"Are you... really okay with me being here for a while?" Chloe asked with a worried tone. Her eyes gazed sadly at Darren, who was about to get into his car.
"Why would it be a problem?" Darren smiled faintly, tucking Chloe's stray hair behind her ear. "I'm not bothered, Sa. Who would want this to happen? Even though I don't like Leonel being around you lately, it doesn't mean I'm happy about this misfortune happening to him."
Chloe fell silent.
"You and the Grisham family are close, Chloe. I can feel their sincerity towards you. Even when I was still your Doctor, I knew they were good people. Despite Leonel's treatment towards you, I admit they are parents who should set a good example. Unfortunately, their son didn't think in that direction."
Chloe chuckled at Darren's remark. "If Leonel didn't act up, wouldn't we just be doctor and patient?"
Darren looked deeply into Chloe's eyes after hearing her say that. Then he laughed. "Oh my, Lord. You're right." Once again, he pulled Chloe into his embrace.
"Let go of me, Darren," Chloe protested, pushing against his chest slightly. Unfortunately, he was reluctant to release her.
"Your words just dispelled my worries, Sa. Honestly, I was scared," Darren whispered. His words made Chloe stop trying to free herself. She couldn't explain why she heard such a strong sense of love and possessiveness in Darren's voice.
"What are you afraid of?" Chloe asked.
"I'm afraid you'll turn away from me because of Leonel's condition."
"What?" Chloe pushed Darren again, but he refused to let go. "Darren!"
"Wait, Chloe. Listen to me," Darren tightened his embrace. "This is my fear, Sa. Seeing how worried you are about Leonel. And earlier in the room, you were so focused on him."
"You... saw that?" Chloe asked incredulously. "That... that's not what you think, Darren."
"I don't want to know what you two talked about, Chloe. I don't care. As long as in your heart, there's only me; personally, Leonel is just an outsider who knows nothing. Even though you once lived under the same roof, your understanding level is very different from mine, right?
Chloe fell silent.
"I love you with all my heart, Chloe. I want happiness for you. I would be even happier if I could be the one to bring you happiness until the end of our lives. But even if...," Darren released his embrace on Chloe. He gazed intensely at the woman he loved. Her face looked so beautiful under the dazzling sunlight. Luckily, Darren's parking spot wasn't directly exposed to the sun.
"Even if it's not me who brings you happiness, I'll accept it."
"Darren," Chloe quickly spoke. "I know it might be painful for you to accompany me here. But all I can say is I'm only worried about Leonel. This worry won't turn into love. My love for Leonel has died. Maybe there are still unfulfilled hopes in my ego right now. But I believe you can fulfill them, right?"
A wide smile spread across Darren's face. "Of course. Tell me what you want, and I'll make it happen."
"Now, you should go, Darren. Time is passing. I'm afraid your workload will pile up. Don't be too late to pick me up here, okay?"
"Alright." Darren laughed happily. He gently caressed Chloe's blushing cheek. "I love you, Chloe."
"I love you too," Chloe replied with a sweet smile as sweet as honey.
***
"Have Mama and Papa arrived yet?" Chloe asked when she returned to the corridor where they had met Chris. He was still sitting there, occasionally busy with his phone and engaged in a serious conversation.
"Not yet. They're still on their way."
Chloe nodded in understanding. "Has Leonel... regained consciousness?" she asked cautiously. Her eyes glanced towards the open door. She felt there might be a visit from the medical team to reexamine Leonel's condition.
"He has."
Chloe let out a slow breath. "But why are you here, Mr. Chris? Aren't you accompanying Leonel?"
"The medical team is observing Leonel's leg, Chloe. There's a significant fracture in his shin."
The woman exclaimed in surprise. "Is it serious?"
"We'll wait for the doctor's update."
"Will I be allowed to go in?"
Chris looked at Chloe with a furrowed brow. "Are you kidding? Leonel would be happy to be visited by you, Chloe."
Chloe's smile turned awkward.
"Sometimes I feel so sorry for Leonel's life lately. Especially since he chose to separate from you," Chris said to Chloe. Not receiving a response from the woman beside him, Chris continued, "Although that separation was partly due to Leonel facilitating your decision back then."
Chloe furrowed her brows in confusion. She didn't understand why Chris suddenly brought up this topic.
"And then?" Chloe asked again.
"After you separated, we all know that Leonel was also preoccupied with Mountain. You know what happened, right?"
Chloe chose to nod.
"After everything was revealed, Leonel did plan to get closer to you again. At least he wanted to apologize and improve himself."
"I've heard those words from him many times, Mr. Chris," Chloe said with a hint of displeasure. "But there has never been any evidence until now. Ah, maybe until the past week."
Chris chuckled as he listened to Chloe's words. "Leonel chose to stay in the company and prioritize Mountain. That's Leonel's selfishness, Chloe. There's a great fear of rejection when he thinks about you. His days are filled with regret for his decision to separate from you. Even since he chose to separate from you, Leonel hasn't thought about Ester anymore. It's not because Ester is now in jail." Chris paused, observing Chloe's silent reaction to his words.
