Alexis remained silent, her form motionless, even as he exited.
Once alone, a solitary tear traced her cheek.
Leonelâs love had dwindled to mere possession, his fear of abandonment stronger than his desire for her happiness.
Alexis was all too familiar with this abandonment, living daily with the void of his affection.
Their communication had eroded to nothing.
Their marriage, a deadlock of unspoken grievances.
Leonelâs visits were sporadic, yet he maintained his role as a father, tender with the children, cordial with Alexis.
Behind closed doors, however, they were estranged, their emotional bonds worn to indifference.
The whispers of discord in their marriage had reached every ear.
Waylenâs request for a private word with Leonel resulted in a composed exit.
Resolved, Leonel had decided against divorce, yet he refused to plead with Alexis for reconciliation.
He left the Fowler residence in a sleek black limousine.
The driver caught Leonelâs dour reflection and inquired, âMr.
Douglas, shall we return to the villa or head to the company?â
Leonel responded without much concern, âTo the company.
â
The driver maneuvered the limousine towards their destination.
They arrived at the company headquarters, a testament to Leonelâs vision, erected just two years prior.
Upon their arrival, a sudden halt announced Anikaâs presence, drenched by the rain, standing resolutely before the vehicle.
She approached, arms folded protectively across her chest.
In time, Leonel lowered the car window, a cigarette soon glowing between his fingers.
âWhat brings you here in the rain?â
The guy in the fancy car looked real suave, puffing on his cigarette like it was a piece of art.
Anikaâs chase after Leonel wasnât just about fame and fortune, it was also about admiring him as a woman.
She was crystal clear about that.
Smoke from his cigarette blurred the space between them.
Then, out of the blue, Leonel looked her wayâ¦
And boy, was she a sight.
She was drenched and her dress was stuck to her body.
She couldnât hide a thing from a guy like him.
Her knees wobbled under his stare.
With a croaky voice, she said, âHey Mr.
Douglas, I need a favor.
I figure your wifeâs onto me, and itâs been rough lately.
Workâs on hold, and my folks arenât exactly rolling in dough.
Theyâve supported me through college and all.
So Iâm begging you⦠Could you have a word with Mrs.
Douglas? Maybe cut me some slack?â
Her eyes all teary as she pleaded.
Leonel just kept staring and took another drag from his cigarette, not saying a word.
His look made her legs turn to jelly.