My Blind Wife Wants Divorced

Ester admired her newly manicured nude nails. They looked beautiful. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she scanned the room she now occupied. The studio was bustling with activity, as usual. She only needed one person at the moment.

“Sofi,” she called softly. Sofi conversed with one of the stylists trusted to arrange several models for the upcoming photo shoot. This time, multiple models would be featured together in a frame for a handbag brand launching in two weeks.

The girl turned and smiled at Ester. The model eagerly awaited Sofi’s arrival, and in recent days, the atmosphere around Ester had been pleasant. Many eyes were on her, and there were questions about the press conference’s outcome. Not to mention that Sofi mentioned the influx of beauty and fashion endorsement offers. Ester’s popularity was skyrocketing, and her market value and activities rapidly increased.

Leo was somewhat overwhelmed by requests for Ester’s public appearances at various events. The offers were pouring in. The gossip surrounding this young entrepreneur had propelled Ester Gisela’s name to fame. Despite some doubters, there was a lot of support. Additionally, Ester’s statements in front of the news hunters received no objections from Leonel.

Leo didn’t want to bother with it. As long as everything remained within safe and controlled boundaries, he never worried about the gossip surrounding his protégé. The current issues didn’t interfere with their work.

“Yes, Miss?” Sofi asked as she stood in front of Ester. “I’m discussing the positioning of your presence in the frame. The client wants you to have a significant presence, but Miss Leo also wants Jiani to appear as the new icon.”

“That’s not a problem,” Ester replied. “I can be on Jiani’s right.”

“Are you serious, Miss?” Sofi asked, her eyes widening slightly. It was unusual for Ester to compromise like this willingly. Usually, whenever she heard that she was asked to make a small concession, she would personally negotiate with Leo. Somehow, Leo always gave in and let Ester have her way.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Yes. Do you think I’m joking?” Ester retorted, displeased. She regained her excellent mood by focusing on her makeup and the outfit she was wearing. “By the way… Do you think it’s appropriate for us to visit Leonel’s house now?”

Sofi was taken aback. She thought Ester was no longer interested in discussing Leonel and the deception they were playing. Indeed, the benefits for Ester were significant. Sofi herself was a bit scared when she saw the economic and business movements surrounding Mountain Group in the media. She feared that, at some point, everything could turn against Ester and attack her.

Although Sofi had guarantees from Layson Group, the business world could be ruthless, right?

Sofi had to be observant of the situation and warn Ester if she sensed any danger that might befall them. “Um… I don’t think it’s a good idea for now, Miss.”

“Why?” Ester asked without even glancing at Sofi. She was still happily admiring her reflection in the mirror. Her face was done up according to the chosen theme, with a touch of darkness around her eyes, creating a Smokey eye effect. Shades of gray and white monochrome were the theme of the day. It looked elegant but also carried a mysterious impression in Ester’s makeup artist’s touch.

“The news about you hasn’t completely subsided. We need to be cautious,” Sofi explained wearily. “We have to tread carefully.”

Ester sighed. “When I wanted to visit the hospital, you restrained me. And now,

I’m still being restrained. I have a purpose to meet Agatha Theodore.”

“Yes, Miss. I understand,” Sofi replied with a tired sigh. “But not in the current situation.”

“Even when Leonel calls, I’m not allowed to answer, right?”

Sofi smiled sweetly, using it to persuade Ester not to act impulsively. “You refused to answer Mr. Leonel’s calls.”

That only made Ester more frustrated.

“But that’s good in my opinion, Miss. It would be best if you stayed within everyone’s plans. You’re benefiting a lot from this. If Leonel gets close, everything we’ve said in front of the media could expose the lies.”

Ester let out a long sigh. “I need approval for my intentions with Leonel, Sofi. You know that for sure, right?”

Sofi nodded in understanding. “Just be patient for a moment, okay, Miss?”

“Did Agatha receive the gifts I sent?” Ester remembered sending presents to the hospital and the luxurious house she had visited a few times.

“Yes, Miss. They received them well.”

“It’s clear that I didn’t mean Agatha, right?”

Sofi fell silent.

“I have to meet with Agatha or Robby. The offer I have to give is okay too. They started with me, right? So this is what they will get.”

“Mr. Josh said not to get too close after the press conference.”

Ester waved her hand dismissively. “I decide, Sofi.” Her eyes immediately looked at Sofi disapprovingly. “What’s my schedule after this photoshoot? Do I still have to meet clients?”

“No, Miss. Tomorrow, we have a briefing for the new brand from Jana Group.”

Ester nodded in understanding. “Tell Rio that we’re going to Agatha’s house after I finish the photo shoot. Make sure that woman is also at home, Sofi. And if possible, buy something for me to bring as a treat.”

Sofi couldn’t object at all. Only when Ester was called to do her part in the photoshoot Sofi still had to move to fulfill what Ester asked. It was too risky if reporters followed them. For some reason, Sofi felt that Leonel’s silence made her afraid.

She quickly reached for the phone that was always in her pocket. That person was the only contact she would contact for protection if her intuition proved true. Josh.

***

Agatha placed her teacup down with a joyful feeling. In front of her, Chloe looked much fresher and healthier. The smile on Chloe’s face also appeared different than before. Did their official divorce change Chloe?

