He cut her off firmly, laying down the law.
âMiss Cohen, let me make this crystal clear.
There will never be anything between us.
Donât ever call me again.
And if you do, you wonât just be out of the television business, but out of Duefron entirely.
Consider that a promise.
â
With that, he ended the call abruptly.
On her end, Anika trembled with disbelief.
She couldnât fathom that Leonel had shut her down like that.
After all, didnât he seem interested in her when they were together that night?
It was almost midnight by the time Leonel finally left the office.
As he went to get the car, he spotted Anika waiting in the darkness, clad in nothing but a thin shirt.
Ignoring her, he climbed into the car and drove off without a second glance.
âMr.
Douglas,â Anika called out softly, but the car didnât slow down.
In the serene night, Anikaâs gaze burned with frustration, her thoughts swirling in the quiet of her mind.
When Leonel returned to the villa, the servant greeted him with the utmost respect, already at his service.
âMrs.
Douglas got back early.
Sheâs with the kids now.
Mr.
Douglas, would you prefer something to eat or head upstairs for a shower?â
As she spoke, he moved towards the hall.
Leonel hadnât been back in a while, and the weight of the weekâs absence wore heavy on his shoulders.
Suddenly, Ollie bounded into view, circling Leonel with boundless affection.
He couldnât help but smile, reaching out to stroke the loyal pup.
Then, Alexis descended the stairs.
Their eyes locked, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them.
She was still clad in long sleeves and pants, and Leonel couldnât shake the image of her fragility.
Leonel couldnât help but wonder if the marks heâd left on her skin were still there, a reminder of their intimate moments.
Despite the unspoken tension, Leonel addressed the servant, âIâll have something to eat first.
Prepare two bowls of noodles.
Iâll dine with my wife.
â
As Leonel wrapped up his directives, Alexisâ soft murmur broke the silence.
âThereâs no need for that.
Simply make his portion.
â
Under the stark light, Leonelâs gaze fixed on his wife.
Moments later, he fished a cigarette from his pocket, struck a match, and inhaled deeply.
âIâve been gone for a week.
Is this the crux of your message?â he probed.
Alexis offered a ghost of a smile.
âThe essence of my message is bound in the agreement.
â
Tension quivered in Leonelâs fingertips as he grasped the cigarette, another Long pull painting shadows on his hollow cheeks, accentuating a weary charm.
His eyes were frost as he considered her.
âDiscussions are better over a late-night bite, donât you think?â
Alexis addressed the servant with serenity etched on her features.
âPrepare two bowls of noodles then.
â