Alexis blinked, realization dawning upon her.
Only now did she grasp that Leonel didnât plan for her and Evelyn to be locked up here forever.
His objective was to impregnate her, believing another child would tether her to him, forcing her to reconsider.
Alexis closed her eyes, absorbing the revelation.
As they conversed, activity stirred upstairs.
Leonel personally escorted the doctor downstairs.
His countenance appeared pallid in the morning Light.
The doctor carried a medical kit, and Leonel saw him to the door, returning only after the carâs departure⦠Evelyn appeared apprehensive of him.
Observing Evelynâs barely touched breakfast, Leonel intervened tenderly, âDad will fix you something, alright?â
Evelyn continued to poke at her poached egg, murmuring, âThis oneâs good.
â
Aware of Evelynâs discontent, Leonel glanced at Alexis.
âYou mentioned feeling unwell and wanting breakfast upstairs.
Why the change of plans?â
Alexis fired back, âSo now I need permission to go downstairs? Fine, from tomorrow, Iâll only stay in my room then.
â
Her tone dripped with sarc
sm.
How could Leonel miss the sarcasm?
With his hands in his pockets, he grinned.
âCome on, why say that? Youâre free to go wherever you want.
Iâll tag along.
â
Alexis remained unconvinced.
After Evelyn finished breakfast, Alexis planned to take her upstairs and tutor her herself with her studies.
Leonel halted her.
âAlexis, we need to talk.
â
He gestured for Evelyn to ascend first.
She hesitated, casting a reluctant glance at him.
His tone softened.
âBe a good girl and go upstairs.
Daddy needs to talk to Mommy.
â
After a momentâs hesitation, Evelyn ascended the stairs slowly.
With Evelyn out of earshot, Leonel turned to Alexis.
âWe should try to get along better for Evelynâs sake, you know, both physically and mentally.
â
Alexis scoffed.
âIsnât it a bit late for that? When you decided to keep Anika, you chose against the kidsâ well-being.
Do you have any idea how terrified Evelyn was when Anika tied her up? How many nightmares sheâs had since then? If you truly cared, youâd let us leave instead of indulging your own desires by keeping us here.
â
Leonel looked down.
He glanced at the needle mark on his hand, and then back at Alexis.
âOnce youâre pregnant and have the baby, Iâll allow you to leave,â he said casually.
Alexis felt a wave of suffocation wash over her.