Chloe would go to the hospital whenever she had free time to check Leonel's condition. She was apprehensive about him after the accident. Leonel still hadn't regained consciousness. Agatha and Robby Grisham, who knew about their son's condition, looked incredibly sad. The worried expression was visible on their faces. Agatha didn't leave the hospital where Leonel was being treated.
Agatha planned to transfer him to a much larger hospital with better facilities once he regained consciousness. However, she trusted the current doctors' treatment. She couldn't doubt them because Leonel's safety was in their hands. Of course, Leonel's skillful hands were also involved. Where else would their dexterity come from if not as a gift from God?
Chloe felt guilty about Leonel. Many "what ifs" were swirling in her mind, but she couldn't do anything about it. Her decision regarding her feelings was already firm. What would become of her if she wavered and left a small opening for Leonel? Even though it was just a tiny part, she couldn't let go of Leonel yet. Perhaps it was because of Agatha and Robby Grisham that Chloe still thought about Leonel.
Yes... Chloe felt that way.
Sometimes, Chloe also felt guilty towards Leonel, considering that he had been fighting to get closer to her, but Chloe responded with coldness and indifference. Chloe wasn't unwilling to let Leonel come closer again. However, she was still hurt by the past events that Leonel had caused and how much they had hurt her. It wasn't easy for her to forget. And when she was learning to forget the pain that Leonel had caused, Darren came into her life. It made Chloe reluctant to open her heart to Leonel again, especially with Darren by her side, although she admitted that it was challenging to open up.
Knock, knock, knock...
Someone knocked on Chloe's office door, interrupting all her thoughts and making her startle. She shifted her focus towards the door. In reality, Chloe had quite a lot of work piled up, especially since she had to observe the new menu she would launch shortly.
"Come in!" Chloe commanded from inside her office. She found Peni entering the room. It made Chloe furrow her brow. Why did Peni suddenly enter her workspace? And she was holding some folders? Even before she started working, Chloe had been informed about what tasks she would do that day.
"What is it, Pen?" Chloe asked without hesitation.
"These are the partnership proposals from the hotel, Ma'am."
Ah, she remembered one of her delayed projects. "Should we discuss it now?"
Peni shook her head slowly. "Please review it first. They want to meet tomorrow but in the morning."
Chloe furrowed her brow. "Morning?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Around eight in the morning."
"Why so early?" Chloe took the documents that Peni handed over. "And why didn't you inform me?"
"It seems like you forgot about the schedule, didn't you?"
Chloe gaped. "Is that true?" She quickly opened her planner, where she always wrote down all her work schedules. For meetings with new clients or proposals for new collaborations, she always noted them in this journal. And indeed, when she looked at her notes, she sighed in resignation.
"Why are you silent, Ma'am?" Peni asked because she had been observing her boss's weary appearance. The vibrant spirit that used to be on Chloe's face was starting to fade. Perhaps it had to do with the recent events, and Peni thought it was related to the accident that happened to her ex-husband.
Peni's question startled Chloe, and she shifted her attention to the woman before her. She looked like a fool daydreaming in front of Peni, even though she had never behaved like this before. "I've been feeling tired lately, Pen."
Peni pulled out a chair and sat in front of her. "Take a day off to rest after this client meeting."
"That sounds like a good idea. Thank you for suggesting it earlier!" Chloe said to her trusted assistant. "I'll review the proposal. If it's okay, we can discuss the next steps. But treat them well, and don't let the café's image suffer. It could make my plans to open a new branch more challenging," Chloe added, making Peni nod slowly and reassuringly smile.
"Alright, Ma'am."
Shortly after, Peni stood up from her seat. "Then, if you'll excuse me!"
But before Peni could leave, Chloe called out to her.
"Wait, Peni!"
Immediately, Peni's steps halted, and she turned back to face Chloe behind her.
"What's the matter, Ma'am? Can I help you with something?" she asked Chloe again.
"Please ask Tio to make me a hot drink. I'm feeling a bit under the weather," Chloe said to Peni, who nodded and was concerned.
"Or do you need me to get you some medicine?"
Chloe gave a faint smile. "No need, Pen. I need some rest."
"In that case, I'll also bring you some vitamins, Ma'am." Peni then hurriedly walked out of the room. Chloe couldn't stop her assistant's eagerness. Peni was the one who knew Chloe's condition the best when she complained of feeling unwell. Chloe was fortunate to have Peni by her side.
