[20]
She should be happy. She should feel victorious. And her heart shouldn’t be in such turmoil like this. Instead, she was restless and unsettled, even though Leonel had just exited his room. Nothing happened-only a lingering silence between them. From the edge of the bed where she sat, Ester could occasionally see Leonel wanting to speak but holding back. The man also kept his distance from her, even though he was sitting on the sofa inside the room specially prepared by Chloe.
What kind of wife was this woman he loved? Maybe not good, but bordering on crazy. How could she not be? A room almost the same size as Joshua’s was given to Ester for free, even though she was supposed to leave. Frustration and anger dominated her, prompting her to call Rio and Sofi to pick her up immediately. At least, with them around, she would stay within a reasonable distance if they were to visit a bar later.
She still had many plans for the next month. She didn’t want to ruin them with unnecessary drinking activities.
“You’re going home?” Chloe suddenly asked, causing Ester’s steps to halt. Since when was that blind woman around her? Irritated, Ester turned around and gave an unpleasant look.
“Yes,” she replied curtly.
“Peni said it’s already ten o’clock. Why don’t you stay here? After all, this house will be yours, right?”
Ester’s hand clenched tightly again. Her jaw stiffened, and her displeased gaze intensified. Before she could utter the words already on her mind, Chloe spoke first.
“Or… do you want us to get back together? Intimately? Like earlier? You can see clearly, right? Unlike me. Who is blind to seeing you two playing behind my back.”
“What do you want, Chloe?” Ester asked as she took a step closer. As their distance narrowed, and Chloe showed no fear of the intimidation Ester was giving, it only made Ester angrier. “Don’t think that you can attract Leonel’s attention only once. You’re being arrogant.”
Chloe chuckled instead. If she could see the face of her husband’s mistress, it would be more than just amusing. Unfortunately, she could only perceive a blurry green color in front of her. It needed to be clarified what the silhouette looked like. But she still had a brain she could use to imagine how ugly Ester’s face must be when consumed by emotions. And she enjoyed her newfound activity.
This was just one of the many things Chloe could do to Ester. She had many plans in her mind, including her grand feast. Just wait, Ester. Please wait for my retaliation, Chloe thought with a satisfied grin.
“I don’t feel arrogant. Why would I? I no longer need Leonel’s attention. You need to realize and never deny, Ester.” Chloe took a step closer. She didn’t know if Ester backed away because of her movement or if she remained silent, waiting. It didn’t matter to her. “Because with my permission, you’re free to roam here. And because of my request, Mama Agatha Theodore is starting to soften her attitude toward you.”
Ester swallowed slowly. Her eyes stared at Chloe without hesitation, but there might be a hint of nervousness. She never expected the gentle, reserved, obedient Chloe she knew to behave like this, especially in a seemingly helpless state.
“And my mercy on your relationship will allow you two to get married in the future,” Chloe smirked. She didn’t need to point accusing fingers at this shameless woman in front of her. Her words alone could pierce through Ester’s body, leaving behind a figure devoid of shame, someone who might continue to push herself to be accepted by the Grisham family.
By destroying herself through infidelity?
Chloe could have been deceived and fooled in the past, strengthening her resolve to accept Leonel’s love, even if it never existed for her. She only needed Leonel’s presence by her side as her husband. Who knew, whenever that day might come, Leonel would realize the sacrifices Chloe made for him. For their love.
But now, she laughed at all of those things every night. How foolish she was to idolize love. But was it that easy to let go? No, it wasn’t. Chloe promised in her heart that they had to experience the exact agonizing retribution.
“So… accept my kindness. At the same time, I am still generous enough to allow you to stay here. And let my husband open your bedroom door. Not mine for him to visit.”
***
Chloe’s activity before actually getting into bed lately was sitting on the edge of the balcony. Feeling the breeze ruffle her hair. Sometimes she stood near the railing. As long as she could remember about her room, there had always been a relatively large and sturdy railing as a barrier on the balcony.
She used it as her support. Usually, she also observed how the star-studded night looked from there. That’s where Chloe contemplated her activities throughout the day. She sighed with exhaustion multiple times due to Leonel’s cold demeanor, but before she fell asleep, she renewed her intention to smile the next day. To serve her husband sincerely and attentively, even though Leonel never saw her.
However, that activity was no longer just about thinking about Leonel. Her time here was limited until her vision returned. Nothing could hold her back from prolonging her marital relationship with Leonel. What she thought would end with beautiful love. The reality was that she was repeatedly thrown into the abyss of infidelity. A bitter truth where her husband loved his affair more than he loved her.
Even a drop of love seemed to be absent from Leonel for Chloe.
If someone asked why she had to wait until she recovered? Was she afraid of lacking the funds for her treatment? Not at all. She was teaching both of them a lesson before she left for good. They needed to understand and know the pain she felt. And Chloe was planning her revenge against both of them.
If only Leonel had let her go long ago, or at least in the early years of their marriage. When Chloe still felt that Leonel was just too busy with work. Maybe she wouldn’t be in so much pain now. Chloe would have let go of Leonel for the woman he truly loved. She wouldn’t have been an obstacle to a long-established relationship. She was dragged into this and became a victim. But did she complain? Instead of voicing all her burdens, she continued living as Leonel Grisham’s wife.
The sound of her phone shattered her thoughts. She hesitated as she groped towards the table near the balcony door. Once she found her phone, her fingers immediately went to the left side. That’s where the green button was. “Yes?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“It’s Adrianna, Chloe.”
Chloe smiled widely. Using her cane again, she followed the taps she made on the floor where she stood, leaving the balcony that had kept her company for a while. She closed the door slowly, making sure not to bump into any objects in her room.
