It was time to release her, he realized.
Nuzzling her cheek, he whispered, âAlexis, Iâm letting you go.
Itâs best for us both.
We must start anew.
Marcus was right.
I am not your cure.
Iâm the problem.
â
Leonel spoke of the kids.
He told her, âThe kids will stick with you.
If youâre swamped, bring them here.
Donât be too harsh on Evelyn and Cordelia.
Girls should be pampered after all.
As for Daniel, he might shine brighter than me one day.
â
His words trickled out.
Soon, he felt dampness on his shoulder.
Alexis wept.
He cupped her tear-streaked face, wiping her tears gently.
âDonât cry.
Alexis, Iâve set you free.
Truly I have let you go.
â
Alexisâ lips quivered.
Youthful memories surged back, tumultuous as the tide.
âLeonel, from here on out, youâre mine.
â
âThis is your home now.
â
âLeonel, letâs pinky swear weâll stick together forever.
â
Forever felt like an eternity but their marriage couldnât last a mere decade.
Now Leonel said, âAlexis, Iâm setting you free, truly.
â
Alexis sobbed uncontrollably.
Leonel stayed by her side.
As dawn broke, Alexis drifted off.
Gently, Leonel laid her on the bed, watching her in silence for a while.
He knew she wouldnât be his anymore, her emotions no longer his to share.
Maybe sheâd find happiness elsewhere.
If she could be happy, then that would be good.
Slowly rising from the bed, his white shirt creased but he paid no mind.
The tube of lubricant sat on the nightstand.
He picked it up and tossed it in the bin.
Leonel went on for a two-day business trip.
He sounded quite calm as he spoke to Alexis on the phone later.
âSomething came up all of a sudden.
I didnât want to wake you up; thatâs why I left without telling you.
â