My Blind Wife Wants Divorced

“How was the press conference earlier?” Ester asked cheerfully. The man in front of her took off his glasses and applauded. He appreciated that the woman under his control could play her role so well, even improvising about the incident in Cattle Village.

“Don’t let Leonel escape from Chloe. You know, my reputation is at stake,” he said.

“Don’t worry, Ester. I’ve taken care of everything. Thanks to you, Mountain’s stock movement is plummeting, making me very happy.”

“Why do you hold such a grudge against Mountain? Were you rejected from working there in the past?” Ester joked with a somewhat sarcastic tone.

“No, I never applied to be part of Mountain.” Josh chuckled, once again enjoying his meal. “Eat while you can eat with me. After this, you’ll be busy supporting Leonel and paying more attention to Agatha Theodore and Robby. Have you heard the news that Agatha is in the hospital? I think you should visit her.”

“Is that true?”

“I have no intention of deceiving you. Now, use your time to gain all the sympathy you can. Leonel will be very grateful to you later.”

Ester’s smile widened slightly. “I hope so.”

Josh chose to gaze at the bright evening sky. His goals were becoming more apparent. Mountain Pte was facing turmoil, and Leonel, the man he was targeting, sank further. The news that Ester had delivered earlier in the afternoon only made things worse for him. His downfall would be even more significant if he didn’t act quickly.

From his office, directly connected to Ester’s press conference broadcast, he listened carefully to every word she spoke and watched her ever-changing facial expressions. It depended on the topics addressed to her. But honestly, Ester’s facial expressions were mesmerizing. Josh was right to collaborate with her.

“Good afternoon, fellow journalists, media colleagues, and my fans listening to this explanation regarding the widespread news. I am shocked by the overwhelming response, and I thank you for the support flooding my personal Instagram comments. I apologize for not being able to respond to every comment but know that I truly appreciate the support and even the accusations. Here, I would like to provide clarification regarding the ongoing issue that has been circulating like a hot potato.” Ester smiled tightly. Her eyes carefully observed the people directing cameras at her, occasionally catching light flashes.

She was used to all this. However, this time, she had to choose her words carefully. She was afraid that this press conference might trap her. Speaking publicly like this not only risked tarnishing the reputation she had built but also jeopardized many things, including the contracts she had made. Management had warned her not to misspeak, even though they were aware of the situation and had briefed her before the press conference. In broad strokes, they knew what Ester would say.

“My relationship with Mr. Leonel Grisham has been exaggerated in the news. The collaboration with Mountain Pte has been discussed for a long time, and we just reached an agreement in Cattle Village. At that time, I did have a meeting with other parties.”

“Miss Ester confirms that Mr. Leonel was flirting with you?”

Ester smiled in response to the question. “I consider that meeting to be not a flirtation.”

“Then, Miss Ester confirms that an affair took place?”

“Is a meeting considered an affair?” Ester asked back. “I don’t consider it to be one, Miss, Sir. That’s why I’m here to clarify a few things. There may be some private matters that shouldn’t be spread, but you can analyze that a model working with the owner of the largest mall means there is a collaboration, not what they’re accusing.”

“But the hotel staff where Miss Ester stayed confirmed the widely circulated photos.”

Ester smiled understandingly. Her eyes focused on the journalist, who seemed impatient for her response. “That’s correct.”

“Did the collaboration also occur in one of the hotel rooms?”

That question suddenly silenced the commotion of overlapping questions. All eyes turned to the man who asked what they considered to be a personal matter.

“Sorry if my question is not well-received. Because I need to understand if the collaboration is carried like in the photos, my reliable source said that Mr. Leonel intimately embraced Miss Ester. So, does that mean an affair happened, or what, Miss? Not only me, of course. Here, the fans of Miss Ester, and many others, surely want a clear clarification regarding the photos circulating in the media.”

Ester still maintained her fake smile. She slightly brushed aside her long hair. “I understand the question, Sir.” A somewhat noisy commotion followed Ester’s statement. “That’s what press conferences are for, right?”

“Yes, Miss. So the public won’t have many questions.”

“Exactly, Miss Ester. To dispel public assumptions as well.”

“Yes. Miss’s fans must be waiting for the truth.”

