[49]
Chloe woke up feeling extremely thirsty. Her throat was dry because, as far as her mind could recall the events of last night, she hadn’t sipped water. She hadn’t eaten either. All her obligations for her body held no desire for her, as anger and frustration ruled her heart.
Initially, she had been wary of Leonel’s threatening behavior as he drove his car, but it seemed she had to thank the caller who disturbed Leonel’s concentration while causing. Chloe never asked about their destination. She didn’t care where Leonel was directing the car. Even if he took her to hell, Chloe wouldn’t care.
However, when Leonel’s car honked twice and the sound of the gate’s door creaked loudly, Chloe breathed a sigh of relief. It meant she was back at her uTama’s house. And indeed, Bi Rossa greeted her with many questions, especially about Peni and why Chloe was only with Leonel. Where was her assistant who should accompany her wherever she went?
Rossa seemed to blame Peni for her negligence, but Chloe quickly denied it. “No. I came back because Leonel asked to go home immediately.”
“But, ma’am,”
Chloe smiled, and Rossa stopped talking, helping her enter the room. Several times, she declined the treats Rossa offered. Chloe had had her fill of anger. But as a result, her stomach felt a bit sick this morning, causing her to grimace. Sweat started to bead on her forehead. Even though she hadn’t eaten dinner, why did it feel like this?
“Ma’am,” a familiar voice called in her ear.
“Peni.” Chloe needed to ensure that the voice belonged to her excellent assistant. “Thank goodness you’re here.”
“Ma’am Chloe, what’s wrong? You look pale,” Peni sounded worried. Her face also scrutinized Chloe. The beautiful face looked ashen like no color was in it. None whatsoever. Without thinking twice, her hand reached out to touch Chloe’s forehead. It felt cold and sweaty there. “Are you sick? How do you feel?”
“I don’t know, Peni. My stomach feels churning, and it’s so painful,” Chloe complained. She closed her eyes again. She felt dizzy and light-headed, but it didn’t feel good throughout her body. She also felt increasingly nauseous as time passed.
“I’ll make you some warm tea and porridge, alright? You didn’t eat anything last night, did you? I apologize for failing to take care of you properly. I wanted to knock on your door, but Mr. Leonel said you must be tired.”
“It’s not your fault, Peni.” Chloe tried to smile. “Don’t let Mami and Papa know about my condition. Just tell them I don’t want to be disturbed.”
Peni nodded obediently and left the room. She hurried to prepare what she thought her employer could eat safely. After that, she also had to ensure Chloe took her stomach pain medication. And she would persuade her to see the Grisham family doctor. But if the doctor came to this house, Peni had to reveal what happened to her employer.
It’s not that she didn’t want her mouth to speak the truth, especially to Mother Agatha. The person she also respected and revered in this house. For her, Peni probably wouldn’t mind being scolded by Chloe for honestly stating Chloe’s condition this morning. It worried and made Peni look nervous as she asked Rossa to make porridge.
“Huh? Miss Chloe is sick?” Rossa asked with wide eyes when Peni made the request
“Rossa!” Peni quickly warned her. “Don’t speak too loudly. Someone might overhear.”
“Huh?” Rossa needed clarification. “Why? If she’s sick, Peni, you can’t keep Miss Chloe’s condition a secret.”
Peni nodded resignedly. “I know. But that’s what Miss Chloe said herself. Especially if Mr. Leonel finds out.”
“What’s wrong that she wants porridge? Is it her stomach?”
“Yes.”
“Her gastric hasn’t acted up for a long time. So she didn’t eat anything last night at all?”
“Seems like it,” Peni looked regretful. “It’s my fault for being unable to care for Miss Chloe.”
“You also went home with Mrs. Agatha. Why?”
Finally, Peni told the story of last night’s events that made her tremble with fear. Several times, she called Chloe’s name but was afraid to pursue her due to Leonel’s terrifying expression.
“Well then, Auntie, please make it. You bring the tea first. And remember to contact Doctor Adi. And talk to Mother Agatha. Don’t let her find out later. She might get angry at you.”
“Yes, Rossa.” Peni also had no intention of hiding her employer’s condition for too long. In this house, Chloe was treated well. Very well, according to Peni. Her husband made the atmosphere in this house feel different, including how rough Leonel behaved last night. Peni couldn’t imagine how Chloe faced that demon-like Leonel.
“Why should we contact Doctor Eduardo? What’s wrong?” Agatha asked, causing Peni to startle. She almost dropped the tray of fragrant jasmine tea she was carrying.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
“Mrs. Agatha,” Peni said with wide eyes but immediately looked at Bi Rossa with the same confusion, unsure what to say. Because right behind Agatha stood Leonel, staring at them all suspiciously.
“Where’s Chloe?” Leonel asked coldly. His eyes scanned the kitchen, but he couldn’t find his wife, who usually ruled this area. She would sit and sometimes stand, giving instructions and guidance for their meals at the dining table.
“Yes, where’s Chloe, Pen?”
Peni kept looking back and forth at Bi Rossa as if seeking her opinion. Rossa reluctantly nodded, feeling trapped as well. Their employer was the one asking.
“Mrs. Chloe is sick, Ma’am, Sir,” Peni said hesitantly. She couldn’t bring herself to look them in the eye anymore. There was a sound of surprise from Agatha’s lips and an irritated growl from Leonel, which made Peni even more nervous. It was evident from their gaze that they were accusing and angry at her.