“How are your eyes, dear?” Agatha asked curiously. She couldn’t let go of her control over Chloe’s condition for some reason. She still felt uneasy about Chloe leaving her house and bearing the status of her ex-daughter-in-law.

“I’m good, Mom. I had a check-up yesterday, and I’ve started to let go of the crutches. Thanks to Peni, though sometimes I still bump into things.” Chloe chuckled. “But it’s a learning process, right, Mom? I’m so happy to be at this point.”

Agatha nodded with joy. Her hand reached out to touch Chloe’s face. “Thank goodness. I’m pleased about your progress, dear. Papa said that once you’re stable, you should visit our house.”

Chloe immediately accepted Agatha’s invitation. For her, meeting Robby was like meeting her parents.

“Oh, by the way, do you visit the cemetery now?”

“Yes, Mom. I go there almost every week. When I was at home before, I was the one at fault. I missed many opportunities to visit there.”

Agatha’s smile blossomed a little. “What matters now is that you can go there again. I’m sorry, dear, for sometimes not understanding your sadness.”

Chloe shook her head firmly. “No, Mom. I’m lucky to have met you and been part of your family. And I still feel that luck now, Mom.”

Agatha tightly held Chloe’s hand. “Thank you, dear.”

“There’s no need for thanks or apologies, Mom. We’re both lucky to have known each other.”

What Chloe said was true. Although Chloe was no longer part of their family, their relationship couldn’t be easily severed. Agatha had grown fond of Chloe-her foolish child.

“Ma’am,” Peni called, interrupting their conversation.

“What is it, Pen?”

“There’s a visitor.”

Chloe furrowed her brow. Who could be visiting her house? Except for Adrianna, who would barge in as if the house were hers. She knew her friend always acted that way whenever she saw him. But Adrianna had informed her that she was on duty in Bandung for this week. That’s why Chloe was puzzled.

“Looking for me?” Chloe asked incredulously.

“Yes, ma’am. Looking for you. But I don’t know them beforehand.” Peni was slightly worried. “I asked Brad to accompany them in the living room. I’m afraid something might happen to you.”

“Are there journalists who like to lurk around this residential area, Peni?” Agatha asked, suddenly perplexed. Who could the visitor be? As far as she knew, Chloe rarely left the house. Unless Agatha persuaded her to go shopping at the mall, this beautiful woman wouldn’t budge from her activities in the kitchen or the garden she took care of wholeheartedly.

“I’m not sure, Ma’am. But Budi said the security in this housing complex is tight. Especially since Mr. Robby left a message with the management in case people are targeting news about Chloe.”

Agatha nodded in understanding. “Go and see them first, dear. They might be important.”

Chloe looked hesitant but eventually agreed with Agatha’s suggestion. She moved slowly, guided by Peni. Chloe also knew that Agatha was following behind her. It didn’t matter because she needed someone by her side. She felt safe in this house. She trusted the loyal workers who had been with her for a long time. They would never let Chloe get into trouble.

Even when she took a morning walk with Peni around the residential complex, Chloe knew she was being followed By her employees, not by news-hungry individuals.

“Good afternoon, Chloe.”

The woman froze momentarily, processing the voice that filled her ears. “Josh?”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Agatha as well. It seems like my visit is bothering you, huh?”

“Huh?” Agatha’s eyes widened in surprise. “No, not at all. Why would it bother us? We were having a casual conversation, Mr. Josh.”

Josh’s smile widened. “Thank goodness. I happened to pass by this area by chance. We used to be friends back in college. I planned to visit quickly, but your driver mentioned you were inside.”

Agatha saw this as an opportunity. Josh, who supposedly offered assistance, was now in front of her.

“Please have a seat, Josh, Ma’am,” Chloe said, breaking the awkwardness between them. She asked Tia to prepare refreshments for their guest.

Agatha immediately took control of the conversation in the living room. She still needed to restore her son’s reputation. “Mr. Josh seems quite busy, I assume?”

Josh chuckled. “Quite busy indeed. I have many projects to finish.”

“Leonel made an appointment, but it’s difficult to reach him.”

Josh looked at Agatha with regret. “I apologize, Mrs. Agatha. It’s beyond my control. But I assure you, we will meet next week.”

“Leonel doesn’t make any moves to respond to the statements. I don’t know. Seeing all the news, I can’t bear it. It’s like my son is being portrayed as a dirty person, but he’s not like that at all. Mr. Josh and many clients who have worked with Leonel should know his quality.”

“Mama is right, Josh. Leonel is professional in his work,” Chloe added unintentionally. “He’s a man dedicated to his responsibilities. That’s what I know.”

Josh turned to Chloe with an unreadable expression but then redirected it with a wide smile. “Yes, I understand that. Leonel Grisham’s track record is nothing to be taken lightly in business. Unfortunately, the media coverage has slightly disrupted his reputation.”

“I hope Mr. Josh can help Leonel overcome these issues.”

“I assure you, I will, Mrs. Agatha.”

He expressed those words with his lips, but his hands clenched tightly. Restoring Leonel’s position to the top would be challenging. No, it wouldn’t. That was his vow.