[43]
Assisted by Peni, Chloe put on the clothes that her mother-in-law had prepared. Three large paper bags contained dresses she had tried on, but there were some details that Mama Agatha felt needed fixing and needed fixing. There were also shoes with their accessories. Everything Chloe required to attend the party that would take place in three hours was fulfilled. Deep down, Chloe was reluctant to participate in the party that she could remember from year to year how it would go on until late at night.
She had to smile, keep up with Leonel’s pace, and talk to many people whom Chloe didn’t know much about but tried hard to warm up to. And she struggled to breathe because of Leonel’s sudden romantic gestures. She didn’t want this festive party night to end just like that.
Chloe’s dream was simple: for Leonel to acknowledge her presence. Treat her as a worthy wife, not just a status to be brought out when needed. What was she to him anyway? But she didn’t dare voice it earlier. She swallowed all her anxieties and disappointments about Leonel’s behavior. She expressed everything only now because she couldn’t bear to continue the relationship with Leonel.
She must be saddened in the end for losing the battle to capture Leonel’s attention. She was burning her love for the man who still occupied the deepest corner of her heart-leaving the warm house and family members who valued and loved her with genuine feelings. All of that made her hesitate a little, but if she didn’t leave, she couldn’t break free from Leonel.
After all, her husband couldn’t answer her questions. If she gave him that chance while Ester was still present and would always be under Leonel’s protection, Chloe would still feel suffocated. This was enough.
“You look so beautiful, Mrs.,” Peni sincerely praised. The words made Chloe blink. All her thoughts about Leonel instantly disappeared.
“Thank you, Peni,” Chloe smiled. “Is anything missing?”
“No, Mrs. But I’m not lying; this black dress looks gorgeous on you. Your skin is glowing.”
Upon Peni’s earlier compliment, Chloe burst into laughter. “You’re something else, Peni. Am I shining like a ray of light now?”
“No,” Peni quickly denied. “But this dress seems to suit you.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s a shame I can’t see clearly.”
“But, Mrs. Chloe, to be honest, I’m afraid to attend such a party,” Peni complained. She adjusted the hem of her knee-length dress, a simple cut but the best outfit Peni had ever worn, in her opinion. She was surprised when she received the dress from her lady. She also said, “Peni, take good care of Mrs. Chloe, okay? Watch over her. Don’t let your guard down. Mom Chloe will be with Dad, but you’ll still be by her side.”
Peni couldn’t deny it, could she?
“What are you afraid of?” Chloe asked while brushing her hair on the right side. She didn’t know what the makeup artist did, but she tried to trust their professional hands, even though she couldn’t see her face and current appearance. Chloe had been made up by people Mama Agatha trusted many times before. And the results were always satisfying.
Many praised her, and Chloe knew her arrival immediately drew much attention. But was there any praise that came from Leonel? None at all. That’s why now, for Chloe, it was pointless to look beautiful. She was coming as a formality to fill her memory of the atmosphere at the party that she wouldn’t attend again after officially divorcing Leonel.
Even if Ester was there, Chloe wanted to hand Leonel over to that woman. Then she would go home and curl up in a blanket while considering Darren’s offer. She remembered their conversation from two nights ago.
“I’m very grateful and feel lucky to receive these delicious brownies from you. You’re right, one piece is not enough, and I might not get any if it’s divided among the nurses or other doctors,” Darren said with a hearty laugh. Chloe wondered what he wanted when he called her late at night.
“I’m glad you like them, Darren. I was afraid you wouldn’t like sweet treats.”
“If you knew what I usually order at the cafe, you would know my taste.”
“You’re right,” Chloe finally laughed along. “If I can make brownies again, I’ll send a few boxes over there.”
“Oh, by the way, you mentioned that after your business is done, you want to start?”
“Yes. I mentioned a few options to you, didn’t I?”
“I think opening a flower shop would be a bit troublesome.”
Chloe furrowed her brow. During their lively lunch conversation, Darren fully supported opening a flower shop in West New York City. He even wanted to help find a suitable place for Chloe. “I’m not sure, Darren.” Chloe finally voiced her confusion.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
“You have to understand that once your eyes have recovered, they will need a lot of adjustments. If you’re busy managing a flower shop, it’s risky for your eye health, Sa.”
Chloe listened attentively.
“Opening a bakery and sweet treats shop would be more suitable. You can have others make the pastries, but you decide on all the recipes and measurements. You’ll be in the kitchen. That would be better.
“You’re right,” Chloe smiled. “I haven’t thought that far. I want to do what I love.”
“Cooking? Do you also enjoy that activity?”
“Yeah. I enjoy activities in the kitchen,” Chloe suddenly became enthusiastic. Talking to Darren was enjoyable, and she always found it fascinating. She shared a lot about her ability to cook various dishes. From local flavors to European and Chinese cuisine, Chloe mastered them all. And she continued to sharpen her cooking skills.
She also enjoyed making various snacks.
