Leonel approached her, his steps deliberate, then crouched beside her.
His fingers traced her belly softly as he murmured, âWeâre expecting again, arenât we?â
Alexis gazed down at him.
She observed his slightly trembling hands on her belly, radiating paternal delight.
Yet, Alexis felt only irony.
Her voice was hoarse and strained.
âNot happening.
I wonât carry this child.
â
Leonel lifted his head, insisting, âYouâre carrying this child! Itâs a life.
â
Before he could finish, Alexisâ palm connected with his cheek in a resounding slap.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Alexisâ voice cracked.
âHow dare you, Leonel?! Is this how you value life? Our relationship ended long ago.
Do you think having a child together will turn back time? Tell me, how can we go back? Do you want to drug me every time you crave intimacy? Do you not see the tragedy of bringing another child into this dysfunctio
nal family?â
Suddenly, Leonel grasped the back of her head.
His usually handsome face mirrored her despair.
He offered a gentle smile.
âCompared to that, losing you seems far worse, Alexis⦠Letâs start anew.
I wonât mind if you still miss Calvin, or even visit him weekly, as long as youâre with me.
â
Alexis pushed him away.
âYouâre out of your mind!â
Leonel retreated, his expression unreadable.
They both understood the impossibility of Alexis undergoing an abortion.
She was resigned to carrying this child to termâ¦
After that day, Alexis shut Leonel out completely.
She stuck with Evelyn all day, barely acknowledging Leonel except at night when she had to retreat to their bedroom, and even then, it was strained.
Leonel sensed her anger but held back, fearing heâd only agitate her more.
All he wanted was to hold her close every now and then, but she rejected even that.
Her eyes lacked any warmth when she looked at him now.
The way she looked at him made him second-guess himself, but deep down, he didnât think he regretted his actions.
After all, if he hadnât acted as he did, Alexis might not have stayed with him.
He eagerly anticipated the babyâs arrival.
He was convinced it would bring joy to Alexis.
A month later, they relocated to another country, this time to Merblune.
Leonel arranged for Alexis and Evelyn to reside in a lavish villa, complete with security and medical care.
It appeared that Leonel wanted their child to be born in this place.
Evening descended, painting the sky with hues of sunset while flocks of birds headed south.
Alexis stood solitary by the French windows, her long skirt billowing in the gentle breeze, giving her an ethereal air.
Every aspect of Alexisâ and Evelynâs lives, from their attire to their meals, was orchestrated by Leonel.
This place resembled a gilded cage, intricately crafted by him.
Here, they lived carefree yet confined.
Alexis often found herself lost in memories of the past.
At times, sheâd reflect on her past with Leonel, cherishing the happy moments over the rest⦠Sheâd ponder whether if heâd married someone else or even married Serenity directly, perhaps none of this wouldâve unfolded.
If so, she might still be the carefree girl she once was.
The sound of a car echoed from outside.