Seeing Chloe's closeness with Darren made Leonel genuinely heartbroken. His heart felt like it had been pierced by thousands of arrows that were difficult to remove. His eyes couldn't look away as if the universe deliberately created the scene in front of him for him. Yet, the love he had, full of affection and sincerity, was only intended for Chloe.
There was a profound disappointment because reality didn't align with his hopes. After all, Darren's return to Surabaya only made them closer, more harmonious, and affectionate. It wasn't just a story he heard; Leonel witnessed it firsthand. He felt heartbroken and disappointed because he had hoped Chloe would return to his embrace. He had tried everything, even though he knew one week wasn't enough time. Chloe was no longer easily swayed in just a few days, like when they first met.
All Leonel needed was a smile and sweet words spoken as sweetly as possible, and Chloe threw herself into his embrace. But now?
Oh, God!
Did Leonel not realize that Chloe had once been in his position? The person he loved was intimately involved with someone else? Leonel had done that not just once but multiple times. And now? What was wrong with Chloe? Nothing. Her status was single, not bound by marriage. If a man approached her, Chloe was free to open up. Everything was expected as it should be.
However, Leonel couldn't accept the reality in front of him. He roughly rubbed his face and let out a frustrated sigh. He couldn't comprehend what was happening in his life right now. Regret began to surge in his heart, making it difficult for him to breathe. He was especially seeing Chloe happy with another man. Her smile, the glow on her face, her affectionate gestures, not to mention her carefree voice. And she showed all of that to someone else, not him. Someone who had replaced him completely. He also regretted hurting Chloe, leading her to distance herself from him.
He had divorced her, and now he rubbed his face in frustration. Remembering the past was genuinely suffocating for him. Leonel once again witnessed Chloe's closeness to Darren in the park. Eventually, Leonel couldn't hold back his emotions and anger. He chose to return to his apartment and curse himself. Throughout the journey, he was like a buzzing bee, making noise. He cursed and berated himself for being foolish; that was what he did until the car he was driving arrived in the basement of his rented apartment.
"You're a fool, Leonel! You're so crazy to let go of a woman as beautiful and intelligent as Chloe! Regret always comes in the end, and you're the stupidest person ever!" Leonel cursed himself. He roughly ran his fingers through his hair, revealing the veins on his face. His jaw clenched. Perhaps if he looked in the mirror, his face would resemble a werewolf ready to pounce on anyone before him.
Leonel was highly emotional because he couldn't get what he wanted, even though everyone around him supported him in getting back with Chloe. But what could he do if Chloe didn't like him back in her arms?
Leonel's mind was in turmoil, always focused on Chloe. He couldn't free himself from her, as if Chloe's face and thoughts had hypnotized his entire mind. If only time could be turned back, maybe Leonel wouldn't have done this terrible thing of letting that woman go. He thought that Chloe wouldn't be able to live without him, but Chloe showed she was happier. How foolish Leonel was to prioritize Ester in his past. He was allowing Chloe to choose to leave eventually.
It was what made Leonel regret even more. Moreover, Chloe's attitude toward him was cold, and she seemed unwilling to open her heart to him again. No matter the reasons and methods used by Leonel, Chloe still ignored him with her icy heart.
Leonel felt desperate and disappointed with what he had done. Even though he had tried so much to win Chloe back, she still didn't want to open her heart to him again. It made Leonel restless. He also felt defeated because Darren could quickly take over his position. After all, Darren wasn't a newcomer who had entered Chloe's life.
Leonel knew who Darren was. He was the doctor who cared for his wife when she was desperate. What about him? There was a sense of pity for Chloe, but it only went so far.
"Darren, Darren, Darren," Leonel muttered as he paced back and forth in his apartment's living room. He didn't care how much he had made a mess of this room as a release for the wordless defeat he had experienced. "Damn it!!" Leonel threw the glass in his hand.
"Damn it!" he cursed once again.
Intentionally, Leonel threw himself onto the sofa. There was a lingering pain in his back, but Leonel ignored it. He once again remembered his past with Chloe in the darkness he created. He hated himself so much in the present.
"What else can I do, Chloe?" he whispered.
His eyes gazed into the distance.
"I love you, Chloe. Much more than that other man," Leonel straightened his back slightly. "What's so great about Darren? I promise I will change. You won't see this annoying Leonel Grisham anymore, Chloe. I promise," he said. Shortly after, he roughly tugged at his hair, disregarding the pain on his scalp. For Leonel, this pain was nothing compared to the heartbreak he felt.
The pain he was experiencing now was far more tormenting than his parents' rejection of Ester. It felt multiplied several times over.
Reluctantly, he had to return to New York City without achieving anything. His disappointment with Beverly Hills and his ex-wife had become too great. No matter the reason, he couldn't capture Chloe's attention and feelings and return to her. It was one of the most challenging missions for Leonel, besides his business. Unbeknownst to him, tears welled when he thought of Chloe. His shoulders trembled softly, gradually intensifying.
For the first time, Leonel cried over a woman. He hit his chest, starting gently, but the sound grew painfully loud. But the pain he caused himself didn't compare to what he felt.
