My Blind Wife Wants Divorced

“Damn it!” The glass in her hand, she threw it recklessly, smashing it against the wall, causing further chaos in the living room. Splashes from the liquid that was in the glass stained the once-white wall. But she didn’t care at all. The anger that enveloped her was much more significant for her, making her lose control.

She was leaving the hospital, where many journalists blocked her, not to mention the spotlight directed at her, even though Rio had found the best way out of the building where she was undergoing treatment after fainting due to excessive alcohol influence. But unfortunately, those news-hungry journalists were adept at finding her whereabouts.

And it was true. Ester was bombarded with numerous questions, especially regarding the accusations of harming Chloe. Many hot rumors eventually attacked her. Over the past two days, Sofi has provided much information about the developing news. Sofi told her everything and advised Ester to be prepared for the worst. The gossip had been escalating over time.

Sofi was shocked by the intensity of the mass media directed at Ester. She didn’t dare speculate on who might be behind the accusations against Ester of harming Leonel Grisham’s ex-wife. The headlines circulating were also terrifying. Rio, who rarely commented on rumors, seemed weary.

“It’s terrifying, Miss, the gossip,” Rio complained once. At that time, they were getting ready to leave the hospital. They also requested a path free from journalists. The hospital and agency staff had done their best to help, but the news hunters were relentless.

“Is it true, Ester?”

“The evidence circulating online can’t be easily denied, Ester. Do you have a response?”

“What illness are you suffering from that made you avoid testifying at the police station?”

“We heard that Chloe Delilah’s side won’t stay silent about what you did in the past. What’s your response, Ester?”

“Regarding the affair that you haven’t admitted all this time, the evidence is clear. Do you have a response?”

“Is it true that the agency terminated your contract?”

Ester didn’t utter a word. She chose to bow her head, continuing to watch her steps to avoid stumbling or being trampled by the crowd that had gathered. She paid no attention to the numerous spotlights directed at her. The cameras never left her sight. Even Rio’s attempts to protect Ester could have been more helpful. The agency where Ester worked had also deployed personnel to escort her, but she still struggled to reach her car door.

“Ester, please say something. Your actions are indefensible, you know.”

Ester clenched her fists tightly. If it were related to the accident, she wouldn’t admit it. She did not know about the accident. She could provide plenty of evidence but couldn’t wrap her head around everything circulating. How could everything be so organized?

She would find out. She had to. But first, she had to escape from this crowd. Fortunately, although it was difficult, Ester managed to get into the car and was immediately driven away by Rio. Sofi didn’t leave her side for a moment. Her assistant was also bewildered by everything that had been happening recently.

“Still can’t reach Josh?” Ester asked with a worried look. “If this isn’t stopped, my reputation will be ruined. Leo must be furious, right?”

Sofi chose not to answer, as it was already clear to Ester. Sofi must have been affected as well. Everyone close to Ester must have felt Leo’s anger. When that half-man, half-woman got angry, he didn’t care who was before him. He had to vent his frustration.

“What did Leo say to you?”

“Besides not allowing you to go out indiscriminately, you’ve also been temporarily suspended from many work sessions. The gossip has become so intense that Miss Leo fears the situation will get out of control.”

Ester nodded slowly. She began to figure out how to clear her name again. Ester didn’t even glance at her phone, which she usually played with. She used to check the outside world through the mass media to kill time, but she was afraid to read the news about herself now. If the information were good, Ester would happily read every detail. But this?

“Have you tried contacting Emir?”

“Yes, Miss. Neither of them responded.”

“Damn,” Ester muttered. “And Leonel?”

“Mr. Leonel as well.”

“Leonel did accuse me of orchestrating Chloe’s accident, but we were together at that time. I have a solid alibi. The problem now is, who spreads those photos and news? And the tightly kept secret affair that’s now being exposed. I remember Leonel always preventing anyone from following us. You know that, right, Sofi?” Sofi nodded. “Yes, Miss.”

“If this affair is made public, Leonel will be embarrassed too. It means he’ll have to consider how to refute the accusations in the media carefully.” Ester rubbed her hands together, deep in thought. “I’m sure it wasn’t Leonel who did it. But it’s not impossible that Leonel told Chloe. And that woman seeks revenge for something I didn’t do.”

“I don’t think Ms. Chloe is that malicious, Miss.”

Ester turned and looked at Sofi incredulously. “Whose side are you really on?”

