[60]
Agatha couldn’t do much. Chloe’s decision was unquestionable, including her desire to leave the mansion. Agatha paid close attention to each item Chloe took out. It wasn’t that Agatha was suspicious of what her daughter-in-law would bring. Not at all. Even if Chloe wanted to empty the house, it didn’t matter to Agatha. But Chloe only took and got what belonged to her. Although Agatha tried to prevent it, she still tried to seek understanding from Chloe, but all of Agatha’s words were dismissed.
Agatha was slightly annoyed, but what could she say when everything Chloe did was based on Leonel? She couldn’t even respond to Chloe’s words when they touched on Leonel. Everything her daughter-in-law said was true. Agatha couldn’t deny that. She couldn’t even imagine if she experienced what Chloe had gone through; perhaps she would have left Robby a long time ago.
Their conversation last night couldn’t make her daughter-in-law a little more patient. Eventually, Agatha gave in. She had to give in, to be precise.
It had been almost a week since Agatha returned to this luxurious house, and Chloe had never been far from her. They talked together, discussing many things, especially what Agatha wanted to do once her recovery was felt in her middle-aged body. Agatha understood why Chloe was so worried about her. Her daughter-in-law’s sincerity made Agatha feel very lucky but sad at the same time.
“Are you sure?” Agatha asked as she approached Chloe. Her daughter-in-law was sitting there, occasionally giving instructions to Peni regarding the items being taken out of the room she had been occupying.
“Yes, Mom,” Chloe smiled. She wore loose pants and a white shirt, and her hair was let loose, adding to her casual yet beautiful appearance this afternoon. “You take care of yourself, okay? Don’t make me worry again.”
Agatha smiled sadly. She embraced her thin daughter-in-law, holding her tightly but unable to hold back her tears. “Don’t leave too many messages for Mom while you neglect your health, Chloe.”
Chloe chuckled. “No, Mom. I’m healthy and strong. Look, Mom can hug me like this.”
“Promise me that you’ll visit Mom often. Don’t push Mom away every time I come to visit.”
“Mom,” Chloe released her embrace slightly, looking at her mother-in-law with a displeased expression. “Mom is a mother to Chloe. Chloe would never do that.”
Agatha’s smile remained, and she gently touched her daughter-in-law’s cheek. “Yes, Mom believes you wouldn’t do that. Mom is just sad that you’re leaving.”
“Forgive Chloe once again, Mom. Really. Chloe doesn’t want it to be like this, either. But what else can Chloe do when she no longer has the strength?”
Finally, Agatha nodded.
“Mom,” Leonel called softly. He had been observing Chloe and the conversation between the two of them. His chest was tight, and his eyes were becoming hot as he saw that Chloe’s determination couldn’t be shaken at all. His persuasions, apologies, and requests couldn’t make this woman, who was still his wife, stay.
Chris said that the divorce petition was awaiting the final decision. They would officially be divorced in less than a week. While his mother was ill, Leonel diligently observed how his wife took care of his mother with great diligence. Although she had limitations herself, it didn’t diminish her determination to accompany his mother. And himself? Well, he was busy with his affairs, which only made him more frustrated.
Leonel couldn’t imagine anyone else having the sincerity Chloe had. And he had wasted the blessings that God had given him in his life. Regret piled up and struck him. Every step he took to approach her was like walking on sharp glass. It hurt him mercilessly. He bled, injured, and in pain, but Leonel endured it all.
“Can I talk to you first, Chloe?” Leonel asked as he approached Chloe. He knew the distance he took was safe enough. Chloe wouldn’t avoid him like before. While caring for his mother at the hospital, Chloe couldn’t be easily approached. Even having a casual conversation was impossible for Leonel. There was a high barrier set by the woman who glanced at him briefly.
Yet he wanted to ask about her health and recovery. Discussing their current issues was something Leonel needed help to do. Because he knew Ester’s name was involved. Dealing with that woman somehow made him more confused. He couldn’t leave the office and the many pressing matters that suddenly suffocated him without mercy. Not to mention his father’s reports about the plummeting stock prices and many clients’ trust in Mountain Pte.
Leonel wasn’t in good condition. He didn’t care about himself. He only fulfilled his obligations to eat and drink, no longer enjoying each bite that entered his mouth. His mind was full. He wanted to control Chloe’s behavior, but he couldn’t.
Her gaze was firm and unquestionable, not to mention Chloe’s words, which he admitted in his heart.
