My Blind Wife Wants Divorced

Leonel appeared restless in his seat. Occasionally, he would get up and observe the room where his mother lay weak with oxygen in her mouth and nose. The news Leonel had just received was indeed worrying enough. Never before had he seen his mother lying helpless like that. There was a piercing pain in his heart. Even a class meeting to mend their somewhat strained working relationship due to the increasingly strong rumors was left behind because he feared something would happen to his mother.

As far as he knew his mother’s medical history, nothing was too severe. Their family’s doctor, who regularly checked both parents’ health, also said there was nothing to worry about Agatha Theodore’s current condition. However, as a child who had never seen his parents in such a weakened state, no matter how mature he was, that fear remained strong.

Not to mention that he mainly caused his mother’s condition. If it weren’t for his actions, the news he hated so much that had already spread widely, and the many people’s views that, according to Leonel, sought opportunities for their interests, he would be in a normal state. His plan to seize the opportunity with Chloe must be carefully considered. He would continue to seize every opportunity and do whatever it takes for Chloe.

But this situation prevented him from moving much. He needed to deal with something far more critical immediately, and only then could he think about what he needed to do to win Chloe back. It had to be done.

“Chloe,” he called as soon as he saw the figure he recognized coming with his assistant. His face looked worried, but when he heard Leonel’s voice calling, there was a hint of displeasure.

“Peni, where is Papa?” Chloe asked, brushing off Leonel’s hand. But it seemed the man didn’t want to be outdone by Chloe, as he embraced her to bring her closer. Leonel could hear Chloe’s annoyed growl and see the sharp glare from his wife. But Leonel didn’t care.

He needed Chloe by his side to some extent.

“Papa hasn’t arrived, Chloe. He’s busy with many meetings. I’m the one taking care of Mama.”

Chloe ignored the statement, choosing to walk in any direction because she needed to see clearly where the waiting chairs were.

“Here, Chloe,” said the quick-witted Leonel. He gently urged Chloe to follow his directions. “You sit here. This is close to Mama’s room for treatment. If there’s something serious, the doctor will inform us immediately. But hopefully, there’s nothing to worry about.” Leonel held Chloe’s hand slightly. He looked at her tenderly, even though his heart was in turmoil.

He hoped that what he was doing could melt his wife’s cold demeanor even slightly. But she didn’t react at all. She sealed her mouth shut. She only gave a nod in response to Leonel’s words. All he could do was let out a slow sigh.

His business at the office still needed to be finished, and the rumors were dragging him down further. Leonel was one hundred percent sure that his mother was experiencing this shock because of today’s news. It clearly showed a circulated photo of Leonel carrying Ester to a hotel. His eyes closed in anger at this increasingly chaotic news. He had also consulted with his father and Chris about holding a press conference, but they had yet to respond.

Leonel was furious because all this news had a significant impact on him. His frustration intensified because only some people could trace the coordinated spreader of the information, primarily through the official website of the political party where Ester belonged, which would hold a press conference. He was curious about what Ester would say there.

Moreover, he couldn’t personally contact Ester for some reason. There were many things that Leonel wanted to discuss, not just personal matters, but because it concerned the circulating rumors. He didn’t like the past affair to be revealed just like that. Not only would Ester’s reputation plummet, but Leonel would also suffer, and the rumors significantly affect Mountain Pte’s performance for the coming years. He needed to make a great effort to maintain stability in the company, and now, everything was hanging by a thread.

“Have you eaten?” Leonel asked, realizing that Chloe had not said a word. “Or would you like a cup of coffee?”

“No,” Chloe replied shortly.

“A snack?”

No response.

“But I haven’t eaten yet, Chloe.”

“That’s your problem.”

Leonel let out a soft sigh. “Chloe,” he called softly. “Can you please not be so cold towards me, even more so in a situation like this?”

Chloe sneered sarcastically. “You need brain therapy, Leonel.”

“Let’s say I do need it, but seriously, Sa. I’m helpless right now. Everything is weighing me down, and now my biggest fear is for Mama. I’m afraid something bad will happen to Mama, Sa.”

“I don’t think so. I hope not. Mama is a good person; God will always protect her.”

“If someone is evil, don’t they receive God’s protection?” Leonel asked with a thin smirk. The response alone deflated his spirits. Reflexively, Leonel held his wife’s hand again.

“I’m not God,” Chloe quickly replied, brushing off Leonel’s hand once more. Although she knew it was impossible because she could feel his hand grasping hers. How annoying.

“Accompany me for a meal?”

“I won’t leave Mama just to have a meal with you, Leonel.”

“Oh my. I don’t intend to eat out. We can order delivery, but achy me. It’s been so long since you accompanied me while eating.”

“I’m always by your side, Leonel. And it bothers me when you don’t acknowledge my presence. So now, don’t make it seem like you’re the victim.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Leonel pursed his lips, wanting to say something, but what Chloe said was true. He longed to be back in the past, but why? Why did he ask for that now? Wasn’t it too late? Chloe didn’t even want to accept his apologies. She wanted to hear only a few words from him. Instead, he was by Chloe’s side and was regarded as a cruel enemy.