What occupied Ester’s mind became a reality when she visited Chloe’s house that afternoon. They had a heated debate, and Ester didn’t want to argue this time. She accepted everything Chloe threw at her, even the slap on her cheek. Ester’s purpose in visiting Chloe’s house was to explain that she wasn’t the mastermind behind the accident and determine who was spreading the ongoing hot news.

“No matter who leaked it to the public, Ester, it will be known eventually. A rotten corpse hidden so carefully will surely be smelled. Just like what you did to me, Ester.”

Ester shut her eyes tightly. Chloe stood in front of her with a look full of hatred. Little did Chloe know that Ester herself despised being here. She was reluctant to meet Chloe, even for a minute. Without the strange accusations, she would be out of town, doing her usual photoshoots.

“I didn’t do it!” Ester emphasized once again. “I won’t argue about everything you say about the affair. It’s been a long time, right? You used to mock me. I don’t care, Chloe. I truly don’t care. Even if you hurt me with a slap, I won’t react. But I won’t accept your words about orchestrating the accident.”

Chloe clicked her tongue in annoyance. Her eyes glared at her opponent. How could this woman come here, almost forcing her way in, even using Darren’s kindness, and still refuse to admit what she had said? So, everything Josh told her as information was a lie? Just tell her the truth!

“I hate you and your existence with all my heart, Chloe. Your marriage to the man I love makes me hate you. Hate you so much,” Ester spoke honestly about Chloe in her eyes. “But I still have a conscience, enough to not harm you just to get Leonel. My God. That’s not who I am at all.”

“Speak in court then.”

Ester nodded slowly. “I’m sure you’ll sue me, but I must talk to you about this before that. I won’t admit to any of it. Not at all.”

“Suit yourself. It’s your business. I don’t care.”

When Ester recalled the conversation at Chloe’s house, she still doubted that Chloe was the one who spoke to the media. “Chloe can’t be like that. If I were called to court or even arrested by the police, it would make more sense. But this…”

“It seems intentional, right, Miss?” Sofi continued, standing not far from Ester the whole time. She had to ensure that Ester, who was emotionally shaken, was doing okay. She didn’t want to find Ester unconscious due to her foolish actions.

“Yes,” Ester agreed with this. “You’re right, Sofi. It feels deliberate. Planned. Because if Chloe spoke, she would be pursued by journalists too. They would create news making Chloe seem like the most suffering victim of everything I’ve done. Dramatized by the words of those journalists, right?”

Ester chose to direct her steps toward the sofa. Sitting there, she wanted her backside to feel comfortable against the couch, but her heart relaxed. Her reputation was at stake every second. If she didn’t come out and provide explanations and counter the accusations soon, she was sure she wouldn’t be able to recover from this downfall.

“I’ve been looking for information, a competent lawyer. But I’m still hesitant, Sofi if it can resolve the case. I heard the case had already been handed over to Grisham’s attorney, Mr. Chris. Ms. Chloe herself requested his assistance.”

Ester fell silent. Her eyes suddenly became blurry, and she had a throbbing headache.

“What should I do, Sofi?”

***

Josh chuckled. Two tablets and a phone displaying all the news he wanted to appear there. He had also seen the video of Ester leaving the hospital. “Good job,” he said, pushing these items aside. “You’re truly reliable, Emir.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Emir remained silent, though he gave a slight nod in response.

“You can take two days off. I can handle the meeting with Leonel myself.”

“Are you sure?”

Josh laughed. His face looked at Emir with a silly expression. “You doubt me?”

No, sir.” Emir bowed his head. “I never doubt any of your steps and calculations.”

Josh was smug.

“But you should also consider the resistance you’ll face in the future.”

“So far, there hasn’t been any, Emir.” Josh waved his hand dismissively. “You just relax. I know what I need to do.”

Emir nodded again. “Alright then. May I have permission to leave, and is it true that I can have two days off?”

“Yes,” Josh quickly replied. “Use your time to meet your family. I don’t have that, Emir. I’m a bit envious, but that’s life, right?”

Emir didn’t answer that question. He only knew a little about Josh’s background, which he considered highly private. His boss rarely mentioned his parents. The story only unfolded until his college years, when the figure of Chloe, whom Emir knew from his boss’s novels, was a close friend and held a deep affection for her.

“Go ahead,” Josh dismissed him with a smiling face. A loyal and reliable assistant like Emir, he always treated him well. “You need rest.”

“So do you, sir.”

Josh only responded with a slight nod. Emir left Josh’s office shortly after leaving him alone with the ticking clock on the wall. The sound of the air conditioning could be heard clearly. Leonel’s gaze returned to a file, and a cunning smile appeared.

“It’s only you that I’ll destroy, Leonel. It is my final move.”