Also, many other voices could be heard, getting louder. Ester ignored them. She chose to enjoy it because she knew the journalists were starting to take the bait. A sly smile played on the corner of her lips. Then she looked to her side, where Sofi was nodding slowly as a sign that the question matter could be answered, and she also saw the management team gathered around her. Leo’s side bounced as well.

Ester took a slow breath, suddenly lowering her face. Many flashes of light were directed at her. Some were in disarray, wondering what was happening and why Ester seemed to be concealing something.

“You’re right,” Ester began to speak. A sudden silence fell among them all. One by one, Ester observed their faces, hungry for news. It could be guaranteed that everything said here would quickly spread to the mass media once she finished speaking. There would also be many strange assumptions and speculations that would be scattered out there. But because of her words, Sofi and the management team were confident that Ester would garner much sympathy.

She had to be careful not to raise too many other questions. At least she knew how to attack.

“I was indeed offered a collaboration by Mountain Pte. and… forced by Mr. Leonel Grisham in some matters. Including…” Ester looked back at Sofi. “I can’t say it, my friends. It doesn’t feel very comfortable, but that’s what happened. I feel like I’ve become a seductive woman when I’m just a victim. You know how I’ve maintained my career all this time, right?”

“So, it’s true Leonel Grisham flirted with Miss Ester?”

“Is it the first time for me?”

“What was Leonel’s response after flirting with Miss Ester? Did it lead to them going to a hotel?”

“So, Leonel is indeed a notorious womanizer, Miss?”

“Did the collaboration agreement between you finally reach a consensus?”

Ester smiled wryly. “I can only speak up to this point. Please ask my assistant about other matters. Honestly, talking about this issue has traumatized me to some extent. But I’ll try to remain professional. I can’t afford to work half-heartedly in the world I love.”

Once again, Ester scanned her surroundings. The spotlight, cameras, other recording devices, and the noisy journalists made her smile grow. But she was calm, knowing it wouldn’t be captured on camera, and circulated widely. Because the face she presented this time was full of melancholy, seeking sympathy so that her pretense would gain an extraordinary amount of support.

She couldn’t wait to see how this news would unfold. The opportunity to gain sympathy and overshadow Chloe’s position was immense.

“Enjoy it, Agatha and Robby Grisham.”

***

Agatha smiled as Rossa served and fed her breakfast, which Rossa had prepared and brought to the hospital because Agatha didn’t want to eat the hospital food. It didn’t matter for Rossa as long as her employer could recover and regain her strength. Agatha’s face now had a healthy glow, no longer pale. She could laugh and respond to Rossa’s jokes.

“Has Mrs. Chloe not arrived yet?”

“Not yet, ma’am. Mrs. Chloe stayed up late waiting for you last night.”

Agatha nodded softly.

“Mrs. Chloe will probably be here in another two hours, ma’am. Peni said she’s getting ready at home.”

Agatha nodded again. “I want to talk to Chloe, Rossa.”

“Yes, ma’am. Mr. Robby left me a message to ensure you don’t forget to take your vitamins and medication.

So that you can recover quickly.”

“Where is Mr. Robby anyway?”

“He had an unexpected meeting earlier, ma’am. He left with Mr. Leonel.”

Once again, Agatha nodded. “I’m full, Rossa. You can go home now and make me oxtail soup. I want to have that for lunch.”

“Alright, ma’am.” Rossa smiled widely. “I’ll make it for you. I’ll call Nia to take turns taking care of you, ma’am. Nia is currently buying breakfast for the driver.”

“Yes, thank you.” Agatha held Rossa’s hand. “I feel lonely, Rossa.”

“I’m here, ma’am.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Not just that. But Chloe.” Agatha’s shoulders slumped weakly. Her eyes gazed into the distance. “She’s insisting on divorcing Leonel, Rossa. There’s no chance for Leonel to change. I mean, initially, I didn’t object to the divorce. Leonel was indeed at fault. He deserves to be punished. He should know how it feels to hurt his wife. What’s lacking in Chloe? As a mother-in-law, I can see how much love and sincerity Chloe has for Leonel. But Leonel is blind because of that snake of a woman, Rossa.”

Rossa fell silent, listening to the heartfelt outpouring of her employer in the grand house where she worked.

“But now, with this incident, can’t it be delayed until we can overcome our problems?”

“I can’t say anything, ma’am.”

“Is Chloe in that much pain?” Agatha looked at Rossa intently.