After a while, Leonel managed to regain control of his emotions. He quickly wiped away the remaining tears. He made a decision. Today, Leonel wanted to return to New York City and redirect his focus to his work. Drowning in the busyness of the Mountain was better than constantly thinking about Chloe and learning to forget Chloe. Although Leonel knew it would be tough to do. The love that had just blossomed was broken and destroyed. He was convinced the woman had forgotten him and was happy with her new choice, Darren. Leonel tried not to think about Chloe anymore, but her shadow always appeared in his mind.
He immediately grabbed the suitcase from the storage closet. He hurriedly packed up all his belongings in the apartment. His mission had failed. Completely. What was he doing here for so long? Drowning in endless sorrow? He had felt the moment when Chloe laughed so happily with Darren.
"I'm leaving, Sa," Leonel said while looking at the apartment again. Before he genuinely returned to New York City. He had lost. Completely. "I hope you're happy, Chloe."
Full of haste, he descended to the basement, suppressing all the turmoil in his chaotic heart. He drove as focused as possible.
"Chloe, why do you have such a sulky face?" Leonel asked one afternoon.
"Mind your own business," Chloe replied curtly.
"I just want you to accompany me. Besides, there's a good movie. Aren't you interested?"
Chloe remained silent.
"Chloe," Leonel called in the gentlest tone possible. "Sometimes, taking a break from your busy activities is necessary to entertain yourself."
"But not with you!"
Leonel laughed. Chloe's angry face was so endearing to him.
Leonel abruptly stopped his car. He took a deep breath, as much as he could. The turmoil in his chest intensified. Why did Chloe's image grow more decisive in his mind? Before continuing his journey, he reached for the phone he had kept in his pocket all this time.
Various notifications appeared on Leonel's flat device, especially from Robby. He was very enthusiastic in questioning Leonel about his plans. Did his son succeed in bringing Chloe back into his arms? Deborah also occasionally reported that everything was fine in her office. It made Leonel lose focus. His head ached, and Chloe's presence always haunted him.
"Come on, Leonel. You have to forget your ex-wife. After all, this is your fault. Why did you have to let her go?" Leonel said to himself, then took a slow breath and exhaled.
Leonel was frustrated because he couldn't think clearly about his plans after this. Even Chloe's image kept appearing in his mind, constantly disturbing him. He had come here, dedicating his time to prove that he was serious about getting back into that woman's life and trying to correct all his mistakes. But unfortunately, Chloe was unwilling to accept him back. It frustrated Leonel and almost drove him mad thinking about the woman.
[I'm going back to New York City now!]
Send.
Leonel wrote that message addressed to Agatha Theodore, his mother. He didn't want his mother to think that he could be back with Chloe. It blew Leonel because his hopes didn't align with expectations. He shouldn't have wasted a week in Beverly Hills just for Chloe, but Leonel's efforts were futile. Chloe seemed distant, not even showing the slightest concern for him.
Leonel took a slow breath, trying to gather his focus again. He rushed to drive his car towards New York City. He no longer wanted to discuss or think about everything related to Chloe in Beverly Hills. It was better to focus on his company and enjoy his solitude. It didn't matter. His broken heart might heal somehow. What he felt now was disappointment, despair, and sadness raging within him. Leonel couldn't think about how much regret he had experienced.
Ping!
[What's wrong? Did you manage to persuade Chloe?]
Leonel just glanced briefly. The pop-up message on his phone was readable. Upon receiving a letter from Agatha, Leonel chose to remain silent about its contents. He couldn't possibly explain it through a message to Agatha. It would be better to tell her when he arrived in New York City. Moreover, Leonel's mind was currently wholly uncompromising. The disappointment and heartache of a hope that didn't come true made him feel uncomfortable this time.
Even Leonel deliberately pulled over his car because he couldn't concentrate on driving and felt his mind constantly haunted by Chloe. He had to try to neutralize his thoughts and feelings to regain focus on driving. Although it was difficult, no matter how long Leonel tried, something always haunted him.
"Come on, you can do it," Leonel encouraged himself.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Chloe seemed unfocused on her work. She appeared happy thinking about the progress of her relationship with Darren. Chloe no longer felt uncertain because she had set her goals. Even when she returned to the café to check on the work there, Leonel's presence was no longer at the table he had occupied for the past few days.
Chloe didn't care too much. Maybe now he was busy with his affairs. It's better that way. It wouldn't disturb Chloe anymore. Darren's words about his parents had been beneficial for her to gain more confidence. She also agreed to Darren's suggestion this week to go to Surabaya. She was meeting her lover's parents. While checking all the reports Peni had given her, she also considered what clothes would be appropriate for her to wear when visiting there.
"Oh... it's so confusing," Chloe sighed. She took her phone out of her bag, searching for clothing references that suited her and looked respectable. She didn't want to receive a wrong impression from Darren's parents.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the highway towards New York City, Leonel was driving his car at an above-average speed. He didn't think about his life. All Leonel could think about was how to get rid of the suffocating feeling and let it out. He couldn't scream like a madman there.
