The older man shook his head softly. He stood up and patted Leonel's shoulder again. "Go home before you get too drunk. I don't want to deal with inheritance documents related to your death."
"You?" Leonel blinked in disbelief. "Cursing me to die?"
Chris chuckled. "Give my regards to Mr. Robby. Go home immediately."
"Alright, you noisy old man. I'll remember your old advice."
Not long after, Chris completely disappeared from his sight. He sighed long and leaned back on the soft sofa he was sitting on. He gently massaged his temples, hoping to alleviate the growing headache. But it seemed to be in vain. The pain only increased. He closed his eyes for a moment.
His thoughts turned to the conversation with Ester after the meeting earlier. The conversation that made him change his mind so quickly. Initially, he wanted to ask Chris for help thwarting Chloe's sudden request for a divorce. But the woman he loved managed to make him think otherwise. After all, granting her the divorce was essentially the same. Wasn't it he who asked for the divorce first? So that's what would happen.
"No need for you to visit her, Darling." Leonel planted a tender kiss on his lover's cheek. "It's better for you to rest well."
"You know, Darling?" Ester gently shook her hair, causing enough movement to capture Leonel's undivided attention. Her wavy hair cascaded in large curls at the bottom, a bright maroon red that perfectly complemented her smooth, fair skin. "I feel like this is our chance."
Leonel furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you know. I've been waiting long for when you would divorce your wife. She already permitted you to marry me. And now? Is she demanding a divorce? Why don't you grant it immediately?"
Leonel let out a soft sigh in response. "When she woke up from the coma, she became blind, Darling."
"Do you care about her?"
"Of course not!" Leonel quickly retorted. "Not. I don't care about her." He emphasized the words excessively. "But I feel like I need to give her some time to recover. Her therapist said she might regain her sight in about six months. She's undergoing regular therapy."
Ester untangled herself from his embrace. Her eyes stared at him with frustration. "I bet you'll be busy taking care of her after this. And what about me? I'm the one you love, Darling. Should I wait until she recovers? Seriously!!!" She grabbed her bag that she had placed on the glass table not far from where she stood.
"Where are you going?" Leonel asked immediately. He held Ivanka's waist tightly to prevent the woman from walking further. "Give me a week. I'll take care of it."
Ester blinked slowly. Her eyes lit up with joy. "Really?"
Leonel nodded, although sudden doubt filled his heart. "Yes."
"Oh, you're so sweet, Darling."
He gently pulled Ester's waist to bring them closer. Their breaths intermingled with tenderness. Their eyes locked, and they assessed each other. "Let me inform Deborah to reschedule the meetings and prepare the divorce draft for Chris." Another kiss, and this time it lasted longer. He softly savored the peach-colored lips with a rhythm that always heightened his adrenaline. "Can you be patient and wait?" Leonel asked as he wiped away the lingering wet traces he left.
"Always."
Recalling the conversation that had not even passed twenty-four hours with Ester, for some reason, it caused a suffocating feeling. Especially since he read through each article stated in their divorce draft. He was the one who said he didn't want to divorce Chloe, but now? Why was it so difficult for him to grant his wife's request? Wasn't this what he had been waiting for all this time?
Where could he finally be with Ester? He could take advantage of the current situation. He could gain many benefits, especially regarding his wife's blindness. He could use it as a shield against his father. Nothing could stop him now. Yes, he should be happy. Not feel this suffocating sensation. Damn! He got up from his seat and hurried home. He thought drinking too much, and the bothersome music were the sources of his fatigue.
As he was about to leave the room, his phone rang loudly. Peni's name appeared on the screen, causing him to furrow his brow. Lately, he had received calls from the person caring for Chloe.
"What is it, Peni?" he asked immediately.
"It's, Sir. Um, Mrs., Sir."
"Yes, what about her?" he asked anxiously. He didn't care if he almost stumbled and tripped over a table leg. His current goal was to go home.
"She's on the edge of the balcony. I'm terrified, Sir."

***

Chloe has beautiful eyes. Leonel admitted that. Her eyes were full of spirited sparkles the first time he saw her. Warmth radiated from them. They were like his mother's eyes, through which Leonel felt genuine affection. Just from her gaze, Leonel could discern what kind of woman this Chloe Delilah was. Maternal and loving towards her family.
Unfortunately, Leonel was not affected by Chloe's radiant eyes except tonight.
Her eyes were empty. They looked at him but seemed to lack meaning. The brown part moved restlessly but eventually focused on one point: him. Of course, the one is sitting in front of her after scolding this woman. What was going through Chloe's mind when she stood at the edge of the balcony? What if he was too late? He would be subject to scolding and the wrath of the large Grisham family.
Chloe, the beloved daughter-in-law of her family. Leonel himself wondered what made Chloe special. There was nothing.
Since the accident with his wife six months ago, he had lost count of how often she had been subjected to snide remarks and scoldings from her mother. Not to mention her father, who suddenly became the world's most righteous preacher due to his daughter-in-law's concerning condition.
"Troublesome," Leonel muttered unconsciously.
"I don't need your help," Chloe said coldly. From the beginning, she felt someone holding her back; she knew it was her husband. Although now she couldn't see him. It was just a vague silhouette. The light entering her retina was minimal. The doctor said the healing process would take a considerable amount of time. But that didn't matter to Chloe.