She appeared healthier now, her slender frame adorned in a sophisticated dress and light makeup.
To the casual observer, her recent suicide attempt would have gone unnoticed.
Lost in thought, he wondered if setting her free was the right choice.
Despite knowing he should have stayed away from her just as he promised, he found himself unable to resist reaching out and asking, âHow have things been for you lately?â Are you still struggling with insomnia? And the childâ¦â
Suddenly, he stopped, his words hanging in the air, unspoken.
In fact, the look in Alexisâ eyes wasnât cold; it was notably calmer than before.
In the dim light, Leonel noticed the slight sinking of her upper eyelids, a telltale sign of aging in women.
But it didnât make her less pretty; it just reminded him she wasnât as young as she used to be.
Alexis regarded him calmly for a few moments.
Contrary to his expectation of silence, she replied softly, âIâm doing well.
The child is fine too.
â
Leonel felt a surge of flattery.
A spark of hope flickered within him as he gazed deeply into Alexisâ eyes.
After a moment of hesitation, he spoke up again softly.
âAlexis, if I learn to treat you with respect and not pressure you, is there any chance we canââ
Alexis averted her gaze.
Turning to the driver, she instructed, âOpen the door for me, please.
â
The driver reopened the door, causing Leonelâs Adamâs apple to bob nervously.
He wished to utter more words, but Alexis had already turned away and entered the car, leaving him no opportunity.
In the blink of an eye, the driver shut the door, trapping the remainder of Leonelâs words within his mouth, lost to the wind.
Recognizing Leonel, the driver offered an apologetic smile, and then hurriedly made his way to the front of the car, entered, and swiftly drove off.
Leonel stood in the biting cold wind, each gust causing him to cough uncontrollably for a moment.
A respectable middle-aged man emerged from the neighboring club and, spotting Leonel, warmly grasped his shoulder.
âI heard you were here but couldnât find you inside, so I came out to search.
What captivating sight has kept you here?â
Leonel offered a faint smile.
âThatâs not it.
I just ran into someone I know.
â
Curious, the man asked, âWho could make you Linger like this?â
In a subdued tone, Leonel murmured, âMy ex-wife.
â
The atmosphere grew awkward.
It took the man a while to regain his composure, and he offered a hesitant smile.
âAh, Miss Fowler, right? Was she dining next door? The Italian restaurant there serves fantastic pasta, indeed.
Haha.
â
Leonel managed a slight smile in response.
His failed marriage was no secret.
Despite being in a club, nobody dared to arrange a companion for him.
In Duefron, it was common knowledge that Leonel was going through a rough patch.