My Blind Wife Wants Divorced

Luckily, Adrianna devoured all her dishes eagerly, filling her empty stomach that had been hungry for a while. The annoying principal had caused trouble in her life again. There were always things and reports that kept Adrianna working late and unable to move around much. She couldn’t even enjoy her Sundays. Oh God! Adrianna wanted to get angry, but she couldn’t. Somehow, Rajasa Yedith had the power to silence Adrianna, making her obedient to do everything.

And there were complaints behind her that lined up like New York City commuter trains.

“I’m full too, Chloe,” Adrianna said delightedly. “I feel like a broke college student. This Raja is ridiculous! He’s utterly useless as a principal. I’m the one who ends up doing everything.”

“Be patient, Adrianna,” Chloe said with a cheerful smile. She deliberately went out and invited Adrianna to meet. Since meeting at a Japanese-style café in South Star, Adrianna had been eager to enjoy the available dishes. It was as if she hadn’t completed food in two days. Chloe couldn’t see how much food was served before her, but hearing Adrianna ordering so many items made her furrow her brow.

“It’s not about patience, Chloe. It’s about my stomach. I’ve been eating out of obligation these past few days without enjoying it at all because I keep getting called. There’s always something to do, from trivial matters to ones that make me want to pull my hair out, Sa! Pull it out!”

Chloe burst into laughter. “I guess your principal tries to get your attention.”

“Can’t they think before they speak? How did that even happen?”

Chloe shrugged. “Peni,” Chloe called her assistant, who never strayed far from her. “You eat too, alright? Adrianna ordered a lot, didn’t she? If it’s not enough, order more.”

“No, Ma’am. There’s still plenty. My order hasn’t finished yet.”

“Who knows, you might need more, Peni.”

“Okay. Eat a lot so you have energy. So you can argue with annoying people,” Peni replied, looking confused. She glanced at Chloe in bewilderment, but since she didn’t get an answer, she smiled understandingly. “Yes, Adrianna, it is.”

“Oh, by the way, what did you want to talk about, Sa?” Adrianna now focused on Chloe. Since meeting her friend, she hadn’t said much. She only mentioned that Mointain’s birthday party was victorious. Although there were one or many things, Adrianna wanted to ask about the birthday. Adrianna was aware of the current news. Her question was whether Tisa already knew about the rumors or not. Or was Chloe intentionally acting ‘blind,’ unaware of anything about her husband?

That made Adrianna extremely angry. Especially the photos that filled the gossip pages, where Leonel intimately embraced Ester. Damn, Leonel! If only she could meet that man, she would have thrown a punch at his face for constantly hurting her friend. Fortunately, Chloe made a wise decision this time: to seek a divorce. Let it be; let Chloe live alone rather than be with Leonel and always be made to feel low and deceived like this.

But one thing that puzzled Adrianna was why the news made it seem like Leonel was at fault. Is Leonel seducing Ester? Seriously? They both flirted with each other like infatuated fools who had no self-control-pretending to forget that one of them was already married and bound by sacred matrimony. While the other was blind and crazy enough to want a secret relationship for the past few years.

It also had to do with Chloe. She didn’t expect the media to create a timeline like that. It spread widely, aiming to blame Leonel in this situation because he was greedy. He couldn’t accept his wife’s condition. He was especially seducing Ester, who was gaining popularity. Everything terrible and negative was associated with Leonel.

“Alright then. Adrianna is delighted with that.”

“Do you know about the circulating news?” Adrianna nodded. “I know. Almost everyone is gossiping about Leonel and Ester. You know how popular Ester is.”

Chloe nodded in understanding.

“Most of it condemns and labels your husband. Well, your soon-to-be ex-husband.”

“Is it that bad?”

“Yes. The news targets Leonel. It also creates the impression that Ester is the one being deceived. And you, you are the victim of Leonel’s selfishness, someone to be pitied. Especially with your current condition. The media is capitalizing on it.”