All because of whom? Himself. Maybe he wouldn’t feel this suffocating sensation if he could see Chloe even a little. Everything was tangled up, leaving Leonel helpless. “Forgive me,” he whispered. That was all he could say to Chloe-hoping this woman, still his wife, would forgive him.

“Maybe I can forgive you, Leonel. Just calm down; God is forgiving.”

A smile began to appear on Leonel’s face. He also looked at Chloe, hopefully. “Is that true?”

“But it’s more challenging than forgetting everything you’ve done, Leonel. Even the exhale of your breath reminds me of the foolishness I experienced for five years.”

Leonel closed his eyes again. “I understand.”

“I hope you will soon sign our divorce papers. I’ve asked Chris not to hold back on anything, including your affairs with the circulating rumors. I don’t care what people out there say about me. They can curse or bless your relationship for all I care. It’s up to them. I don’t care at all.”

“Why?” Leonel asked softly. His eyes pleaded with Chloe. “Isn’t there even a slight chance for me, Chloe?”

“No, and I insist on this, Leonel.”

“Can’t you see Mama?” Leonel pointed towards the tightly closed room. “Mama is like this because of the burden I’ve placed on her, and she hopes you’ll be by her side, Sa. I know I’m guilty. I understand that I caused the chaos and need to resolve it properly. Without harming anyone, including you.”

“But I don’t care, Leonel,” Chloe quickly interjected. “When I think about it, it’s as if you’re hiding behind me. All the rumors about the two of you could be erased by suddenly categorizing our relationship as romantic. I don’t know what the media is playing out there. I want to live as I am without pressure from anyone, including you, Leonel.”

Leonel growled in frustration, holding back his emotions.

“Your business is your business, and my business is my own. Don’t worry; I won’t reveal how despicable my husband is, who had an affair at his office desk. The one who shattered me to pieces and left me damaged like this,” Chloe pointed to her eyes. “I still greatly respect Mama Agatha and Papa Robby. I treat them as my biological parents, Leonel. I love them, but being near them while seeing vivid images of you sharing intimate moments with another woman, I can’t bear it.”

For some reason, Leonel’s eyes suddenly welled up.

“Forgive me for no longer being strong enough for you to use as a shield, Leonel.”

***

“Everything is ready, Miss,” Sofi informed. The schedule for the press conference had been set. She had memorized all the scripts she needed to bring. For certain parts, especially those containing tricky questions, journalists from unfamiliar sources often made it difficult for Ester to answer and provide a general view without speculating too much.

And she would leave those parts to her assistant and the party’s public relations team, who had already received briefings.

“It’s all set,” Ester replied quickly. “Is my makeup too conspicuous?”

Sofi shook her head with a thin smile. “No. Miss Ester always looks stunning. Once everything is clear, Miss Leo has already presented several new contracts. It seems there are many offers and support from various makeup and fashion brands. They all support Ester, rumored to have been forced and tempted by Mr. Leonel.”

Ester grinned. “It’s useful, isn’t it, this news?”

“A lot, Miss Ester. Well, although there are still many who don’t believe it, Mr. Josh made his words a reality. There are no negative reports about Miss Ester. I’ve noticed only a handful, and they are all overshadowed by the news about Mountain’s shares.”

Ester nodded in understanding. “Is Leonel still trying to contact me?”

“He is, Miss.” Sofi handed her phone over. “He’s sent many messages, but I didn’t dare open them.”

“Don’t. Just let it be. Leonel started all this, and this is the consequence,” Ester said with annoyance. “There’s no harm in following Josh’s advice, right, Sofi?”

“I don’t think so, Miss.” Sofi hesitated to answer, considering that everything could turn against Ester at any moment if there were an opportunity. This was the only opportunity for Ester to ride on sympathy. Fortunately, there weren’t many private matters posted on social media. So reporters could only connect some things to Leonel, including their long-standing affair.

If that news were to surface and evidence circulated, Sofi couldn’t imagine how everything related to Ester would crumble. She had spoken with Emir, Josh’s assistant, about Ester’s protection. Emir

Said, “We’ve handled everything well for Miss Ester, Miss. There’s no need to worry as long as Miss Ester cooperates. Josh Corp will do everything we can to support Miss Ester.”

Sofi felt somewhat relieved upon hearing that, although she had to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Who knew if there would be unexpected attacks?

“Miss, let’s go. Everything is ready,” Sofi said. She was slightly trembling because many questions would be directed at her. She couldn’t afford to misspeak and jeopardize everything they had tried to cover up.

“Okay.”

Sofi also sent a message to Emir to inform Josh about today’s press conference. She took a deep breath, placed the phone she had just used back in her pocket, and confidently walked alongside Ester.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Emir, who had just received a message from Sofi, immediately informed his boss. The boss, who appeared even more delighted, said, “Let’s witness the downfall of Mountain.”