[61]
Chloe’s new life began. It had been a week since she started her activities with a different kind of joy. An invisible burden seemed to be lifted from her shoulders, lightening her every step. However, she couldn’t help much with the people working in her old house, except for Bi Rossa, whom Chloe forced to stay and accompany Agatha Theodore. The middle-aged woman needed Rossa as a companion there.
Meanwhile, Peni was always faithfully by her side, with a few other people already living in her old house. They were curious why Chloe suddenly returned, but no one dared to ask because something seemed to be happening. Moreover, they were not ignorant of the information circulating in the media, especially the gossip about their master, Leonel Grisham, allegedly flirting with Ester Gisela to secure a new contract with the rising model.
“Good morning, Miss Chloe,” Tia greeted as Chloe approached the kitchen. Tia helped with the kitchen affairs in the old house. Chloe only got to know her when she visited to make sure she would be staying there again.
“Good morning, Tia.”
Chloe felt a hand gently touch hers. Although she wanted to prevent it, she knew Tia intended to help. So she followed the directions given by Tia. “Thank you,” Chloe sincerely said.
“Tia doesn’t know what you like, Miss. Tia will make fried rice with shredded chicken, alright?” Tia disregarded Chloe’s previous words, feeling that her employer didn’t need to thank her. Her duty was to help, especially since her employer’s vision could be considered weak.
Peni exchanged stories about Chloe’s habits to quickly adapt to everyone in the old house, especially in the kitchen where Chloe enjoyed cooking, especially cakes.
“That’s fine, Tia. But tomorrow, you cook and invite me, alright? Let me arrange everything for everyone here.”
“Alright, Miss. Peni said yesterday that you’re very skilled at cooking. Tia will learn a lot from you.”
Chloe smiled again. “Oh, where is Brad?” The tall and sturdy man cared for Chloe’s garden in this house. Compared to her previous house, Chloe’s old house was nothing. But since that night she slept in her comfortable bed and smelled the distinctive fragrance of the house, she found meaning in coming back.
The suffocating image of her late husband coming home late and meeting another woman had been far from her mind. Her busyness in trying to please her husband was also gone. What was the point? Now she only focused on herself, especially her recovery, which she believed was right before her eyes.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
Her vision was no longer limited to mere flashes of light. The silhouettes of the people around her began to take shape, although their faces were still unclear. The colors of their clothing also became more visible. Chloe was grateful for all of it because she genuinely wanted her sight to return. Then she started planning whatever she wanted to do without Leonel by her side.
She no longer cared about the news. Her focus was on Agatha’s condition and Robby Grisham’s. That’s it.
“I’ll call him for you, Miss,” Tia said before hurrying. Her footsteps indicated her hurry. The aroma of fried rice that Tia served was very delicious to Chloe. She began to pay attention to the position of the spoon and fork, which Peni seemed to have informed Tia, making it easily accessible for Chloe.
“Do you need my help, Miss?” Peni suddenly offered. Fortunately, it didn’t startle Chloe to the point of dropping her spoon.
“No, Pen. I want to try eating by myself.”
Peni smiled widely. She was delighted with the changes Chloe had gone through. Also, Dr. Darren’s words that Chloe’s condition was improving gradually brought joy to Peni’s heart. There was nothing more satisfying for Peni than Chloe’s recovery. This kind-hearted woman deserved to regain her health as soon as possible. In the past few days, Chloe had also rarely asked to read the news circulating on social media.
Although Peni had read them, she wouldn’t hesitate to repeat them because the news online was exciting to discuss. Her former boss, Leonel, did little after Ester’s revelations. How foolish of him. Why didn’t he confirm the accusations? In Peni’s opinion, his preoccupation with business matters only worsened the situation.
Indeed, there were no reports about Chloe there. The only rumors she heard indicated that Chloe’s absence was to recover from the impact of the circulating news. Leonel didn’t say much in the media, especially about Chloe.
Clever.
Her employer left because she couldn’t tolerate Leonel’s behavior for a long time. Also, their divorce decision was reaching its final stage. Peni could be sure that they would divorce. No one showed up during the hearings, and she occasionally overheard clear conversations between Chloe and Chris, where Chloe expressed gratitude for the lawyer’s assistance, who had long been with the Grisham family.
Among all the problems happening, Peni felt sorry for Agatha.
Although she appeared firm and authoritative and rarely spoke to others, her old face couldn’t be denied. It held a considerable burden and sadness. Especially when she hugged her mistress for the last time before Chloe got into the car and brought her back here. Nevertheless, being a gentle-hearted person, Chloe kept in touch with Agatha almost every day through phone calls.
