Chloe has beautiful eyes. Leonel admitted that. Her eyes were full of spirited sparkles the first time he saw her. Warmth radiated from them. They were like his mother's eyes, through which Leonel felt genuine affection. Just from her gaze, Leonel could discern what kind of woman this Chloe Delilah was. Maternal and loving towards her family.
Unfortunately, Leonel was not affected by Chloe's radiant eyes except tonight.
Her eyes were empty. They looked at him but seemed to lack meaning. The brown part moved restlessly but eventually focused on one point: him. Of course, the one is sitting in front of her after scolding this woman. What was going through Chloe's mind when she stood at the edge of the balcony? What if he was too late? He would be subject to scolding and the wrath of the large Grisham family.
Chloe, the beloved daughter-in-law of her family. Leonel himself wondered what made Chloe special. There was nothing.
Since the accident with his wife six months ago, he had lost count of how often she had been subjected to snide remarks and scoldings from her mother. Not to mention her father, who suddenly became the world's most righteous preacher due to his daughter-in-law's concerning condition.
"Troublesome," Leonel muttered unconsciously.
"I don't need your help," Chloe said coldly. From the beginning, she felt someone holding her back; she knew it was her husband. Although now she couldn't see him. It was just a vague silhouette. The light entering her retina was minimal. The doctor said the healing process would take a considerable amount of time. But that didn't matter to Chloe.
Initially, she was angry. Angry at God for toying with her heart. Her grandparents were her example of a harmonious couple, even until death separated them three years ago. They remained loyal to each other, complemented, and never had Chloe witnessed any arguments. She was not yet blind to their affection.
Unlike herself and Leonel.
Meanwhile, Leonel stared at Chloe with a skeptical gaze. Then he shook his head, both amazed and annoyed, and said, "You? Don't you need my help? If you want to commit suicide, don't do it in this house."
Chloe didn't flinch. Her eyes were still fixed on her interlocutor. "I'm just enjoying the night air. You're the one making a fuss about me being on the edge," Chloe pointed with her index finger. Quickly, she grabbed the cane she knew was next to her. At least the club was her loyal companion this time. She promptly stood up, regardless of Leonel's piercing gaze.
She scoffed. When did Leonel last look at Chloe as if she wasn't trash before him?
"I want to sleep. This is my room, right?" Chloe moved slowly. She used the end of the cane she had learned during therapy as her guide. She tapped around to avoid missteps. Right at the sofa's edge, Chloe pointed to the door, instructing Leonel to leave her room. "The door is over there, Mr. Leonel."
"You!"
Chloe didn't care.
Leonel clenched his fist tightly. His gaze was sharp as he stared at Chloe. Despite pressing the gas pedal hard, disregarding his safety on the way home from the bar, he was fortunate that Chris stopped him from drinking too much. So, Leonel's concentration was still intact. But what did he get when he arrived home, and half ran, without considering how many steps he leaped just to reach the balcony of Chloe's main bedroom? What did he get?
This woman truly tested Leonel's patience.
Before Leonel left the room, he said, "I'll have Chris handle the divorce immediately. You know, the Grisham family lawyers work very quickly. I'll let you do as you please. In the end, what I want will be accomplished."
No matter what Leonel had been through with Chloe, it couldn't be called a good relationship. Chloe had never given a mocking smile like this. That smirk appeared so insignificant on her seemingly innocent face. Even without makeup, Leonel had to admit that Chloe's face was attractive enough. Her dimpled chin and oval face shape were unique charms that Chloe possessed.
"Just sign it first. After I'm satisfied, I'll sign it."
Leonel slowly loosened his tightened jaw. It was replaced by confusion due to Chloe's earlier statement. "What do you mean?"
"Surely you'll soon marry your lover legally, right?"
"You don't need to ask that," Leonel replied quickly.
"You know," Chloe felt the edge of the sofa and believed she could sit there even if only leaning. "Mom said she wants to get close to your lover. Before you two officially get married, Ester can come to the house often and meet Mom. I can't let your lover feel awkward in this house."
Leonel's brow furrowed deeper. He thought Chloe was planning something. But what she said was true. Ester could only enter this house by getting acquainted with her mother first. Besides, Leonel knew that Ester and his mother had never been close. Perhaps Chloe's assistance was indeed necessary.
His soon-to-be ex-wife was something else.
"You don't need to overthink, Mr. Leonel, the honorable-"
"Stop calling me that," Leonel quickly warned. He didn't like how Chloe always used a new form of address to mock him whenever they spoke now. Chloe seemed to have a split personality that annoyed him almost every time.
"Oh, you don't like it?" Chloe asked mockingly. "You are indeed honorable, Mr. Leonel. So honorable that you forget how to show respect."
"Chloe Delilah," Leonel called, unable to take it anymore. He stood up from his seat, which he hadn't moved from earlier. Even after the eviction, he still lingered there for some reason. "Don't cross your boundaries."
"No," Chloe chuckled. "I'm just asserting something."
The sound of Leonel's heavy footsteps and the audible teeth grinding reached Chloe's ears, indicating that he was rushing out of the room. She didn't feel guilty. She was expressing the reality around her, after all. So she didn't need to worry.