“I was outside, Adrianna; sorry if it took too long.”
On the other end, Adrianna chuckled. “Stargazing?”
“Well… can’t see them now, can I? Still waiting. One day I’ll be able to see you again. I can’t give up, right?”
“You’re right, Chloe. You mustn’t. Peni said you’ve been making remarkable progress. I’m happy to hear that, Sa. How was today’s session? What did Dr. Darren say? You mentioned the recent changes you’ve been experiencing, right?”
Chloe grinned. Adrianna and her string of questions were something she was used to. Taking a brief pause in their conversation, Chloe climbed onto the bed. She pulled back the covers and tucked a part of her leg underneath. She was feeling the warmth enveloping her. Her room was already excellent and comfortable for sleeping. She could also smell the soothing scent of mint slowly wafting through the air. Her diffuser had been lit since earlier.
“You and your habits haven’t changed, Adrianna,” Chloe said as soon as she settled into a comfortable sitting position. She leaned back against the stack of pillows behind her for added comfort. The headboard she occupied was soft, but she needed more support. That’s why it took her a while to respond to Adrianna’s words on the phone.
“Well… it’s nice. Can’t I?”
Chloe chuckled. “You can. So far, according to Dr. Darren, my progress has been excellent. He was even surprised by the changes I’ve been experiencing. The therapy sessions are moving to the next stage. Darren can’t determine when my vision will return, but one thing’s for sure, this is a perfect start.”
Chloe heard a sigh of relief escape Adrianna’s mouth. “I’m so happy to hear that, Chloe. Really happy.”
In her mind, she pictured Adrianna hugging her tightly. Their friendship had been established for a long time. Chloe was lucky to have Adrianna as her friend. She was the only person she could talk to and pour out all her grievances, even though she still concealed many. But now, it was time to let go of everything that weighed on her heart.
“I’m happy too, Ly. Thank you for being so supportive.”
Adrianna grumbled. “What’s wrong with you, Sa? Oh, by the way, speaking of Dr. Darren, did you revisit the café? Maybe have a one-on-one chat?”
“No. I went straight home after the therapy session.”
“Why?” Adrianna asked with a curious tone. “Darren said he wanted to talk to you more often. It wouldn’t matter if Darren befriended you, Sa. Besides, he’s the doctor who’s been caring for you.”
“Unfortunately, that couldn’t happen.”
“Ah, I was waiting for you to talk about Darren. What do you think of him as a person?”
Chloe grinned. “He’s a good and polite man. Maybe because of his profession? That’s why he’s friendly?”
She heard Adrianna exclaim in frustration. “You should be able to feel that Darren is catching your attention, Sa. If only you were alone, Darren would probably meet you often. You two are a perfect match, you know.”
“You’re going off on a tangent, as usual. How could I be paired with someone like Darren? I think in my imagination. He’s a handsome man.”
Adrianna burst into laughter. “You’re right. Darren is indeed handsome. Ah, too bad you couldn’t have a conversation. What’s the matter? I’m sure Darren just wanted to have coffee with you at the café across the hospital.”
Chloe smirked. She slightly adjusted her position. “Leonel drove me to therapy, Ly. How could I talk or even have a casual chat with Darren?” She sighed softly. “But talking to Darren was quite enjoyable.”
“Leonel? Drove you?” Adrianna asked once again. “I… didn’t mishear, right?”
“No. That’s the truth. I’m also surprised that Leonel went through the trouble of driving me. I know he’s busy at the office. The company’s anniversary is coming up soon. Everyone at Mountain Pte must be busy, including Leonel. Strange, isn’t it?” Chloe was well aware of Leonel’s activities leading up to the party at his company. She could also imagine attending the lavish event, especially in her current condition, which only increased her reluctance.
In the past five years, the party had become something she had eagerly anticipated for the past year.
“It’s bizarre,” Adrianna said. “I’ll meet you tomorrow. No plans, right? Maybe Mama Agatha will invite you to visit somewhere.”
“No plans, Adrianna. Come over. Ah, my only task is to deal with the pests that have invaded my house.”
“Pests?” Adrianna asked. “Dirt pests? In your house?”
Chloe just smiled tightly. “It’s late. Take a rest, Adrianna. See you tomorrow.” Without needing any further remarks from Adrianna, she ended the call. She couldn’t understand why Leonel would drive her. Along the way, she had also been unpleasant in front of Leonel. But she did all that because of Leonel’s unusual behavior.
She was used to Leonel ignoring her. That’s why it surprised her when she received his attention. Chloe should be happy and content. But this time, she wasn’t. Everything felt futile. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, emptying her mind so that she could fall asleep tonight. The atmosphere in her room was comfortable and calm. She would indeed sleep through the night.
She didn’t realize that she had been the center of attention since earlier. Every conversation with Adrianna eventually revealed that the late-night phone calls to his wife were made by none other than her close friend. However, her ears could still hear clearly when they mentioned Darren.
That made her fists clench unconsciously. She didn’t like how Chloe talked about the doctor conducting therapy with her. Perhaps tomorrow, she would find another more competent doctor than Darren. The feeling of attraction was spreading rapidly. It made all the blood in her body suddenly boil. It was also what unintentionally entered Chloe’s room.
She stood by the edge of the bed for a while. Her legitimate wife looked fast asleep. Her breathing was steady, and her eyes were closed peacefully. Leonel thought Chloe had already gone to the realm of dreams.
“Why do you mess with my feelings at a time like this, Sa?” he murmured. “When I’m just one step away from achieving my goal. Divorcing you, right?” Leonel chuckled, laughing at himself. “But why am I unwilling now?”