Alexis made her way back to the sofa, taking a seat at a measured pace.
Leonel leaned forward and gently placed Cordelia into Alexisâ waiting arms.
He couldnât resist the urge to caress his daughter with his fingers.
As the girl detected the scent of breast milk, she instinctively nuzzled against Alexis.
Cordelia eventually found Alexisâ breast and attempted to nurse through the thin cloth.
However, unable to access the milk, the baby grew frustrated and became red-faced with anxiety.
Leonel observed the scene with eager anticipation.
âPlease, step out for a moment,â Alexis requested softly.
He wished to stay, but fearing that his presence might cause discomfort, he simply nodded in agreement.
As he turned away, Alexis began the process of undoing her clothes to nurse Cordelia.
However, struggling to manage the buttons with only one hand, Alexis inadvertently caused the hungry baby to cry once more.
Leonel had already stepped out of the room, intending to close the door behind him.
However, he hesitated upon hearing the baby cry, turned back and stopped before Alexis.
âLet me help you with that,â he offered in a hoarse voice.
Initially inclined to refuse, Alexis faltered as Leonel reminded her in a low voice, âAlexis, we agreed to be a real couple.
â
Alexisâ heart fluttered at Leonelâs words.
Yes, how could Leonel engage in a failing business? Alexis pondered the terms they had agreed upon.
There were 60 days in total, and they could actually be intimate at the end of this period.
While he had promised not to force her, the agreement also implied that she should make an effort to reconcile with him.
With a faint smile, Alexis relaxed her grip, her fingers curling slightly.
Leonel half-crouched before her, skillfully unfastening three buttons of her shirt to reveal her torso.
Despite having recently given birth, her body remained attractive.
At least Leonelâs breath quickened slightly.
It had been more than half a year since he had last been intimate, and now the woman before him was the one he desired.
How could he resist the urge?
Yet he restrained himself, merely caressing Alexis lightly before raising his gaze to meet hers.
âYou seem even more beautiful than before,â he murmured softly.
Alexis wasnât being content anymore.
Having been husband and wife for many years, they were intimately familiar with each otherâs bodies.
Alexis naturally nursed Cordelia in her arms, and seeing that she didnât push him away, Leonel remained by her side.
He only moved Cordelia to the crib once she had finished nursing from both sides.
Turning his head, Leonel noticed Alexis tidying up her clothes.
In a hoarse voice, he offered, âLet me help you.
â
Feeling embarrassed, Alexis looked away.
âI can manage on my own.
Iâm hungry.
Could you prepare some food and bring it up? I prefer something light.
â
Leonel was content that Alexis was willing to talk to him.
Helping her settle onto the bed to have some rest, he pondered for a moment before speaking.
âIâll relocate the crib to the main bedroom this afternoon,â he decided.
âItâs much more comfortable there.
Weâll wait until Cordelia is able to sleep on her own before allowing her to stay here.
â
Alexis made no objection.
She closed her eyes and murmured, âLet me know when dinnerâs ready.
â
She was so exhausted that she fell asleep soon.