[17]
Her activities resumed as usual. She was busy with a photoshoot session for one of the brands that played a role in elevating her name. She wasn’t sick. She felt furious because of Chloe’s treatment and the Grisham family’s reaction, which gave her a headache. She could already anticipate Leonel’s parents’ rejection, just like in the past.
Although Ester had tried her best to adapt and fit in, to be worthy of standing by Leonel’s side, she had always enjoyed the world of modeling ever since she was selected as one of the winners of a favorite face contest in a teen magazine back then. She had set her ambitions from the moment she received that recognition.
So, was her profession a problem for entering the Grisham family? Meanwhile, she wholeheartedly and sincerely loved Leonel up until now. The same feeling still dominated her heart, even though she felt hurt by Chloe’s treatment and her lover’s marriage happening right in front of her. It didn’t matter, she thought. As long as Leonel returned home, she started not to care about their status. She also didn’t care about the comments from other people about their hidden close relationship.
Leonel could conceal many curtains around their affair, oh no. Ester didn’t want to be called Leonel’s affair. It was she who was loved by Leonel, not his wife, who was just for show. Whatever Leonel desired, whether it was intense activity in the bedroom, Ester could provide. As for Chloe? Just thinking about it made Ester sigh in annoyance.
“Ester, maintain your smile.”
The photographer’s words startled her. She nodded softly, bringing her wandering thoughts back to reality. She filled her mind with many beautiful memories with Leonel, including yesterday afternoon when the man came to her directly. It eased her initial doubts, and she willingly accepted Leonel’s every touch.
Although it was only once, Ester was always satisfied. No, she should be able to do it multiple times, but the comfortable embrace that Leonel gave her made her fall back asleep in his arms. And Leonel, who chose to sleep with Ester instead of attending to his office work. However, Leonel was a busy person and was awaited by many.
“Alright, that’s it. Great,” Tedy, the photographer, gave a thumbs up. “Now, turn to the right.”
Ester moved while smiling, reducing her awkwardness. Then, she returned to a professional demeanor, looking at the other model in this photoshoot session.
“Now, okay. Maintain it like that.”
And Tedy provided more directions throughout this session. Many were impressed because Ester had returned to her usual form. Even Leo, somewhat worried since Ester’s arrival, thought she was still sick and needed more rest. He didn’t want his collaborator with his agency to receive inadequate attention. However, it was just his fear. Ester proved herself capable of being active.
On the other hand, Sofi smiled repeatedly, delighted with the model’s good mood. They met yesterday evening, and Ester had a wide smile. Her gaze was friendly, unlike the night when Sofi delivered a portion of chicken soup for Ester to eat. Also, some medicine and vitamins that Leonel requested for Ester.
However, Sofi didn’t fulfill the second request, fearing Ester’s anger at night.
At least they were here. She was resuming their pending work. Sofi began to count when this session would end because she needed to ensure that Ester got a drink and the best service. Otherwise, she would have to endure Ester’s complaints all the way home.
As expected, not even ten minutes passed, and this session ended. Sofi immediately approached Ester and followed her after handing her a bottle of mineral water. The dedicated resting room for Ester was available once again. Leo didn’t want to risk disturbing the renowned model, which would only lead to Ester’s complaints. It was better for him to step aside and let Ester do what she wanted. As long as the contract and his agency benefited from it, he never questioned how Ester behaved.
“Until what time is it scheduled?” Ester asked as she settled onto the chair in her dedicated room in the studio.
“At three o’clock in the afternoon, Miss,” Sofi quickly replied. “I ordered a salad. It’s on the way. Maybe…” Sofi glanced at her phone. “There it is. I’ll pick it up from the lobby first, okay.”
Ester chose not to respond at all. She was busy engrossed in her phone, displaying a series of messages for Leonel. There was no reply, except for his farewell letter when he returned to the office. Even the news from this morning had yet to be read. Was Leonel busy?
Usually, ah, that’s right. Leading up to the Mountain Pte celebration, Leonel would be extremely busy. He was hardly available to meet and had to prepare for the shadows and news about Chloe’s appearance on social media. He was smiling as if she were the most graceful one during the party. It sickened Ester, and she wanted to erase Chloe and Leonel from the news. She should have been there by Leonel’s side. She was supporting Leonel and engaging with the people around him.
Not Chloe.
She threw her phone with the half-bitten apple logo onto the vanity table, creating a slightly disturbing sound, but Ester let it be. She chose to close her eyes, gathering a good mood so that the remaining time of this photoshoot would go smoothly.
“Miss,” Sofi greeted as she opened the door. She saw Ester with her eyes closed, which worried Sofi. “Are you feeling dizzy again?”
“No,” Ester quickly responded. “Where’s my salad?”
Sofi nodded and immediately prepared lunch for Ester. She also received an invitation from Leo when they crossed paths in the elevator. “Here’s an invitation from Mountain Pte.” Although the model never wanted to attend year after year, Sofi still handed it over, hoping the invitation wouldn’t be discarded just like that. Sofi noticed Ester’s sharp gaze and her sarcastic words.