After Peni left, Chloe leaned back in her office chair. She stared at the still-illuminated monitor screen, where she saw numerous tables that needed her attention. Chloe sighed long, realizing she had to finish all the work. She also had to review the proposal that Peni had given her earlier. Chloe wanted to be able to handle the pressing workload. Moreover, she needed to visit Leonel and make sure of his condition. It had been three days since her last visit, and she had no idea about her ex-husband's progress.
The doctors couldn't conclude other than informing Chloe that Leonel's injuries were severe. His ribs were broken in several places, and his abdomen had deep cuts from the car's debris. The head injury sounded terrifying as well. Chloe could only hope Leonel would wake up soon and return to his usual self.
It wasn't without reason that Chloe was afraid now. She had been in a car accident herself, which had confined her to a hospital bed for two months. Chloe couldn't remember anything except the sound of the collision, which still sometimes haunted her dreams. Not to mention the consequences she had suffered from the accident. Her emotional state was far from stable, especially since she had also experienced blindness.
And what about Leonel?
Chloe shuddered at the thought.
She took another long breath, looking up at the ceiling above her. The top of the café where she spent most of her time now filled her vision. She closed her eyes slowly, trying to push away her worries about Leonel. It wasn't easy, but at least she prayed sincerely for Leonel to wake up soon.
Knock, knock, knock...
"Come in!" Chloe called out.
Tio, instructed by Chloe to make her a hot drink, finally entered. A cup of warm tea with a slice of lemon inside was now on her desk. It was accompanied by low-sugar cookies that were also sold in the café. Although they had few customers, these cookies were popular among certain groups.
"Here you go, Ma'am," Tio said warmly.
"Thank you, Tio," Chloe smiled genuinely. She always instilled a kind attitude in all her employees and wanted to be relaxed with the rules. They were all adults and understood their responsibilities, except when they behaved too far.
"Well then, I'll take my leave now, Ma'am," Tio bid farewell and quickly left Chloe's office.
Chloe nodded quietly, acknowledging what Tio had said to her. Without saying much, Chloe looked again at the warm drink brought by Tio. Although her mind was filled with work-related matters, Leonel, and her personal affairs, for this moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the cup of tea that was prepared for her.
Consider it a "me time" through the taste of this mildly sweet yet refreshing tea. She might be more focused and know what she would do regarding her work. That includes visiting Leonel. There was still an unsettled feeling that Chloe had regarding Leonel.
The first thing that came to her mind was Darren. She couldn't possibly go to the hospital alone. It wasn't that she couldn't do it herself; indeed, she could go to the hospital alone without needing Darren. But now their relationship had changed. Chloe had indeed decided to have a more serious relationship than before. She didn't want their relationship strained just because she visited Leonel without ulterior motives.
Chloe didn't want that to happen.
Chloe watched the watch circling her wrist, realizing it was time for a lunch break. She immediately reached into her pocket, took out her mobile phone, and dialed Darren's number, hoping he was more relaxed. His schedule was occasionally shared with Chloe. Darren said, "I want my future wife to know when she can reach me. Don't feel burdened by my busy schedule at the hospital."
Sweet.
"Darren, are you busy today?" Chloe asked Darren when the call connected.
"I was just about to have lunch. Why? Do you want to go out with me?" he asked Chloe on the other end.
Chloe caught a slightly noisy background, indicating that Darren had just exited his office. Chloe hesitated for a moment. It wouldn't be appropriate for her to say it directly to Darren. She was still considering Darren's feelings, of course, given their recent positive progress in their relationship.
"If you don't mind," Chloe finally decided. The beautiful woman in a chiffon yellow blouse thought it would be better to say it directly to Darren. They could discuss it over lunch instead of over the phone like this.
"Alright. I'll pick you up at the café."
Not long after, Darren arrived at the café where Chloe had her business. He drove at a moderate speed, and luckily, the roads he encountered weren't too congested. The distance between the hospital where Darren worked and the café wasn't far either. Darren looked very happy when he picked up Chloe before her café. His smile was wide as he welcomed Chloe, who had been waiting for him. He didn't realize that Chloe would ask for his help, which could potentially disappoint and hurt him.
"What if we have steak for lunch?" Darren suggested to Chloe at that moment, which she responded to with a nod.
"That sounds good! Besides, I'm starving right now," Chloe replied to Darren, who looked happy and quickly drove his car towards their destination, not the usual restaurant they frequented.
