Her words were laced with sorrow and a deep-seated resentment toward both Anika and the man before her.
If only Leonel had dealt with Anika earlier, she wouldnât have been able to interfere in their lives or harm Evelyn.
Lifting her head to meet his gaze, Alexis stated coldly, âLeave her to me!â
Leonel rose and crouched in front of Alexis.
He reached out, hesitating, as if afraid she might spurn his touch.
Looking into her eyes, he promised, âAlexis, I promise that she wouldnât disturb us anymore.
â
He didnât want Alexis to confront Anika and find out what he had done to her.
He feared Alexis discovering the extent of his darker side.
Alexis lowered her gaze and sneered.
âWell, are you afraid Iâll harm your darling?â
Leonel felt a sting in his heart.
After a brief pause, he brushed the hair from her forehead gently and said, âOf course not! Iâm just worried youâll have nightmares if you see what she looks like now.
â
Alexis didnât believe him, but she also knew Leonel was unlikely to hand Anika over easily.
She rejected his touch and wouldnât let him get close to her.
No matter how much Leonel tried, she ignored him, simply curling up on the bed and holding Evelyn in her arms carefully.
The ceiling light was turned off, and under the dim glow of the bedside Lamp, Leonel saw Alexis holding Evelyn in the same protective posture they had used in the shaft of the building.
Suddenly, his heart felt so heavy he fo
nd it hard to breathe.
In the dim room, Alexisâ cold voice cut through the silence.
âYou can leave now!â
Leonel didnât leave.
Instead, he collapsed onto the sofa.
The quiet of the ward enveloped them.
They could hear each other breathing and knew neither was asleep.
Yet, there was nothing left between them but mutual hatred.
If only time could be reversedâ¦
The next morning, the doctor arrived with a nurse and conducted a thorough examination of Alexis to ensure her well-being.
Timmy also came.
Evelyn was fond of him.
As he gently touched the little girlâs head, he told Alexis, âWeâve convened an advisory panel with several experts to explore better treatment options for Evelyn.
â
Holding her rabbit plushy, Evelyn looked slightly nervous.
Alexis hugged her gently, aware that their chances were slim, but still hopeful.
She looked up at Timmy and said, âIf we canât find a treatment here, I will take her overseas.
I have to try.
â
Timmy nodded.
âYes, thereâs still hope.
Donât give up easily.
â
Then he bent down, touched Evelynâs nose with his slender finger, and she clutched the rabbit tightly as she stared at him.
After Timmy left, a servant brought in breakfast and informed Alexis that Waylen and Rena were tied up with something that morning and wouldnât arrive until the afternoon.