However, on that large highway, Leonel didn't realize that suddenly the brakes were difficult to press. Also, his car, traveling at high speed, lost control. He tried to avoid a possible accident. But unfortunately, the vehicle Leonel was driving collided with one of the trucks in front of him. The loud sound of the collision made Leonel feel a powerful impact on his chest. The truck he had tried to avoid was now in front of him. His car was also thrown quite far, and he felt an intense spinning sensation. All Leonel remembered was that the front of his car was completely crushed. The vehicle he was driving rolled over and fell into a ravine on the side of the road.
The multiple-car accident had befallen Leonel. It made everyone there run instantly to check on Leonel's condition. Many were worried that the victim and the two truck drivers who unintentionally hit Leonel's car had died on the spot. This chain accident caused panic on the left side of the road. Many vehicles stopped and slowed due to the severe damage to Leonel's car.
A cloud of smoke surrounded the black sedan that Leonel was driving.
"Quick, help! Please call the police now!" one of the drivers, who seemed very panicked, ordered.
"Alright, I'll call the police and an ambulance to come here immediately," replied one of the people at the scene.
Meanwhile, holding a glass in her office, Chloe suddenly shattered it. She was drinking as usual, and nothing was unusual. However, she suddenly felt uneasy. She sensed something terrible was happening, although she didn't know why. She even felt her heart pounding rapidly. She didn't know what news would be brought to her. Chloe tried to take a slow breath and calm her mind. She shouldn't jump to conclusions. Maybe it was just a passing feeling. She quickly called the office boy to clean up the broken glass she accidentally bumped into earlier.
But not long after that, the flat object on Chloe's desk started ringing. It shattered her reverie and startled her. She immediately diverted her attention and made sure who was calling her.
"Leonel?" she murmured when she saw her ex-husband's name calling her. At first, Chloe was reluctant to answer the call. She let the call be ignored. But when Leonel's number called her again, it annoyed Chloe.
"Why haven't you given up yet?" she grumbled, disliking it.
Soon after, an unknown number called her again.
"Hello," Chloe answered when the call connected.
"Hello, good afternoon, is this Leonel's family?" a man asked from the other end of the phone. It needs to be clarified for Chloe. Why was there a call for Leonel? And... his family?
"I-I see. I'm sorry, who is this? Why isn't Leonel speaking to me?" Chloe asked in a panicked and nervous voice. Her heart rate was becoming more erratic for some reason.
"I'm sorry, we're from the Police Department, and it is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Mr. Leonel Grisham has been involved in an accident on the highway. The victim was taken to the nearest hospital for prompt medical treatment. Therefore, I'm requesting a family member to handle this, especially the victim at the hospital," the man explained.
Those words hit Chloe like a bucket of cold water. She immediately turned pale, her body weakened, and even responding to the man's account felt extremely difficult.
"Hello?" the man called again.
"I-I understand, sir! I will come there immediately!" Chloe weakly replied. Then the call abruptly ended. Tears streamed down Chloe's face. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.
Chloe quickly scrolled through her contacts and searched for Darren's number. She couldn't go there alone, so she asked Darren to accompany her to see Leonel at the hospital.
[Darren, we need to go to the hospital now! Leonel had an accident; we must ensure he's okay!]
Send.
Not long after, her phone rang again with a new message notification.
Ring!
"Oh my, which hospital? Alright, I'll come and pick you up!"
Chloe hurriedly prepared herself and gathered everything she needed for the hospital. She honestly didn't expect this situation. Her mind was in chaos. Did Agatha and Robby know about their son's condition?
***
Upon arriving at the hospital, Chloe went straight to the receptionist to inquire about a patient named Leonel. She was perturbed, and Darren could sense it. At first, Darren felt puzzled by Chloe's behavior, but he tried to dismiss it and think positively. Of course, Chloe was concerned since Leonel was her ex-husband. Although Darren admitted that there was a hint of jealousy, this situation was no longer about jealousy. If Chloe wanted, she could have gone alone. Budi, for example, could have accompanied her.
But in reality? Chloe asked Darren to accompany her. It meant that Chloe still considered Darren an essential person in her life.
Shortly after, the receptionist informed them of where Leonel was currently being treated and that the patient was in a coma and unconscious.
"Alright, thank you!"
Chloe immediately ran towards the room mentioned by the receptionist. Her hand was still linked with Darren's, and she held it tightly as they continued walking in the direction indicated by the receptionist. Her heart continued to pray for Leonel's well-being.
She never expected this accident to happen to Leonel.
Arriving in front of the room where Leonel was receiving treatment, Chloe burst into tears. They both saw Leonel's condition inside. Several doctors were busy attending to this concerning patient.
"Stay calm, Chloe."
"I... I'm scared, Darren."
Darren could only stay silent. He knew that Chloe's feelings still belonged to Leonel, even though Darren was by her.
"Leonel will surely be strong."
Chloe chose not to respond.
"God, give Leonel a chance to stay here. Even if not with me, let him experience true love again. Even if it's not from me, God."