He didnât give her the chance to leave.
After a long stare, Alexis averted her gaze, her voice softening.
âIf my presence bothers you, Iâll move out.
You can avoid me when I return to visit my parents.
Iâve never troubled you, Leonel.
I hope youâll afford me the same courtesy.
â
Leonelâs smile remained, though it carried a bitter edge.
He was constantly bothered by Calvinâs presence in Alexisâ life, yet he couldnât express it.
His only outlet was to utter harsh words, masking his sadness.
He yearned for an explanation from Alexis, but she offered none, not even a denial of her closeness with Calvin.
A twinge of pain flickered in Leonelâs heart.
Their stalemate was interrupted by a rhythmic, gentle knock at the door.
Three distinct knocks echoed.
Calvinâs voice followed from outside.
âAlexis, are you in there?â
Alexis glanced at Leonel, noticing the slight curl of his lips.
He leaned in, whispering provocatively, âDo you enjoy betraying Calvin?â
Her reply was icy.
âIn the years weâve been apart, youâve only grown more twisted.
â
With that, she turned and opened the door.
The three of them stood, caught in an unexpected face-off.
Without a glance at Calvin, Alexis walked away, leaving the two men behind.
Calvin maintained his composure.
âLeonel, were you and Alexis reminiscing about old times?â
Leonelâs reply was laced with a faint smile.
âSomething like that.
Itâs a pleasant feeling.
â
As Leonel departed, he brushed against Calvinâs shoulder, a subtle provocation.
Calvin looked on, smiling nonchalantly as if unfazed.
Yet, once Leonel was gone, the smile vanished from his face, revealing a deeper turmoil.
Was Calvin truly indifferent?
It seemed unlikely.
Calvin longed for the physical strength to burst through the door and interrupt Alexis and Leonel.
He hated the thought of them being alone together.
The idea of Alexis being with Leonel troubled Calvin deeply.
Calvin was hesitant to admit it, but what Alexis had planned to do with Leonel pained him.
He didnât like the thought of Alexis being with Leonel repeatedly, even though he knew she didnât really have a choice at this point.
It wasnât just Calvinâs possessiveness.
His heart ached for her.
He suspected Leonel still held a place in Alexisâ heart, yet she had no desire to be with him.