In her mind, she mused that their relationship was actually quite perfect, just as it was.

In under thirty minutes, Leonel prepared two steaming bowls of noodles, accompanied by a savory soup.

Alexis was still enjoying her meal when he finished his.

"Is that all you're eating?" Alexis looked up at him, a hint of concern in her voice. Her worry came through as she couldn't help but comment, “That's hardly enough.”

Leonel gently patted the back of her hand, his voice low. “I'm not really hungry. I'll step out for a smoke. You should get some sleep."

Alexis opened her mouth to speak but then paused, reconsidering her words.

Ultimately, she remained silent. After finishing the noodles, she washed the dishes and headed for a shower. But sleep seemed elusive; how could she rest so easily?

Leonel stood on the balcony, lost in the act of smoking, his thoughts a whirlwind.

He pondered whether he should have returned home that night. His presence, filled with a palpable sense of negativity, might affect Alexis. Yet, he longed for her by his side, craving her to be closer even if he couldn't touch her.

As the night wore on, sleep finally claimed Alexis.

Came morning, she woke to find Leonel absent from her side, the bed bearing no sign of his presence.

However, the aroma of bacon and coffee wafted through the apartment.

Slipping into her slippers, Alexis went out. Leonel had already prepared breakfast. He sat at the table, engrossed in the newspaper.

At the sound of her footsteps, he looked up and smiled. "Good morning."

Alexis gazed at him, a question in her eyes. "Have you been awake all night?"

"No, I saw you were asleep and didn't want to disturb you. I slept in the guest room."

Leonel gently patted her on the waist. "Go freshen up. Breakfast is ready."

Yet Alexis continued to look at him intently.

Seeing her concern, his tone became softer. “I'm okay, really. In the end, he's just a distant memory now."

Under her breath, Alexis murmured, "You can be quite guarded. Leonel, it's not shameful to show your emotions in front of me. I've seen every side of you before."