"Everything that Leonel is fighting for is indeed too late, Chloe. But as his closest person, I can't just blame him like that. He carries a great responsibility on his shoulders with Mountain in his hands. There are thousands of people working under Mountain. You know that, right? If he doesn't fight to stabilize Mountain, what will happen to all of them? Although, he had to let go of something. And that's you."
Chloe sighed. "When was he ever not busy? I can count it on my fingers. Throughout our five years together, did he ever think about me? Ah, I was foolish. He was having fun with other women, wasn't he?" Chloe laughed bitterly. "So, if you now tell me how great his struggles are, what about me?"
Chris fell silent.
That also made the atmosphere awkward and quiet.
"Leonel just wants one chance to show his determination, Chloe," Chris said softly.
"Are you sure about what you just said?" Chloe asked Chris, who now nodded firmly.
"Of course, I'm sure about what I said. Besides, Leonel always tells me everything he feels, especially his feelings for you. His work takes up much of his time, but he always thinks of ways to be close to you. Unfortunately, Mountain needs Leonel. Layson Group's actions have forced Leonel to make many difficult decisions. I don't expect your understanding. But that's the reality," Chris said firmly.
No, he didn't expect anything from what he just said. He didn't want to disturb Chloe's happiness because he had witnessed Chloe's closeness with another man. If destiny doesn't bring Chloe and Leonel together, Chris can't force anything.
Chloe remained silent and tried to digest what Chris had said to her. Doubts began to creep back into her heart. Had she made the right choice? To stay with Darren or go back to Leonel? Especially after hearing Chris' explanation, Chloe felt Leonel truly regretted his actions.
Moreover, Leonel's words in the hospital room kept echoing in her mind.
"But unfortunately, I'm hesitant to give Leonel another chance. Because I feel that if someone has hurt you before, they will likely hurt you again. That's why I choose to stay with Darren. Am I wrong in thinking this?" Chloe asked Chris, who was suddenly silent upon hearing her words.
"I can't guarantee your future with Leonel. Is he truly remorseful for his past actions? Will he avoid repeating the same mistakes? I don't know, and I can't ensure you won't be hurt again," Chris said wisely. "Now, it's all up to you, Chloe. You're the one who knows where your heart wants to spend the rest of your life."
The cup of tea Tia made for her this time remained untouched. She wore a long coat to cover her thin sleepwear. The air that brushed against her skin was enough to make her hair stand on end, but she ignored it. Her mind was full. The alternating pressures she felt this time made her chest feel constricted as if being choked by large, suffocating hands. She still remembered the events at the hospital, especially her argument with Darren.
Chloe thought Darren could somewhat understand her, but she was wrong. No, Chloe didn't blame Darren entirely. She had a part to play in this, as she initiated it. Considering the closeness between Agatha and Robby, she should have kept her distance, which could lead to prolonged misunderstandings.
At the hospital a few hours ago.
"Chloe," someone called out with a familiar voice. Chloe immediately turned toward the source of the sound. It was Agatha Theodore, accompanied by a familiar figure—Robby Grisham. Chloe greeted them both warmly, and Agatha immediately hugged Chloe tightly, tears streaming down her face.
"Leonel, Chloe. Leonel," she said between sobs.
"Yes, Ma. Stay strong, Ma. I believe Leonel is strong enough to get through all of this."
Agatha continued sobbing in Chloe's embrace. The news of her son's accident a while ago had shattered her world. The son she had raised with love and let go for the sake of his passion ended up like this. The last message she received on her phone informed her that Leonel was on his way back to New York City.
"Ma, please sit down. Let me get you something to drink," Chloe said, gently guiding the beloved woman to the chair she had been sitting in. Chris stood up and chose to talk with Robby about the latest news regarding Leonel.
"No need, Chloe," Agatha speak.
Chloe looked at the woman with concern. Agatha Theodore had a condition that could quickly worsen upon hearing sudden news. Chloe hadn't forgotten how she had cared for Agatha when Mountain was in a critical condition some time ago.
They held each other's hands.
"Have you been here all this time?" Agatha asked Chloe, who seemed lost in thought.
"Yes, Ma."
"How is Leonel doing?"
Chloe glanced at Chris, who was the first to speak.
"Thank God Leonel is truly lucky and protected. God's blessings are always near His servants, Mrs. Agatha."
Agatha looked at Chris with teary eyes.
"Leonel regained consciousness a while ago. He's also showing significant improvements in his condition after waking up from the coma," Chris added, receiving relieved sighs from both Agatha and Robby.
"Thank God," they both said almost simultaneously.
Chloe herself couldn't stop feeling grateful for Leonel's current condition.
"But it seems the medical team wants to speak with the family. I'm waiting for you, Mrs. and Mr. Robby, to meet with them," Chris said, looking intently at Agatha, who hesitated momentarily before nodding in agreement.
