My Blind Wife Wants Divorced

Chloe mustered the courage to see her mother-in-law lying weak on the hospital bed. Despite her improved condition, Chloe could still sense the unexpressed pain in Agatha’s eyes. No, Chloe couldn’t see it yet, but the sadness in Agatha’s voice clearly indicated what lay deep in her heart. She wanted to curse Leonel because he was the source of the problems in the Grisham family. Other Grisham relatives had bombarded Chloe herself regarding the widely circulating news.

“Chloe can’t say anything, Aunt, Uncle. Forgive me. But once again, something must have got Leonel into this mess.”

That was all Chloe could say. She didn’t want to get too involved in Leonel’s affairs because she was terrified of feeling sorry for her soon-to-be ex-husband. She reaffirmed her determination not to delay or leave any room for reconciliation. What Leonel had done was more than enough.

“Are you daydreaming, dear?” Agatha asked, observing Chloe, who seemed unfocused. She sat beside her, occasionally holding Agatha’s hand, asking about many things, especially Agatha’s health issues. Chloe would sometimes complain about Agatha neglecting her vitamin intake and diet.

And there was also the matter of Leonel, which Agatha was excessively concerned about. It could be why Josh collapsed after a meeting with one of Robby’s essential clients. As usual, Agatha accompanied her husband and occasionally took notes on important matters. Robby had his secretary, but as one of the commissioners of Mountain, he needed to be informed about the progress of meetings he deemed necessary.

The widely circulating news disturbed the stability of Mountain’s stocks, Agatha admitted. Leonel had also tried to rebuild the shattered trust, especially after the press conference held by Ester’s team. That had shocked Agatha. Leonel was undoubtedly in an even more difficult situation. What did Ester want?

Agatha was aware of the widely circulated press releases. They had left her shocked and caused her to faint.

“No, Mom,” Chloe smiled. The bright white light had already filled her vision. Some other colors were also visible. Chloe could vaguely see Agatha’s facial expressions. It wasn’t clear which parts of Agatha’s face were visible, but she was grateful to be at this point. The point where she felt she would soon recover.

“But Mama sees that you’re not listening to Mama’s words.” Agatha understood why her daughter-in-law seemed distracted. “Mama knows this request is complicated for you to fulfill, right?” she said sadly. “Mama doesn’t know how to ask for forgiveness so that you can postpone the ongoing divorce process. Chris is just waiting for your command, dear.”

Chloe smiled. “No, Mom. I don’t want any more delays. When Mama recovers and returns home, Chloe also asks permission to say goodbye.”

“Goodbye?” Agatha blinked, looking at her daughter-in-law in disbelief. “Why do you have to leave? It’s your home, isn’t it?”

Chloe knew it would be difficult to say her honest intentions, but she couldn’t leave without saying goodbye, right? She had been accepted so well by Agatha and Robby. It would be very unethical to leave abruptly.

“Yes, Mom. I’m going back to Grandma’s house. Chloe misses my room there.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Agatha sighed deeply. “Are you going, dear?” She touched Chloe’s face with her free hand, feeling her cheek. Her gentle touch sensed Chloe’s face. “Leaving me?”

“It’s not like that, Mom.” Chloe became a little flustered. “I need time to think about her life so far.”

Agatha fell silent. “But… can the divorce be postponed? At least until Leonel can recover from this cheap gossip?”

Chloe didn’t look away from Agatha. Her heart began to calculate what would happen to her, but she couldn’t continue like this. “Chloe won’t move out before Leonel’s issues are resolved. But the divorce process will still proceed, Mom. Chloe can’t postpone the filing anymore.”

Agatha sighed in resignation.

“Forgive me, Mom. This is for the best. Chloe can’t keep burning herself in a relationship with Leonel. Please, Mom, understand Chloe as well.”

What Chloe said was true. If Agatha were the one going through this, she couldn’t imagine the pain in her heart. She had endured and tried to be patient and strong for years, but humans have limits. And this was the limit Chloe could give after what Leonel had done to her.

“Yes, dear. Thank you.”

“Forgive me, Mom. For me, both you and Dad have been like parents. Chloe loves and respects you both. But that’s not enough to make Chloe continue walking with you, right?”

Agatha nodded. She gently adjusted a strand of her daughter-in-law’s hair with great tenderness. “This time, Mama accepts it willingly. Please pray for and help Leonel as well, dear. Let his problems be resolved soon.”

Chloe didn’t know how to respond. She chose the safest way to do so-by smiling.

***

Darren couldn’t take his eyes off Chloe since earlier. This time, the woman wore a plain chiffon dress and loose pants. She no longer wore glasses or used a cane but still needed guidance from Peni, who was always faithful by her side. The man didn’t expect his lunch invitation to be responded to positively.

“How is Mrs. Agatha doing?” Darren asked, unable to hide his curiosity. As one of the doctors taking care of the Grisham family, specifically Chloe, he was aware of the latest condition of Mrs. Grisham. Dr. Eduardo also updated Agatha Theodore’s incentive treatment at the hospital where he practiced.

And this was also the reason Darren wanted to meet Chloe. Regardless of the scolding he might receive from Leonel, his heart couldn’t contain his longing for the gentle-hearted Chloe Delilah.

