Chapter 3554: Chapter 3555

The squabbles, the grievances, all seemed to fade, leaving behind a raw reluctance.

In his deepest desires, he’d forsake everything for her pardon and to hold her once more.

Tears clouded Leonel’s vision as he bowed his head, pen to paper, finalizing their separation.

Soon after, they each held a certificate-stark proof of a shared life dissolved.

Silently, Alexis departed.

“Alexis!”

The name escaped Leonel’s lips, a reflex.

He almost reached out to her, but the truth of their severed bond-and her evident revulsion-stopped him.

His hand fell lifelessly.

Watching her retreat, he whispered, “Believe it or not, you’re the only one

for me.

”

There was no reply from Alexis, her silence a chasm now between them.

Leonel’s heart sank.

Olivia’s taunt cut through.

“Seems you’ve mastered leaving.

Might as well have stayed with that one outside, for all the good it did.

”

Upon exiting, Alexis found herself amidst a sea of reporters, their questions pelting down Like rain.

“Ms.

Fowler, is it over with Mr.

Douglas?”

“Was it Anika who tipped the scales?”

“Do you think Mr.

Douglas will wed again soon?”

Alexis stood there, her complexion ashen.

Leonel stepped in, shouldering through the crowd to shield her.

But the moment offered a gap, and a reporter prodded, “Mr.

Douglas, is a wedding with Anika on the horizon?”

Leonel’s voice was icy as he clarified, “You’ve got it wrong.

Miss Cohen and I are strictly professional.

That’s all it’s ever going to be.

”

The gathered crowd became a whirlwind of murmurs.

It was clear Leonel was pledging fidelity to his former spouse, but did his timing not render his gestures empty?

Anika’s complexion was ashen in the throng.

She had orchestrated this media barrage to corner Leonel, not anticipating his indifference and decisive renouncement of any ties to her.

Confusion clouded Anika’s thoughts.

Alexis had been the one to leave, yet there he stood, severing her out.

Alexis, overhearing Leonel, could barely suppress a scoff.

Without acknowledging him, she slipped into the vehicle arranged by the Fowlers, Olivia trailing her.

As the engine came to life, the car rolled past Leonel.

One was sheltered within the car.

The other stood exposed to the world.

The stark contrast marked this moment, Leonel on the outside looking in.

Alexis drove by without sparing him a glance, not for a heartbeat.

That was the curtain call on their union.