As Alexis drifted into sleep, completely unaware, Leonel stood by her bedside for a long while.
Finally, unable to resist, he leaned down and pressed a soft ki*s on her lips.
In that moment, overwhelmed with emotion, he felt tears threaten to spill.
Whispering against her lips, he murmured, âI donât care if you call me mean or ungrateful.
â
What mattered most was that Alexis had returned to him.
It took Leonel over an hour to prepare a meal suitable for a woman who had just given birth, and he personally delivered it upstairs.
While Alexis continued to sleep, Cordelia stirred awake in the crib beside her, her big eyes wide with curiosity.
Leonel set down the tray and approached Cordelia, eager to interact with her.
To his surprise, Cordelia reached out and grabbed his finger, eliciting a smile from Leonel.
She kicked her legs happily, seeming to recognize him as her father.
Bending down, Leonel planted a gentle ki*s on Cordeliaâs forehead.
âYou stay here and rest.
Iâll wake your mom up for dinner.
â
As Leonel spoke to Cordelia, Alexis had woken up and observed the interaction between father and daughter, as well as heard his tender words.
In that moment, she couldnât help but wish that things had never been complicated with Anika.
Meeting Leonelâs gaze, Alexis saw the gentleness in his eyes as he turned back towards her.
âItâs just in time for dinner,â he said, his tone still gentle and caring, as if he were the most considerate husband in the world.
Remembering her promise to spend 60 days with him as a devoted wife, Alexis refrained from saying anything unpleasant.
She sat up, ready to join him for the meal.
Leonel gently halted Alexis.
âYouâve just given birth.
Eat in bed.
Iâll fetch the small table,â he suggested, his tone laced with concern for her well-being.
Despite his intentions, Alexis found the situation somewhat absurd.
âI may have just given birth, but you still pressured me to sign that agreement in your office.
Letâs just try to be normal, Leonel.
Thereâs no need for you to go out of your way to please me.
Iâm not accustomed to it.
â
Leonel paused, taken aback by her response.
However, he quickly regained his composure, offering her a faint smile.
âAlexis, Iâm making an effort to make you happy and want to start over with you.
I didnât have you back to impose my will upon you or force you every day.
I donât believe thatâs what you desire either.
Youâve always preferred gentleness, havenât you?â he questioned.
Feeling overwhelmed by his persistence on the matter, Alexis Lifted her chin slightly and simply stated, âIâm hungry.
â
Responding to her need, Leonel promptly arranged the dishes and presented her with a bowl of soup.
After taking a sip, he asked, âHow is it?â
Alexis replied candidly, âItâs delicious.
But Leonel, you really should consider hiring some nurses for me and Cordelia, or you could bring the ones from my home here.
Managing two companies means you canât always be at home serving me during my postpartum recovery.
â