Visiting the mall and shopping was expected, but Agatha and Robby felt the evening was different. There were many sweet memories to carry with them as they said goodbye to Chloe, whom they considered their child. There was laughter and happiness that Agatha usually felt when she was with Chloe, going around the mall. It was a normal thing they did in New York City. They always bought something, just stopping by to fulfill the bags in their hands.
Agatha felt like reliving the fun they had together, even though now this middle-aged woman was being showered with gifts by Chloe. Chloe refused to let Agatha pay for all her shopping bags. She pouted when Agatha didn't accept Chloe's donations. In Agatha's eyes, she used to handle all the expenses. But this time, Chloe gave her many presents. Agatha couldn't refuse them all.
As planned, Agatha and Robby were supposed to return to New York City in the morning. It wouldn't be a problem if they stayed in Beverly Hills a little longer, but seeing the closeness between Chloe and Darren felt uncomfortable, which inevitably hurt their hearts.
Meeting Chloe and doing many things with her was enjoyable; Agatha and Leonel's parents couldn't deny it. But they couldn't lie to themselves either; seeing Chloe's closeness with Darren for too long only made their hearts ache. They still hoped that Chloe and Leonel could be together again. They were living a married life with a much better personality.
There was nothing wrong if they got back together, right? After all, they saw how Leonel changed day by day. He became a much more mature person in his approach. And it seemed that Ester's name had been eliminated from Leonel's life. His son worked tirelessly like a hardworking machine to rebuild what was almost shattered. He also made efforts to repair his relationship with both of his parents.
That's why Agatha always hoped and prayed for a second chance for Leonel and Chloe to be together. It was unacceptable for her to see the closeness that developed between Darren and Chloe. Agatha held back everything. She couldn't show a lousy smile or an ungracious acceptance. Moreover, she remembered Darren's efforts to save Chloe.
"Don't push yourself too hard, dear," Robby said, seeing the worry on his wife's face. He knew what was on her mind. Robby spoke because he felt the same as his wife. They both wanted their son's marriage to be whole again with a woman they believed was good, like Chloe.
But it would be selfish if they forced themselves on Chloe. Especially since she seemed traumatized by Leonel's attitude and treatment in the past. Oh God! If only they could advise Leonel and think ahead. Perhaps this divorce wouldn't have happened.
"Yes, Pa," Agatha replied, shoulders drooping. "We're getting ready to go home, Pa. Mama can't stand seeing Chloe and Darren's closeness."
There was nothing Robby could do except comply with what his wife said. Their initial intention of visiting while subtly showing through their words that Leonel had changed a lot; they never expected that closeness would develop during their time together.
***
That morning, before Chloe went to the cafe, she took the time to see off her former in-laws. Last night, she briefly stopped by the hotel where they were staying, so in the morning, Chloe hurried there to see them off. Of course, not empty-handed. Chloe brought many Beverly Hills souvenirs for them to take home.
She also remembered a few jars of low-sugar cookies that Agatha loved and Chloe used to make.
Agatha and her husband were delighted with Chloe's attention. Unfortunately, Chloe invited Darren that morning, so Agatha and Robby had to meet him again, whether they liked it. Although they didn't like it due to jealousy, they managed to conceal their feelings well. They were kind to Darren, although their conversations were minimal.
"Next time, come to New York City. Don't make old folks like us go through this trouble. New York City and Beverly Hills aren't far apart, but we're not young anymore like you. Just a little work, and we easily get tired." Robby looked at Chloe with his perfect smile. He asked her not to be shy or hesitant to visit him in New York City. Because after the divorce, they truly felt separated, as if they were in different worlds.
"Papa is right; Beverly Hills and New York City are very close. Why haven't you ever come to visit us until now? Don't think that just because you're divorced from Leonel, you no longer have a connection with us. No matter what, you're still our child, Chloe. Come anytime. We will open the door as wide as possible for you." Agatha added her voice.
For the past year, she had hoped Chloe would come and reunite with Leonel. Agatha hoped such an opportunity would bring Chloe and Leonel together as a married couple. However, that was just a hope that now had to be swallowed by reality.
Chloe reached out and delightfully held Agatha's hand. Her smile adorned her beautiful face. "Yes, Ma, Pa. Next time, Chloe will come to New York City, and Chloe will visit you. Chloe promises."
Agatha then hugged Chloe as a farewell.
"You take care here. Stay healthy. Be a successful career woman, but don't forget your health. Mama doesn't want you to get sick, Chloe. Mama loves you." Speaking softly, Agatha unintentionally made Chloe feel like crying with gratitude.
Looking back, remembering the past when she held the title of Mrs. Leonel, she did go through many painful experiences because of her husband's actions. However, Chloe would always remember the contributions of her in-laws. Both of them always supported her more than their children. Chloe felt genuinely grateful. Not everyone was as lucky as her to have such kind in-laws.
That was also why Chloe and her ex-husband's parents maintained a good relationship until now. While most people would distance themselves from their in-laws after a divorce, Chloe didn't do that. She was happy that Robby and Agatha maintained a good relationship with her; she felt loved like their child.
"Mama and Papa, you must also take care of your health. Watch your diet, get enough sleep, and don't overthink unimportant things. Besides, Mountain has been walking as it should, right?" Chloe joked, trying to lighten the mood. However, she admitted that sadness always enveloped her when she met Agatha.