“You have a passion, Chloe. Don’t let it go to waste. A bakery is the most suitable business for your kitchen skills. Or maybe a small café? Maybe in the Samantha Village area? Beverly Hills?”
“I can consider that.”
“Also, if you want to break from your troubles, right?”
Chloe couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. “Thank you, Darren. I appreciate your advice.”
“If you want, I have connections in Beverly Hills. You can get a reasonable rental price when you start a cafà business.
“My focus now is on getting better.”
“You’re right.” Darren chuckled. “That should be your priority. I’ll accompany you until you recover. Until you can fulfill your dream.”
“Thank you again.”
“But I hope the place you’ll visit later in Beverly Hills.”
“Why?” Chloe was back on her bed, sitting down. She had initially laid down, preparing to sleep. But her conversation with Darren was enjoyable, and she didn’t want to end it yet. Regardless of the time or how tired she was.
“I’m likely going to live there. That way, I can watch over you properly, Chloe.”
Chloe finally laughed. “No wonder you suggest that. Is this some code to continuously get closer to me, Darren?”
There, Darren seemed to clear his throat nervously. Chloe could hear it clearly, but she felt like a teenager, blushing and shy, talking to someone of the opposite sex. Did she have thoughts of Leonel running through her mind? Yes, but his presence was fading. Every time her husband appeared in her thoughts, her heart quickly denied it, knowing that Leonel was much crazier when it came to the opposite sex.
And herself?
Darren was the doctor who was taking care of her, right? Even if their relationship became closer, there was nothing wrong with it. After all, Chloe no longer wanted to be tied to Leonel. She couldn’t open her heart yet, but at least she knew that Darren was a good man. Unlike Leonel, who only forced himself upon her, he was polite and enjoyable to talk to-intimidating her through various, which Chloe had to endure. So now, if Leonel looked weak and begged her, it was pretty strange for Chloe.
“If I could be straightforward, I would have said it, Chloe.”
Chloe let out a soft sigh. “It’s late now. You should rest, right?”
“You’re right. You should also take the opportunity to rest. Making brownies must require a lot of energy, right?”
“Not really,” Chloe chuckled again. “But I’m worried about you, Darren. You still have to work tomorrow, don’t you?”
“Ah, why does that message sound so sweet?”
“Enough now. It’s late. We can continue our conversation later.”
“You’re right. Thanks again for the delivery. Goodnight, Chloe. Sweet dreams.”
Remembering that conversation, Chloe unconsciously smiled. She felt like a seductive woman, but who wouldn’t be tempted by sweet gestures, gentle words, and his different attitude compared to Leonel? Oh my goodness, why did she always compare Leonel to Darren? They were two other men!
Chloe felt the urge to hit herself on the side of her head, but that wasn’t possible. Next to her was Peni, who had probably been watching her with a confused look.
“Are you ready, ma’am?” Peni asked as her footsteps approached.
“Where were you?”
“Huh? I asked for permission to go to the restroom earlier.”
Chloe closed her eyes slowly. Perhaps she was so lost in her thoughts that she ignored Peni’s words. “Oh, right. But what did you ask?” Chloe chose to change the subject.
“Is madam ready?” Peni repeated. The silver clutch matched Chloe’s outfit and jewelry perfectly, making her mistress look even more perfect. If Chloe and Leonel’s relationship were good, Peni was sure they wouldn’t stay at the party for long. Not only because Chloe seemed to be able to attract many eyes there but also because Peni believed that her master wouldn’t want her wife’s beauty to be shown to the public.
“I’m ready,” Chloe stood up, taking confident steps.
“Let me be with you, Peni. Just follow us.”
Both Peni and Chloe were surprised by the voice that just spoke. Peni couldn’t do much as Chloe held onto her to prevent her from leaving. Chloe didn’t want to walk with Leonel this time. She only wanted to be with him at the party later. But why did her plan fail? Chloe knew that Leonel had already gone to the party venue.
“I can go by myself,” Chloe replied as Leonel’s hand slipped between her fingers.
“Sa,” Leonel said in a half-whisper, ignoring Chloe’s protests. Instead, he tightened his grip on her hand. Chloe could already smell his cologne. “You look so beautiful.”
Chloe chose to keep her lips tightly closed.
“Thank you for coming to the Mountain party with me.”
“More accurately, with Peni. And I appreciate Mama Agatha and Papa Robby. Not because of you,” Chloe quickly retorted.
“Yes. It doesn’t matter what reasons you give. I’m just pleased that you came, Chloe.”
They walked until Chloe felt the top of her head shielded as they entered Leonel’s luxurious sedan. “Be careful.”
Neither spoke throughout the journey to the hotel’s ballroom, although Leonel occasionally glanced at the beautiful women around. Their hair was elegantly styled, adorned with pearl accessories. Their long and smooth necks and the slit of their dresses were perfectly showcased. It must have been his mother’s idea, and Leonel wanted to tear that dress apart.
“Damn it,” he cursed in his mind.