After a few minutes of dining there, with light conversations that created a warm atmosphere, Chloe noticed that Darren had just finished his meal. She tried to calm herself and took a slow breath. She didn't want to jeopardize her desire to ask Darren to drive her to the hospital to visit Leonel, which might make this kind-hearted man scrutinize her. Although it was difficult for her to say it, Chloe had to. She wanted to check on Leonel's condition at that moment.
"Darren, I want to tell you something," Chloe said, finally summoning the courage to speak up.
"Oh? What is it that you want to talk about?" Darren asked, now acting casual after seeing how Chloe reacted upon hearing about Leonel's condition. Although he was worried that Chloe might change direction and become more concerned about Leonel, he tried to act normal. He could see that Chloe cared deeply for Leonel.
"Can I ask for your help right now?" Chloe said again, asking the man in front of her. Meanwhile, Darren chuckled softly upon hearing her words.
"What do you need, Chloe? I'll grant it as long as it's reasonable and within my capabilities." How could he refuse Chloe's request now? After all, she was his girlfriend. If necessary, he would show his heartfelt sincerity by calling Chloe his fiancée. "Of course, you can. Is there any hesitation if you need my help?" Darren added as Chloe lowered her head.
There was a sense of discomfort in Chloe's heart, but what else could she do? Should she go alone? It would only make Darren unhappy. Moreover, she felt increasingly awkward seeing Darren's attitude toward her. Suddenly, Darren even playfully messed up his hair.
"Tell me, Chloe. What's the matter?"
"I just want your help taking me to the hospital where Leonel is treated. I want to know his condition," Chloe uttered those words in a soft tone. She bowed again, unable to look Darren in the eye, fearing disappointment in his gaze.
Upon hearing Chloe's narrative, Darren could only sigh softly. Frankly, he found it chadriving at the hospital where Leonel was being treated. It was challenging; he had been thinking that Chloe wanted to discuss something about his offer to introduce her to his parents. After all, the end of the week was approaching, the time when he promised his parents that he would bring Chloe there.
Unfortunately, Chloe asked for something else that had not crossed Darren's mind.
Honestly, Darren didn't like it. But who would want all this to happen? Besides, Chloe's request to be accompanied made Darren's heart happy. It meant that his girlfriend was thinking about him amidst the ongoing turmoil.
"Why are you silent?" Chloe asked again, concerned. "I... I know it's silly. Forget it," Chloe quickly said. "Just pretend I didn't ask for anything from you."
"Oh, it's okay," Darren made an excuse. "You don't have to worry about me, Sa. I'm fine. Don't feel burdened by your recent request. I'm glad you invited me."
A smile began to appear at the corner of Chloe's lips.
"Shall we leave now?" she asked Chloe, who nodded quickly.
Even from the expression on her lover's face, Darren could see the remaining concern in Chloe directed towards Leonel, her ex-husband. But Darren could only remain silent and accept it. It wasn't his fault or Chloe's fault. It was just a matter of time that made Chloe reluctant to forget her ex-husband. Or Darren could conclude that Chloe was too kind, always thinking about others, so as not to hurt her too much.
***
Upon arriving at the hospital, Chloe hurriedly walked toward Leonel's ward. This time, she didn't want to leave Darren alone like when she first heard the news about Leonel. Although Darren was with her, Chloe realized that she had been neglecting Darren's presence. She didn't want Darren to feel that way again. She was in a state of panic when she found out about Leonel's accident.
Darren and Chloe walked side by side toward Leonel's ward. When they arrived at the VVIP room, Chloe stopped in her tracks. Through the window, Chloe could see that Leonel was still unconscious. There were monitors and medical equipment on both sides of him, ensuring his condition was stable.
Chloe leaned against the wall in the hospital. She wanted to go in but was concerned about disturbing Leonel.
"Do you want to go in?" Darren asked Chloe, who chose to remain silent after peaking at Leonel from the outside.
Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Can I?"
Darren nodded quickly. "I think in this condition; Leonel can be visited."
They exchanged glances for a while before Darren nodded again.
"Go ahead, Chloe. Take care of your business with Leonel. I'll wait here."
Chloe's eyes welled up with tears. She wouldn't waste this opportunity. She had decided since the journey to visit Leonel this time. She couldn't let her feelings sway like this. She couldn't destroy Darren's genuine love for her. Meeting Leonel, even though he was still unconscious, was Chloe's way of bidding farewell.
