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.

at

wrapped up in your own world, dreaming of a life beyond the

Leonel remained seated, lost in thought

the house was mostly silent except for some activity downstairs. Elva, having just returned from abroad, was distributing gifts to the house staff —-face masks

cheerfully declined, “No need! They're gifts for

him and

sting of guilt. Despite her warm greeting,

descended the stairs, snatched the car keys from the foyer, and headed

him, curious, “Leonel, where are you going?” His voice caught in

Elva responded with a simple smile, unaware of

took several deep breaths to steady himself,

the door,

you come back?" she

the voices of a doctor and

Leonel couldn't wait. He looked at her with a gentle earnestness and asked, “Those two years-were they

Alexis replied, “It's all in

wounds. I'm fine now.” Before she could react, Leonel stepped forward

voice was raw

I wouldn't dare. But I need to know-do you hate me?” His greatest fear was her

embrace, Alexis could have pushed him away and retorted with cold, biting words as she

time, she

she said, “Leonel, hating someone takes too much energy. Why dwell 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

to cling to any remnants of their past connection, even if it was just

the doctor approached

appeared somewhat uneasy at the scene unfolding before

quickly distanced herself from Leonel and turned her attention to the doctor, inquiring, “How is he?” The doctor responded in a low voice, “He's stable for now, but

out, exchanging a

sake of his emotional and physical well-being?” Alexis, drained from the exchange, replied quietly, “That's none of your concern.”

let out a soft

just go. Leonel, you're in no position to demand anything from me.” Her thoughts lingered on the possibility that had

would have long walked out of

moment, noting the subtle dark circles

but Alexis, sitting on the sofa and casually

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

right choice.” With that, she offered a

evening, Calvin left

bottle of red wine and sipped

lit a long, slender cigarette and placed it on

didn't pick up. She

better to

sampling various delicacies, suddenly realized the comfort

should she be the

that followed, Alexis put Leonel out of her mind, focusing on her own

crossed again at

floral formal suit, he stood out with his height and

scene. She observed

was waiting downstairs. As she approached, he promptly opened the car

slid into the car, ready

as Ross was about to close the door, a firm hand stopped

up to find Leonel

caught in an awkward situation, asked, “Mr. Douglas, didn’t you drive here?” Leonel, his voice low and steady,

seeking her attention, Alexis leaned back 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 the

seemed to accentuate the romantic undertones, given the close

asked in a light tone, “What do you want?” Leonel questioned her

answer every call you make? Leonel’s reply was

what happened between us that night, considering we fucked three times — —” At the front, Ross’ composure faltered. His face flushed with

conversation was becoming

Alexis, usually unfazed,

She laughed coldly.

you think I owe you something? You don't strike me as the type to hold such conservative views, Mr. Douglas!” Leonel’s

just wait patiently!” Her biting words seemed to stir something in him.

some wine, but she

he kissed her, she bit his lip in

that night.” Unamused, Alexis lightly patted his

the mood 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

too much for

her sarcasm, he drove them back

out

striking 10 pm. As she reached the second floor, Leonel suddenly scooped her up

his boldness, especially in their own home, Alexis stood

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

her against the door, his head

gentle, not deepening it. His voice was rough

have a

away. She walked across the room, filled with

known since childhood. Everything was so

you might still have feelings for me. But what does that matter? Your pursuit feels like a burden to me now. Frankly, it's disrupting my life.” Leonel approached her slowly, listening as she

the liberty to lead whatever life

how selfish or shameless it might seem, Leonel couldn't bear the thought of letting her

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