Alexis clung to his neck, returning his kiss.

"Each has their own merits!"

Her acerbic tongue was undeniably exasperating.

Leonel withdrew, leaving her in place. Sensing a peculiar discomfort, Alexis parted her crimson lips slightly, her voice husky.

"What's the matter?"

Leonel gently grasped her chin and inquired softly, “Alexis, what do you take me for?"

Even when he treated her that way, she offered no resistance.

He harbored no illusions that her sentiments for him had reignited.

It was far more probable that she simply didn't care and was simply willing to engage in the charade.

To her, he was no different from Calvin or any other man.

Well, there was a distinction.

In her heart, she held fondness for that youthful, vibrant young man, and to her, Leonel was merely an unwelcome intruder.

Rising to his feet, Leonel took off his coat.

He cast another glance at Alexis, appearing somewhat ill at ease, and experienced a faint sense of contentment.

"I'll whip up some hangover tea for you. Are you hungry for anything?"

Becoming somewhat more lucid, Alexis shielded her eyes from the Light with her hand.

It was excessively bright, dazzling even.

After a brief pause, she murmured, “Anything will do."

Leonel made his way to the kitchen, where most things in the fridge seemed to be spoiled.

He commenced cooking; like Edwin, he possessed culinary prowess. In less than half an hour, he had prepared a simple meal and concocted some hangover tea.