“No wonder I was heavily guarded when I left the house earlier. Mama Agatha wouldn’t let me be alone with the driver and Peni. A few people were with us, but I asked them to wait in the parking lot. I’m fine with just Peni, and I think it’s still safe.”

“Who knows, you need more protection. But you don’t need to worry too much in public places like this.

Chloe nodded in understanding. “But what do you think I can do about this news?”

Adrianna was taken aback. “What can you do? Laugh, I guess. Why are you helping Leonel? Or do you feel sorry for him now that he’s been hit with a bomb? He should have thought about it. No matter how well he tries to cover it up or how strongly he suppresses it, it will eventually come out. And this is the result.”

Chloe looked stunned. The spoon she used to feed herself ice cream was left hanging in the air. This made Adrianna suspicious. “What’s wrong?” Adrianna asked, curious.

“Mama Agatha asked me to postpone the divorce.”

“What?” Adrianna was not the only one shocked by Chloe’s words. Peni was equally surprised, but she didn’t express her feelings. She looked at Chloe in disbelief, as if being pulled back to the morning events. Her employer looked gloomy and lacked enthusiasm. It was a different expression from before. Despite feeling pain in her stomach, her face still looked cheerful.

There must be a reason why that beautiful face looked gloomy.

“And do you agree?”

“No, Ly,” Chloe quickly spoke. “I disagree with Mama Agatha’s request. I can’t tolerate anything that Leonel does anymore. Especially what he did at the party yesterday.”

“About the assault?”

“Did it make the news too?” Chloe asked although she was already sure of it. But she needed confirmation that the assault was one of the things causing a stir on social media. Grisham’s name carried weight. Many local and foreign investors were eager to collaborate. Their trust in Soho was significant and had a considerable impact on the stability of the profits. Chloe had studied this during her quiet moments while Leonel was working.

The library in the luxurious house held various files and numerous reports about Mountain Pte’s activities, including Robby and Leonel’s involvement. Chloe studied some of it to participate in the conversations when accompanying Leonel to official meetings. In the past, she used to be thrilled to receive such invitations. She was sharing a car with Leonel, even if they only exchanged a few words and then held hands like any other romantic couple.

But now? She refused to be foolish and demeaned herself to defend Leonel.

“Get involved and become the target of netizens. You know what Indonesia is like. But I don’t know why, Chloe; I’m happy if Leonel receives this kind of punishment. You’ve suffered for years because of his actions. What’s tricky about trying to live and make peace with your marriage? You’ve proven yourself to be a worthy wife. He should appreciate that. It’s karma for a husband who mistreats his wife,” Adrianna said with a smirk, but her smile appeared genuine.

Chloe, upon hearing that, just smiled.

“But I’m curious, who were you talking to? The angle of the photos was perfect when Leonel was being hit. They said it was an important client but was mistreated. A Leonel should be able to control himself, right?”

“I don’t know. I find Leonel’s recent behavior strange myself. He’s acting like a jealous husband, as if I’m precious to him. Pleading to withdraw the divorce I filed.”

“Seriously! Leonel’s brain must have hit something. Or maybe he’s been replaced with a goat’s brain?”

“Adrianna,” Chloe warned immediately. She wasn’t defending Leonel but didn’t want Adrianna to speak rudely about others either. It would be pointless. It would only create discomfort.

“Okay, okay,” Adrianna said quickly. “But how about you now, Chloe? Are you starting to waver?”

Chloe shook her head quickly. “No. I’m more determined to expedite the divorce process. Let the media bother me once I’m free from Grisham. I’ve already discussed my decision with Mama Agatha. I know she must be disappointed, especially when I’m not supporting Leonel and instead pushing him into more trouble.”

“Let it be. I’m also wondering why this news didn’t come out sooner.”

“I don’t know. I’m surprised myself. Leonel does have a lot of money and connections. You know who Leonel is, right? It would be easy for him to keep tabs on Ester, especially since she’s becoming well-known. If there’s even a little gossip about Ester, all the media will swarm after them.”

