Approaching, Leonel mirrored her posture, tenderly running his fingers through her hair. “It's late, and you haven't headed home.

The other kids have already left."

Casting a sidelong glance at him, Alexis sniffed, cautioning, "Don't attempt this."

Assisting her to rise, Leonel inquired, "Feeling hungry? Shall we dine out or head home?"

Opting for an outdoor conversation amidst the crowd for better restraint, Alexis considered the multitude as a buffer.

They visited a renowned French restaurant. Once the dishes were presented, however, neither of them had much of an appetite. Instead, they engaged in sporadic conversation throughout the meal.

Finally, the conversation delved into the crux of the matter.

In a hushed tone, Leonel admitted, “Alexis, I erred in concealing this from you. Yet our potential child faces the prospect of a genetic ailment. Bringing it into the world under such duress might be more detrimental than not having it at all."

Alexis blinked in response.

After a pause, she softly conveyed, “Leonel, consider this—-my mom could've abandoned hope when she brought me into this world. I was destined for a difficult life, yet she chose to have me. It took my dad three years to rescue me from the brink of death. Before you decide, remember that we share the responsibility of being parents if we're to have children. We could consult with a doctor before I conceive; rather than resorting to a unilateral vasectomy."

Leonel's gaze lingered on her.

The unyielding expression in his eyes conveyed that he had not relented.

Acknowledging the divergence in their upbringing, Alexis realized certain emotions remained unshared between them.

Despite her disappointment, she compelled herself to adopt a positive demeanor. “Let's conclude our discussion here for today."

Leonel wisely refrained from further conversation.

Settling the bill, Leonel escorted her home. Given her diminished appetite, he prepared a light soup for her.

"I'm fine." Alexis reassured with a smile.

Observing her sipping the soup, Leonel, tenderly embracing her from behind, whispered in a hushed tone, “Alexis, we can consider adoption.

We can still provide love to a child."

Avoiding confrontation, she managed a forced smile, suggesting, "We can discuss this later."