One year had passed, and Ester and Josh's names were no longer present in Chloe's life. Everything had passed, becoming memories that taught the beautiful widow many lessons. After both of them were gone from her life, Chloe felt better because they not only left her life but also received the appropriate punishment for their evil deeds.
When Chloe recalled everything that had happened recently, she couldn't believe she could still sigh in relief, especially when alone. The atmosphere during her captivity sometimes made her express her gratitude multiple times.
Now Chloe was busy with her new venture in Beverly Hills, a café that was always bustling with customers. The beautiful widow was skilled in managing the small business she had started not long ago. She turned the ideas swirling in her head into a trendy restaurant that was popular among the young people of Beverly Hills. Just six months after the café's grand opening, many regular customers already frequented the place. It made Chloe even more enthusiastic about her days in Beverly Hills.
Her relationship with Darren was also going well, even though he had traveled to Surabaya a month ago and hadn't returned yet. Not being able to meet in person wasn't a problem for them, as they could still communicate face-to-face through the advanced technology available. Exchanging messages, hearing each other's voices, and even video calls allowed them to maintain closeness.
Chloe tried to bridge the distance for the man who had once been her doctor. Although the pain caused by Leonel's actions in the past still lingered, making her hesitant to enter into a severe relationship with Darren, she still tried to open her heart to him. It wasn't without reason that she made such an effort. Darren's sincerity touched her heart, although Chloe admitted it wasn't easy.
Besides, there was no harm in opening her heart and giving Darren a chance, right? Darren's sincerity and efforts to win Chloe's heart started to melt her. She tried to reciprocate the forms of attention that Darren showed, despite the busy schedules that often came between them.
That evening, the café was bustling as usual, and Chloe also pitched in to serve the customers. She was taken aback when she saw a man standing not far from her. Her eyes widened, her lips partially parted, and then the corners of her mouth lifted.
"Darren?" The woman looked surprised and, a few moments later, turned joyful. The man she knew was in Santa Monica was standing right before her. The man, dressed casually in light brown attire, also smiled at her.
"Surprise!" the man exclaimed.
Chloe didn't just smile; she laughed while gazing at the handsome face that had been by her side for a year. "Where's the souvenir?" she asked jokingly.
Darren laughed in response. "Isn't my handsome face enough?" the man teased.
Chloe looked delighted, finding comfort in the lighthearted banter. The woman then looked around, searching for an empty table for Darren. However, the crowded condition of the café didn't allow the doctor to take a seat immediately. He smiled as he saw Chloe's lips forming a lovely pout, and her forehead creased in response. He knew that she was searching for a table for him.
"You don't need to find me a seat. I'm here to help you," Darren spoke straightforwardly, causing Chloe to furrow her brow even more.
"Help me? You just arrived. You must be tired. Why would you help me? We're not short on staff here." Chloe firmly rejected Darren's offer. She knew how tiring the journey from Surabaya to Beverly Hills must have been, and he had just arrived at her café.
Where did the idea come from in Darren's mind to help her? Oh my, Lord! Sometimes Darren's kindness made Chloe's face light up like now. Although his words sounded simple, they warmed Chloe's heart.
Darren smiled broadly. "If that's the case, why are you working? Just let me help you. If you don't want to, I'll kidnap you and take you out of this café. Which one do you choose? Let me help you, or go for a walk with me?" The man wasn't easily deterred. Pursuing Chloe's love had never been easy for him, but he continued to fight for it. Even though he felt tired from his activities as a doctor, he remained enthusiastic about doing anything for the woman he cherished.
Seeing Darren persisting, Chloe looked at him with narrowed eyes. "I prefer going out for a walk because I know you're tired. But... I can't bear to leave them working without me, especially when busy. Alright, I'll let you help me. You can wash the dishes at the back, too," she said, causing Darren to laugh.
Darren then helped Chloe as much as he could, taking orders and delivering them. He couldn't deny that everything he did demanded a lot of energy, and he became tired and sweaty. However, none stopped him; he remained enthusiastic until the café wasn't as busy as before.
Now Chloe and Darren could sit together; there were plenty of empty tables after Darren had helped for over an hour.
"You have to pay me," Darren said after taking a sip of the coffee made by Chloe.
Chloe, who was sipping her coffee, burst into laughter upon hearing his words. She placed the cup on the table and looked at Darren with wide, sharp eyes. "You're the one who asked. Why are you asking for payment now? Is this some new kind of scam?" She tried to make a joke, enjoying her time with the man in front of her.
Darren smiled handsomely. "I'll make you pay dearly for all my hard work." He spoke loudly as if he genuinely wanted compensation for his assistance. "For example, marrying me."
The last sentence Chloe heard made her feel awkward. She smiled briefly, with lips that hesitated to close tightly. It wasn't because she didn't want to get married again, but the failure of her marriage with Leonel still made her cautious about discussing marriage. The woman fell silent, still smiling lightly.
