This morning, Chloe prepared to leave for the café. She wanted to arrive earlier than usual. It didn't bother her when she stepped out of the house, and Darren wasn't there to pick her up like yesterday. After all, she was used to being alone with Budi.
"Are we leaving now, ma'am?" Brad asked with a puzzled look. He had just finished washing Chloe's sedan. It was still partially wet since Chloe usually left thirty minutes later. He needed to be informed about Chloe wanting to go earlier.
"Yes," Chloe smiled faintly. "Just speed up the car wash." She knew Brad would be pretty surprised by her decision. But what could she do? She had some tasks to take care of at the café. Yesterday, Peni mentioned a discrepancy in inventory and cash. She also wanted to create a new recipe.
Coincidentally, she had invited Adrianna to come to Beverly Hills. She didn't want to start making the recipe before Adrianna arrived. Amidst the overwhelming thoughts and distractions from Darren's disappointed gaze and Leonel's sudden intrusion, experimenting with a new menu was the best way to divert her attention. She needed a distraction. She didn't want her mind to be consumed by those two things.
Damn it. Those two things prevented Chloe from getting a good night's sleep.
"Alright, ma'am." Brad hastened his work. Budi noticed his employer sitting silently through the corner of his eye, her gaze fixed on a single point. She seemed unfocused and preoccupied with many thoughts. Budi didn't want to ask too many questions, but his employer's condition was concerning. He tried to find out, but he was expected to finish his work and drive his employer to the café.
To pass the time, Chloe tried to redirect her thoughts. She opened her bag and took out her small makeup bag containing only a few items. Chloe wasn't a fan of heavy makeup that would make her stand out. Her makeup was natural, not excessive, but it accentuated her beauty and made many men look at her a little longer. She styled her hair with a gentle burgundy color and a slight wave, complementing her oval face and fair skin.
She aimed for a simple beauty. That's what Chloe did for her appearance.
"Ma'am, I'm ready," Brad promptly informed her. Chloe nodded softly and started getting into her car. Unbeknownst to Chloe, her ex-husband Leonel had observed her every move from outside her house. He intentionally waited for Chloe's car to exit the tall white two-story house gate.
"I hope that this time, I can be there for every little thing you do," Leonel thought, a slight smile forming on his handsome face. Even Leonel took the time to groom himself to look even more attractive in front of Chloe, considering that his ex-wife appeared more beautiful than ever. Leonel wasn't being insincere about Chloe's beauty. During their marriage, Chloe had always been attractive. She was free to take care of her body however she wanted. But this time, Chloe's beauty was different. It was as if the sun accompanied her every step. Her radiance, wide smile, and, oh my, everything related to Chloe seemed so different.
Leonel hoped that after Darren's departure, he could capture Chloe's attention and win back her heart so he could be in her arms again. Leonel didn't care about the means as long as he could be back with Chloe.
Tring!
"May your desired hopes come true according to your dreams!" Agatha sent a message. She truly hoped that whatever Leonel did to get Chloe's attention and presence would be granted by God. After all, any plans would be in vain if God didn't bless them, right? That's why, as Leonel's parent, she wholeheartedly gave her blessing. Although there were still doubts about whether Leonel could be relied upon, considering the pain Chloe had experienced because of her son.
"Just pray, Mom!" Leonel replied.
Meanwhile, inside the car, Chloe chose to enjoy the journey. Her phone didn't receive any notifications except from Adrianna. Over the past few days, her friend had been quite comforting amidst the overwhelming troubles. Although her intention in coming to Beverly Hills was to live peacefully, she tried her best to move forward despite the pain she felt toward Leonel.
She was fortunate to have Darren by her side. Although it was somewhat challenging to open her heart, at least he didn't push her too hard. But why did Darren seem so insistent yesterday? Was it because of Leonel's presence? Did Chloe want Leonel to come here? Not!
And now, Darren is entirely silent. There's only one message that he has memorized by heart, what it says. Last night, Darren sent only one message to Chloe. Just one. It's not like his usual string of letters that would make Chloe laugh while reading his statements. The content of that message informed Chloe that Darren would be in Surabaya for a week. Of course, this made Chloe sad but also happy. I don't know. Chloe needed clarification.
Receiving enough pressure made her think, especially about meeting Darren's parents. Why was she worried about that? Oh my gosh! Darren is single, a successful doctor and his family background is not ordinary either. And to be with her? A widow?
