Just then, Alexisâ phone rang.
She checked the caller ID and saw it was Leonel.
A chill flashed through Alexisâ eyes.
Given the choice, she would have ignored the call.
Leonelâs voice came through softly.
âAre you ready?â
âIâll be there soon,â Alexis answered.
She wanted to add more, but then she heard a womanâs gentle voice in the background.
âMr.
Douglas, itâs time for our rehearsal.
Can you make it?â
Leonel excused himself to speak to the woman.
As he was about to return to the conversation, Alexis cut in sharply.
âYou should get back to your work.
â
With that, she ended the call.
Noreen stood frozen, watching.
Alexis put her phone down, sank into the sofa with a sigh, and asked quietly, âHow long has it been?â
âWh-what do you mean?â
Noreen played innocent at first, but Alexisâ penetrating gaze sent shivers down her spine.
She reluctantly confessed, âI donât know all the details, but I believe that woman hasnât made her move yet.
â
Images of Leonelâs shirt, marked with the scent of perfume and lipstick, flashed in Alexisâ mind.
She looked down, a bitter smile on her lips.
âPerhaps youâre mistaken.
â
With a wave of her hand, she signaled for everyone to leave.
She needed some time alone.
Noreen seemed like she wanted to say something but paused, reconsidering.
Eventually, she left with the others.
Alone in the spacious dressing room sat Alexis.
Her bag contained a pack of cigarettes.
Whenever she felt stressed or exhausted, sheâd light a cigarette and silently watch it burn, not actually smoking it.
This time, though, she really felt like smoking.
As she exhaled slowly, the smoke irritated her eyes⦠Alexis figured Leonel had chosen his path by letting another woman get so involved in his work and life.
It looked like her relationship with Leonel was really nearing its end this time.
She believed it was time to move on.
Alexis got to the party around eleven.
In the grand hall, lights glittered on everyone, creating a vibrant scene as guests mingled joyfully.
Leonel, being the center of attention, received lots of compliments Anika managed to snag a moment with him and said formally, appreciate this chance, Mr.
Douglas.
I was worried Iâd be replaced.