Chapter 2351 His body trembled, and his teeth gritted as pain displayed on his pale face.

Caught off guard, Alexis quickly found a small medicine bottle from his pocket. She deftly poured out a pill and attempted to feed it to him.

But Calvin's clenched teeth barred the way.

Turning to Leonel, who was close by, she called out, “Come help!” Momentarily taken aback, Leonel hurried over. He carefully laid Calvin down and pried open his clenched jaw, allowing Alexis to administer the pill.

Calvin's chest rose and fell with great effort.

Turning his head, his eyes met Alexis’ with a fragile and pleading Look.

It was a look Leonel knew all too well, one he had once directed at Alexis, seeing her as his entire world.

On those sleepless nights, she would cradle him, whispering, “Don’t be afraid, Leonel!” But now, her comforting embrace was reserved for another.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY Despite the intimacy they had shared just the night before and the breathless moments of passion, Leonel knew his place in her heart had shifted.

She cradled Calvin now, her calls filled with concern solely for him.

It was reminiscent of how she had once cared for him.

“His parents took their own lives right in front of him when he was just 20,” Alexis said softly, her fingers gently tracing Calvin's face.

“That same year, he was diagnosed with heart disease.” Her voice lowered, filled with emotion.

“Leonel, you've emerged from your dark times. But for Calvin, I'm all he's got. Even if the entire world turns its back on him, I won't” Leonel felt a pang in his heart, a sensation he hadn't felt in a long time.

Despite his robust health, Alexis’ words somehow managed to cause him pain.

As she gazed down at Calvin, Leonel noticed a flicker of tenderness in her eyes, a tenderness that was once reserved solely for him. ALL her patience and affection had once been his and his alone.

In a soft tone, he asked, “Do you love him?" Alexis’ response was straightforward.

“Calvin means a great deal to me." Leonel slowly rose from the bed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Chapter 2352 “Have you slept with him?” Alexis remained silent.

The truth was, they hadn't. To her, Calvin was more than just someone she cared for. She needed him in a way that was different from his need for her.

Their relationship was unusual, not defined by typical norms.

She harbored hopes of Calvin leading a normal life, wishing he would marry and have children. She thought at least one of them deserved happiness.

Her voice was gentle yet firm as she suggested, “You should leave.” Leonel’s gaze shifted between her and Calvin, who was now sleeping peacefully on her bed. After a long, strained silence, he managed to utter, “You're just going to let him sleep in your bed?” Calvin, nestled against Alexis's arm, was oblivious to the world.

Alexis carefully covered him with a quilt, ensuring he was comfortable.

She then changed into her Loungewear and freshened up. In the kitchen, she started making something simple and light, a task she wasn't particularly skilled at but could manage. As the pot simmered, she made a discreet phone call to Calvin's agent.

“He's asleep at my place. Cancel all his appointments for today. Yes, I'l Look after him.” Tossing her phone onto the sofa, she felt a sense of finality.

Leonel, still lingering in the room, knew it was time for him to leave. He realized he couldn't compete with someone who needed Alexis’ care, someone who held a more significant place in her heart than he ever did.

Calvin was special to her, while he had become nothing more than a means to satisfy fleeting desires.

As he stepped out and closed the door behind him, a bitter chuckle escaped his Lips.

The love he had once easily forsaken now seemed as unattainable as the stars in the sky.

Alexis hadn't been playing hard-to-get or toyed with his emotions.

She had genuinely moved on. The tender bond they once shared had dissipated, leaving nothing but clarity in its wake.

Returning to his villa, Leonel was drawn by an impulse to a particular bedroom.

It was Alexis’ childhood room, adorned in pink like a fairytale princess’ chamber.

The white bed was familiar, with two pillows-one that had been hers, and one his.

Sitting down slowly, he ran his fingers over the bedsheet, Lost in memories of days long gone.

Having just returned from overseas, Marcus appeared at the door.

He took in the scene-Leonel in Alexis’ old room. Edwin had shared some details about Leonel and Alexis with him, but Marcus knew even more than Edwin.

Chapter 2353 With a calm demeanor, he loosened his tie and stepped inside, closing the door behind him for privacy.

“What's wrong? Having second thoughts?” Leonel’s gaze lifted to meet his.

Marcus bore a striking resemblance to Rena in his youth, but as he matured, his features echoed those of Waylen.

With his long legs crossed, Marcus didn't mince words.

“Do you know the real reason why my sister didn't take you back?” he asked bluntly.

Leonel obviously didn't.

Untying his tie with a certain casualness, he continued, “You found it so easy to walk away, to utter ‘let’s break up’ without a second thought. But, Leonel, you're not the only one who had childhood traumas. My sisters life has been anything but easy. She was born with a blood clotting disorder and spent her first two years in a lab, fighting for her life. And she had autism. Each aspect of her life is as struggling as yours, if mot more. When you decided to walk away, my parents were disappointed, but they said nothing. They saw you as a son, but you let Alexis down.” Marcus took a deep breath and pressed on, “Yes, we know feelings can't be forced. But do you know Alexis isolated herself for two years after you left? She didn't seek you out or demand explanations.