“But, Sa,” Adrianna said, looking at Chloe intently. “If it had been revealed earlier, you would have been by Leonel’s side. You are defending him wholeheartedly, forgiving him as long as Leonel returns, Chloe. It doesn’t matter if people call you foolish or target you on social media. What matters to you is Leonel and Grisham’s reputation.”

Chloe fell silent as if something was squeezing her heart. It was a strong feeling because what Adrianna said was true.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“God was kind enough to reveal everything when you were ready to leave Grisham. We never know what’s in someone’s heart. Sometimes God moves at the right time with various purposes. In Leonel’s case, it’s because of business. You know business includes politics as well.”

“I don’t understand it well, Adrianna.”

“That’s why I’m telling you. Sometimes tenders involve a lot of bribery. I’m sure Leonel himself isn’t immaculate as a young entrepreneur. The higher the tree stands, the stronger the wind blows. This may be a test for Leonel. At the same time, his personal life, which he kept hidden, suddenly becomes exposed.”

Chloe understood Adrianna’s words once again.

“I hope you won’t waver in your decision, Chloe. Remember the tears you shed for Leonel, who didn’t care about you.”

“I know. If I hurt Mama Agatha and Papa Robby’s feelings, my decision was right?” Chloe needed to be reassured here. She was afraid that her recent decision might be shaken. At least Chloe needed the support of the person closest to her, Adrianna. If Peni had been listening to all this time, she might ask her on the way home. She also needed Peni’s opinion, but at least Adrianna should know first. Adrianna, who always accompanied her, shared her support when she was fragile and pitiful, crying over Leonel while the man was happy with Ester out there.

“It’s right.” Adrianna raised her thumb. “Peni agrees with me, right?”

“Yes, ma’am. I agree. That’s the best thing to do. Even if many people ask questions, let’s stay silent. Silence is valuable in times like this.”

“Well, that’s much better,” Adrianna agreed. “Let the news be whatever it wants to be. Just have to live our lives as best as we can. What do you want to do after the divorce? Then do it. Make your life valuable and happy, Chloe. I believe there’s happiness out there for you. Not in the Grisham house you used to dream of, where you could have the family life you desired. I know Mama Agatha and Papa Robby are good people. I realize that. But their goodness isn’t enough for your marriage. Are you Mr. Robby’s wife? Or Mrs. Agatha’s partner? No, right? You’re Leonel’s partner, whom he should cherish and love. Not treated like this.”

Chloe smiled broadly. “You’re right. I’m becoming more determined not to withdraw and postpone the divorce.”

“Oh, by the way, who was the guy Leonel hit? You’re not a woman who easily gets close to men. I’m just curious.”

“Oh, I haven’t told you, right?” Chloe’s smile grew even more comprehensive. “Josh, Ly. Josh came back.”

Adrianna’s eyes widened. “Josh?”

Chloe nodded quickly.

“Oh, my God! No wonder you seemed so close. How is he now? If he came to the Mountain Pte party, he must be one of Leonel’s clients, right?”

“I think so. I didn’t ask Josh too much. Leonel already hit him,” Chloe growled. “Sometimes, when I think back to that night, I’m confused about what Leonel wants. I was talking like old friends, Ly. You know what my relationship with Josh was like, right?”

“Leonel probably doesn’t know what your past with Josh was like, Chloe.”

“I think so. But at least he doesn’t need to be rude. He could have talked nicely, right? That’s also what we discussed in the end, right? It only harms himself,” mumbled Chloe, which was responded to by Adrianna’s laughter. “Why are you laughing? Is there something funny?”

“No. There’s absolutely nothing funny. I’m just laughing at Leonel’s foolishness. Jealousy came too late.”

“It’s not jealousy. Leonel was unhappy when what should be by his side was disturbed. But he can freely go here and there without thinking, hurting the person by his side who’s disappointed and hurt.”