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Visiting the mall and shopping was expected, but Agatha and Robby felt the evening was different. There were many sweet memories to carry with them as they said goodbye to Chloe, whom they considered their child. There was laughter and happiness that Agatha usually felt when she was with Chloe, going around the mall. It was a normal thing they did in New York City. They always bought something, just stopping by to fulfill the bags in their hands.
Agatha felt like reliving the fun they had together, even though now this middle-aged woman was being showered with gifts by Chloe. Chloe refused to let Agatha pay for all her shopping bags. She pouted when Agatha didn’t accept Chloe’s donations. In Agatha’s eyes, she used to handle all the expenses. But this time, Chloe gave her many presents. Agatha couldn’t refuse them all.
As planned, Agatha and Robby were supposed to return to New York City in the morning. It wouldn’t be a problem if they stayed in Beverly Hills a little longer, but seeing the closeness between Chloe and Darren felt uncomfortable, which inevitably hurt their hearts.
Meeting Chloe and doing many things with her was enjoyable; Agatha and Leonel’s parents couldn’t deny it. But they couldn’t lie to themselves either; seeing Chloe’s closeness with Darren for too long only made their hearts ache. They still hoped that Chloe and Leonel could be together again. They were living a married life with a much better personality.
There was nothing wrong if they got back together, right? After all, they saw how Leonel changed day by day. He became a much more mature person in his approach. And it seemed that Ester’s name had been eliminated from Leonel’s life. His son worked tirelessly like a hardworking machine to rebuild what was almost shattered. He also made efforts to repair his relationship with both of his parents.
That’s why Agatha always hoped and prayed for a second chance for Leonel and Chloe to be together. It was unacceptable for her to see the closeness that developed between Darren and Chloe. Agatha held back everything. She couldn’t show a lousy smile or an ungracious acceptance. Moreover, she remembered Darren’s efforts to save Chloe.
“Don’t push yourself too hard, dear,” Robby said, seeing the worry on his wife’s face. He knew what was on her mind. Robby spoke because he felt the same as his wife. They both wanted their son’s marriage to be whole again with a woman they believed was good, like Chloe.
But it would be selfish if they forced themselves on Chloe. Especially since she seemed traumatized by Leonel’s attitude and treatment in the past. Oh God! If only they could advise Leonel and think ahead. Perhaps this divorce wouldn’t have happened.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
“Yes, Pa,” Agatha replied, shoulders drooping. “We’re getting ready to go home, Pa. Mama can’t stand seeing Chloe and Darren’s closeness.”
There was nothing Robby could do except comply with what his wife said. Their initial intention of visiting while subtly showing through their words that Leonel had changed a lot; they never expected that closeness would develop during their time together.
***
That morning, before Chloe went to the cafe, she took the time to see off her former in-laws. Last night, she briefly stopped by the hotel where they were staying, so in the morning, Chloe hurried there to see them off. Of course, not empty-handed. Chloe brought many Beverly Hills souvenirs for them to take home.
She also remembered a few jars of low-sugar cookies that Agatha loved and Chloe used to make.
Agatha and her husband were delighted with Chloe’s attention. Unfortunately, Chloe invited Darren that morning, so Agatha and Robby had to meet him again, whether they liked it. Although they didn’t like it due to jealousy, they managed to conceal their feelings well. They were kind to Darren, although their conversations were minimal.
“Next time, come to New York City. Don’t make old folks like us go through this trouble. New York City and Beverly Hills aren’t far apart, but we’re not young anymore like you. Just a little work, and we easily get tired.” Robby looked at Chloe with his perfect smile. He asked her not to be shy or hesitant to visit him in New York City. Because after the divorce, they truly felt separated, as if they were in different worlds.
“Papa is right; Beverly Hills and New York City are very close. Why haven’t you ever come to visit us until now? Don’t think that just because you’re divorced from Leonel, you no longer have a connection with us. No matter what, you’re still our child, Chloe. Come anytime. We will open the door as wide as possible for you.” Agatha added her voice.
For the past year, she had hoped Chloe would come and reunite with Leonel. Agatha hoped such an opportunity would bring Chloe and Leonel together as a married couple. However, that was just a hope that now had to be swallowed by reality.
Chloe reached out and delightfully held Agatha’s hand. Her smile adorned her beautiful face. “Yes, Ma, Pa. Next time, Chloe will come to New York City, and Chloe will visit you. Chloe promises.”
Agatha then hugged Chloe as a farewell.
“You take care here. Stay healthy. Be a successful career woman, but don’t forget your health. Mama doesn’t want you to get sick, Chloe. Mama loves you.” Speaking softly, Agatha unintentionally made Chloe feel like crying with gratitude.
Looking back, remembering the past when she held the title of Mrs. Leonel, she did go through many painful experiences because of her husband’s actions. However, Chloe would always remember the contributions of her in-laws. Both of them always supported her more than their children. Chloe felt genuinely grateful. Not everyone was as lucky as her to have such kind in-laws.
That was also why Chloe and her ex-husband’s parents maintained a good relationship until now. While most people would distance themselves from their in-laws after a divorce, Chloe didn’t do that. She was happy that Robby and Agatha maintained a good relationship with her; she felt loved like their child.