"I need to rest now. Leonel, please, let's not create a scene."

Before she could finish her thought, Leonel suddenly scooped her up in a perfect princess carry. Caught off guard, Alexis began pounding on his shoulder.

"Put me down! What are you doing?" she demanded.

Undeterred, Leonel opened the door with one hand, still holding her.

As they moved through the hallway, a cool draft swept through, prompting Alexis to instinctively draw closer to Leonel for warmth.

He looked down at her, their faces nearly touching, and felt the addictive sensation of their skin lightly brushing against each other.

Alexis shot him a glare, but in a spontaneous moment, Leonel leaned in and kissed her on the lips. Both of them froze momentarily.

Despite their past intimacy and romantic encounters, this simple kiss stirred a flood of memories.

Alexis recalled her 18th birthday, a day they spent together.

It was a summer evening in an outdoor tent, and after she blew out the candles on her small cake, Leonel had leaned down and kissed her.

Back then, they were not in a relationship but just childhood friends.

Yet, the feelings from that time were incomparable.

Alexis had once thought she would marry Leonel after university, never expecting him to leave her.

This fleeting kiss brought back those youthful memories, leaving Alexis with misty eyes.

They remained that way until he carried her into her childhood bedroom. Her body tensed as she asked in a strained voice, "Leonel, what are you doing?"

She didn't want to be in this room.

Leonel pressed her against the door, their bodies struggling in a silent confrontation. Alexis felt sweat dampen her back as she leaned weakly against the door.

Panting, Leonel rested his forehead on her shoulder.

After a long pause, he murmured, "Change into your PJ and go to bed, okay?"

Alexis' glare was filled with anger and contempt.