The servant appeared slightly anxious as she relayed the news to Alexis.
Alexis had anticipated this.
She tenderly caressed Cordeliaâs head, offering silent solace to ease her disappointment.
Cordelia lifted her gaze, her young face clouded with disappointment.
âDaddy, Daddyâ¦â she called out.
Holding her in his arms, Alexis comforted her in a soft voice, âHeâll come to visit you soon.
â
However, days passed, and Cordelia didnât catch a glimpse of Leonel.
Alexis, too, found herself without sight of him.
âs BunnyBookery
Two weeks later, a servant from Leonelâs residence called Alexis in a distraught tone.
âMiss Fowler, please come quickly.
Mr.
Douglas has been drinking heavily.
Dr.
Glyn is unavailable, and Miss Rivera is away on a business trip.
We canât get him to stop, and he seems unwell.
â
Alexis replied quietly, âIâm on my way.
â
The autumn rain persisted, and by the time Alexis arrived at the villa, an hour had passed.
The servant greeted her with urgency, saying, âMr.
Douglas shouldnât be drinking.
It causes severe pain in his leg.
I had no choice but to seek your help.
Youâre the only one who can talk him down.
â
Alexis smiled helplessly.
After comforting the servant briefly, Alexis ascended the stairs alone.
In the main bedroom, the light was dim.
Peering into the room, Alexis noticed the room littered with red wine bottles, the air heavy with their rich aroma.
Leonel, clad in a white bathrobe, lounged against the bedâs headboard, puffing on a cigarette.
The bedside ashtray overflowed with cigarette butts, alongside two emptied wine bottles.
At the creak of the door, Leonelâs gaze shot up to meet Alexisâ.
His expression bore a mix of fury and desolation.
After a brief appraisal, he scoffed.
âWhat brings you here? To play the savior once more?â
Motioning to the vacant spot beside him, he took a drag from his cigarette.
Then, he opened the bedside table, retrieved a small box of condoms, and tossed it onto the bed.
He looked at her provocatively.
Alexis maintained her composure as she spoke.
âCordelia was deeply upset after you departed.
Itâs been too long since you last visited her.
â
Still puffing on his cigarette, Leonelâs cheeks hollowed.
After a moment, he suddenly smiled and remarked, âWhat? Has the child become your excuse? Miss Fowler, do you expect me to remain chaste for you and welcome you back whenever you please? Have you ever considered if I am still waiting for you? Do you believe I will love you indefinitely? Look at this⦠I too have desires, and I am a normal man.
Over the past two years, many women like Hester have sought to be with me.
â