Chloe touched her face several times. There was an intense warmth spreading through her. Her heart also felt a different kind of excitement after Darren's words. No, she hadn't heard it for long, but it felt like she had heard Darren say it many times before.
Chloe wondered why she felt different when she was with Darren. Although she had enough worries and knew how Josh felt about her, compared to Darren, they were different. Somehow, Chloe preferred being close to Darren.
Chloe knew and understood that Josh was good. Since she met him for the first time, she had never felt anything strange or any negativity around Josh. He was so protective, caring, and genuine towards her. He was not only towards Chloe but also the same with her other friends.
"Why am I thinking about men?" Chloe grumbled while waving it off. She went back to her activities in the kitchen. There had been a significant pause earlier because her conversation with Darren had broadened her perspe
Chloe trembled. The ongoing conversation deeply shook her, and she seemed still happening. She heard everything clearly, and it shook her to the core. So all this time, Josh was working with Ester? Creating the turmoil that made Leonel like this?No. It wasn't that Josh was sympathizing with Leonel. If everything was planned and organized as they were discussing, what else could be but a trap? To implicitly make Leonel follow their desires.Furthermore, why was her name being dragged into this? What was the connection? Chloe didn't understand any of this. Don't ask her heart to function; it felt like she was seeing her organs on the floor and beating there strongly as she was overwhelmed with everything filling her mind.But her body remained stiff. She dared not approach because perhaps her intuition told her to stay silent. Listen carefully, and maybe they were devising a new plan.One thing she never expected. Josh's involvement.Josh William? H
Ester sighed in frustration, especially remembering her conversation with Josh earlier. Why did he now seem unwilling to help her? They were so close to achieving their goal. What she did for Josh was significant too.Besides putting her name at stake, she also had to consider that everything she did could backfire on her. However, she remained impatient to fulfill her desires. What's so tricky about marrying Leonel? It shouldn't be."Miss Ester has a photo shoot in Bali in the next two days. The schedule is not too packed," Sofi said.Ester just nodded briefly, paying little attention to Sofi's words, let alone her assistant's expression. She was preoccupied with her phone. She had been sending messages to Leonel since earlier but had not received a reply."So busy," Ester complained, leaning back in the passenger seat. "Rio," she called the driver. "Head towards the Grisham house. I need to vent my frustration."Rio couldn't deny her request. Thr
The first thing Peni did was check Chloe's whereabouts. Although she was sure the woman hadn't returned yet, she had to make sure herself. And she was right. Chloe wasn't in her room. A smile of satisfaction appeared on Peni's face. At least Chloe was out there doing something with someone.In Peni's eyes, although Josh's cold and stiff demeanor was somewhat concerning, both Chloe and Adrianna seemed to know him well. So for Peni, it should be fine if they went out together. Maybe... a date?She carefully closed Chloe's room door until...CRASH!!!Peni jumped in surprise. The frame fell suddenly. The glass hit the floor and shattered into pieces. Peni's hand trembled from the suddenness of it all. She stood there, stunned, until Tia patted her shoulder, making her realize what had happened."Why, miss?"Peni's eyes widened. "I don't know." But her hand pointed towards the deformed frame. "It just fell suddenly, Tia." Suddenly, her heart felt
Leonel still remembered every lobby detail, even inside Ester's unit. He had visited this place so often. He used to call it home, a place to return to when he felt tired, especially when he was reminded of the damn marriage that trapped his life.There was a sense of joy whenever he walked through the lobby area—just nodding briefly to the people who greeted him. At least, they recognized Leonel, who often wandered around the luxurious apartment area in West New York City.But that was in the past.Lately, Leonel no longer felt the same excitement in his heart. Instead, He felt tired but needed to talk in a more private setting. If Ester tried to make excuses, he still had a surefire way to trap her.Leonel wouldn't let Ester talk too much this time or corner everything on him. He wouldn't allow it."Do you want me to cook something for you?" Ester asked cheerfully. She had been touching Leonel's arm since earlier. As usual, he displayed cal
It's up to Chloe! He didn't care. What mattered was that he still followed Chloe from behind, so she wouldn't know of his presence. However, Leonel's suspicion subsided when Chloe stopped at a restaurant near her café.But... junk food?Was that true?Or did Chloe want to meet someone? But who? He glanced at the Rolex watch on his left wrist. It was only nine in the morning. Was there a morning meeting at a fast-food restaurant?Leonel waited for Chloe to get out of her car before he followed her steps into the restaurant. He purposely parked his car not far from his ex-wife's car. Leonel didn't remain idle; Leonel followed Chloe's steps and hurriedly entered the restaurant. He sat not too far from her to observe Chloe more closely.For a moment, Leonel saw no signs of someone approaching Chloe. Pretending to be a skilled hunter, he remained silent in his seat and ensured everything was fine. He was worried that his sudden presence would mak
How could Chloe close her eyes? Everything that was happening kept replaying in her mind, one scene after another. The revelations made by Josh made her feel like it was all just a dream. Moreover... "I don't know if you're lucky or unlucky to be divorced by Leonel. But considering what Ester can do to you, your path was correct. Josh's words echoed in her mind again. Chloe even sat on the edge of the bed to steady her heartbeat. "Are you ready?" Josh asked, making sure. His eyes glanced towards the woman who had been hostile towards him all along. Everything he would reveal to this woman contained about 70 percent of the truth. The rest? What he was doing now was getting rid of a working partner who had been troublesome for him. "I did put Mountain in a precarious situation some time ago, Sa." Before the woman could interrupt him, Leonel quickly raised his hand. "I hope you listen to what I'm about to say. You can see many files that
Tired of crying, but her eyes couldn't close. Since Leonel left the living room where Ester kept everything tightly closed but eventually discovered by Leonel, she had yet to move from her spot. She had shouted Leonel's name countless times, argued, gave reasons, and slightly criticized the man she loved so much. But none of it made Leonel look at her with the same love as before. All she saw was disappointment and anger in his eyes. "The more you talk about all this, Ester, the more I realize why my parents never approved. I was foolish to always go against what they said." He walked away, accompanied by a firmly closed door, indicating that Leonel would no longer look at her the same way. "How did Leonel find out?" Ester whispered. She quickly wiped away all the tears streaming down her cheeks. One by one, her eyes focused on all the photos Ester had taken on specific days. She couldn't deny any of them. Her encounters with Josh were also done consc
Although not wholly relieved, at least talking to Chris was the right decision. He never imagined that Ester would go to such lengths. Remembering the incident that almost took his life sent shivers down his spine. How the car lost control, flipped over, and hit the roadside.The pain coursing through his body was relentless. Trapped against the steering wheel, the car was severely damaged despite wearing a seatbelt. He didn't know what happened to the sedan he was driving, but he remembered it was going very fast.Perhaps because he was driving the car in a highly emotional state, witnessing the struggle unfold genuinely disturbed him. He thought there was a slight chance that Chloe didn't expect much. She just needed a little attention from Leonel. But she couldn't accept even that.Instead, she continued to feel hurt and disappointed.Indeed, there were nights when Chloe couldn't sleep, let alone see in the darkness that choked her. It was understandab
"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