Leonel was still there in the living room, not yet showered, smoking on the sofa.
His surprise at seeing her was evident.
He didnât expect her to come out so soon.
Alexis approached, gently removed the cigarette from his lips, and softly chided, âYou told me not to smoke.
Why are you smoking?â
Leonel remained silent, simply gazing up at her.
Eventually, he drew her close, burying his face in her hair, and whispered, âIâm sorry.
Alexis⦠Iâm sorry.
â
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Alexisâ heart ached with the weight of her sacrifices for Leonel.
Resting against his shoulder, her voice tinged with emotion, she finally said, âLeonel, youâve captured my heart for a lifetime.
â
Leonel gently patted her back, saying with a grin, âFeels good to be stuck with me, doesnât it?â
Alexis responded with a smile.
Everything seemed settled, yet neither Alexis nor Leonel brought up marriage again.
They were content just living together and enjoying each otherâs company.
Now and then, Edwin and Laura would visit.
By late May, Lauraâs pregnancy was showing, and Edwin became even more attentive.
During one visit, Edwin assisted Leonel in the kitchen.
While Alexis and Laura sat awaiting lunch, Alexis seemed noticeably nervous, especially compared to Laura, who was visibly pregnant.
Gently, Alexis touched Lauraâs belly.
âI bet itâs a girl,â Alexis guessed.
Laura looked down, caressing her belly, and shared with a smile, âEdwinâs hoping for a boy first, and then a girl for our second.
â
Surprised, Alexis asked, âYouâre planning on two kids?â
A bit shy, Laura nodded in confirmation.
Then she turned the question to Alexis.
âHow about you and Leonel? Any thoughts on kids?â
Alexis ran her fingers through her long, black hair, hesitating before replying, âWe havenât really planned that far yet.
â
Laura, ever the introvert and quiet one, simply nodded and didnât pry further.