"Budi," Chloe called out quickly. "Take me to the KFC outlet. I suddenly want some junk food."
He would have already done it if Budi could suddenly hit the brakes. Fortunately, Budi was used to driving Chloe's sedan at an average speed. So when something seemed sudden, he didn't get too flustered about changing direction. Not because Chloe asked to stop at a specific place. But junk food?
The Chloe he knew always watched her food intake. She never ate recklessly and always controlled her portions. She preferred homemade meals over buying food. Even when eating out, as Budi knew about his employer, Chloe chose to eat at her café. It was clear that she knew how to cook and what ingredients to put into her dishes.
"Are you sure, ma'am?" Budi repeated the previous information.
"Yes. I suddenly want some fried chicken," Chloe said, bewildered. She didn't know why she was doing this. Maybe she needed to release the confusion in her mind. Besides, there was no Darren, who usually regulated and forbade her from doing something, especially regarding food. His words also sounded hurtful. What did he say? Wasn't he serious? Where did that question come from? Given their closeness, Chloe couldn't possibly learn to open her heart. Why was she being accused like that?
"Just forget it," Chloe muttered indignantly. She put her phone back in her bag. She initially intended to reply to Darren's message, but Chloe decided against it last night. Somehow, she felt unsettled because those words kept echoing in her mind.
Meanwhile, from a safe distance, Leonel followed wherever Chloe went today. Wherever she went, Leonel would be behind her. He planned to create an opportunity where he would be the one driving Chloe. He didn't care if his ex-wife was angry or annoyed with his actions. What was essential to Leonel was being with Chloe. Imagining that made Leonel chuckle.
But Leonel frowned when he saw that the car wasn't heading towards Chloe's usual activities. He accelerated his vehicle to keep up with Chloe's car. Leonel became more suspicious. He grew more curious about what his ex-wife was going to do.
"What is she going to do? Why isn't the car heading to its usual destination?" Leonel pondered in his mind.
It's up to Chloe! He didn't care. What mattered was that he still followed Chloe from behind, so she wouldn't know of his presence. However, Leonel's suspicion subsided when Chloe stopped at a restaurant near her café.
But... junk food?
Was that true?
Or did Chloe want to meet someone? But who? He glanced at the Rolex watch on his left wrist. It was only nine in the morning. Was there a morning meeting at a fast-food restaurant?
Leonel waited for Chloe to get out of her car before he followed her steps into the restaurant. He purposely parked his car not far from his ex-wife's car. Leonel didn't remain idle; Leonel followed Chloe's steps and hurriedly entered the restaurant. He sat not too far from her to observe Chloe more closely.
For a moment, Leonel saw no signs of someone approaching Chloe. Pretending to be a skilled hunter, he remained silent in his seat and ensured everything was fine. He was worried that his sudden presence would make Chloe uncomfortable. Leonel tried to figure out a way not to appear as if he was following Chloe in this restaurant.
What should I do? Leonel asked in his mind. "Come on, Leonel! Use your brilliant mind this time. Can't you get Chloe's attention?"
"Ah!" If he hadn't restrained himself from shouting, he would have done it as soon as he found a little idea. He prayed that the goddess of fortune would come and give him her blessing. Leonel pretended to go to the restroom first, waiting for Chloe to place her order. Shortly after, the waiter would be at her table. Leonel planned to step forward and accidentally bump into the waiter in front of Chloe. Then... Voila! They would meet.
Ah... it's so silly. But if Chloe offered to share a table, Leonel would do it. That's right. Leonel thought about it thoroughly. It seemed childish, but things like this could be forgiven when it came to love.
A few minutes later, Leonel saw Chloe and the waiter walk away to fetch some orders requested by Chloe. He observed her movements from a distance while waiting for the right moment. He walked and accidentally bumped into the waiter carrying the food before Chloe.
Leonel observed every movement of his ex-wife, noticing how Chloe appeared sweeter and caught his attention more with each passing day. Not only that, but he also saw Chloe becoming more graceful as a busy woman, perhaps even more active than before. But she didn't neglect self-care. Chloe was different. Different. He used to think that women only needed a man's wealth, but it turned out that women could take care of themselves and become even more successful than most men.
Leonel continued to wait for the waiter to arrive, hoping it would happen at a moment like this. He wanted to capture Chloe's attention even more.
