asked anxiously. He didn't care if he almost stumbled and tripped over a table leg. His current goal was to go home.

"She's on the edge of the balcony. I'm terrified, Sir."