Chapter 11

Leonel has never been this angry facing Chloe. When he sat in the car and drove to the office, his frustration didn't subside. Even the conversation between him and Ester was brief. He didn't care much about Ester's sour expression when she exited the car. Even Ester slamming the door didn't divert Leonel's attention. "Sir, I've checked the documents that need your signature. Here you go," Deborah had been standing there since earlier, holding the awaited files to be handed over to the finance division. Unfortunately, her boss didn't pay attention to any of the tasks presented on his desk. He leaned back with closed eyes, but Deborah knew he was deep in thought. "Oh." Leonel opened his eyes, immediately banishing the image of Chloe occupying his mind. "Did you check everything? Make sure there are no mistakes." Leonel quickly shifted his focus to the papers Deborah handed him. He promptly placed his signature where required, next to the marks Deborah had already made. He handed them back immediately after signing. "Do I have a meeting today?" "No, sir. You will have meetings with external parties next week. But on Friday, we'll discuss the latest plan from the marketing division." Leonel nodded. "Contact Chris. I need to talk to him." "Alright, sir." He let his secretary leave the room after granting her permission. He leaned back in his oversized chair and massaged his temples while exhaling heavily. His mind kept replaying Chloe's words, the gaze of her mother and father, not to mention Ester's sudden coldness and ignited anger. Anyone present there would indeed be provoked by Chloe's behavior, which he found genuinely excessive. But Leonel briefly wondered how his wife came up with the idea of allowing Ester to enter their marriage. After Leonel hid, he knew Chloe must have started to realize it. Five years was not a short time to learn Leonel's attention wasn't entirely devoted to Chloe. It was almost nonexistent. Leonel felt guilty and got involved only when his wife had an accident. He started showing little care, including monitoring Chloe's progress and daily therapy. Ah, speaking of treatment yesterday, Leonel scoffed. How foolish it felt to abandon his office agenda for Chloe? It was ridiculous! It must be because his mindset had shifted slightly. Due to Chloe's actions last night and this morning, Leonel was determined to retaliate against her even more harshly. That included expediting the requested divorce and making Ester the only woman in his house. He didn't care if his mother and father disapproved. He had compromised enough. Besides, what Chloe had said could be used as ammunition to silence them all. His wife was inadequate. She couldn't serve Leonel well. A triumphant grin appeared at the corner of his lips. He slowly clenched his hand and rested his chin on it. "Just wait, my sweet wife. You will surely feel the consequences." Meanwhile, at the photo shoot location, Ester kept getting annoyed because her mind was constantly focused on Chloe. She couldn't let this happen in her life. She was used to being a priority and a star. But last night, oh God, she didn't expect Chloe, the wife of her beloved, to fight back in such an unexpected way. Her plan had been going smoothly, even on its own, but it had hypnotized anyone at that elegant dining table—even Agatha Theodore herself. Ester noticed that the middle-aged woman's expression was disturbed by her presence. Then, Agatha seemed slightly disagreeable with Chloe's words, but she became a solid ally shortly after. More reliable than before. "Damn it!" she cursed. The bottle of mineral water that Sofi brought was already empty. Her emotions still had a hold on her. "Sofi," she called out, slightly louder. She stared at her carefully made-up face in the room that was specifically for her. With butterfly-like eyelashes and meticulously styled hair, she indeed appeared flawless. But. "Yes, Miss? What is it?" Sofi stood not far from where Ester was sitting, observing the model because she didn't want to provoke Ester's anger today. Since her arrival, Sofi had already been scolded twice for trivial matters. The star was in a bad mood today. But why? Sofi didn't want to find out. "Tell Miss Lily that I can't do the photoshoot today." Sofi was taken aback. "Miss Ester... are you sick?" "Consider it that way." "Should we go to the doctor?" "I said... consider it that way. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Ester's tone was sharp. "That's enough, go. Speak to her, and get the car ready in twenty minutes. I want to go home." Sofi swallowed her saliva slowly. It felt like numerous thorns were pricking her. Dealing with Lucas Fernando was not easy, but when the model spoke, it took a lot of work to persuade her. It didn't matter, even if it contradicted their working contract. When Ester said something like this, she rarely acted unprofessionally. "Hurry up. What are you waiting for?" Ester asked with an impatient look, making Sofi quickly leave her presence. Once again, she massaged the bridge of her nose, not caring if there were specks of glitter sticking to her fingertips. Ester also removed the bothersome eyelashes that added an artistic touch to her photoshoot. She didn't take long to remove the props for today's session. At the same time, someone knocked on the door. "Are you sick?" someone asked with an overly concerned voice, causing Ester to turn around. When their eyes met, Ester smiled faintly. Besides being adept at smiling and posing in front of the camera, she was skilled at acting like now. "Well, that's how it is, Miss. But you don't have