While waiting for the waiter, Leonel watched Chloe play with the flat object in her hand. He saw her scrolling through social media and searched for his ex-wife's account. There was no activity or status update. It meant that his ex-wife wasn't the type of woman who liked to broadcast things publicly. He became even more impatient to approach Chloe and give her more attention to win her back. No matter how hard a stone was, it would eventually create a hole if the water kept dripping, just like his efforts now. He wouldn't slack in his efforts to win Chloe back.
Once again, Leonel scanned the entire side of the restaurant, spotting the waiter bringing Chloe's order. Even though this was a fast-food restaurant, if there were a particular order in the morning, it would be delivered to the customer's table. It was clear that Chloe had a table number. Leonel couldn't wait to approach the woman at the other end as time passed, and he grew increasingly impatient.
Meanwhile, Chloe felt uneasy because she felt something was missing from her daily routine when Darren wasn't around. She checked her flat object several times, hoping to receive a notification from Darren this morning, but there was nothing.
"Should I send him a message first?" Chloe muttered.
Finally, what Leonel had been waiting for happened. The waiter carefully walked toward the table where Chloe was sitting. Meanwhile, Leonel acted as if he didn't know Chloe was there and maintained a nonchalant expression, so it wouldn't be evident that he had been observing his ex-wife's movements. Then, as planned, he accidentally pretended to bump into the waiter carrying Chloe's order.
Crash!
Prank!
Just as he had planned! Leonel felt like he deserved a great reward. Pretending and acting like this without talent seemed to earn appreciation. The plates and glasses on the tray fell, as did Leonel and the waiter. Upon hearing the sound of breaking leaves and seeing the waiter covered in spilled food, Chloe was startled. She stood up and looked at what had happened.
"Oh my gosh!" Chloe exclaimed upon hearing the sound of the broken plates and seeing the waiter covered in spilled food on their clothes. Meanwhile, Chloe also looked confused at a man who bumped into the waiter, causing this chaotic morning scene that didn't match her expectations.
Judging by his clothing, Chloe saw a man who was no stranger to her. However, Chloe was surprised when the man turned around and confirmed her suspicions.
"Leonel?" Chloe whispered, not expecting this.
"I'm sorry, it was an accident," Leonel whispered, starting his act.
"It's okay, sir!"
"Let me compensate for everything!" Leonel interjected, immediately standing up and rushing forward. But before doing that, he glanced at Chloe and widened his eyes, unable to believe what he saw. Come on! Pretending to exaggerate the situation!
"What are you doing here?" Leonel asked Chloe.
Meanwhile, Chloe didn't answer Leonel's question; she remained silent and observed his actions. She let Leonel take care of all the issues regarding the damages. After settling with the cashier, Leonel approached Chloe, sitting not far from where he saw her, already eating the food the waiter had delivered again.
This time, Leonel pulled out a chair before Chloe and offered her the chocolate sundae he had spilled earlier. Seeing this, Chloe raised her face. She couldn't believe that it was Leonel who brought it to her. She had hoped that someone else would come and give it to her, Darren. Ah, that was impossible, right?
"I'm glad to meet you here," Leonel told Chloe, who stopped eating. Chloe's eyes looked annoyed when they locked gazes, and then she stared blankly in Leonel's direction.
"Why are you here? Did you follow me?" Chloe snapped at him again, eliciting a small chuckle from Leonel.
"Am I mistaken if you think I followed you? I have the job that accidentally led me to meet you," Leonel came up with an excuse. In reality, he did follow Chloe to this restaurant intentionally. It was all for one purpose: to regain her attention.
Upon hearing that, Chloe nodded quietly. She didn't want to prolong the conversation with Leonel this morning.
"Oh, by the way, I replaced the ice cream you ordered earlier. It spilled because of me," Leonel said, handing the cold drink to Chloe.
"Thank you, but you didn't have to go through the trouble of getting it for me," Chloe said to Leonel again, but he didn't care. He still gave it to Chloe so she would drink it. Chloe also couldn't understand why Leonel showed so much concern for her. During their marriage, Leonel was indifferent and cold, never showing this kind of attention to Chloe.
He wouldn't even offer her a drink, let alone ask about her well-being.
"Are you going to the cafe alone now?" Leonel asked Chloe again, to which Chloe nodded softly. Of course, she went alone if Darren wasn't there.