His mother had moved away, creating a distance between Chloe and Leonel. Chloe didn’t flinch at all. She knew Leonel was around her. Agatha’s footsteps moving away were also noticed by her.
“What’s up?” Chloe asked briefly.
“I never expected the day would come when you leave this house,” Leonel said.
Chloe fell silent, then murmured, “Isn’t this also what you wanted? To divorce me and bring Ester here. I granted your wish quickly, didn’t I?”
Leonel’s hands clenched, his emotions churning in his stomach, but unfortunately, he couldn’t speak up. In front of his soon-to-be ex-wife, he was defeated. “I’m sorry.”
“Stop with your apologies, Leonel. It’s already too late,” Chloe replied.
Leonel looked at Chloe with sadness. “Wasn’t I given a chance to change at all?”Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.
Chloe chuckled. “When did I see you change? Are your only concerns your name, reputation, and the crumbling company? Am I involved in any of that?” Chloe tilted her face, and she could vaguely see Leonel’s face in her eyes, although it was still blurry. “No, Leonel. Once again… once again, you’re hiding from me.”
“Chloe, can’t we discuss this?” Leonel asked.
Chloe shook her head firmly. “No. It’s too late. Please finish what you started first, Leonel. There’s no smoke without fire nearby. I know you’re capable of it. As I requested, I want a divorce to separate properly from this relationship that has driven me half crazy, and afterward, it’s up to you. I don’t care how you want to live.”
Leonel swallowed a lump in his throat.
“But I have one request.”
“What is it?” Leonel still had hope that his relationship with Chloe could end amicably. He would still be allowed to meet her even as exes, right? He would talk about it. He would fix things one by one. Chloe’s earlier words disturbed his thoughts now.
“Don’t let Ester or Mommy meet each other. Whoever becomes the Grisham family’s future daughter-in-law, I will still respect Papa and Mommy as my parents, Leonel.”
“Yes, Chloe. Yes, I agree,” Leonel said enthusiastically. “And I also still want to talk to you, right?”
Chloe’s smile tugged slightly. “You have a lot on your plate, Leonel. I don’t think you’ll have time to talk to me.”
***
Josh played with the tip of his pen. The files requested by Emir to be checked and signed were already completed. Lobbying clients about the business he had been involved in for the past few years was enjoyable. He had sacrificed a lot, especially in personal matters, but he still enjoyed doing it.
“What’s the progress?” Josh asked as Emir entered his office.
“Mountain is keeping quiet,” Emir replied.
Josh’s smile widened. “Can’t believe Leonel doesn’t dare to deny the accusations from Ester? Is he still protecting Ester’s name?” Then he chuckled. “Truly trapped in cheap love.”
Emir didn’t respond to his boss’s words. “All the media working with us continue to release news about Mountain and Mr. Leonel. Mountain’s stocks have been declining for the past week.”
Josh nodded in understanding and satisfaction. “What about Agatha Theodore’s situation?”
“She was discharged from the hospital a week ago,” Emir quickly replied. “Leonel’s side, through his secretary, has requested several meetings with Mr. Theodore. I’ve explained why Mr. Theodore is in Turkey and on other business trips. Or is there a change of plans?”
“When was the last contact?”
“Yesterday.”
Josh took off his glasses, which were still perched on his nose. “Make an appointment for Monday. Lunch. You decide the location. I have to talk to Leonel.”
“Very well, sir.”
“Confirm whether Agatha Theodore is at her house.”
“Understood, sir.”
“And… Chloe? How is she doing? Any updates from the hospital?”
“Chloe’s progress is improving rapidly. She has also had several sessions with her therapist. It seems they’re discussing her recovery. Nothing suspicious because their behavior seems normal.”
Josh frowned. “Chloe is mine. No one should approach her. Anyone. It’s a shame Darren is the best doctor for Chloe’s recovery.” There was restrained anger in Josh’s tone this time.
“Perhaps this news will make you happy, sir,” Emir initially wanted to save this information for another opportunity. But seeing the change in Josh’s expression and his boss’s angry face, this news was good to be shared.
“What?” Josh asked reluctantly.
“Two days ago, Miss Chloe officially left her luxurious house. The court has also granted the divorce between Miss Chloe and Mr. Leonel.”
Josh’s smile returned. “Do you know where she moved?”
Emir nodded without hesitation.
“Then my destination on Saturday is to visit Chloe’s house.”