She healed in silence and gradually erased you from her life; because you chose to leave. She never returned to this room after that letter from you. Her belongings remained untouched. You see, among us three siblings, it might seem Elva is everyone's favorite, but the truth is Alexis has always been the most cherished in my father’s eyes. She is the embodiment of my parents’ love, while Elva and I are merely the products of their marriage. Do you get it? Do you understand anything at all? No! You fucking don't!” Marcus’ thoughts were heavy with indignation. Why should their family’s treasured princess have to endure such treatment? Why did Leonel think he could just return after his escapades and be accepted? Why should Alexis open her heart to him again, when there were countless better men longing for her attention? After Marcus finished speaking, Leonel’s complexion turned ashen.

He was left in the dark about Alexis’ health issues. He had no idea she was sick, a fact that had never been disclosed to him.

scoffed at his

world, dreaming of a life beyond the Fowler family,” he said with a hint of scorn, before exiting

remained seated, lost in thought for a

of the room, the house was mostly silent except for some activity downstairs. Elva, having just returned from abroad, was distributing gifts to

Elva cheerfully declined, “No

noticed him and offered a gentle

nod, feeling a sting of guilt. Despite her warm greeting, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was undeserving of her

Leonel felt compelled to act. He swiftly descended the stairs, snatched the

caught in his throat, but he mustered enough composure to

Elva responded with a

several deep breaths to steady himself,

opened the door, clearly surprised by his

you come back?"

a doctor and someone

He looked at her with a gentle earnestness and asked, “Those two years-were they hard

replied, “It's all

no need to revisit old wounds. I'm fine now.” Before she could react, Leonel

voice was raw with

you still love me. I wouldn't dare. But I need to

in his embrace, Alexis could have pushed him away and

this time,

on the past? I never expected you to return, let alone express regret. The past is just that, the past. In eight years, even the deepest feelings can fade.” She motioned for him to release

this moment, he was desperate to cling to

that moment, the doctor approached with Calvin's assistant

somewhat uneasy at the scene unfolding

“He's stable for now,

doctor out, exchanging a few

questioned her, “Are you planning to marry him just for the sake of his emotional and physical well-being?” Alexis, drained from the exchange, replied quietly, “That's

out a soft

me.” Her thoughts lingered on the possibility that had she

have long walked out of his

a moment, noting the subtle

but Alexis, sitting on the sofa and casually flipping through a magazine, dismissed it

sure he's well taken care of. Keep him out of trouble.” As the

made the right

evening, Calvin

of red wine and sipped

lit a long, slender cigarette and placed it on

called her twice that evening, but she didn't pick up. She had no desire to rehash the past or engage in conversations

to let

after sampling various delicacies,

she be the one to satisfy his newfound

put Leonel out of her mind, focusing on her own

crossed again at a

that she noticed Leonel. Dressed in a dark floral formal suit, he stood out with his height and style, surrounded by

lively scene. She observed quietly for a moment before deciding

waiting downstairs. As she approached,

slid into the car,

was about to close the door, a firm

to

in an awkward situation, asked, “Mr. Douglas, didn’t you drive here?” Leonel, his voice low and steady, responded, “I could use a lift." Ross glanced

in the seat and said softly, “Let him in." Angela's Library She scooted over and instructed Ross, “Head home.” With a sigh, he obliged. Once Leonel entered and

accentuate the romantic undertones, given the close proximity of a man and

do you want?” Leonel questioned her directly, “Why

Leonel? Am I obligated to answer every call you make? Leonel’s reply

fucked three times — —” At the front,

becoming too-too indiscreet

2357 Alexis, usually unfazed, found Leonel’s remarks

She laughed coldly.

don't strike me as the type to hold such conservative

sharply, “Then you'll have to get in line! And then just wait patiently!” Her biting words seemed to stir something in him. In a swift,

had consumed some wine, but

bit his lip in retaliation. Leonel looked

Library “You weren't this distant that night.” Unamused, Alexis lightly patted

right now!” She then called out to Ross, half-jokingly, “Drive to the police station!” Ross, caught in the middle of their antics, felt overwhelmed. These were the children he had watched grow up, now engaging in inappropriate behavior in the back

was too much

drove them back to the villa

out

10 pm. As she reached the

their own home, Alexis stood her ground as the

if you're really this horny, I can help you with my-—"

her against the door, his head lowered

lips but kept the kiss gentle, not deepening it. His

let's have a proper

away. She walked across the room, filled with a distinctly masculine scent, to the

known since childhood.

a low voice, she addressed Leonel, “You can't just come and go as you please. The world doesn’t work like that! Yes, you might have come back and you might still have feelings for me. But what does that matter? Your pursuit feels like a burden to me now.

to lead whatever life she chose, surrounded

it might seem,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255