"Of course," Chloe replied curtly. Her tone was cold, and she didn't want to be bothered.
"I hope you can be more careful when you have to go alone, especially on busy roads like this," Leonel said.
"Do you think I'm a child who has just learned how to drive?" Chloe said, shaking her head slightly and chuckling, seeing Leonel's excessive concern. "Besides, Brad always drives for me. Your advice earlier is pointless, Leonel."
Upon hearing that, Leonel looked embarrassed. "There's nothing wrong with being worried about you."
"Did my warning yesterday not make it clear?" Chloe retorted with a slightly louder tone. "Are you pretending to be deaf now?"
"No." Leonel smiled broadly. "I'm just genuinely concerned about you, Chloe. I can still vividly remember how that accident almost took your life. There's nothing wrong with what I said earlier, right?" Leonel concluded. Meanwhile, Chloe shook her head slightly and ignored what the man said.
There was a long pause intentionally created by Chloe. She didn't want Leonel to talk to her too much. She chose to enjoy her food instead. She didn't care if Leonel had eaten or not. What was he doing here, anyway? But it did pique her curiosity.
"Why are you here by yourself? Do you have some business to take care of? Or are you just trying to find out about me?" This time, Chloe didn't stay silent. She wanted to find out why Leonel suddenly appeared in the same restaurant as her.
"I had a sudden job that I needed to do at this restaurant, but the client canceled it due to more important matters. So, I'm free for the next few hours today, and coincidentally, I ran into you. Isn't this much better?" Leonel explained to Chloe again, but she furrowed her brow, not understanding.
"Since when does Mountain work with restaurants?" Chloe chuckled. "Do I only have Mountain?"
Leonel laughed. "Do you think I only have Mountain?"
Chloe sighed in annoyance. "What did you say? Coincidence? God, it's ridiculous how fate plays between us."
"You're right," Leonel said, nodding briefly. "How about if I call it... destiny?"
Chloe furrowed her brow.
"But I do believe this is destiny if we're meant to return to how we were before," Leonel said confidently. Meanwhile, Chloe was taken aback by Leonel's self-assurance. Then, according to Chloe, her smile turned bitter upon hearing that he quickly forgot the painful past.
Meanwhile, the remaining food at the corner of Chloe's lips was bothering her, leaving some sauce on her upper lip. Leonel quickly wiped it with a tissue and gave her a faint smile.
"You're always like this, never clean when eating," Leonel said to Chloe, observing his hand at the corner of her lips.
"Don't overdo it!" Chloe snapped at Leonel at that moment.
"I'm not overdoing it; I just want to pay more attention to you, Chloe!" Leonel concluded, making Chloe clean the corner of her lips herself. She brushed away Leonel's hand, which was still there.
At this moment, Chloe felt that the time that used to be filled by Darren was now filled with Leonel. It was as if the time when Chloe hoped for Leonel's attention. Although it wasn't everything about Leonel, now she was getting it when their relationship was no longer bound. Chloe truly couldn't understand Leonel's mindset. Especially now, Leonel's change in attitude had reached a hundred and eighty degrees.
It also made Chloe uncertain. Before, Leonel was cold, indifferent and didn't care about her, often neglecting Chloe. Back then, Chloe had hoped for all of that from Leonel. When they divorced, Leonel started to show his true self. The one she yearned for and wanted to reach, even if it was just a little Leonel glanced at her. It made Chloe think more because she didn't want to fall into a trap that would only reopen her wounds.
"Perhaps you're wondering why I'm like this, Chloe," Leonel began before Chloe interrupted him, saying something to complete his sentence. "I do want to make amends to you, not just with words of apology. I know that won't be enough. No matter how many apologies are uttered, I've already inflicted a deep wound in your heart. Allow me to make amends now. Allow me to pour out everything I have in my heart for you, Chloe. I'm here not with a feeling of guilt but as a fighter who wants to reclaim and have an equal chance with you."
Chloe stared intently at Leonel, who seemed eager to speak further.
"Allow me to get close to you again. At that time, you did give me a chance, but Josh, oh my, I can't say that Josh didn't ruin my plans to win you back. But that's the reality, right? I was busy with Mountain. Meanwhile, I wanted to improve myself before you, Chloe."
Chloe remained silent.
"I'm serious about this. I fell in love with my ex-wife when it was too late. But when it comes to love, there's never such a thing as 'too late,' right, Chloe?"