He acknowledged that loving Alexis was no longer within his capacity.
A perfectionist at heart, he couldnât bear to be perceived in such a diminished state by her side.
How could a crippled man be worthy of caring for her?
Lately, Alexis had been haunted by recurring dreams, all centered around the car accident.
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Each time she awoke from these dreams, she consistently discovered her back soaked in sweat.
Often, she would simply sit in silence, absorbed in contemplation.
In the dream, flames blazed, while Leonel, dressed in white, slowly faded.
Eventually, he vanished before her eyes.
On the sixth night, Alexis awoke, stunned, before finally reaching for her phone and dialing Leonelâs number.
The call connected, but there was no response.
After several rings, it turned straight to voice mail.
She tried repeatedly, but no one picked up.
Alexis blinked, her phone slipping from her grasp.
Abruptly, she tossed off the covers and rose from the bed.
Unsure of her destination or plans, she simply couldnât bear to remain in bed.
Something had slipped from memory, unnoticed.
Just then, Rena pushed the door open, entering the room.
Observing Alexis standing, she rushed to assist her, inquiring, âWhatâs brought you out of bed? Can I get you anything?â
Holding Renaâs hand, Alexis asked, âMom, do you know where Leonel is?â
Rena felt a pang in her chest.
Before Rena could respond, Alexis poured out, âLately, Iâve been dreaming about him every night.
I dreamt he was trapped in that car crash.
Mom, I need to see him.
â
Though their marital status was uncertain, Alexis needed reassurance about Leonelâs safety.
Rena guided Alexis to sit beside her, tenderly running her fingers through her hair as she mentioned, âWasnât there news about his trip abroad for a major project? Heâll be away for some time.
â
âEven if heâs abroad, he always checks in about the kids.
â
Alexisâ face drained of color as she confided, âMom, Iâm terrified something awful might happen to him.
I was in the car with him when the accident occurred.
Mom, I need to see the car.
â
Rena realized she couldnât evade the truth.
With a sigh, she murmured, âLet me give him a call; Leonel could be tied up at the moment.
â
Rena punched in the number on her phoneâs keypad.
After several rings, the call finally connected.
Renaâs voice trembled slightly as she spoke.
âLeonel, can you talk? Alexis wants to speak with you, if youâre available.
â
After a brief pause, Rena passed the phone to Alexis.