[40]
“Is everything ready?” Agatha asked the two waitpersons at the boutique where she ordered unique clothing for herself and her family members. It was a special night they had been looking forward to for the past year. Agatha always made special arrangements there to maintain the business relationship between her husband and son because what Agatha did could impact the longevity of their partnership agreement.
“Yes, ma’am. The one requested specifically for Miss Chloe has been embellished with sequins on the chest and waist,” one of the waiters replied.
Agatha nodded happily. “Have the details and waist measurements been adjusted according to Chloe’s size?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied once again. It further emphasized that they provided top-notch service. The amount of money Agatha spent on the clothes her son and daughter-in-law would wear was not insignificant. But she didn’t care. This was her final effort, one she would fight for until the bitter end.
For Chloe.
They could return to the bond she desired. Though she didn’t want to appear forceful, Agatha said many prayers every day for the success of her son’s marriage to Chloe. She hoped they could find their way back together. And perhaps, in their kindness, God would grant them a gift-a child who would strengthen their relationship.
“Okay. Send them to the house today.”
They all obediently nodded. Was Agatha’s business finished there? Of course not. She still had to ensure the makeup artist (MUA) she hired would stick to the schedule. Not only because of the payment Agatha would provide but also because the makeup artist’s busy schedule worried the middle-aged woman.
“Oh my goodness, dearest aunt,” the MUA said on the other end. “You don’t need to worry. I’ve taken a special slot for you. I’ll make your beautiful daughter-in-law as stunning as possible,” she replied, punctuating her words with laughter that relieved Agatha.
“Thank goodness, Ben. Aunt was worried, you know. You’re aware that the event is in three days, right?”
“Oh, of course, Aunt. I’m even doing some self-promotion. Is it alright, Aunt?”
“Let’s discuss it in person. Aunt wants to have lunch at Grand Indonesia. Can you join?”
“Sure, Aunt. Just let me know where. I’m on my way.”
Agatha smiled with joy. At least her worries didn’t come true. “Okay. Aunt will be waiting.”
As soon as the phone conversation ended, Agatha hadn’t finished discussing using a flat object that always accompanied her. This time, the person she wanted to contact was Chloe. When she mentioned it earlier, her daughter-in-law said she didn’t want to go anywhere. Even though Agatha had already arranged for it, she wanted to try retaking charge of the kitchen. But the woman insisted, saying, “I miss baking, Mom. Aunt Rossa will help me, though.”
Agatha couldn’t argue anymore, not only because of the sparkle in Chloe’s eyes that made her hesitate to insist but also because cooking and the kitchen seemed to be a particular part of Chloe’s identity. Besides, Agatha missed the dishes Chloe served during their family dinners. They always suited her taste buds, which didn’t favor overly sweet or salty flavors, and she was meticulous about her diet.
“Where are you, dear?” Agatha asked.
“I’m at home, Mom. What’s up?”
“Ask the driver to take you to Grand Indonesia later, okay? Are you still busy?”
“Not really, Mom. I need to sprinkle cheese on top of the brownies.”
“Are you sure you can make it yourself?”
Chloe laughed softly at that. “No, but I can crack eggs into a bowl.”
Hearing that, Agatha chuckled as well. She felt immensely grateful for Chloe’s spirit. She was also profoundly moved by her daughter-in-law’s determination to rise again despite the pain caused by Leonel’s actions. If only Leonel hadn’t hurt Chloe like this, they would all be happy in their grand home.
“At least it won’t make Mama worry, dear.”
“Don’t worry, Mama. Chloe is starting to have more activities. Darren himself suggested it.”
“Speaking of Darren, did you invite the doctor to our company’s celebration party, dear?”
Chloe paused for a moment, and it was clear to Agatha why. Rossa interrupted their conversation, asking about the brownies they were baking in the oven. Following Chloe’s instructions, Rossa complied with everything.
“What did Mama ask earlier? Darren? Why Darren?” Chloe asked.
“Did you invite Darren to the company party?” Agatha repeated.
“I did, but it seems like Darren can’t make it. When we had lunch yesterday, Darren said he had to return to Manhattan, Mom.”
“Oh, what a pity. Oh, by the way, Mama just found out yesterday that you went out with Darren?”
Can Chloe refuse? No, she can’t. Being treated as a true daughter has already made her very happy. So all Chloe can do is comply with what Agatha wants. Besides, there has never been anything wrong with Agatha’s requests so far. The woman takes care of Chloe’s well-being and anything she needs. Even if it’s not her desire, everything is provided before her.
That love is not limited to just one or two months. The proof is that during their five-year marriage with her only son, Agatha never reduced her passion. After the phone call ended, Agatha continued her tasks while Chloe did the same, busy with the final touches on her brownies.
