Fearing Leonelâs anger, Nova quickly gathered the items back into the bag, preparing to haul it out to the yard.
But Leonelâs hoarse voice stopped her, âPut them down!â
The servants paused, confused by the sudden change in tone.
Leonel softened his voice further, âI need a moment alone.
Please leave.
â
Without understanding Leonelâs sudden mood shift, Nova and the others left the drawing room promptly.
Once alone, Leonel faced the scattered luggage, his eyes moistening.
He approached slowly, unzipped a bag, and began removing the baby items one by one, handling them tenderly.
He felt Cordeliaâs presence in these items.
His lips quivered.
Alexis had done this deliberately, knowing exactly what would touch his heart-his deepest vulnerabilities.
She⦠Damn it!
Leonel carefully replaced each and every item after checking them, and then, despite the difficulty he faced moving around, he painstakingly dragged the luggage upstairs himself.
He carried the bags into the nursery and unpacked them piece by piece.
Over the next few days, Alexis continued to send items through the moving company.
Leonel personally took each delivery upstairs, including some of Alexisâ belongings.
As time passed, his anxiety grew.
He awaited Alexisâ arrival so he could tell her in person that their future together was non-existent and that she needed to remove her things.
However, a week passed without her appearance or even a phone call.
Eventually, Leonel and Alexis encountered each other at a social event.
Upon seeing Alexis, Leonel was once again struck by her beauty, even though he had known her since childhood and they had been married for years.
Alexis had dyed her hair black, enhancing her striking appearance.
It was a business party, so Alexis was dressed in a dark-colored gown.
Her tall stature and elegant figure, complemented by light makeup and devoid of lavish jewelry, rendered her exceptionally graceful.
Holding a glass of wine, Leonel watched her intently, his gaze bordering on inappropriate and possessive.
Alexis noticed his stare but chose to ignore its implications.
She greeted him warmly, âIt seems youâre in good spirits today, Mr.
Douglas.
â
With his eyes fixed on her, Leonel responded with a forced smile, âIâd be in an even better mood, Miss Fowler, if youâd remove your belongings from my house.
â
Raising her glass, Alexis replied, âIâm sorry, Mr.
Douglas.
But I wonât be doing that.
â
Leonelâs jaw tightened as he asked in a low voice, âWhat exactly do you want, Alexis?â
Leaning back in her chair, Alexis replied in a teasing tone, âYou really donât know what I want?â She paused before continuing.
âIf you still canât figure it out, Mr.
Douglas, I donât mind making it clear.
Iâm moving in this Saturday, along with the kids.
â