[37]
What made Leonel calmer after the conversation with Chloe? The answer is no. Instead, he found himself staring at the ceiling of his room. He had set the air conditioner to a cool temperature, and the dim light of the bedside lamp should have created a soothing atmosphere that would help him fall asleep quickly. Unfortunately, Leonel’s mind couldn’t stop thinking about every detail of Chloe’s words.
The woman’s question did have some truth to it. Why was Leonel so insistent on not getting a divorce now? Especially when his desire had been in front of him for a long time. To marry Ester, be happy together, and fulfill many of their shared desires that they had discussed after their passionate moments in bed. But now, for some reason, everything has changed.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
However, he couldn’t answer Chloe’s question, which still lingered in his mind. “I don’t love Chloe. Maybe it’s just a pity because I am the cause of Josh suffering like this,” he muttered softly, affirming his thoughts from the past few days. However, the reality was that many ideas about Chloe suddenly revolved in his head.
During their five years of marriage, Leonel had never really complained about Chloe’s behavior as his wife. Chloe was a good, elegant, and polite woman, rarely showing any signs of displeasure when dealing with him. Only recently had Chloe shown anger and disappointment.
Wasn’t that understandable?
Once again, Leonel sighed softly. “Before I sign, at least let me try, Sa,” he whispered. But along with that, his inner voice spoke about Ester. How about the woman who had been with him all this time? Wouldn’t it be selfish to maintain a relationship with Chloe while also desiring Ester?
If the two were under the same roof, Leonel was still determining if he could handle the situation.
“Oh God!” he murmured.
Perhaps because his mind was too preoccupied with thoughts about the two women by his side, Leonel fell asleep and almost missed the meeting this time. Luckily, everything Chloe had prepared was beneficial to him. He had to thank his wife for that. Ah, his soon-to-be ex-wife. He had decided in the end.
Even if he couldn’t prove himself, and it seemed like Chloe was reluctant to see his efforts, he chose to grant her the divorce. It might give Chloe a little relief. Then he could approach his ex-wife again, not because of his love for her but because he was concerned for Chloe, as he couldn’t let her go entirely under the current circumstances.
Was this decision right? He didn’t know. He was doing what he could do now. It wasn’t easy. Really.
“We apologize for having to meet in Cattle Village, Sir,” said one of the representatives from Jana Group. They were in one of the available meeting rooms at the hotel, equipped with everything needed for the meeting. Most of the arrangements were provided by Jana Group because this collaboration aimed to find investors similar to Mountain Pte to expand their market.
However, what Leonel wanted for Jana was more than one or two outlets at the entrance of centre or a sufficiently large exhibition slot but to have the Mountain name displayed in front of the mall that Jana would build. That’s why Leonel personally intervened in this renegotiation.
Rumors, especially information from his father, suggested that the competition from Mountain Pte was increasing, and Leonel needed to pay more attention to stay caught up. He wanted healthy competition in the fashion world, but the demand for fashion grew with time, and Leonel had to read the market well.
Especially the progress of the online market, which is still being studied. Mountain Pte’s products could be ordered online and would soon be launched ahead of other major markets.
“It’s not a problem, Mr. Tio. I understand why we have to be here.”
They all laughed. Tio, Jana Group’s marketing manager, was somewhat difficult for Leonel to penetrate in terms of cooperation, while the company’s director, Candra Kheir, seemed unaffected and welcomed what Leonel wanted.
“So, regarding the offer you made, Mr. Leonel. We are not concerned about it because Jana’s building is semi-circular and needs a well-known brand logo to attract more attention.”
Leonel nodded in understanding.
“But for other cost matters, you can see the revised calculation we made for Mountain Pte, which requested the most prominent layout in the mall.
Leonel accepted what Tio handed to him. “I’ll study it first.”
“Please do, Sir. Let’s take it easy. Mr. Candra’s flight is in the afternoon, and there are no other meetings except with you.”
“Don’t forget, Tio, representatives from Layson Group.”
His movements stopped as Leonel read through the revised copies of the reports in various places. “Layson Group?”
“Oh yes, Sir. That’s right. Layson Group representatives will be meeting us later. But, of course, it won’t be as intense as our meeting today. We’ll only discuss trivial matters regarding the brand ambassadors we will use. Fortunately, the people handling it haven’t arrived yet.”
Leonel chose to nod.
