My Blind Wife Wants Divorced

“Papa hopes so, Ma. Whatever we can do to calm down this strange news, especially regarding Chloe and Leonel’s relationship, we should do it. Let the public know that their relationship is fine. At least if Chloe insists, wait until six months after this news subsides.”

Agatha seemed to be thinking, but she eventually agreed with what her husband said. “I’ll try talking to Chloe.”

“Without Chloe’s help, we can’t move anywhere, and it could destroy Grisham. Chloe is a broad-minded woman. Papa knows that. Papa knows we shouldn’t discuss this, but what else can we do? It seems like this is the only way.”

***

Peni smiled brightly. Chloe had finished the porridge she had prepared for this afternoon’s meal. She ate slowly and still showed signs of pain on her face, but she tried her best to eat. She said, “If I don’t eat, I won’t be able to take my medicine. I won’t recover quickly, Peni.”

That was true. Fortunately, Peni didn’t have to persuade her too much. As long as Peni accompanied Chloe during her treatment, her emotions were well controlled. Initially, Peni felt exhausted by Chloe’s anger, but it turned out that the anger stemmed from a long-held heartache.

Peni tried to balance it out, and it worked. Peni no longer felt worried but was happy to accompany Chloe, who had a sincere and kind heart.

“Yes, Miss. Hopefully, your gastric acid will calm down by tomorrow. I’ll remember that you can’t skip meals. I apologize for my carelessness.”

“Huh?” Chloe laughed. “Why are you apologizing? It’s not your fault. I didn’t care for myself even though Rossa offered me food.”

Peni looked closely at her employer because, for some reason, a sense of sadness appeared on her face. Even though they had talked about pleasant things during their meal earlier, why did it suddenly change? Peni tried to recall that they didn’t discuss last night’s party, as she wanted to know, not to interfere. But she wondered about Chloe’s condition while being with Leonel. Was her male employer mistreating Chloe? Or were there other bad things haunting Peni’s thoughts?

But she didn’t dare to voice any of that. She observed every visible part of Chloe’s body. Were there bruises, scratches, or signs of being punched? Luckily, none of that was present. Peni was grateful to know that. Although there were still questions in her heart, at least her suspicion of Leonel mistreating her employer didn’t seem to be true. If that were to happen, Peni would be disappointed with her boss.

“Maybe it’s because I’m angry with myself and the situation that I’ve been overthinking,” Chloe said softly. “That’s why the illness I haven’t felt for a long time has resurfaced.”

Peni gently rubbed Chloe’s back and hand, afraid that her touch might startle her employer and elicit a disapproving expression for daring to act this way. But luckily, that didn’t happen. Chloe’s eyes met Peni’s directly.

“Thank you for caring for me, Peni,” she said.

“Don’t be like that, Miss,” Peni looked displeased when Chloe spoke in such a manner. “I must take care of and protect you. I feel sad when you’re in pain like earlier.”

Chloe smiled sincerely. “For my life right now, you mean a lot. I’m grateful to have you by my side.”

Peni couldn’t help but smile in return. “Let me take these plates to the kitchen first, Miss.”

Just as she said that a knock on Chloe’s bedroom door could be heard; Peni hurriedly made her way to the door to open it. “Miss,” she greeted the visitor warmly as she saw who it was this afternoon.

“How’s Chloe doing?” Agatha asked with a wide smile. She trusted the patient assistant by Chloe’s side. Last night, Agatha had been troubled several times because her daughter-in-law went out with Leonel. When asked why she was so impatient, Peni said, “I’m worried about Miss Chloe, Ma. I’m afraid something bad might happen to her.”

So she always entrusted Chloe to be with Peni. Including any reports she requested from Peni; nothing was ever concealed. Everything was honestly communicated.

“Thank God, she’s much better now. Chloe just finished eating her porridge. She can’t overeat, right, Ma? The important thing is to have some food in her stomach.”

“You’re right,” Agatha gently patted Peni’s shoulder. “Thank you for taking care of my daughter-in-law so well.”

“It’s my duty, Mrs. Agatha.” Peni smiled, then continued, “Excuse me for a moment, Mrs. Would you like me to make some jasmine tea? It seems Rossa made some low-sugar cookies earlier.”

“Sure. Thank you, Pen.”

Agatha let the servant leave. Chloe’s bedroom door was closed once again. Even though she was used to being around this room, she accompanied Chloe to pass the time because her daughter-in-law’s room was quite spacious. The balcony in this room was the same. Enjoying the sunset together on the patio sometimes became their favorite time. But now, because the purpose was not just small talk, she needed to prepare herself mentally.

What was Agatha Theodore’s slightest wish? To see her friend’s daughter, Grita Anastasia Kenanga, happy with her son. Since they were children, the two had often discussed the possibility of an arranged marriage. She dreamed of spending much time with grandchildren running around making noise. Although, in reality, those were just sweet memories that Agatha could cherish.

Grita had left her first. Making Agatha promise to take care of her only daughter, Chloe Delilah. But what was apparent now was that her son kept making Chloe sad. And now, just as her heart was starting to understand that perhaps love couldn’t be forced, Chloe’s happiness was waiting outside, faltering.

It felt somewhat selfish to ask Chloe for understanding, but what could be said when this was for the greater good of everyone? If they didn’t do this, Chloe would also be affected. The journalists wouldn’t hesitate to chase after her and dig up stories. They might even delve into the rarely touched aspects of the Grisham family.

“Mama?” Chloe called out cheerfully. “It’s unusual for you to come home in the afternoon?” She started to get up from her chair with its soft cushion.

“Oh, no need to get up. Mama’s already here,” Agatha hurriedly touched Chloe’s back. She smiled while tidying her daughter-in-law’s hair. Chloe’s radiance was evident in her eyes. “Peni said you’re much better now?”

“Yes.”Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

“Thank goodness,” Agatha sighed with relief.

Chloe smiled widely. Then they had many conversations about ordinary topics. It was mostly filled with things happening in the house, just small talk before Agatha brought up the main issue now.

“Oh, dear, Mama wants to talk, but with a request.”

“A request?” Chloe asked without a hint of suspicion. “What kind of request, Mom?”

“Regarding your divorce. Can Mama ask for it to be postponed? Or at least give Leonel a chance?”

Chloe blinked in confusion. It felt like a sudden tightness in her chest, affecting her breathing. “I don’t understand what you mean, Mom.”

“Cancel your divorce. Give Leonel a chance to change, dear.”

Chloe fell silent.

“Please, dear, Mama’s begging you.”