Alexis quickly distanced herself from Leonel and turned her attention to the doctor, inquiring, âHow is he?â
The doctor responded in a low voice, âHeâs stable for now, but he needs a consistent living environment.
Miss Fowler, please reconsider the advice I gave earlier.
â
Alexis acknowledged his suggestion with a nod.
As Calvinâs assistant escorted the doctor out, exchanging a few words at the door.
Leonelâs gaze returned to Alexis.
He questioned her, âAre you planning to marry him just for the sake of his emotional and physical well-being?â
Alexis, drained from the exchange, replied quietly, âThatâs none of your concern.
â
Leonelâs expression darkened at her words.
Alexis let out a soft sigh.
âPlease, just go.
Leonel, youâre in no position to demand anything from me.
â
Her thoughts lingered on the possibility that had she made different choices, she might already have had children.
She would have long walked out of his life.
Leonel studied her for a moment, noting the subtle dark circles under her eyes, before finally departing.
The assistant returned, seemingly with a question, but Alexis, sitting on the sofa and casually flipping through a magazine, dismissed it with a wave of her hand.
âJust make sure heâs well taken care of.
Keep him out of trouble.
â
As the assistant nodded and left, Alexisâ thoughts drifted.
She then murmured to herself, âActually, Leonel made the right choice.
â
With that, she offered a subtle and faint smile.
That evening, Calvin left her apartment.
Alone, Alexis uncorked a bottle of red wine and sipped it slowly.
She lit a long, slender cigarette and placed it on the ashtray, watching as it smoldered quietly into ash.
Her mind occasionally wandered to Leonel.
He had called her twice that evening, but she didnât pick up.
She had no desire to rehash the past or engage in conversations that led nowhere.
It was better to let sleeping dogs lie.
To her, Leonel was like someone who, after sampling various delicacies, suddenly realized the comfort of home-cooked meals.
But why should she be the one to satisfy his newfound appreciation?