Evelyn hardly needed to walk whenever Leonel was around, as he was always ready to carry her.
The next morning, the villaâs floors were all covered with soft wool carpets, making it a safe playground for kids.
Ollie, their puppy, frolicked on the carpet while Evelyn tried to pull its tail.
The puppy barked in pain.
Leonel came to Ollieâs rescue and then gently lectured Evelyn about not pulling a dogâs tail Like that.
She lowered her head, patting Ollie affectionately.
âAlright.
Time for your medicine.
â
Leonel carefully prepared her medicine, and there were six sizable pills in total.
Getting Evelyn to take her medicine had always been a challenge for Alexis, and even Calvinâs efforts were often in vain.
However, today, Evelyn sat obediently in her chair.
Leonel halved each pill, instructing Evelyn to take two sips of water with each half.
She complied and soon finished her medicine.
As a reward, he gave her a piece of candy, which she enjoyed with evident satisfaction.
During breakfast, which included a soft-boiled egg, milk and finger-sandwiches, Leonel attentively fed his daughter, squatting beside her.
Alexis, watching this, couldnât hold back her comment.
âSheâs capable of eating by herself.
Children should learn to be more independent.
â
This was the approach the Fowler family had always taken, encouraging self-reliance even when sick.
Leonel, not even glancing at Alexis, responded softly, âMy daughter doesnât need to be independent yet.
Elva wasnât, and sheâs turned out fine.
Thereâs nothing wrong with being a bit spoiled.
â
Alexis found herself at a loss for words.
More than anything, she didnât want to argue with him.
She had hoped for a peaceful coexistence with him, especially since now she needed his help to get pregnant.
After Evelyn finished eating and started playing on her own, Leonel had a quick meal.
Then he turned to Alexis, saying slowly, âWe both have our jobs, but Evelyn needs someone to look after her.
â
Alexis expected him to suggest sending Evelyn to her parents, but Leonel surprised her by saying, âIâll take Evelyn to the office with me from now on.
â
Alexis objected, âSheâll get bored at the company.
â
âAnd whatâs the alternative? We donât have a reliable nanny at home,â he replied, his gaze steady on Alexis.
âAre you worried I might take our daughter away from you? Donât be.
Youâre not the only one who wants another child.
I do too.
â
After his comment, Leonel fell silent, perhaps due to his sour mood.
Alexis felt the strain of their frigid relationship weighing on her.