[130] d
Agatha continued sobbing in Chloe’s embrace. The news of her son’s accident a while ago had shattered her world. The son she had raised with love and let go for the sake of his passion ended up like this. The last message she received on her phone informed her that Leonel was on his way back to New York City.
“Ma, please sit down. Let me get you something to drink,” Chloe said, gently guiding the beloved woman to the chair she had been sitting in. Chris stood up and chose to talk with Robby about the latest news regarding Leonel.
“No need, Chloe,” Agatha speak.
Chloe looked at the woman with concern. Agatha Theodore had a condition that could quickly worsen upon hearing sudden news. Chloe hadn’t forgotten how she had cared for Agatha when Mountain was in a critical condition some time ago.
They held each other’s hands.
“Have you been here all this time?” Agatha asked Chloe, who seemed lost in thought.
“Yes, Ma.”
“How is Leonel doing?”
Chloe glanced at Chris, who was the first to speak.
“Thank God Leonel is truly lucky and protected. God’s blessings are always near His servants, Mrs. Agatha.”
Agatha looked at Chris with teary eyes.
“Leonel regained consciousness a while ago. He’s also showing significant improvements in his condition after waking up from the coma,” Chris added, receiving relieved sighs from both Agatha and Robby.
“Thank God,” they both said almost simultaneously.
Chloe herself couldn’t stop feeling grateful for Leonel’s current condition.
“But it seems the medical team wants to speak with the family. I’m waiting for you, Mrs. and Mr. Robby, to meet with them,” Chris said, looking intently at Agatha, who hesitated momentarily before nodding in agreement.
“Is Leonel’s condition worrisome?” Agatha asked before the two of them left.
“The doctor hasn’t given a comprehensive update, Mrs. Agatha. Only mentioned that the accident significantly affected the bones around his calf and stomach.”
“Oh my God,” Agatha whispered, covering her mouth. “Do your best, dear. If this hospital is inadequate, we’ll move Leonel. That’s what I want, Mama.”
Robby approached his wife and gently patted her shoulder. Just like the woman who had been by his side for so long, his heart shattered upon hearing the news of their son’s accident. He often heard Agatha crying in her room while Leonel was still unconscious. Their fears were equally strong. Almost every night, they prayed to God, hoping for His mercy. They wanted Leonel to wake up and get through the critical phase.
“Papa will do everything possible for Leonel.” Then Robby’s gaze shifted to the woman sitting next to his wife, the woman he had considered his daughter. It made Robby wonder if permitting Leonel to pursue this woman and return home was the right decision because the result of that permission had led Leonel to the brink of death.
If it weren’t for God’s miracle, they might still be in a funeral home today.
Oh, no! Robby shouldn’t think like that! He also drove the permission he had given how he wished for Chloe to return to Leonel. To build a marriage with a much better start. Both of them are working on self-improvement, especially Leonel. It wasn’t Chloe’s fault that all of this happened. He couldn’t blame Chloe for what had happened.
“Accompany Mama, Sa. Papa and Chris will go to the doctor’s room first.”
“Yes, Pa.” Chloe quickly obeyed Robby’s words.
Meanwhile, Chloe tried to calm Agatha’s restlessness.
“Ma hopes Leonel wakes up soon. But you weren’t here at that time, Chloe.”
Chloe furrowed her brow. “What do you mean, Ma?”
Agatha smiled slightly, turning to Chloe, looking at her intently. “Have you ever thought that Leonel woke up because of your visit today?”
Chloe fell silent.
“I’m sure it’s because of your presence, Chloe. Leonel wants to see you.”
Chloe shook her head softly. “No, Ma. Ma knows it herself, right? It is the third time I’ve come here. Leonel hasn’t stabilized yet, and thankfully, our prayers have been heard, and he woke up.”
Agatha chuckled, trying to refute Chloe’s statement. “We’re very grateful for your presence today, Sa. Because of you, Leonel regained consciousness. I hope you stay by his side,” Agatha said to Chloe, who remained silent.
Chloe blinked slowly.
“You should know that Leonel loves you very much and regrets his past actions. Also, he never thinks about the girl who once hurt him again. Even in New York City, Leo spends his time just working. He never thinks of replacing you in his heart,” Agatha added.
Those words made Chloe pursed her lips once again.
“Is there… no chance at all, Chloe?”
***
Chloe had packed her bags. She had partially dried her previously wet hair and let the rest dry naturally. She lightly applied makeup to her face, ensuring her appearance was perfect.
“Peni,” she called out somewhat loudly. She was afraid Peni was out of earshot.
“Yes, Miss.”
Well, as expected. Peni’s voice sounded distant. She might be tidying up the living room where she spent time with Darren last night. Unfortunately, they seemed to have forgotten that today was an important day for them.
They were going to Santa Monica.
Peni hurriedly entered Chloe’s room. Her face couldn’t hide her surprise. “Wow.”
“Why ‘wow’?”
“Oh… You look so beautiful, Miss.”
Chloe smiled shyly. “Really?”
“Yes. I wouldn’t lie!” Peni approached Chloe, tidying the edge of her dress. “I’m so happy that you’ve finally made the right decision. Forgive me for being involved, but truly, I want you to be happy.”
Chloe nodded slowly. “I understand.”
“Tia, Brad, and all the employees at the café always pray for the best for you.”
“Thank you, Peni.” Chloe extended her arms, gesturing for Peni to come and hug her from the corner of her eye. Peni couldn’t refuse that, could she? “Thank you so much for accompanying me here. It has often been a place for me to share my grievances.”
“You’re welcome, Miss. Thank you also for not sending me back to the foundation.”
Chloe chuckled. “Pray that our plans receive blessings.”
“Always, Miss Chloe. Always.”
Only a short time after, Budi climbed the stairs hastily. “Miss Chloe,” he called out, panting.
“Why are you running, Bras?” Chloe asked, with a crease on her forehead. “Is something important?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Budi said, grinning. “Mr. Darren is downstairs. He’s ready to leave with you.”
Chloe sighed. “What did you think!”
Brad chuckled. “Where’s your suitcase, Ma’am? I’ll bring it. Tia also prepared some snacks if you want to eat in the car.”
“Just say it’s Darren’s request to Tia. Right?”
They all laughed in the end. Their hearts were filled with happiness. Their prayers were the same: may Chloe find her joy this time. They all relied on one person: Darren, who was already at the doorstep, waiting for Chloe to come down from the second floor of her house.
After saying goodbye to everyone in Chloe’s house, Darren drove the car at an average speed, ensuring nothing was left behind.
“Are you ready, Chloe?”
Chloe turned her head, then smiled confidently. “I’m ready.”