Leonel, damp with sweat, stuck close behind her.
He ki*sed the sweat off her skin and asked, âWhy did you feel like crying at dinner?â
Alexis was caught off guard.
She hadnât expected him to revisit the question.
He turned her to face him.
As he basked in the moonlight, he ki*sed her tenderly.
His voice low and enticing as he inquired, âI couldnât ask this in front of Evelyn.
But Alexis, was it because of me?â
They had hardly discussed the reasons behind her departure after reuniting.
Yet, they both understood the underlying issues they had.
And now, he was broaching the subject.
Did he want to talk about it?
Alexis lacked the energy for such a conversation.
But she knew Leonel wouldnât let her avoid it.
He wanted clarity tonight.
So she didnât evade and admitted, âIf it werenât for Serenity, things would be much better between us.
â
Having said that, Alexis felt drained.
What was done was done.
They were together now for Evelynâs sake.
dnât always been this way.
Motherhood had changed her.
It became her vulnerability.
Since returning, her sole focus was on Leonelâs ability to help cure Evelyn.
They needed another child for that.
But the girl had grown fond of Leonel.
Regardless of her own feelings, Alexis had to consider her daughterâs.
Speaking calmly, Alexis was surprised by her own gentleness, a change she never anticipated.
Leonel had his suspicions.
If Alexisâ return was a compromise, it was just that.
In harsher terms, she was merely settling.
Leonel tightened his embrace, holding Alexis close.
She had been silent for a while when suddenly, he spoke in a raspy voice.
âIâm so sorry, Alexis.
â
Alexis remained quiet.
In that moment, Leonel yearned to ask her another question.
Had she ever truly loved Calvin?