Waylen placed the thermos on the bedside table and waved to the others before leaving.
Rena wiped away her tears and trailed after Waylen.
With one hand in his pocket, Marcus led Olivia out of the room as well.
It took a while for Alexis and Leonel to notice they were the only ones left in the warm ward.
Leonel leaned against the headboard, his Adamâs apple bobbing slightly as he motioned for Alexis to come closer.
Alexis leaned in, wrapping her arm around his neck for a ki*s, which felt slightly dry.
In return, Leonel embraced her, ki*sing her slowly.
There was no rush; they had a lifetime ahead of them.
âYouâve been in a coma for three days, you know.
So, you havenât brushed your teeth for that long,â Alexis said, playfully winking at him.
Leonel ki*sed her once more, unable to tear his gaze away.
After a while, she spoke seriously.
âThank you for saving me twice, Leonel.
â
He gently stroked her face, replying, âYouâre welcome, Alexis.
Itâs not a big deal.
After all, I did this for my wife.
Perhaps itâs time we get that marriage certificate when we return to Duefron.
â
âAlright, letâs get registered first and then throw a grand celebration later,â Alexis agreed before leaning against him in silence.
Though she might still be haunted by the past, she knew Leonelâs rescue had left a greater impact.
Sheâd never forget how he shielded her and held her hand during those crucial moments.
After their prolonged embrace, Leonelâs voice broke the silence.
âAs much as I enjoy this, Alexis, Iâm a bit hungry.
â
Alexis felt a pang of embarrassment as she realized he hadnât eaten in three days.
âLet me help you freshen up and get you some soup.
The doctor recommended you stay a few more days in the hospital,â she hurriedly offered.
âIâm not that fragile.
If Iâm feeling better tomorrow, weâll leave the hospital and head home,â Leonel insisted as he struggled to rise.
Alexis assisted him in washing up, noticing his once-recovering leg now limping again.
He caught her gaze and smiled.
âItâll be back to normal soon.
Compared to being alive, this is nothing, Alexis.
Iâve learnt to deal with it.
â
He reflected on the blessings life had bestowed upon him, deeming this minor setback inconsequential.
Alexis smiled in agreement.
Later, they shared a bowl of soup together.
*
Due to Waylenâs insistence, Leonel remained in the hospital for three days before returning to Duefron with the Fowler family.
Initially, Waylen and Rena suggested he and Alexis stay with them for a while, but Leonel preferred to return home.
Respecting his decision, they didnât press further.
Given Alexis and Leonelâs recent reconciliation, Waylen assumed they desired privacy.
Hence, he fetched the three children.