Chloe was tired of rejecting Leonel's help this time. According to her, it was unnecessary. Although her eyes could only perceive points of light, she had gotten used to her cane. And again, Peni greeted them as they got out of the car. But Leonel seemed to have collided with her quite hard, causing him to drive Peni away and forcing Chloe to walk beside him.
"Smile, Chloe. Don't you want to greet Mama with a smile?" Leonel whispered momentarily as their steps descended a few stairs towards the spacious living room. Leonel's parents were already there to welcome them. This information surprised Chloe.
She turned and furrowed her brows slightly. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Leonel chuckled just from seeing how innocent and silly his wife's face was. "Uh... let's just say I forgot."
Chloe sighed, then started to erase the stiffness from her face. It was replaced by a wide, joyful smile, especially when she heard the soft voice of the woman she called 'Mama.' L
Leonel gritted his teeth. His sharp gaze stared at the increasingly busy road filled with other vehicles. Occasionally, he honked the horn too forcefully, even though it was unnecessary. Morning rush hour traffic was the perfect companion to his workday."Dear," the woman beside him called out. Since she got into the car, the gloomy aura of the man she loved was palpable. However, they could still converse casually at the dining table, although Ester repeatedly took deep breaths and clenched her fists in frustration with Chloe's behavior. Since arriving at this house, Ester felt unable to breathe freely.Feeling no response, Ester called the man, focused on the steering wheel again. "Dear, are you angry?"Leonel only glanced briefly, smiled, and shook his head.Ester was taken aback by Leonel's behavior this morning. Throughout her relationship with Leonel, she had never been ignored like this. "What's gotten into you?" Ester couldn't stand it anymore. He
Leonel has never been this angry facing Chloe. When he sat in the car and drove to the office, his frustration didn't subside. Even the conversation between him and Ester was brief. He didn't care much about Ester's sour expression when she exited the car. Even Ester slamming the door didn't divert Leonel's attention."Sir, I've checked the documents that need your signature. Here you go," Deborah had been standing there since earlier, holding the awaited files to be handed over to the finance division. Unfortunately, her boss didn't pay attention to any of the tasks presented on his desk. He leaned back with closed eyes, but Deborah knew he was deep in thought."Oh." Leonel opened his eyes, immediately banishing the image of Chloe occupying his mind. "Did you check everything? Make sure there are no mistakes." Leonel quickly shifted his focus to the papers Deborah handed him. He promptly placed his signature where required, next to the marks Deborah had already made.
Leonel is always busy and uses his busyness as an excuse for coming home. Although he has occasionally come home early because his parents visited, he made time to eat at the dining table, where Chloe served him well, and he enjoyed the meals she cooked for the gathering. That was in the past. It was before Chloe had an accident.There was nothing Leonel missed about those dinner moments because he felt he was merely fulfilling an obligation he didn't have to do. Compelled. Yes, that word accurately described his presence at the dinner table. Sometimes he would bring Chris to the gathering to cover up his excuse of being busy with multiple projects.And now he was trapped in Chris Yanuardi's family dinner, where there was Chris's wife and their son, whom Leonel considered a younger brother. Since his arrival at Chris's house a few hours ago, he made time to accompany the young man to play basketball. There was a significant age difference between them. This was Chris's
Ester Gisella looked even more beautiful wearing a loose soft pink shirt with tight denim jeans. Her pale face had regained its color. She wasn't sick or had no reason to reschedule her photo shoot. But her mood was horrible. She was afraid of affecting her performance and the people involved. She confidently walked towards the agreed-upon place.Sofi had returned to her boarding house in the Manhattan area earlier. She left a few messages that Ester didn't find particularly useful. But Ester wanted to talk less and followed what Sofi said. She was sure that Sofi's eyes were filled with surprise at her behavior today. It didn't matter as long as Sofi went home soon."Miss Lily agreed that you'll have a day off tomorrow," Sofi informed before leaving Ester's apartment."Yes, I know," Ester replied shortly."Rest. I'll bring breakfast and lunch here tomorrow.""Yes, yes. You go home.""Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you, Miss?" Al
Initially, Leonel wanted to avoid listening to the conversation between the two women. He ignored them, occasionally catching snippets of laughter and light banter. Chloe Delilah seemed so familiar with his mother. Leonel could see the genuine affection in his mother's eyes whenever she looked at her daughter-in-law. With others, his mother couldn't be like this. It was a rare occurrence. But Leonel was sure and knew that his mother truly loved him.It was different with Chloe.Since his wife entered the Grisham family, Leonel witnessed the warm reception she received from all sides. He couldn't fathom what they thought of Chloe, who, in his opinion, was just an ordinary girl but managed to capture almost all of the Grisham family's attention, including his grandfather, who was known to be cold and more reserved than his father. But at that time, Leonel didn't care. For him, the marriage was just a cover to conceal his ongoing relationship with his lover, Ester.
"Can we talk?" Leonel asked, following Chloe's steps toward her room. The woman didn't want any help, nor did she complain a word. She hiked up the stairs, feeling each step with the tip of her cane. From behind, Leonel observed how Chloe handled herself in her current condition.When she found out about her condition, Leonel was at a loss. Not just him but the entire household. Chloe, usually gentle and caring, became emotional and lost control. Her anger kept surging, and she didn't hesitate to throw things around. Profanities flowed effortlessly from her thin lips. But as time passed and her therapy progressed well, Chloe's emotions stabilized.She returned to being the attentive Chloe, but only towards certain people. Towards Leonel? Cold and completely untouched. If Leonel could say it, Chloe wasn't like the wife he used to know. There was such a wide gap for Leonel to bridge. Usually, a slight smile and sweet words would make Chloe surrender.But not anymo
The moan escaped unconsciously from Ester as her movement was hindered by the giant hand that enveloped her. There was a satisfied smile approaching her now. It turns out that last night was just her fear. Leonel said, "My dad was here. I had a long conversation with him about expansion, Ester. You don't have to worry about my presence at home. Besides, Sofi did her job well, didn't she?"Leonel said those words right above his lips before Ester truly snuggled up to her lover. The neatly tied tie was starting to loosen by Ester. With the most sensual movements possible, she received a restrained groan and the closed eyes of Leonel, who enjoyed every touch of her hand on his chest."Is that so?" Ester asked in a sulky voice. However, she didn't care about what Leonel said anymore. She trusted the man who was now exploring her lips gently and kissing her with great care, just as the man liked to examine every inch of Ester's body—starting with gentle movements that
Chloe's smile didn't want to fade from her face, not even a bit. It was no longer just her feeling. What her eyes captured now were familiar colors in her imagination. Her heart was filled with joy knowing about this progress. Just this morning, there was nothing different from her vision, which only contained dots of light. A sense of emotion slipped into her heart, overwhelming her. "Hi," Adrianna greeted cheerfully. Since Peni gave her the news two hours ago, Adrianna couldn't wait to meet Chloe. Although she still had to be patient because her responsibilities at work couldn't be abandoned just like that. Adrianna couldn't simply ignore the children she taught. When her working hours were over, she immediately drove her car to her friend's white-painted house. "Adrianna." Chloe reached out, trying to grasp Adrianna's hand even though she couldn't see her approaching figure. Holding Chloe tightly. "I'm so happy." Chloe was sure that Peni had informed Adrianna about her condition.
"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