This time Sofi blinked slowly, repeatedly, as if what she saw was a dream. Also, Ester’s words felt like being showered with fragrant flowers.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
“Finally, what I’ve been waiting for has come.” Ester smiled with joy. Her eyes were like they were receiving something she greatly desired. “Where do I have a photoshoot scheduled for tomorrow?”
Sofi quickly fumbled for her phone in her shoulder bag. She searched for Ester’s schedule in her special notes. “Uh… there’s none, Mbak. But there’s a dinner with Scarletta. They want to discuss a contract extension.”
Ester nodded in understanding. “Make an appointment with Claire. I want to make an evening gown.”
***
Chloe sighed in annoyance repeatedly. Countless complaints had escaped her lips throughout the morning. Breakfast with Mama Agatha and Leonel went on as usual. Both Chloe and Agatha joked around like they always did. Leonel only said a little as he enjoyed the meal prepared by the household staff in this house. Although Chloe hadn’t regained control of the kitchen yet, she still felt a sense of responsibility to oversee her team’s work.
Everything was normal-even the conversation with Peni, where she was ready for therapy. Agatha couldn’t accompany her because she had plans with her friends. They promised to meet up after their beauty session at a famous cafe until lunchtime. But Chloe declined. If Agatha picked her up, she would undoubtedly be dragged along to indulge her mother-in-law’s habit of circling the mall to look for unnecessary items.
“But it’s true if Mama doesn’t pick you up, you can concentrate better during therapy,” Agatha said with a smile of understanding. At least Mama Agatha understood her wishes.
“Let Mama know if there’s anything, okay,” Agatha said, patting Chloe’s shoulder as she sat beside her. She glanced at Leonel, who seemed undisturbed while enjoying his meal. Even though they had been discussing Chloe’s therapy all this time, her son was genuinely exasperating!
“Yes, Ma,” Chloe replied, taking a bite of her final serving. She had to finish the honey-drenched pancake and a glass of warm milk made by Mama Agatha. She was making a dish like that required effort, energy, and time. She wanted to save Mama Agatha’s kindness, who was still willing to go through the trouble and personally help her. “I’ll have my therapy session with Peni. She’s prepared everything I need to bring.”
Agatha nodded in understanding. “Adrianna isn’t joining you? She always accompanies you.”
“She has a lot of tasks at preschool today, Ma. She said she couldn’t come, but it’s no big deal. Adrianna has often accompanied me, Ma. I’m afraid it would be troublesome for her.”
“You always say you’re afraid of causing trouble. Mama is sure that Adrianna doesn’t feel that way about you. Mama can see who genuinely loves you.” Agatha closed her statement while enjoying her cup of tea. Her eyes met Leonel’s gaze, but her son seemed to brush off Agatha’s words as if they were nothing. The evidence was that Leonel once again returned to enjoying his meal.
I finished without a trace.
Chloe bid farewell after finishing her portion. Accompanied by Peni, she prepared to get into the car that was waiting for her. However, there was a tug that made Chloe scream in fear because it happened so suddenly for her.
“It’s me,” Leonel said softly. In front of her, Chloe was almost half-embraced by him, and his eyes, which usually sparkled softly and gently, filled her vision. Leonel swallowed nervously. He hadn’t intended to act this far. But the doctor’s image and Chloe’s laughter bothered him so much.
He couldn’t bear to see Chloe share her smiles and infectious laughter with others. While with him? All he got were sarcastic looks, and unkind and dismissive words, not to mention the constant annoyance that always came out of Chloe’s mouth. Ah, he had received special treatment from his wife. Truly. He wasn’t so old that he had forgotten how his wife, now gritting her teeth in annoyance, always behaved gently and politely.
“What do you want?” she asked, pushing Leonel away quickly. She didn’t care if the movement made Chloe slightly unsteady, prompting Leonel to act immediately. He didn’t respond to his wife’s words. He understood that her behavior was also because of him.
“I’m taking you to therapy today.”
Chloe furrowed her brows in confusion, then burst into laughter as her ears processed what she had just heard. “Did I hear it wrong, Your Excellency?”
If Chloe could see Leonel’s firm nod, it wouldn’t matter. She could say it without any doubt. “No, I want to take you today,” he said firmly.
No matter how many questions Chloe asked, Leonel only responded briefly. He led his wife to get into the car. Peni sat awkwardly in the back seat. It didn’t matter. Leonel didn’t care. What he was doing now was following his heart.
They didn’t realize that their actions were being watched with a mix of joy and excitement by a middle-aged woman who repeatedly played with her intertwined fingers. Her lips often whispered prayers for their relationship to grow stronger. And that their impending divorce would never happen. Although Agatha knew it would be difficult to restore their strained relationship to normal, she always believed that God had control over His servants’ hearts.