Chapter 8

Ester Gisela was too dazzling to be ignored. Her blond hair cascaded neatly. Her smooth, porcelain-like face was as soft as silk. Her lips were beautifully full, with a slightly thick lower lip exuding sensuality even through her words. Her eyes were as clear as morning dew, serene and calming, often causing others to get lost. Her nose was pointed, with a mole right at the tip. She was tall and slender, with beautiful legs, her assets as a famous model. And not to mention her body, perfectly sculpted by God. Ester possessed the perfection desired by many women. However, for her, it was still not enough. The popularity she gained all this time meant nothing compared to winning the heart and whole being of Leonel Grisham, her beloved. She loved him deeply and was obsessed with having him ultimately. Their love story was sweet at first. Despite Ester's profession, Leonel remained faithful to her. Until that moment, Ester felt like she was going insane hearing his words. "I'll be getting married in two months." If Ester had sipped her latte, she might have choked on the words she just heard. "What?" she asked disbelievingly. "Married? I can't believe what I'm hearing, Mas." Her eyes stared at Leonel with an expression that was hard to interpret. Her heart was racing erratically. Flashbacks of Ester's visit to the Grisham residence, where she received unwelcome responses, flashed mercilessly. "Is it because I'm a model?" "No, My Love. It's not like that," Leonel was equally tormented. He quickly reached out and tried to hold the hand he always had, promising not to let go. But the writing was immediately brushed away. The smile that usually adorned her beautiful face was gone. And Leonel knew why it happened. "I'm getting married because of my parents, Ester. I've told you many times; I only love you. And it will always be that way." "But why?" Ester asked with a somewhat high-pitched tone. Tears began to well up in her eyes, ready to spill as soon as she blinked. "Why do you want to? What do you think of me?" "If it were that easy, Ester," Leonel said, running his fingers through his hair. Between his fingers, he grasped his curly hair quite firmly. "You know how my father and grandfather." Ester turned her face away. The two men had never looked favorably upon her from the start. Although they still talked to Ester, she knew her presence there was like a pest. Seeing her lover's response, Leonel moved closer. He humbled himself, squatting in front of his sulking lover. Ester brushed off Leonel's hand several times but didn't give up. Fortunately, they were alone today in the unit Leonel specifically provided for his beloved. "Listen, Ester," Leonel said, half-frustrated. "I know this is difficult. I feel the same way. It's extremely challenging to live the life that awaits me." His eyes locked onto Ester's face, which he knew still displayed resentment and disappointment. "But at least you know I only love you." "But all that doesn't guarantee your feelings will change, Leonel!" Ester exclaimed, a single tear streaming down her cheek. "You're marrying another woman and living together under one roof. And me? I'm Ester, Leonel. Me!" "I assure you it won't happen." "What?" Ester said sarcastically. "You're not getting married? I'm not blind to the news that's been circulating; I'm just waiting for you to say it clearly. Strengthening my heart, thickening my ears, and reassuring myself that what was written in the news is just empty talk!" Leonel once again tried to take Ester's hand and hold it tightly. "I am getting married, yes. But my heart, my body, belongs only to you, Ester." Ester sobbed, growing stronger with each passing second. They shared a tight embrace where Leonel himself could feel the pain that Ester was experiencing. Their love was torn apart just because of their parents' interests. There was a growing sense of resentment in Leonel's chest every time he thought about their marriage. "Don't worry about her presence by my side, Ester. I only love you," Leonel said. Although Leonel's shirt was soaked with tears, Ester felt suffocated in her chest. "If one day you..." "I won't change, Ester. I only love you. Just be patient for a while. I'm coming home to you." "What if you end up getting a divorce?" Leonel's smile at that moment was promising, not to mention the touches he gave. He started with a lingering kiss on her forehead, slowly descending to her closed eyes, though wet with tears. Gradually, his touch spread to every part of her face, making Ester's anger subside. She also began to welcome each communication that Leonel eagerly gave. No one knows how many silent witnesses there were in Ester's apartment when they made love—sharing whispers, moans, and sighs of satisfaction. It was a testament to their passion, which may be false, but Ester believed Leonel's heart belonged only to her. Forever. "Don't keep me waiting