to worry. I'll rest soon," Ester smiled weakly once again. The man sighed. "Don't come next time if you're sick." He walked closer to Ester, making sure with his own eyes. "Your face looks so pale. Can't the makeup artist tell? What's going on?" Ester chuckled. "It's fine, Miss. They're just doing their job. Besides, it's my fault. I pushed myself to come even though I had a restless night." Once again, the man named Lucas Fernando sighed. His walk was slightly swaying with his well-built body. Although he was dressed neatly, he didn't care much. "Well then, just go home." Lily looked at Ester with a sad gaze. "Rest. It's not a drama or a date. Understood?" Ester chuckled but nodded. "Tomorrow, I'll give you the day off. I'm afraid you'll be exhausted, and your performance will suffer. I don't want to take any risks." Once again, the blonde-haired woman smiled. "Sofi, make sure Ester rests. If she's sick next time, let me know immediately. You're the closest to Ester, right?" "Yes, Miss." Sofi didn't want to talk much because she knew she would be on the receiving end of a lecture. She quickly tidied up Ester's belongings and ensured nothing was left behind. Meanwhile, Ester was already leading the way after Leo left her room. She believed her decision was correct. She hadn't attended the photoshoot for only two days, although Sofi would probably struggle to adjust the schedule again. It was better than being unable to concentrate and making things worse, right? All of this affected her performance as a famous model. "I already told Rio to stop by the clinic later," Sofi said while opening the car door for Ester. "No need," the woman paused for a moment. "I don't need a doctor." "But, Miss—" "Just be quiet. I know myself," Ester interrupted quickly. "Order pizza and pasta. And buy soda on the way up to the apartment." Sofi was taken aback. "Don't argue. I want to eat that." Her assistant nodded, taking note of all of Ester's requests. Occasionally, her eyes watched how the model leaned back with closed eyes. What Leo said was true. Ester's beautiful face looked pale even though her makeup was vibrant in some areas. When ordering the desired food for Ester, Sofi also made sure to order chicken soup, just in case Ester wanted it. After all, she had a responsibility to ensure Ester was okay. Although Sofi had been suspicious since her arrival earlier, Ester's face showed no brightness. Ester was annoying, but she could still give a small smile whenever someone greeted her, although she chose who to give that smile to. But earlier? Sofi didn't see that. Ester also complained several times about things that weren't necessary. Ester took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to push away the shadow of Chloe that had ruined her mood. Her hands clenched tightly. In addition, Leonel didn't say a word to defend her or make her feel better about Chloe's actions. That flawed woman was such a pain. Who did she think she was? Amid her frustration, Ester's phone rang loudly. Ester quickly grabbed the handbag beside her, hoping it was Leonel calling to ask about her condition. But it turned out to be just her wish. Ester sighed softly before sliding the green icon to answer the call. "Yes?" In the end, a chuckle made Ester's spine straighten up. "What do you need?" Ester asked without beating around the bush. "I heard you postponed the photo shoot today?" "Yes," Ester replied shortly. "Do you realize how much loss this delay caused?" "Since when did you start taking care of this matter?" Ester asked, inspecting her fingernails. Once again, the caller laughed. "There's something I want to discuss. Can we meet?" *** There wasn't much Chloe could do while her eyes were still healing. Occasionally, she would go out to enjoy the breeze in the garden she cared for. She would ask the trusted gardener to maintain all the gardens that brought her joy in this big house and the pond filled with healthy, plump koi fish. Sometimes, Chloe would sit by the pond's edge, simply listening to the sound of the water and its ripples. So peaceful and serene. If only her life were as calm and relaxed, Chloe would be extremely grateful. Unfortunately, Chloe didn't experience such tranquility even though she lived in luxury. What did it matter to Chloe? She admitted some cared for her genuinely, but Chloe didn't want a life where she felt "cold" and unnoticed in this house, except by a few people. Was that enough? No. What she wanted was for her husband to turn towards her. To greet her with a warm smile and a tight embrace. The kind of affection her husband gave to another woman. Chloe always believed it was just an illusion. Something that shouldn't shatter her heart, even though her eyes often witnessed the affair happening. "Chloe?" someone called, interrupting Chloe's daydream. She stood up with the help of Peni, who was always by her side. "Yes, Ma?" Chloe recognized the voice that called her. "Mama made brownies for you, you know. Finally succeeded," she chirped. "You have to try them." "Yes, of course. Chloe can't wait." "You're the one who gave Mama the recipe and the easiest way to make them. It turns out it's straightforward, huh?" Agatha was proud of the slices of brownies she brought. "Come on, let's eat. Rossa is preparing drinks." Chloe's smile grew wider. She was confident that her mother-in-law's face was pleased today. "Oh, by the way, Mama came up with a great idea after our conversation last night." Chloe furrowed her brow. "You must be curious." Agatha took Chloe's hand, helping her sit in one of the pavilions in the garden. "What is it, Mom?"