[71]
Ester was distraught with all the treatment that Leonel and Agatha Theodore had subjected her to. Since earlier, she had been pacing back and forth in her apartment room, trying to calm her anger. Instead of easing her frustration, Ester only grew to hate them even more because she couldn’t just forget about them. Especially Agatha’s smug expression, as if she was delighted to have made Ester do something she rarely did-step foot in the kitchen.
From the studio where she had a photoshoot, despite being given sharp glares because Ester couldn’t utter curses or display her displeasure at Agatha’s arrival, the middle-aged woman insisted on waiting for Ester’s return. Agatha sat on one of the chairs as if on purpose, observing Ester’s work there. Occasionally, Agatha laughed while talking to Sofi, but Ester, who saw it, felt that Agatha was pretending. Ester had only seen Agatha speak to anyone else if necessary. But with Sofi? They were becoming even closer. Not to mention Leo, who asked Ester to come home quickly and instructed her about the photography part this time, prioritizing Ester over others.
No one could defy Lily. Anyone who did would likely receive a lecture.
Ester eventually gave in. Despite her sulking face, displeasure, and the constant murmurs for Agatha to give up, she didn’t. Instead, the woman clung tightly to Ester’s arm, showing everyone in the studio how close they were even though Ester was sure it was all an act.
Ester would play Agatha’s game and let her know who she was dealing with. That’s what Ester thought about Agatha.
And she was right. Sella refused to be close to Ester. She would even destroy that sweet-smiling face, not to mention the voice that made it seem like she was so lucky to be near Agatha. Oh God! Her daughter was so foolish! How could she fall in love with this snake of a woman? Since she had the opportunity to get back at Ester for the pain she caused her, Agatha canceled a few meetings and felt that her husband or daughter could handle them.
Their conversation about Mountain had started running smoothly again. However, the gossip couldn’t be stopped just like that; at least many clients began to regain their trust in Leonel. So, he used the time he had to show Ester not to act recklessly in front of them husband. He would also show her what Grisham was like, the place he had been targeting.
Chloe was right. “Give Ester a chance to know what Grisham is like, Mom. Let her understand what kind of woman will accompany Leonel in the future. I can’t tell Ester much anymore.” At first, Agatha wondered why Chloe went through so much trouble to inform her about Grisham, but now, Agatha finally understood her intention. To make Ester’s value in Leonel’s eyes diminish even more and to be able to drive her away without resorting to violence and curses.
After they left the studio, Agatha quickly let go of Ester’s arm. Agatha deserved credit for pretending like this. Her face no longer looked friendly when she gazed at Ester. The car that would take them to Josh Grisham’s residence in the District Pillavenia area was already in front of the lobby.
“You should be able to cook, Ester,” Agatha said with an unpleasant expression. Since they had been in the car heading towards Josh Grisham’s place in Pillavenia, she had been saying this. “At the very least, you should be able to cook simple meals. Don’t rely on the servants at home even though we pay them to prepare meals.”
“I don’t need to bother with that, Aunt,” Ester spoke with crossed arms. “Besides, Leonel never asked me to be able to cook.”
Agatha chuckled. “I’m the one who insists that you should be able to cook.”
Ester furrowed her brow and grumbled in displeasure. “Don’t mess around, Aunt. I can make Leonel’s life more miserable with the media coverage.”
“Fine.” Agatha nodded enthusiastically. “You truly deserve to be called a snake woman. What can you do other than threaten? Release your fangs called social media and the netizens you have. Yet, you have nothing to be proud of. Or maybe when it comes to social media, you can use it as a shield. Making Leonel fall in love with you, right? Strangely, you only make him suffer.” Agatha stared at Ester without pause. “Is this who your son is going to marry? So stupid.”
“Watch your language, Aunt.”
“My words have been in the right tone. Your foolish daughter wants to be blinded by your strange and confusing love. Instead of feeling sorry or thinking about how to restore Leonel’s reputation, you only add to his burden.” Agatha retorted. She quickly cut off their eye contact. It was useless to pay attention to Ester like that. Her face only fueled Agatha’s growing hatred.
Ester grumbled in annoyance as she remembered their conversation in the car. Not to mention the kitchen incident that had caused some of her nail polish to fade; her hands were scratched from the knife and slightly rough from tidying up all the utensils. There needed to be someone to help them in the kitchen. Not at all. Agatha intentionally did this to her. Consciously upset her and wondering what was happening in that middle-aged woman’s head.
Even when Ester asks for instructions, Agatha still needs to answer. Wanting to leave that house, Ester remembered her goal. So all she could do at that moment was to try her best to remain patient, even though she felt like shouting curses at Agatha Theodore.