"Chloe loves Mama and Papa too. Chloe loves you all; thank you for treating Chloe like your child."
Tears finally welled up in Chloe's eyes; she couldn't hide how grateful she was for the fortune she had. Yes, the tears that came out were not a sign of sadness but overwhelming joy and happiness.
If it weren't for Leonel, it wouldn't matter to Chloe to meet Agatha and Robby as often as possible. "Take care on the road. Call Chloe when you arrive so that Chloe can be at ease," Chloe said again.
Darren remained silent as Chloe hugged Agatha and spoke farewell words that instantly turned the atmosphere emotional. He didn't feel the same; he didn't feel what his girlfriend felt. However, on one side, Darren felt grateful for Agatha and Robby's kindness. "That means all this time, while Chloe suffered a lot because of Leonel, there were parents who always cared for her and supported her. You're fortunate, Chloe. It is what I often say because you're good, good things will accompany you," he thought.
In turn, Darren shook hands with Agatha and Robby and bid them a modest farewell. Chloe waved as the car carrying Agatha, and Robby left the hotel lobby.
Darren embraced his girlfriend affectionately. Chloe turned and looked up, gazing deeply into Darren's face. He smiled, returning the smile with a sense of pride. Indeed, he felt lucky because Darren was patient in dealing with her.
"Thank you, Darren."
Darren furrowed his brows upon hearing the unnecessary thank you. For him, what he did was natural for a partner to do.
"Why are you thanking me?"
"I know this must not be easy for you. You had to meet and even accompany me, even though the person I met was my ex-husband's parents."
Darren's brows furrowed even more, but a few moments later, he nodded. "You're right; this isn't easy. But that doesn't mean I can't do it," he said calmly.
"Honestly, I don't like it when you have to meet them. I'm afraid they still expect you to reconcile with your ex-husband."
Darren spoke again, causing Chloe, who initially felt happy and proud, to feel guilty.
"But," Darren spoke with a raised voice. "I'm also happy because they are kind to you. I'm glad because many people love and care for you." Darren gently rubbed Chloe's shoulder. "I remember when I took care of you before. They were concerned about you, Sa. Almost every day, they asked about your recovery progress. Not to mention Mr. Robby, who showed the same level of concern. I even thought you were the youngest child in the Grisham family."
Chloe, who had tensed up, finally let out a soft laugh. "I'm sorry, Darren. You got trapped in a situation that made you uncomfortable."
Darren shook his head. "Chloe, I've heard the term 'there's no such thing as ex-in-laws.' Now I understand a girlfriend can break up, and marriage can end in divorce, but not parents. Even though they're called in-laws, they are parents who will never be labeled exes. I'm proud of you because you don't avoid them due to your feelings toward their child."
Darren looked at Chloe with a touch of melancholy, appearing sad yet comforting. "Chloe, with this, I believe even more that I didn't make a mistake choosing you."
Chloe smiled widely, then hugged Darren without realizing they were in public. "Thank you, Darren. I don't know what else to say to you."
Given the pain she experienced because of Leonel and Josh's past actions, it was difficult for Chloe to trust men again. However, because of Darren's sincere and genuine efforts, she could now feel his sincerity.
A few moments later, when Chloe realized that they were in a public place, she quickly released her embrace. She even pushed Darren's body, nearly causing him to fall. Fortunately, his hands could reach out and grab Darren's hand, who reflexively tried to seek support.
They stared at each other in surprise, but they burst into laughter once they could stand upright.
After that, Darren and Chloe engaged in another long gaze. The sparks of romance were strongly felt, and they both smiled widely, their teeth almost visible in their entirety.
"Shall I take you to the cafe now?"
Since Chloe was picked up by Darren at the hotel earlier, he now wanted to accompany his girlfriend to the cafe.
Chloe shook her head, declining Darren's kind intention. "I can take a taxi, and you must go to work too. I don't want you to lose your job because of me, and I don't want to have an unemployed boyfriend either."
Darren chuckled at the reasons Chloe gave. "Taking you to the cafe won't get me fired, Chloe." He still wanted to spend more time with his beloved.
However, Chloe continued to refuse. She vigorously shook her head with a pout on her lips.
"I can take a taxi. Consider it as me giving some income to the taxi driver. Don't keep debating with me; go. I'm hungry. I have yet to eat. If you keep talking, I'll make you breakfast right now."
Darren laughed again. "You're something else. Alright, then I'll go first."
Chloe and Darren parted ways, heading to their respective workplaces. However, they had only recently started to feel the romance between them, while on the road, both of them were engulfed in worry.
Chloe worried Darren was pretending to be good before her only to protect her feelings. She would feel guilty if that were the case. However, she would be immensely grateful if everything Darren said was genuine.
Darren himself worried about having to go back to New York City. He continued trying to relocate his practice to Beverly Hills for a long time, not just temporarily. Darren wanted to be near Chloe all the time, as often as possible. If he had to return to New York City, he was afraid that another man would be trying to get close to Chloe.
"I will do anything to always be with you, Chloe. I'm willing to do it for you. I'll prove that you didn't make a mistake in choosing me."