"Thank you," Chloe said, slightly tiptoeing. She gave Darren an affectionate kiss, and he smiled faintly.
For Darren, there was something they needed to resolve before he and Chloe moved forward. He didn't want any lingering feelings in Chloe's heart about her ex-husband when they were officially husband and wife.
With Darren's permission, Chloe nodded slightly. She entered Leonel's ward directly. Chloe approached and confirmed that Leonel was indeed starting to recover. She sat by her ex-husband's side, carefully holding his hand. She hadn't forgotten the touch of those hands that once touched her, leaving only bare memories.
"Leonel," she softly called.
Whether it was a miracle or a test from God to gauge Chloe's steadfastness in her love for Darren, the man slowly regained consciousness. Chloe could sense some faint movement and saw his eyelids twitching before slowly opening. His hand also moved within Chloe's grasp. His newly opened eyes glazed hazily in Chloe's direction.
After a week, Leonel finally woke up. He immediately held Chloe's hand tightly. Chloe, seeing Leonel's condition at that moment, fell silent. She couldn't say much. Various emotions stirred within her, causing her to be overwhelmed. She felt a mix of joy and tears. Meanwhile, Darren chose to remain outside. He had no desire to enter the room because he didn't want to see Chloe and Leonel together.
Allowing them to settle their past story was right for him to do now.
"Mama," Leonel muttered, causing Chloe to blink repeatedly.
In fact, upon waking up from his coma, the person Leonel referred to was Agatha Theodore, his mother. Meanwhile, Chloe remained silent, trying to compose herself. Chloe didn't let go of his hand. She wanted to call the medical team to examine the newly awakened patient thoroughly.
Perhaps Leonel's blurry vision made him mistake Chloe for his mother, Agatha, who was hospitalized with him. Meanwhile, Chloe remained silent while still holding Leonel's hand. She felt a deep sadness seeing his current condition. Chloe couldn't comprehend how Leonel, who was always cautious when driving and accustomed to having a chauffeur, could be involved in such a severe accident.
Tears still occasionally wet Chloe's cheeks. Seeing Leonel's condition, she couldn't hold back her tears. But she continued to gently stroke the back of Leonel's hand, giving him encouragement to keep fighting and persevering during this recovery period. She could also see that he was still partially unconscious as, after saying "Mama," he tried to open his eyes again slowly.
Chloe felt relieved now. At least Leonel had regained consciousness and passed the critical stage. However, one thing held her attention. Leonel... was he crying? Why? Or was the pain from his injuries starting to bother him? What should Chloe do? She needed to call the doctor right away.
"Why... are you crying?" Chloe asked, her voice full of emotion. Without permission, her other hand reached out to wipe the tears flowing from the corners of Leonel's eyes.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I failed to fight for Chloe's heart again. I'm sorry if I couldn't fulfill Mom and Dad's wishes. I can't return to Chloe and bring her home like before. Mom, Leonel regrets his past mistakes that caused Chloe to distance herself from him. But I can't make her return." His words left Chloe frozen. The hand she had used to wipe Leonel's tears remained suspended.
"I'm sorry for giving up on winning Chloe's love again. She has someone else now who will make her much happier than being with me," Leonel said, his eyes still closed and tears streaming down his face. Chloe unconsciously started crying too, and her tears instantly wet her cheeks.
She immediately covered her mouth to muffle her sobs. Upon hearing Leonel's words in front of her, for some reason, a feeling of tightness in her chest emerged. Even Leonel was unaware he was speaking to Chloe, not his mother, Agatha.
Chloe repeatedly wiped away her tears as they continued to flow. She was deeply moved by what Leonel was saying to her. She never expected that Leonel's struggle was genuinely sincere and not motivated by any ulterior motive. So, this past week, Leonel truly wanted her back in his arms.
Chloe allowed her hand to keep holding onto Leonel's hand.
She also allowed Leonel to ramble, speaking about their past, especially their relationship. She heard every word of regret and self-reproach directed towards himself. Hearing Leonel's words and remorseful feelings about his past behavior touched Chloe's heart. She could see that Leonel sincerely acknowledged his regrets. It made Chloe pause and think that Leonel truly regretted his actions this time.
Should she postpone her planned farewell? Meanwhile, not far from where she sat with her ex-husband, another man offered her a more complete love.
Chloe was filled with uncertainty.