Alexis snorted, "Huh! As if you're that impressive!"

“Sooner or later, you'll understand!"

Leonel harbored his own unspoken torment. Could he reveal that he underwent a vasectomy and was currently unable to take her in bed?

His girlfriend had journeyed a considerable distance to be with him, only for him to feign busyness in the study.

Upon Leonel's return to the bedroom, the clock neared one in the morning.

Alexis was already in a deep slumber.

Standing beside the bed, he leisurely unbuttoned his shirt, wore a bitter smile, and then settled down beside her. Assuming she was fast asleep, he didn't expect her to soon snuggle into his embrace, softly inquiring, “Leonel, have you been burdened lately?”

Leonel tenderly caressed her head. "No! Don't overthink!"

Leaning on his shoulder, Alexis asserted, “I'm not overthinking. But at the meanwhile, you refrain from impulsive actions, alright?"

Leonel's throat was constricted.

Embracing her delicate frame, he tenderly kissed her and concurred.

The two held each other, peacefully sleeping through the night.

The following morning, Leonel had official commitments. He requested that Alexis remain in Heron for a few days.

She agreed after careful consideration.

Being someone who doesn't cling and understanding that he truly had responsibilities to address, she opted to explore Heron independently.

Fortunately, she had numerous friends in the area, providing the opportunity to reconnect over coffee.

In the afternoon, following an opera outing with a friend, they bid each other farewell.

Upon returning to the hotel, Alexis planned to take a shower due to the overwhelming perfume smell in the theater, particularly from two foreigners who appeared to have Liberally applied half a bottle each, almost suffocating her.

Upon arriving at the hotel lobby, she was taken aback to find someone seated there—Darwin!

He appeared worn out, as if he hadn't slept all night, and his eyes, upon gazing at Alexis, were bloodshot.