Darren could see the change in Chloe after he mentioned marriage. Although he wanted to discuss this critical matter to prepare for their wedding properly, what mattered most was that he couldn't wait to become the husband of the beautiful widow. However, Chloe's current reaction slightly disappointed him. Nevertheless, he didn't show his disappointment and tried to be an understanding partner because he knew what Chloe was thinking and feeling.
Not wanting to feel awkward for too long, Darren tried to change the topic of conversation. "When are you available? I want to take you out."
Darren's question successfully made Chloe look at him seriously again. "Go out? You've been saying that for a while. Where do you want to take me?" Finally, Chloe smiled again, causing Darren to forget his disappointment slowly.
"Where do you want to go? I'll follow your lead. Even if it's to the moon, I'll make it happen."
Oh God! Since when did Darren become so sweet-tongued? Did he consume a lot of sugar while in Santa Monica? His words sounded excessive now, didn't they?
Chloe looked down, smiling, and a few moments later, she lifted her gaze and looked at Darren intently. Her eyes stared at the man before her with a sad gaze. She thought about how much sacrifice he had made for her and how much Darren had contributed to helping her establish her new business. The café, which was now always bustling with customers, partly owed its success to the assistance of a doctor who had fallen for her.
Was she going on vacation with Darren? That was a good idea. She had been trying to bridge the distance for him for quite some time, so there was no harm in going on vacation together. It would be enjoyable.
"Not just a stroll. I want to go far from here," Chloe said plainly.
Darren nodded weakly. "Where? Bali? Labuan Bajo? Where do you want to go?" he asked with enthusiasm.
"We'll think about that later, so I can weigh which places I want to visit."
Darren nodded again. "Alright. When and where? I hope you give me an answer soon. Because I can't wait to go together with you."
Chloe pouted playfully, just like a teenage girl. "If it were tonight, I'd want to go to the moon. Would you come?"
"Forget the moon. I'd follow you to Mars."
Both of them laughed in unison, feeling the joy in their hearts. It was as if they were burden-free as if their past had passed without obstacles. Their longing, which had been mounting in their hearts and feelings, was now fulfilled with playful banter and their plans to go on vacation together.
Time kept passing, and it was closing time for the café. Darren continued to accompany Chloe until she finished her bookkeeping, something she did every day. The patient's doctor waited, even helping to tidy up the tables and chairs.
Now, only Darren and Chloe remained after all the café staff had gone home. They were also planning to leave, but Darren intentionally prolonged the time to be alone with the woman he adored without anyone else around. He purposely knocked over a glass of water placed on the cashier's table, not far from where Chloe was standing now.
The sound of the glass breaking startled Chloe slightly, and she looked at Darren with a hint of annoyance. "You're not a kid anymore, Darren!" she exclaimed, not serious about her problem.
Instead, Darren laughed, cleaning up the broken glass he had intentionally caused. Chloe, who had finished her work, intended to help, but he stopped her. "Let me handle it. I caused it, so I'll take responsibility."
Chloe grimaced and then sat sweetly, waiting for Darren to clean up the mess he had made himself. Darren occasionally stole glances at Chloe while she looked at him with an adorable smile.
"Don't give me that look. I easily get nervous," Darren whispered.
"Doctors can get nervous too?"
Darren chose to respond with a chuckle. "But I'm serious. Being looked at by you has a different aura."
Chloe smiled. "You're exaggerating!" she exclaimed.
While gazing at Darren, Chloe thought about where she and he should go on vacation. She also considered the right timing, as she was thinking about her bustling café. "Should I look for new employees?" she wondered to herself.
A long sigh escaped from Chloe, causing Darren, who had just returned after disposing of the broken glass, to furrow his brow. "What are you thinking about? You're so deep in thought. Be careful, take care of your health, and don't dwell on heavy things that only stress you out."
Chloe finally smiled; she was happy to receive attention from the man beside her. "I was thinking about you." Chloe felt incredibly embarrassed saying this, but since she had already started, she decided to continue. You could go all in, right? "So, I'm not allowed to think about you anymore? Fine then, I won't think about you anymore starting now."
"No!" Darren widened his eyes. The smile on his face grew even more comprehensive. "You're only allowed to think about me. Nothing else."
"Is that so?" Chloe asked mockingly.
"Yes." Darren stared at Chloe intently. "Don't think about anyone else. Only me. Just me."
Chloe chuckled. "You're so fickle."
"What do you think about me then? To make such a heavy sigh?"
"Hmm... What could it be?" She teased.
"Don't make me curious. If I get curious, I could become the prey of beautiful women. Aren't you afraid of becoming my victim here?"
Darren's efforts to spend more time alone with Chloe finally paid off. It wasn't in vain that he broke a glass; that night, they chatted until late.
Similar to the cool air in Beverly Hills tonight, many who were distant came closer. The warmth created from word after word they exchanged made their closeness even more intimate. Regardless of the late hour, the feelings that developed between them were something they would cherish.
Until the time comes.
Hopefully.