"You think I'm like you, taking home just anyone?" she retorted.

“And what about me?" Leonel followed up.

“am I the one you chose to be with after all your scrutiny?"

Alexis' sneer was cold.

"Flawed logic. To answer your question, you mean nothing to me. We just had a couple of encounters. Stop pursuing me, I don't have the energy for it."

Leonel quietly resumed eating, dropping the subject.

He seemed to have learned that pushing the conversation only led to Alexis' rebuffs.

Bored with the turn of events, Alexis stood up.

“Go get our bill. Thanks for the hospitality, both at noon and now."

As she prepared to leave, Leonel reached out to grasp her hand.

“Let me drive you back, just to your building entrance."

Alexis looked down at him, her expression one of haughty indifference.

After a short pause, Alexis spoke up with a hint of indifference.

"No need. I'll take a taxi."

She left without lingering, her departure casual and swift.

Leonel remained seated, his reflection visible in the crystal glass on the table. His appearance was handsome yet unkempt.

He was familiar with this restaurant.

It held memories of Waylen and Rena. They had been here that Christmas, the one when they parted ways.

Rena had dined inside with Robert, while Waylen waited outside in the snow for two hours.

And now it was Leonel's turn to suffer the bitterness of love.