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.

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 sister's 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!"