Before those steps ultimately left her room, Chloe said, "You should consider my offer, Leonel. You need my signature for our divorce papers, don't you?"
"What do you want, Chloe?" Leonel turned around. Unable to tolerate his wife's behavior, he felt he had gone too far; he gripped the sides of Chloe's face. He knew his eyes couldn't see the anger within him, but Leonel knew that Chloe realized he had unleashed a strong aura of intimidation to confront her. "You're the one who wanted this divorce. In case you forgot."
Maybe five years ago, if Leonel had done this to her, Chloe would undoubtedly cry and beg for forgiveness. Somehow, that no longer applied to her. The weak Chloe had disappeared. In her chest burned the fire of frustration and immense disappointment. And she felt Leonel should experience the same thing. So, she roughly brushed off Leonel's hand, not caring if part of her cheek felt sore from the pressure earlier. "I can't possibly forget your dream, Leonel. But it seems my help is needed." She gently stroked her slightly reddened cheek. "Mom talked to me. She won't approve of your relationship unless I persuade her to soften her attitude towards Ester."
Leonel clenched his jaw. His eyes stared fiercely at Chloe. He would have done it earlier if he could destroy that seemingly innocent face.
"You'll probably thank me later, Leonel. Consider it as repayment for five years of how you treated me in this house well, good enough."
Leonel was speechless.
"Now," Chloe pointed again to the door that had been open since earlier. "Get out. I want to rest."
***[]***
Chloe resumed her delayed activities. She was genuinely enjoying the evening air, which brought her a sense of calm. Although she couldn't fully appreciate the beauty of the starry night sky, Chloe believed that its beauty would never fade with time. Maybe because she had walked towards the balcony's edge, the assigned servant, Peni, panicked and took the initiative to call the owner of this grand house-her husband.
But it wasn't necessary.
She still had a remaining life in her heart. She still intended to live longer, even though she didn't know what kind of life she would lead. Since the accident, everything has changed for Chloe. Indeed, she was grateful to experience this, even though she was hysterical at first. Who wouldn't be shocked to find out they couldn't see perfectly? Not to mention, her recovery process was challenging due to her inability to see. She needed the helping hand of others, and many looked at her with pity.
Fortunately, she had Adrianna by her side. Her friend was never tired of supporting her to rise. The semi-permanent blindness she experienced had, to some extent, opened the window to her heart. The beautiful marriage, filled with wealth, and having a handsome knight in shining armor, turned out to be mere fantasies. There was no gentle husband for her. She didn't receive the attention and affection a healthy marital relationship deserved.
It was all just in her imagination.
"Fool," she softly scolded her former self. "This love is over, Leo. I give up," she whispered, gripping the end of her cane tightly. "I hope you'll be happy in the future." Then a faint smirk appeared. "But wait, both of you need to know who you're dealing with. After all, we'll eventually part ways. Playing around for a while shouldn't be a problem. Consider it a lesson for both of you to face a troubled relationship without approval."
Chloe remained silent for a while. "I won't be the only one destroyed. You both will be, too," she resolved, solidifying her thoughts about the plan she was about to execute.
Chloe decided to end her enjoyment of this evening. Since she couldn't see what time it was, she chose to go straight to bed. It didn't matter what time Chloe woke up the next day. She had no obligation to make breakfast or meals for her husband. What was the point? Even in normal circumstances, Chloe's actions were never appreciated. So now she would act like a lady of the house who engaged in unnecessary activities.
That's what she would do now.
Before she drifted off to sleep, she tried to remember what she could do tomorrow. Ah, therapy. Right. Tomorrow was her therapy appointment. Usually, Adrianna would happily accompany her. She had been waiting to hear from her friend all day. Calling her to confirm the therapy appointment wouldn't hurt. She preferred to be accompanied by Adrianna rather than Peni. The servant was a bit talkative and hesitant when answering her questions.
She slowly picked up the phone from the edge of the nightstand. She felt for the buttons, recalling their positions. She only needed to press the number two for emergency calls, and Adrianna's number appeared immediately. She tried calling twice, but there was no response. Was it already too late?
Chloe forgot that it might be late at night already.
"Yes, Chloe?"
Chloe blinked softly. The call was answered. Adrianna's voice sounded hoarse, as if she had just woken up. Suddenly, guilt washed over Chloe. "Am I disturbing you?"
"No, not at all," Adrianna replied weakly. Chloe could hear a slight groan in her ear. "Are you okay there? Do you need something? Is Peni there?"
Chloe chuckled. "Everything is fine. I just called to make sure of tomorrow's therapy appointment."
"Yes, I remember. Oh my! Because of that courteous Dr. Darren, you're so enthusiastic about therapy? It's almost midnight, and you called to confirm that?"
"I just woke up and remembered about the appointment," Chloe quickly defended herself. That thought never crossed her mind.
"Just being honest, Chloe," mumbled Adrianna on the other end. "Well, go back to sleep there. I'm sleepy."
Chloe's smile grew wider. "Okay, see you tomorrow."
What Chloe didn't realize was that Leonel was standing at the doorway. His hands clenched tightly as he saw Chloe engrossed in a phone call with someone at this late hour. When she should be sound asleep, she evicted Leonel from doing this and making late-night calls with someone else.
Oh my God, Chloe had gone too far!
But why was he so angry?