Gazing into her eyes, he inquired, Do you regret it?"

Setting down the bowl with care, she cast her eyes downward, whispering, “Leonel, do you truly want the unfiltered truth? You initiated the vasectomy, kept it concealed, stifled my opinions, and denied me a chance for reflection. Do you believe I must comply today to validate your efforts?

"If so..."

Her voice carried a tinge of tension, and she refrained from continuing.

In silence, Leonel continued to gaze at her.

Though Alexis and Leonel hadn't fought, a sense of discontent lingered between them.

After some time, Alexis, feeling calmer, announced, "I'll spend some time in the study.”

Just as she began to walk away, Leonel swiftly grasped her wrist.

His voice was soft but firm as he called her name, "Alexis Gently patting his hand, Alexis reassured him, “Let's stay calm. I don't want to fight with you, and I've never considered letting you rem"

His tension eased at her words.

Yet, he couldn't help but add softly, "Please don't smoke."

Alexis froze momentarily. The mention of smoking brought to her mind the sad reality that they might never have a child. To her, smoking seemed inconsequential now.

But she held back these thoughts, not wanting to wound Leonel's feelings, and chose not to voice them.

With a heavy heart, she entered the study and closed the door, leaning against it.

The warmth they had shared the previous night felt like a distant memory, leaving her with a sense of loss only she could perceive.

Alexis did care deeply for Leonel.

Her desire for a child could have been a spur-of-the-moment feeling, but it was something she would ponder over time.

He had suggested adoption, but Alexis wasn't keen on the idea.

She would have nieces and nephews from her siblings to love. Adopting didn't seem necessary to her.

Deep down, Alexis knew she wasn't ready for such a commitment.