“I’ll check on Chloe first, Ma,” Leonel quickly said, but Agatha’s hand grabbed him just as fast. She shook her head firmly, causing Leonel to furrow his brow. “Why, Ma? Why are you stopping me?”
“You should think before you act, Leonel. Why is Chloe sick? What’s her complaint, Peni?” Agatha asked, massaging the bridge of her nose. Why couldn’t her son learn how to win Chloe’s heart, which had turned as cold as ice now? Goodness! Did she need to give him a special lecture? But her son wasn’t an inexperienced man, right? Agatha must admit that Leonel’s relationship with Ester had crossed her tolerance limits. But why couldn’t he behave in a way that would win his wife’s heart?
If it weren’t for Rossa and Peni being present, Agatha might have uttered, “Why are you so foolish, Leonel?” right before him. She had been holding her anger towards her son since last night.
“She complained of a stomachache. Her face is also ashen.”
Agatha closed her eyes tightly. It must be because of Leonel! “Fine, you bring her some warm tea. I’ll call Doctor Adi to check on Chloe. Rossa, make porridge with chicken broth for Chloe. Avoid foods that could worsen her stomach. That’s your task, Rossa. Understand?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Ma, are you stopping me now? I want to go to Chloe’s room,” Leonel insisted.
“No, you stay here. Please wait until the porridge is ready, and then bring it there. This is all your fault, undoubtedly. Chloe didn’t have dinner. Mama is sure of that, and you must take care of her properly.”
“Yes, Ma. Leonel will do that.”
“But, Mama, don’t you remember you have a meeting with Chris?”
Leonel fell silent. “Ma,” he exclaimed quickly. “That can be postponed. I want to see my wife first.”
“It’s better to handle all the mess you’ve created, Leonel. The sooner it’s resolved, the better. Don’t let it affect Chloe’s decisions.”
Leonel’s brow furrowed. Suddenly, he seemed like a person who had lost his consciousness. But then, “Mother is right.” Leonel clenched his fists, restraining himself from meeting Chloe this morning. At least he wanted to know how she was doing today. But what his mother said was true. Chloe wasn’t aware of the rumors spreading. The people in front of him weren’t either, but they would all keep quiet out of reluctance to ask.
“Send my regards to her, Ma.” Leonel finally had to surrender. He had to meet Chris, and it seemed like he needed someone else’s help. But did it have to be Josh?
***
“I’ve told you I’m fine,” Chloe said with a weak smile. Her face wasn’t too pale anymore, but she still felt helpless. She hadn’t even gotten out of bed. Peni had to help her change her pajamas. She could only eat half of the bowl of porridge that Bi Rossa had prepared. She was grateful for that because everything felt uncomfortable.
“Yes, Ma’am. You’re fine until you’re about to faint, right?” Eduardo joked as he wrote down some prescriptions. “You’re exhausted. Don’t exert yourself too much until everything gets better.” The family doctor, Eduardo, smiled understandingly. He handed the notes he had written to Agatha, who had always been by Chloe’s side.
Since Leonel left, Agatha immediately went to Chloe’s room. She delivered Leonel’s regards, which Chloe definitely wouldn’t reciprocate. But at least she was happy to see Chloe in good condition. Moreover, Doctor said Chloe was just exhausted. At least there hadn’t been any unfortunate incidents since they left the party last night.
Honestly, Agatha had been worried about Chloe throughout their journey last night. Leonel’s terrifying gaze bothered her. She feared something terrible would happen, especially since Chloe had experienced a severe accident. Although it didn’t traumatize her when it came to driving, it still made Agatha worried.
Adding to that, the news of Chloe falling ill because of skipping meals. Goodness. She was getting more frustrated with her son. She wanted to scold him, but there were so many problems they were currently facing.
“Thank you, Eduardo.”
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Agatha. I hope you recover soon, Chloe. Pay attention to your diet, Peni,” Eduardo said to Peni, who was always by Chloe’s side. As the Grisham family doctor, Peni played an essential role beside Chloe, including noting what she could consume during recovery. Even now, Chloe was still under her and Darren’s supervision.
“Okay, Doc,” Peni quickly replied. “I’ll take care of it.”
As Eduardo left Chloe’s room, leaving them behind, they all simultaneously let out a long sigh for some reason. For Peni herself, that sigh meant that Chloe was relieved because her employer was in a much better condition. It was a sign of gratitude for Agatha because there was nothing to worry about excessively. She had already asked her driver to pick up the prescribed medication.
“How do you feel now, dear?” Agatha asked while tidying Chloe’s hair. She smiled genuinely, although her daughter-in-law still couldn’t see it.
“There’s nothing, Ma. There’s still a little pain, but not as much as earlier.”
“Thank goodness.” Agatha tightly held Chloe’s hand. “Rest, dear. Mama has some business at Papa’s office today.”
“Oh, right, Ma. Can Chloe meet Josh?”
Agatha furrowed her brow.
“Do you know Josh, dear?”
Without hesitation, Chloe nodded. A radiant smile unconsciously appeared, stretching wide on her face that had started to regain its color. Agatha pondered for a while before she smiled too.
“Wait until you recover, okay?”
“Yes, Ma. Thank you.”
“But before that, can you tell me about your relationship? Mama realizes that you two seem to be close.”