Daniel pressed his lips together, a sign of his inner turmoil.
Tears filled Evelynâs large eyes as she silently descended the stairs and took her place at the table.
Waylen tenderly ran his hand through her hair, offering, âGo say hi to your dad if you want to.
â
Evelyn hesitated, and Ollie trailed after her.
Outside, Evelyn refrained from her usual rush.
Instead, she observed Leonel from a distance, her expression hopeful.
Leonel swallowed nervously and waved back at her before she approached.
She refrained from embracing him either.
She lifted her head and spoke softly.
âMom mentioned divorce.
Dad, I thought you said you wouldnât.
â
Leonel remained silent.
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Eventually, he crouched down, placing a hand on Evelynâs shoulder and pulling her into an embrace.
Initially, Evelyn hesitated.
Rumors from her classmates circulated, suggesting her father had an affair with a celebrity, and sheâd soon have a stepmother, along with younger siblings.
Though curious, her self-esteem prevented her from asking.
Held by Leonel, Evelyn felt awkward for a moment before pulling away and darting back inside.
Ollie followed suit.
The morning sun gradually rose, casting its golden light over the treetops.
Standing amidst the autumn glow, Leonel felt no warmth from the sun.
His gaze drifted blankly towards the porch.
Though there was no physical barrier, he knew he couldnât enter.
Not only had Alexis departed, but the family had also forsaken him.
Leonel waited until eight before heading to the office.
Alexis was nowhere to be seen.
Over the next month, Leonelâs company faced destruction from various fronts, notably from Marcusâ and Edwinâs companies, which had been engaged in opposition.
Leonel became consumed with work, leaving him no time for rest, let alone to seek Alexisâ forgiveness.
Additionally, Leonel found it impossible to meet Alexis.
The initial hearing of their divorce case was held privately.
Leonel anticipated Alexisâ presence, setting aside half a day.
However, upon reaching the court, he found Alexis absent, having delegated full authority to her colleague as well as divorce attorney, Rex Morris.
Naturally, the divorce wasnât finalized during the initial hearing.
Insisting on immediate negotiations, Leonel sought to meet with Alexis.
Exiting the courtroom and settling into his car, Leonel received a call from Alexis, the law firmâs number flashing on his screen.
Clutching the phone, Leonel spoke softly.
âSo, now youâre willing to reach out.
Alexis, letâs talk face-to-face.
â
Alexis responded coldly, âDuring the initial hearing, you can claim our relationship isnât broken, but in the next, weâll surely divorce.
Leonel, youâve misunderstood.
I havenât been avoiding you; I simply feel repulsed by you.
Itâs a visceral disgust.
â