The next day, she thought her frustration would end by meeting Josh. She wanted Leonel to feel uncomfortable for allowing his mother to do such things to her. Talking to Leonel and complaining about his mother would be useless. Leonel never responded to her complaints with words that made her feel special. She needed Josh’s help.
But… Argh!!!
“Damn them all!” she cursed as she slammed the half-filled glass with her drink. She had run entirely out of patience. If no one could help her, she didn’t need anyone else to make Agatha understand who she was dealing with. Ester would let that woman know that she couldn’t be easily controlled.
“I will make you suffer, Agatha. Just wait and see.”
What she needed to do soon was to marry Leonel and use it as a gateway to continue her mission with Josh.
***
Josh and Chloe’s morning trip went smoothly. They had many conversations about their past days at college, especially with Adrianna sitting in the back seat. Josh intentionally invited Adrianna to accompany them. After all, Josh was quite close to Adrianna during their time at college. The journey felt short, especially since the road to Bandung this time was clear without any obstacles. Usually, as the weekend approached, the streets of Beverly Hills would be crowded with vehicles with B license plates.
Most of them were heading to the tourist spots around Beverly Hills. It was no wonder that Bandung was a destination for spending holidays with family or loved ones.
“Do you remember Benoa, Josh?” Adrianna asked enthusiastically. They had exited the Beverly Hills toll road and entered the Ring Road area.
“Of course. How is Benoa doing? You know, Adrianna?” Josh didn’t need to look because he was busy with the steering wheel.
“I met him about three years ago. I told him he was quite successful with his dim sum restaurant. It’s famous in the center point area.”
Chloe turned to Adrianna. “Benoa, the one who loves eating chicken noodles?”
“Who else could it be?” They all laughed, reminiscing about their friend who never got tired of eating chicken noodles. Adrianna even thought that Benoa could be a chicken noodle entrepreneur because of his love for it and his exploration of many places that sold chicken noodles. But as it turned out, it was dim sum.
“We should visit him, Adrianna. Do you know where his place is?”This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
“I do. He has not moved because his restaurant seems to be getting bigger based on his social media.
“He does love food,” Chloe remarked, impressed.
“That’s why, Chloe, I suggest building a business in an area where you excel. Benoa’s hobby turned out to be his path to success.”
“You’re right, Josh.” Adrianna agreed with Josh’s statement. Since she was brought to Bandung and witnessed the interaction between Chloe and Josh, Adrianna knew that there was still a strong love from Josh to Chloe. As for herself, she might still need clarification and feel that it wasn’t the right time for romance. It was evident from how she responded to Josh’s words and teasing. Although sometimes there was a slight blush on Chloe’s face, she was good at hiding her nervousness.
“I suggest Chloe opens a pastry or flower shop. You know how much Chloe loves those two things,” Adrianna smirked.
Josh chuckled because Chloe seemed not to accept Adrianna’s teasing. At least in this situation, Chloe’s emotions were much better. Adrianna was indeed a good and reliable friend. Josh had also observed the people close to Chloe all this time, and Adrianna never left Chloe.
They looked close.
“Do you want to move here too, Chloe?” Adrianna broke the silence after their small debate with Chloe. She didn’t want to ask that, but Adrianna couldn’t help. If Chloe moved to Bandung, what would happen to her? She would lose Chloe, who was starting a new life here. But hopefully, it was just a discussion.
“I don’t know yet,” Chloe replied with a smile. “I haven’t seen where I would start a business, but if I have to go to Beverly Hills, I’ll stay here, right?”
Adrianna pouted. “Then who am I going to be with?”
Chloe burst into laughter. “Aren’t you close to a certain guy?”
“Who?” Adrianna was confused by the accusation because she didn’t feel close to anyone.
“Well?” Chloe glanced and mischievously winked at Adrianna. “Isn’t it with the headmaster?”
“What on earth!” Adrianna frowned even more. “Stop talking about that weirdo. I hate him.”
Josh, who had been paying attention to their conversation, started to see a connection. “Hate? Could it be true love, Adrianna?”
“Don’t tease me, Josh,” Adrianna warned with a blushing face. “I hate that guy!”
Both Josh and Chloe laughed because of Adrianna’s honest response. They accidentally locked eyes but quickly focused on themselves again-Josh with the steering wheel and Chloe with her flowing hair.
“Why are you two acting all shy like that?” Adrianna realized their condition. “Ugh, you’re like teenagers in love!”
“Adrianna!” Chloe exclaimed, her face turning even redder.