"Is Leonel's condition worrisome?" Agatha asked before the two of them left.
"The doctor hasn't given a comprehensive update, Mrs. Agatha. Only mentioned that the accident significantly affected the bones around his calf and stomach."
"Oh my God," Agatha whispered, covering her mouth. "Do your best, dear. If this hospital is inadequate, we'll move Leonel. That's what I want, Mama."
Robby approached his wife and gently patted her shoulder. Just like the woman who had been by his side for so long, his heart shattered upon hearing the news of their son's accident. He often heard Agatha crying in her room while Leonel was still unconscious. Their fears were equally strong. Almost every night, they prayed to God, hoping for His mercy. They wanted Leonel to wake up and get through the critical phase.
"Papa will do everything possible for Leonel." Then Robby's gaze shifted to the woman sitting next to his wife, the woman he had considered his daughter. It made Robby wonder if permitting Leonel to pursue this woman and return home was the right decision because the result of that permission had led Leonel to the brink of death.
If it weren't for God's miracle, they might still be in a funeral home today.
Oh, no! Robby shouldn't think like that! He also drove the permission he had given how he wished for Chloe to return to Leonel. To build a marriage with a much better start. Both of them are working on self-improvement, especially Leonel. It wasn't Chloe's fault that all of this happened. He couldn't blame Chloe for what had happened.
"Accompany Mama, Sa. Papa and Chris will go to the doctor's room first."
"Yes, Pa." Chloe quickly obeyed Robby's words.
Meanwhile, Chloe tried to calm Agatha's restlessness.
"Ma hopes Leonel wakes up soon. But you weren't here at that time, Chloe."
Chloe furrowed her brow. "What do you mean, Ma?"
Agatha smiled slightly, turning to Chloe, looking at her intently. "Have you ever thought that Leonel woke up because of your visit today?"
Chloe fell silent.
"I'm sure it's because of your presence, Chloe. Leonel wants to see you."
Chloe shook her head softly. "No, Ma. Ma knows it herself, right? It is the third time I've come here. Leonel hasn't stabilized yet, and thankfully, our prayers have been heard, and he woke up."
Agatha chuckled, trying to refute Chloe's statement. "We're very grateful for your presence today, Sa. Because of you, Leonel regained consciousness. I hope you stay by his side," Agatha said to Chloe, who remained silent.
Chloe blinked slowly.
"You should know that Leonel loves you very much and regrets his past actions. Also, he never thinks about the girl who once hurt him again. Even in New York City, Leo spends his time just working. He never thinks of replacing you in his heart," Agatha added.
Those words made Chloe pursed her lips once again.
"Is there... no chance at all, Chloe?"
***
Chloe had packed her bags. She had partially dried her previously wet hair and let the rest dry naturally. She lightly applied makeup to her face, ensuring her appearance was perfect.
"Peni," she called out somewhat loudly. She was afraid Peni was out of earshot.
"Yes, Miss."
Well, as expected. Peni's voice sounded distant. She might be tidying up the living room where she spent time with Darren last night. Unfortunately, they seemed to have forgotten that today was an important day for them.
They were going to Santa Monica.
Peni hurriedly entered Chloe's room. Her face couldn't hide her surprise. "Wow."
"Why 'wow'?"
"Oh... You look so beautiful, Miss."
Chloe smiled shyly. "Really?"
"Yes. I wouldn't lie!" Peni approached Chloe, tidying the edge of her dress. "I'm so happy that you've finally made the right decision. Forgive me for being involved, but truly, I want you to be happy."
Chloe nodded slowly. "I understand."
"Tia, Brad, and all the employees at the café always pray for the best for you."
"Thank you, Peni." Chloe extended her arms, gesturing for Peni to come and hug her from the corner of her eye. Peni couldn't refuse that, could she? "Thank you so much for accompanying me here. It has often been a place for me to share my grievances."
"You're welcome, Miss. Thank you also for not sending me back to the foundation."
Chloe chuckled. "Pray that our plans receive blessings."
"Always, Miss Chloe. Always."
Only a short time after, Budi climbed the stairs hastily. "Miss Chloe," he called out, panting.
"Why are you running, Bras?" Chloe asked, with a crease on her forehead. "Is something important?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Budi said, grinning. "Mr. Darren is downstairs. He's ready to leave with you."
Chloe sighed. "What did you think!"
Brad chuckled. "Where's your suitcase, Ma'am? I'll bring it. Tia also prepared some snacks if you want to eat in the car."
"Just say it's Darren's request to Tia. Right?"
They all laughed in the end. Their hearts were filled with happiness. Their prayers were the same: may Chloe find her joy this time. They all relied on one person: Darren, who was already at the doorstep, waiting for Chloe to come down from the second floor of her house.
After saying goodbye to everyone in Chloe's house, Darren drove the car at an average speed, ensuring nothing was left behind.
"Are you ready, Chloe?"
Chloe turned her head, then smiled confidently. "I'm ready."