“References from Mr. Josh are usually quite famous and can bring a fresh breeze to the brand we will promote, Sir.”
“Yes, you’re right, Mr. Tio. Besides fashion matters, we have also used Mr. Josh’s Public Relations a few times to market new products.”
They laughed again.
“According to Mr. Leonel himself,” this time Candra spoke up. “What about Ester Gisela?”
Leonel furrowed his brow inwardly but quickly dismissed it so as not to appear suspicious. “Ester? Well. You’re lucky if you can work with that top model.”
There was a relieved sigh from both Candra and Tio. “What Mr. Leonel said is true. Getting a contract with Ester is difficult, and coincidentally, our brand aligns with her character.”
Leonel nodded as if he understood. “Mountain can’t directly secure approval from Ester. At that time, if I’m not mistaken, it was the booming cosmetics products that are still popular now.”
Tio chuckled. “We’ve been observing Mountain Pte’s movements. So, according to you, does Ester still fit?”
“Which brand specifically?” Leonel asked.
“It will be more focused on evening gowns and custom-made shoes. Something like that, more or less.”
“I think Ester’s face is a good fit for evening gowns. Working with her is also quite professional. We’ve proven that.”
“Is Mountain Pte still under contract with her?”
Leonel quickly shook his head. “We use Ester’s face only for promotional purposes, not as a brand ambassador. Usually, a brand ambassador is contracted for at least one year, right?”
They both nodded. “It seems like we are becoming more confident in considering Ester as our brand ambassador, Sir.”
“Hopefully, everything goes well in the future, Sir.”
As Leonel said those words, his heart felt uneasy. It meant Ester in Cattle Village? Why didn’t she inform him? But he was foolish. He hadn’t even thought about asking about Ester’s well-being since yesterday, especially after he yelled at her. However, it was entirely out of his control.
Besides, wasn’t this just a coincidence? While Ester was here, he had decided to prove that he wanted to change and save his marriage. At least he had to let something go. He remembered his parents’ faces when they looked at Ester; even now, it was still the same.
Indeed, it wasn’t easy. Leonel had to let go of his love, but he also felt it was just love or a matter of proving that he only wanted one name. To prove to his parents that he truly loved Ester. Not Chloe.
And yet, Chloe’s image continued to haunt him.
After talking with the Jana representatives, he had to speak to Chris about their divorce petition. Making sure that Chloe wouldn’t do anything suspicious with the document; although she seemed to be pressuring Leonel, he could still do something, right?
***
Ester sat calmly, although she glanced at her conversation partner several times. Since she sat down and met the man waiting for her thirty minutes after the meeting, he hadn’t said a word. She also didn’t feel like speaking first; for some reason, Ester was reminded of yesterday’s incident. It left a deep impression on her to see Leonel, who was entirely surprised by his anger directed at her.
What did Ester do wrong at that time? She tried to help Leonel calm down, but she got yelling in return. Unbelievable.
“Ester,”
“Leonel, Oh my,” Ester chuckled. “What a coincidence that we both want to talk.”
Leonel did the same. “So… what was your purpose in Cattle Village yesterday?”
“I guess. I just wanted to spend some time. My photoshoot session was postponed for some reason.”
“I hope everything went smoothly and well.”
“No significant obstacles, Mas.” Ester smiled faintly as she sipped her latte. “I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long.”
Leonel shook his head slightly. “It’s not a problem, Ester. I owe you an apology. And since we’re meeting here, I hope you forgive me for what happened yesterday.”
“Is there something bothering you, Darling?”
Instead of an answer, Ester only received a smile, indicating that Leonel didn’t want to discuss his outburst of anger yesterday.
“I hope whatever is troubling you can be resolved soon,” Ester said.
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you, Ester, before I fly back to New York City.”
Ester furrowed her brow. “Not until tomorrow? I’m going back tomorrow afternoon.”
Leonel smiled faintly. He didn’t want to say this or discuss it now, but he didn’t know when he would have the opportunity to say what he had decided. “No, Ester. I still have other matters to attend to.”
Ester nodded in understanding. “I see, My Darling. I know you must be very busy.”
“There’s something I want to tell you, Ester.”
The woman fell silent, blinking a few times, waiting for Leonel’s words. From his expression, it seemed that this conversation burdened him. But why?
“Let’s… end this relationship. I want to continue my marriage with Chloe.”