"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.

***

Leonel gently swayed the contents of his cup. The ripples it created distracted him slightly from the background music at the club he was currently in. It was his second drink, but he already felt nauseous enough. Usually, he would spend the whole night before finally going home. No matter what condition he arrived in, he would always be greeted with a smile. Suddenly Leonel remembered missing that smile.
Chloe's smile.
The man scoffed softly, laughing dismissively at himself. How could his thoughts be focused on Chloe in a situation like this? Hadn't he been neglecting his wife's existence all this time? Ah, Leonel was sure that's why the image of a woman who liked the color red— he could clearly remember that it was the color Chloe wore most of the time—kept spinning in his mind because she had awakened from a coma and was disabled.
He felt sorry. Yes, that's the only feeling Leonel had now.
"Are you sure about meeting me here?" a man approached him and asked. From his tone of voice, which was both disapproving and burdensome, Leonel was confident that it was Chris Yanuardi—his family's lawyer.
"At least it's not in a hotel room," Leonel joked as he took a sip from his glass. He drank it without caring about the taste that greeted his tongue, only furrowing his brow as the liquid bothered his throat. "Pour me another." He pushed the glass toward the bartender in front of him.
Members, including the lawyer, could only access the club he visited. He needed to talk about matters outside the office and his personal life at home. And he thought this place was suitable, despite Chris's unmistakable disapproving look.
"Are you deaf?" Leonel frowned and looked sharply at Kevin, the bartender before him. "Quick!"
"I asked Kevin not to pour any more, Leonel. It would be best if you had the concentration to talk," Chris patted Leonel's shoulder gently. "I think it's more relaxed over there. What do you think?" He only needed a minor approval from Leonel. Surely the man would follow him. And true to his guess, he followed even though Leonel imitated his steps with an annoyed jerk and a sour expression like a child who was denied a toy.
"You're the one who asked me to meet you here. At least don't create a scene that would make me uncomfortable," Chris grumbled in annoyance. His hands were folded across his chest after they sat in a corner far from the other patrons. Although not many people came, they still needed a quiet place. "So, tell me quickly, what's this about?"
"Is this how a lawyer treats his client?" Leonel asked irritably. He immediately leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes slightly. "You're just like Papa. Annoying."
"If you forget, I'm as old as your father."
Leonel waved his hand in disapproval. "Has Deborah told you what I want?"
"For such an important matter, you talk to your secretary? My God! I'm sure Robby Grisham would curse you!"
The still-closed-eyed man finally laughed. He straightened his back. "What's wrong with that? Deborah conveys what I want."
Chris shook his head slowly. He took out several papers that had already been prepared to be read to his essential client. If it weren't for the funds provided by the Hartono family to the law firm he managed, he probably wouldn't want to be here. "Read this." He handed the stack of papers to the man he considered his son.
Knowing Leonel since he was mischievous and taking care of many things related to the boy's mischief, Chris was confident that in the future, the naughty boy would become a star in the Hartono family. His instincts were never wrong, right? Leonel Grisham was one of the most respected businessmen in New York City.
"I can rely on you, Chris." A slight grin appeared on Leonel's lips. The lighting in the corner they had chosen was perfect. He could read all the words printed on the papers. He sifted through each page, occasionally paying more attention to specific points. "I think this is enough."
Chris nodded softly and immediately put the documents back into his briefcase. "I'll send the original documents to the office tomorrow." But before he left Leonel here, Chris needed to be assured of something. "Are you... sure about doing this?"
"Of course." Leonel picked up one of the available drinking glasses. "Why wouldn't I be sure? I've been waiting, and finally, God has been kind." He smiled as wide as possible. "Didn't you know best about our arranged marriage? And when she demanded a divorce? Why shouldn't I grant it?"