Edwin continued, “Uncle Waylen is holding up. He doesn't speak of it, but it weighs on him."

Alexis knew but chose to distance herself from anything related to Leonel.

Respecting her silence, Edwin didn't push.

He recalled the joy on Alexis' face when she first presented the check. Their bond seemed unbreakable then. What had changed?

As Edwin left, Rena approached Alexis with a bowl of red bean soup.

Alexis took it, her thoughts elsewhere.

Rena sat beside her, combing her hair with a gentle touch. “Your father mentioned a young man the other day, the son of a family friend. He wondered if you'd Like to meet him."

Expecting a refusal, Rena knew Alexis' heart had always seemed reserved for Leonel.

To her surprise, Alexis consented.

Looking into the bowl, she murmured, “Let's meet. Maybe it's time."

Rena was taken aback.

Alexis finished her soup and later, as she lay in bed, reflected on her decision. Why had she agreed? Perhaps it was an admission of a lost hope.

During a planned afternoon, Alexis met the man, an arrangement set by their families.

Their interaction was unremarkable, neither unpleasant nor engaging.

Alexis, feeling no spark, decided against pursuing any further meetings.

Upon leaving the restaurant, the man paused, hoping to extend his company.

Alexis, placing her briefcase in her car and offering a subtle smile, clarified, "I've got my car. I'm on my way to see a client next."

The man, recognizing her lack of interest, politely opened her car door, suggesting hopefully, “Perhaps we can have coffee sometime."

Alexis acknowledged with a polite smile and drove away gracefully.

Meanwhile, in the restaurant, the man's parents were earnestly speaking with Waylen, attempting to persuade him to endorse their son to Alexis. They implored, “Waylen, you've seen Ablett grow up. Please, speak well of him to her. Love can grow over time, we assure you.