He glanced at the clock and noted it was already eight. Alexis was asleep beneath him.

He swallowed.

He wondered if she thought it was boring to have sex with him.

He stood up and went to take a shower. When he was done, he went to the kitchen to prepare a simple but nutritious dinner. He then returned to the bedroom to wake her up when dinner was set.

He found Alexis awake.

She was sitting on the bedside, confused.

Leonel walked up to her and softly stroked her hair. "You fell asleep."

Alexis smiled and said, "I fell asleep during sex. Isn't that the sign you're being looking for? Leonel, this is pointless and we should let go of each other go as soon as we can."

He looked at her and didn't reply.

Silently, they had dinner. Alexis didn't inquire about his situation with Serenity. It was his concern, not hers.

Even though Alexis didn't ask, Leonel was likely to share eventually.

Their relationship was functional yet hollow. They shared meals, a bed, intimacy, but the spark was gone. Leonel wondered what happened to the old Alexis.

She once desired him so deeply.

Now, she was calm and detached. It was a stark contrast to her previous longing.

Leonel felt unsettling knowing he couldn't fully really have Alexis.

He was trapped by his own emotions. The more he couldn't get Alexis, the more he yearned for control over her. Even knowing she resented it, he couldn't help himself...

Leonel had become deeply troubled about their relationship.

Alexis didn't treat him as well as she used to.

She was no longer as warm towards him as before. He was not pleased but he persisted in maintaining their connection as it was.

After a while, they interacted like strangers living together.