“Ma’am, I’ve sprinkled cheese on all of them, and the aroma is making me want to keep eating,” Rossa said.
Chloe laughed. “Oh, Aunt Rossa. I made them myself, didn’t I?”
“That’s exactly why, Miss. There’s almost none left. I made them according to the measurements you gave me. Why is the result different?” Rossa was curious. She had been the head servant in this grand and luxurious house for nearly ten years. She had already cooked what Agatha wanted. Rossa even knew what dishes pleased their employer, Robby Grisham.
But when Chloe joined the Grisham family, Rossa’s cooking couldn’t compare. However, Rossa hasn’t pushed aside. On the contrary, she was impressed by Chloe’s humility and care for the servants who worked in the large house, unlike the new house mistress who would give orders and enjoy all the luxuries without considering others.
So when rumors spread about their impending divorce, which seemed like Chloe and Leonel would never find the right words to reunite, Rossa was genuinely saddened, just like Peni. They often exchanged stories about this. But because they wanted to see Chloe happy and thought that maybe when she was outside, she could find that happiness, Rossa and Peni supported Chloe.
“Really?” Chloe couldn’t believe what Rossa was saying. Her gaze wandered around the kitchen, recalling the place she loved so much in this house-the marble-topped table with abstract patterns that stood separate from the dark black kitchen cabinets. The natural color scheme perfectly complemented the black, creating an impression that the owner of this area enjoyed working with various spices and aromas that could entice anyone who entered.
Chloe and the kitchen were the most epic collaboration in this house.
“Yes, Miss. There are only three pieces left, I think. Peni also had some. Hasan, Rendy, they all had some too. I told them to try it, and they took a lot,” Rossa complained but then laughed. “It means everyone is waiting for your homemade treats.”
Chloe felt incredibly happy hearing that. Her smile refused to fade. “Oh, Aunt Rossa, please make sure to pack them neatly. Ask Hasan to deliver them to the hospital and give them directly to Doctor Darren. And Peni, please message Doctor Darren that there will be a delivery from me.”
“Oh, why do I feel so nervous about sending a message to Doctor Darren?” Peni said, grinning. She glanced mischievously at Chloe, although her mistress couldn’t see it. But her cheeks blushed even more. Peni remembered yesterday when she accompanied Chloe to meet Darren.
Although she was a bit scared because Adrianna wasn’t there, at least there was nothing to worry about regarding their lunch, which wasn’t too long but seemed to leave an impression on Chloe. On the way home, Chloe recalled their conversation with Leonel at the dining table, as if Peni wasn’t listening to them. Although they were at a distance, Peni wouldn’t let Chloe be alone. She was afraid her mistress might need help, especially regarding eating.
“It turns out talking to Darren is quite enjoyable, you know. I just found out that he practiced abroad. No wonder his therapy is so excellent.”
“Yes, Miss.”
“What do you think of Darren?”
Initially, Peni wanted to remind Chloe of her current status, but seeing the sparkle in her eyes and overly cheerful face, she abandoned that intention. But when she thought about it, Leonel also didn’t care much about his wife, right? He was busy with his affair. Almost everyone in this house knew, and Peni had shared many stories about how Chloe became his wife of Leonel.
“He’s good, Miss. Polite as well. If I may give my opinion, a man like Mr. Darren truly cherishes the woman he loves, Miss.”
“Why does it sound like you’re discussing a romantic relationship, Peni?”
Peni became flustered. “That, Miss… um, I mean… uh… I misspoke, Miss.”
Chloe chuckled. “It’s okay. It’s natural for you to say that.” Then Chloe settled into her seat. During the journey home after lunch, there was a slight traffic jam around Pondok Indah. “I want to make friends, Peni. My only friends have been the kitchen, the garden, and Adrianna for the past five years. If I leave the Grisham house in the future, I’ll need friendships to start my new business. Plus, Darren knows a lot about the progress of my eye health, right?”
“Yes, Miss. That’s what I meant.”
“I understand what you’re saying, Peni.”
“I feel bad, Miss.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Chloe laughed again. Along with that, Peni’s memories of their journey home yesterday vanished as Chloe nudged her shoulder.
“Are you daydreaming, Pen?”
“Uh? No, Miss.” Peni quickly shook her head. “I’ll send a message to Doctor Darren right away.”
“Tell him that he can eat the package at home.”
“So he doesn’t have to share it with other nurses and doctors, right, Miss?”
Chloe chuckled and shook her head. “I’d be embarrassed if it’s not enough, Peni. Alright, don’t tease me anymore. Just deliver my message to Darren. Don’t add or exaggerate anything.”
“Understood, Miss.”
“And remember to pack it neatly, Aunt Rossa. And tell Hasan to handle it with care.”
“Who is the package for? Why do you keep mentioning Darren’s name?”