Chapter 2

Leonel hasn't been feeling calm since what Chloe said three days ago. Divorce. That's something Leonel has been longing for a long time. To free himself from the shackles of an unwanted marriage. Then marry the girl he loves. And now, that desire is starting to come true, one by one.

But why is Leonel feeling uncertain instead? He still feels unfamiliar with all the changes Chloe is going through. Leonel racked his brain, trying to figure out how to return the old Chloe as soon as possible. There's an unusual sense of intimidation that Leonel is experiencing, and he doesn't like it.

He's used to asserting his presence at home. There shouldn't be any objections coming out of Chloe's mouth. His wife should comply with all his wishes. That's the punishment Chloe has to accept for agreeing to the ridiculous arranged marriage five years ago. If Chloe hadn't decided, maybe Leonel wouldn't hold such resentment towards her.

During their marriage, Chloe has always been the same. A suitable homemaker type of woman. Her hobbies revolve around cooking and taking care of flowers. Their home always has the scent of Chloe's favorite roses. Even most of Chloe's belongings are red. Her favorite color. She says it's inspired by the red roses she planted in their garden.

He opened his drawer. Chloe's written greeting cards were in the top storage box. He took them out again and read the words he knew by heart. He also remembered the phone call that disturbed him, which was news from the police about his wife's condition.

A creeping sense of guilt started to take hold because he was sure, especially after Deborah revealed the truth about Chloe accidentally opening the closed door. Chloe must have seen how he was intimately involved with Ester then.

Chloe's loss of vision is also his fault. The risks wouldn't be this big if he could control himself and take Ester to a hotel as usual. But who can resist Ester's temptations? They haven't seen each other for a long time.

No, no. Leonel is not at fault here. It was Chloe who was careless while driving. He even provided her with her facilities, but they were ignored. If someone else moved Chloe, the accident wouldn't have happened. Yes, what Leonel is thinking is the truth. He shouldn't feel guilty about Chloe's condition.

"Sir," Deborah called as she lightly knocked on his slightly open door.

His thoughts about Chloe had to be interrupted. "Come in," Leonel commanded.

Deborah was apprehensive because her boss's face was becoming scarier daily. Since Deborah started working at Mountain Pte, she knew what kind of boss she was dealing with. But Leonel's attitude has become more annoying and arbitrary in the past few months. Not to mention, he often gives orders that defy reason. And remember, if there's even a slight mistake, Deborah has to be ready to listen to a series of Leonel's anger.

"The next meeting with Doosan Group will start in ten minutes."

Leonel glanced at his Rolex watch in his left hand, realizing that his schedule was almost up. "Is everything prepared, Di?" He stood up while adjusting the end of his expensive blazer.

"Yes, sir."

"Are you sure?" Leonel asked with a doubtful look. "Don't tell me there's another mistake in the draft. I won't accept that excuse."

Deborah nodded quickly. "No, Sir. I've double-checked everything."

Leonel led the way, remembering to give Deborah a frustrated pat. Somehow, in his eyes, Deborah's work must be permanently corrected. "Let's wait in the meeting room."

Despite feeling frustrated, Deborah still followed in the footsteps of the company's CEO. Who needs to learn the influence of Hartono and his descendants? A tycoon who has a significant effect in Indonesia has also appeared on the list of the wealthiest people in the world several times. Being a staff member at Mountain Pte is a sought-after position for job seekers outside. It's a reputable company with many benefits and promising career paths.

This meeting went quite smoothly. Some have already agreed to Leonel's proposed collaboration, which the client is still reviewing. Leonel sees this meeting as deciding whether his proposal will be approved. He's not actively seeking and engaging new business partners but needs more support if something happens regarding the ongoing activities for years.

As the sole heir, Leonel must be fair and insightful, have a broader market understanding than anyone else, and be competent in managing thousands of employees who depend on Mountain Pte. This responsibility should belong to his father, but both of his parents decided to retire as soon as Leonel took over the company.

Like the parents of the jet set in New York City, they spent a lot of money on business-oriented vacations, opening several new businesses to support their other needs, and participating in high-class socialite gatherings.

"I will make a summary of the meeting soon, Sir," Deborah said, her hands still busy indicating some crucial points. Their meeting ended with many new agreements. Leonel seemed satisfied during the session. It also relieved Deborah because she didn't receive sarcastic looks or annoying remarks from her boss.

"Call Chris immediately, Di."

Her previously agile hand movements stopped. Deborah immediately raised her eyes from a stack of meeting results to look at the source of the voice. "Mr. Chris?" she confirmed.

"Yes." Leonel is different than the type of person who enjoys small talk. Whatever he wants should be resolved immediately, whether related to his business or personal matters concerning his family. The well-dressed man left the room, leaving his secretary still stunned. He took out his phone from his pocket to check the message from Peni, his housekeeper whom he had assigned to care for Chloe, especially since her return from the hospital.

There were no messages except during lunch, where Peni informed him that his wife had eaten quite well. She enthusiastically underwent therapy and didn't forget to take some medication and vitamins. That alone made Leonel feel a little relieved. At least Chloe is starting to regain control of herself after regaining consciousness.

As he was about to enter his office, he was surprised by Ester's presence.

"Hi, Darling."

It didn't take long for Ester to cuddle and plant a small kiss on his cheek. This was met with a slight chuckle from Leonel. "Is the photo shoot in Bali finished?"

"If it weren't, I wouldn't be here, Mas," Ester pouted, her hands perfectly draped around Leonel's neck. This time, her eyes were adorned with emerald-colored lenses, with makeup that enchanted many people, especially with her fashionable choice of clothing.

Isn't a model required to have perfection in terms of appearance? That's what Ester has been doing all this time. She wouldn't go out in just ordinary clothes. Even her makeup must always be perfect to match her style. She feels that many eyes have been on her since she became known as a model with numerous renowned brand endorsements in Indonesia.

In response to Ester's pout, Leonel widened his smile. "You always have impromptu events." He tidied up Ester's hair, slightly in the way they gazed at each other from such a close distance—the scent of the perfume he permanently recognized as Ester's favorite filled the air perfectly. Leonel's earlier remark made Ester laugh softly.

"Yesterday, I dropped by your house."

Leonel's body suddenly tensed. "Why did you go there?"

"No need to panic like that," Ester teased casually. "I just visited. Didn't your wife tell you?"

Leonel quickly responded, "No."

"I left something for Chloe. But it seems it wasn't conveyed, huh?" Ester deliberately made her voice as dramatic as possible. She leaned into his embrace. She used her fingertips to tease him, making small circular motions with constant intervals.

True to her actions, Leonel groaned with restraint because of what she was doing.

"Want to come to my apartment?" Ester offered quickly as she looked up and found Leonel's gaze was already clouded with great passion. "Deborah said you don't have any further meetings."

"You're naughty, you know."

Ester chuckled. She pulled his shoulder slightly so that she could whisper. "I also need an outlet for my frustration. Your mother visited yesterday too. As usual, she still distresses me."

Suddenly, the desire that had filled Leonel's mind disappeared.