Marcus was lost for words.
Leonel was probably the only one who could tick him off like this.
Inside the ward, Leonelâs demeanor shifted.
Leonel knew Alexis inside out.
There was no way sheâd spill about their deal to Waylen.
Sheâd paint him all rosy.
And yup, there she was, chatting up Waylen as Leonel strolled in.
âI am going to patch things up with him, Dad,â she murmured.
But Waylen couldnât buy it.
He sensed something fishy.
Just as he was going to speak up, in walked Leonel.
Smooth as butter, he greeted Alexisâ folks, and then casually accepted the water from Melissa.
âIâll help out,â he said, like it was no biggie.
Melissa hesitated momentarily.
Alexis kept her eyes on her father, whispering, âLet him, Melissa.
Heâs what Dadâs talking about.
â
The vibe in the room was very awkward.
Everyone was in on the charade but Alexis had made her call.
They all had to play along, though it felt wrong.
Rena was worried about Alexis.
âSplash some water on your face.
You look beat.
â
âSure,â Alexis agreed.
Then the two of them slipped into the bathroom, shutting the door.
Renaâs voice wavered as she asked, âHowâs this helping your Dad? And what about you?â
Alexis dabbed her face with warm water.
She paused and then said, âItâs just two months.
Leonel swore he wonât trap me afterwards.
I trust him on this.
Mom, I had no choice, no clarity.
Dadâs life was hanging by a thread and I couldnât just bank on his decency.
What if he really refused to donate his blood to Dad if I rejected him?â
Renaâs heart sank.
Though her bond with Waylen was once shaky and their kids were really that lucky when it came to matters of the heart, they still had sense.
Only Leonel was reckless like a moth to flames.
Alexis squeezed Renaâs hand.
âI want to give Leonel one last shot to truly realize thereâs no going back for us,â she murmured.
Itâd be best for both if Leonel let go and set Alexis free.
They chatted a bit.
Rena fretted over the newborn and she urged Alexis to head home for some rest.
âThere are too many injured and sick people here.
You just had the baby.
Itâs not good to stick around too long.
â
âSure, Iâll leave after a bit with Dad,â Alexis agreed.
As Alexis stepped out, Waylen and Leonel were deep in chat.
Melissa peeled an apple for Waylen.
Since she didnât really have a dad, she treated Waylen Like her own.
They clicked.