“I’m fine, Doctor,” Chloe replied.

Darren cleared his throat loudly, causing Chloe to laugh. “Sorry, I’m too used to it, Darren.”

“We have met several times, Chloe. I feel like I’m treating you in my practice room.”

Chloe continued to laugh at herself.

“How about you?” This question was about something other than what Darren saw but how Chloe was doing after all the news. Darren was quite surprised because he didn’t expect what happened within the Grisham family. Although he had suspected a few things, they were merely his thoughts. But as the news unfolded, everything written there seemed natural.

“I’m fine.”

“Do you know about the rumors?” Darren asked slowly, afraid of hurting the woman’s feelings, who now had a faint smile. He played with the straw in his drink. There were food crumbs at the corner of her lips. He wanted to wipe them away, but his courage was dwindling.

He was also afraid that the hard-earned closeness they had built would be destroyed just like that because of his overstepping.

“I know. I know everything,” Chloe replied calmly.

“You seem pretty calm, Chloe. Are you sure?” Darren asked, unable to believe it.

“I’m sure. What else should I feel? I’ve known about my husband’s affair for a long time.” Chloe spoke without burden. She didn’t mind sharing what she had been hiding in front of the man who knew her kind heart. She also welcomed Adrianna’s opinion if she wanted to express it.

Darren’s eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t expect his assumptions to be confirmed by Chloe herself. He had assumed for a long time that the couple’s relationship was not good, but he didn’t expect Chloe to speak about it so casually. He couldn’t imagine that Chloe had been cheated on for so long, and Oh God, how strong must her heart be to endure all of that?

“I didn’t expect that.”

“No need for any assumptions, Darren. I also want to make my status clear to Leonel. Somehow, little by little, I feel like I’m letting go of what I used to hold on to, and it’s making me feel much better. My recovery process is also progressing quickly. You know that, right?”

Darren just nodded briefly. His gaze remained fixed on Chloe’s black eyes. Those eyes were perfectly round and so beautiful. That’s why Darren was grateful for Chloe’s improving condition because he hoped to see himself reflected in those beautiful eyes.

“I hope there won’t be anything else that could make me delay it any longer.”

“I don’t know what to say, Chloe. I’m just shocked by your confession.”

Chloe laughed. “You’re right. I rarely share information, especially about something so personal as this. But you’re my friend, Darren. I’m glad to have a new friend who’s fun to talk to.”

A smile spread across Darren’s face. His chest swelled and deflated as he listened to Chloe’s words. Even if their relationship was now within the scope of friendship, it didn’t matter. And when Chloe was indeed on her own, he wouldn’t hesitate to capture the attention of the woman who, in his eyes, was kind-hearted. He wouldn’t waste the opportunity to get closer to Chloe.

Definitely.

Whatever decision you make, I support it, Sa. Even if it’s the worst decision, I’ll still help you. Because you know best why you made that decision.”

Hearing Darren say that made Chloe’s heart even more joyful. Not because she decided to divorce Leonel. No, it wasn’t that. It was more about what she would do next after the separation. She had suffered enough. Freeing herself from the shackles of pain was necessary to continue living. Although divorce was frowned upon in the eyes of God, Chloe took this path for her well-being.

Moreover, what did Chloe expect when her request echoed to Leonel? Proof of Leonel’s seriousness in improving himself? In reality, her husband remained the same. He only wanted what was best for himself. Especially when faced with problems. He was only concerned about his company without considering Chloe, who was already disappointed. There was a tiny hope for Leonel to understand her reasons for seeking a divorce. But unfortunately, Leonel was too blind due to his preoccupations.

All he cared about was his reputation and his name.

Even someone else who his past actions had hurt, Leonel, didn’t care. Although there was a slight hope that Leonel would talk, whether to apologize, explain himself, restrain himself, or there were many things he could do, right? Not just showing that he was innocent in public. But he was pulling back the attention of Chloe, who was starting to drift away.

That’s what strengthened Chloe’s resolve. There was no longer any chance she could give to Leonel. She knew, she understood, what Leonel was doing out there. Chloe was also a wife, right? Why wasn’t she allowed to be involved? Why was she sidelined as if what she was going through now hindered Leonel’s goals? Oh God, remembering her assumptions about Leonel made her angry at herself.

“Chloe,” Darren called with a slightly panicked face. Darren quickly read Chloe’s rapid change in expression. Their sitting position, facing each other, made it easy for Darren to observe Chloe. Not only to admire how beautiful this woman’s face was.

“Yes?” Chloe blinked. “Ah, sorry, I wasn’t focused.”

Darren smiled faintly. “Is there something on your mind?”

Chloe quickly shook her head. “Oh yeah, about Bandung. Have you found a place that you mentioned would suit me?”

Darren couldn’t hide his cheerful expression. “Yes, I have. That’s why I invited you for lunch, Sa. We can also discuss this.”

“Oh… I can’t wait to hear it.”

“It might be a long discussion, though. Are you free?” Darren deliberately tried to catch Chloe’s attention.

“I am.”

Darren’s smile widened. Lord, forgive me for wanting this woman to be mine in the future. I don’t care about her past. I wish to Chloe. I also don’t want to do anything strange to her right now. Allow me to continue being in her life. To be by her side. And eventually, to have her at the right time.