too long, Darling," she called out again, amid their embrace, without a single thread separating them, including Ester's fingertips, which were playing around Leonel's face. "Just be patient," Leonel said, only uttering those words, but his gaze conveyed so much to Ester. He was making her not care about the nature of their relationship. So it didn't matter to Ester when she learned how lavish the wedding celebration was from the news. She didn't hesitate to attend. Although her heart was in pain, she knew Leonel's gaze was fixed on her. Besides occasionally looking at his wife, who was dressed beautifully and dazzlingly, Leonel didn't shift his gaze. Except to look at Ester. And that's what Leonel did to Ester throughout their marriage. The man kept his promise, prioritizing Ester over his wife, making Ester Leonel's priority just like before they married. It made Ester feel victorious over Leonel. She had repeatedly asked about their divorce but never received a satisfying answer. Ester started to feel restless, especially since Leonel's wife had an accident. Somehow, Ester felt sidelined. Although she received surprises, Ester had to remain cautious. She wasn't a fool who would stay silent while observing the changes in Leonel. It was rare for Leonel's focus to be divided, but because of news about his wife, he would swiftly distance himself. And Ester had felt it more than once. Although Leonel made excuses, Ester's concerns were excessive. Just like today. Ester had tried to contact Leonel multiple times but received no response. Earlier, she had attempted to reach Leonel's office. His annoying secretary said, "Mr. Leonel is in a meeting, Miss Ester. It's not finished yet." Ester sighed in annoyance. She stomped her foot and folded her arms across her chest. Her sharp gaze scanned the surroundings. She grabbed a glass of mineral water nearby and drank it all, hoping it would calm her emotions. But it had no effect whatsoever. "What kind of meeting is it that he's ignoring me like this?" "Miss Ester," Sofi called softly. Sofi was her most loyal assistant. She had been following Ester everywhere for three years, putting up with all of Ester's troublesome behavior, far from her perfect facade. It was common knowledge that Ester Gisella had quite a challenging temperament. Many demands had to be met when working with her, including providing a dedicated space just for her. She wanted to refrain from mingling with others or engaging in small talk. But because Ester was gaining fame and her modeling career rapidly grew, people didn't care about her behavior. Not to mention Ester often dictated the poses she would be printed or share on social media. If there were a mistake, Ester would refuse to work together again. There were also many demands that had to be fulfilled if her face was to be featured in the products she promoted. Ester's every request would be granted as long as the collaboration went smoothly and didn't violate the contract. Ester only glanced briefly with disdain. "The final photoshoot will be done soon. After that, Miss Ester will be free." "I know," Ester quickly retorted. She waved her hand dismissively at Sofi and casually threw the phone she had used to contact Leonel. "Keep calling Mr. Leonel until he picks up. I want to talk to him." Sofi could only nod as the phone landed in her hands. Her reflexes were improving daily because that's how Ester behaved, following the graceful steps of the model, who was already dressed for her final session. However, Sofi's efforts abruptly halted when the model stopped as well. Fortunately, Sofi was accustomed to Ester's unpredictable movements. "Oh, and one more thing. Prepare a salad for tonight. Not too much dressing. You go overboard when it comes to serving food," Ester grumbled while glancing at her assistant irritatedly. Sofi immediately complied with a respectful nod and started making the calls as requested by Ester. Meanwhile, someone observed how the photo shoot was progressing from a distance. Occasionally, they scrutinized the details of the photos present there. They gently stroked their chin. "I didn't expect you to secure a special slot for Miss Ester. I heard it's quite difficult to schedule her," one of the people near the man remarked, chuckling softly. "Ester is an icon. We'll make a big profit. How's the marketing target? Are you ready?" the man replied. "It's in the final plan. We can discuss it tomorrow." The man nodded and patted the other person's shoulder. Then he walked away without saying where he was heading. His steps were light and confident. A smirk appeared, a sign of satisfaction with his plans. "Just wait a little longer," the man said with a cunning smile. "Let's go, sir." His driver opened the door for him. "To the office?" Once he got into the car and prepared to drive through the streets of New York. "Yes." Thus, his destination was set: Layson Group.