He found himself unable to resist wrapping his arms around Alexisâ waist, holding her tightly.
It felt as though he was embracing his entire world.
The night grew even quieter.
Alexis made no move to push Leonel away, nor did she say anything to discourage him.
After years of tormenting each other, they both seemed exhausted.
This moment held a magical quality, somehow soothing their wounds.
Suddenly, Leonel whispered in her ear, âAlexis.
â
But Alexis remained silent, offering no response.
Though feeling a bit disappointed, Leonel refrained from taking any action.
Instead, he continued to hold her in his arms in silence.
After a while, Alexis spoke up softly.
âIâm feeling a bit tired.
Weâve been standing here for quite some time, you know.
â
Considering her condition, Leonel lifted her gently and guided her to the bathroom.
Alexis was so weak that she couldnât muster the strength to resist.
Carefully, Leonel settled her onto the edge of the bathtub.
Concerned about her comfort and warmth, he placed a thick bath towel beneath her.
After turning on the heating, Leonel began unbuttoning her nightgown.
The row of tiny buttons proved to be a challenge, causing strain on his eyes.
He asked softly, âThis dress has so many buttons.
Is it convenient for you to feed the baby at night?â
Upon hearing that, Alexis was rendered speechless.
Leonel half-squatted beside the bathtub after unbuttoning Alexisâ dress.
As the water filled the tub he cleared his throat halfway, and asked, âAre you feeling cold? I can adjust the heating if youâd like.
â
Shaking her head, Alexis replied, âNo, thank you.
Actually, Iâm sweating.
â
At her words, Leonel reached out and gently touched her back through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Alexisâ body tensed up instantly.
With one hand holding her legs to prevent her from moving, Leonel spoke in a low voice.
âItâs cold sweat due to your weakened health.
â
After stating this, he began to gently towel her body dry.
Leonel removed Alexisâ nightgown and proceeded to scrub her body gently.
Just as his hand moved toward her private area, Alexis stopped him, feeling embarrassed.
âWhatâs wrong? I donât mind,â he reassured her softly.
âYou silly girl.
â
Then he continued to gently scrub every part of her body.
Occasionally, Alexis stole glances at him, the quietness of the bathroom almost making her forget the past fights.
Once he finished scrubbing her body, Leonel panted slightly as he spoke.
âThere we go! Let me help you get dressed.
â
Taking the pajamas from him, Alexis insisted, âI can manage it myself.
â
However, Leonel had already dressed her and carefully buttoned up the clothes for her.
Then, he couldnât help but ask, âThis seems quite inconvenient.
Remember to wake me up when you need to feed the baby at night.
â