If Peni were in Chloe’s position, she might have run away somewhere and forgotten everything that had happened.
“Tia’s cooking is quite good,” praised Chloe, dissipating Peni’s daydreaming.
“Thank goodness you like it, Miss. I’ll let Tia know.”
“Starting tomorrow, I’ll be back in the kitchen.”
“Don’t overexert yourself, Miss. I’m afraid you’ll get tired.”
Chloe sighed. “Don’t try to be a nag, Peni.”
Whether she liked it or not, Peni laughed. Their interaction was interrupted when Tia arrived with a person Peni recognized as the gardener in this house; his name was Budi. Peni briefly smiled to greet him.
“Good morning, Miss Chloe. Tia said you were looking for me?”
Chloe smiled broadly. “Yes, take me to the garden around the house and explain what’s planted there. I want to dig up some parts. Is that alright with you?”
“No problem, Miss. I’d be happy to do it for you.”
Ah, this is what it feels like to live without many burdens to worry about. Chloe became even more enthusiastic.
***[]***
Deborah appeared downcast in front of Leonel’s desk. The increasingly rigid boss was examining her report. Not to mention his increasingly irritable words. His facial expression also stiffened, showing his unwillingness to be disturbed. Almost everyone at the Mountain headquarters knew the gossip surrounding their boss’s situation in his office. But no one dared to ask what Leonel would do.
Not only did they refrain from asking, but they also avoided any interaction with Leonel, especially regarding reports. They tried their best to prepare reports according to Leonel’s wishes. They would wait for the right moment if there were any arguments because Leonel didn’t want to engage in debates.
“I’ve checked everything,” Leonel said as he handed over the file that Deborah had brought. “You may leave now. Prepare the meeting room because Jana’s representatives will be coming. Have you prepared everything for the meeting?”
Deborah nodded quickly. “Yes, sir. Everything is ready, and the marketing division is also on standby.”
Leonel responded with a slight nod. He didn’t want to talk further, allowing Deborah to leave his office. He leaned back in his oversized chair, closing his eyes not because of his busy schedule that was consuming him but because of what had been happening to him lately. It made him feel increasingly isolated.
And even Ester dared to behave like that?
Damn, that woman! But if he were to expose all of Ester’s misdeeds, he would be dragged into the storm she created. Indeed, everything he had hidden during his affair with Ester would be revealed. It would further tarnish his reputation in the eyes of the public. Not to mention that it would render his current efforts futile. Restoring his excellent name would be more challenging than flipping a switch. It required more effort.
Gradually, his efforts started to bear fruit, although he still had to work extra hard. That’s why he tried to tread more carefully for now. He had also stopped contacting Ester. What was the point? Asking what Ester wanted. It would only confirm that Leonel went to Cattle Village to seduce her. There would undoubtedly be criticism that Leonel couldn’t break through during his surveillance.
After discovering that, he would ensure Ester and anyone else who initiated their affair with him would face the consequences.
Unconsciously, his eyes fell on a file with the logo of the religious court where he resided. He didn’t want to open it, but there was a hint of curiosity about whether he was now officially divorced from Chloe.
He felt a massive void in his heart, a hole that couldn’t be quickly filled. During Chloe’s absence, he felt the void widening. His eyes often focused on the kitchen area where Chloe used to stand with her cooking utensils. Not to mention Chloe’s voice, asking questions even though there was never any response from him.
Indeed, he regretted wasting Chloe all this time. Countless were the foolish acts he had committed. If he could turn back time, he would improve in front of Chloe. He would try to love that woman properly instead of indulging and blaming Chloe for trapping him in this detestable marriage.
His trembling hand picked up the file that had been catching his attention. He also felt a burning sensation in the corner of his eyes. He slowly opened the file, reading it carefully.
His defenses crumbled when he reached the line stating that they were officially divorced. He sobbed, his tears flowing more intensely because he knew it was too late.
“I’m sorry, Chloe. Please forgive me.”
No one answered him except the tormenting silence. Although he could still hear news about Chloe from her mother, he felt far from reaching that black-haired woman.
“I’m foolish; I’m useless as a husband. I know that Chloe,” he sobbed even more. “Please forgive me. Please!”
No matter how many apologies Leonel uttered, Chloe wouldn’t return, would she? The passing seconds became even more unbearable for Leonel himself. His regret deepened and prolonged. He was receiving a fitting retribution for what he had done to his wife. Ah, it didn’t feel appropriate to call it “fitting.” If Leonel were in Chloe’s position, he might have given up on this damn marriage long ago.
But Chloe?
Leonel’s tears flowed like a river. He lamented his foolishness, wondering if it could ever be rectified.