Alexis truly cared for Leonel and had long harbored thoughts of marrying him. His proposal might have been abrupt, but she didn't hesitate to accept. She did, however, feel a bit caught off guard.

Leonel's smile broadened. “I've been stuck with you since kindergarten. Who's really at a disadvantage here?”

Alexis let out a playful snort. “But you're the one who left halfway through."

“I'm right here. Alexis, do you really need to bring up that old skeleton in my closet again?" Leonel asked with a hint of playfulness.

"Absolutely! I'll remember it for as long as I live," Alexis replied, her tone laced with mock seriousness.

Their banter, though framed as a complaint, carried a comfortable and sweet undercurrent.

Soon, the news of their upcoming marriage reached their families.

Mark and Cecilia made a special trip from Czanch to discuss the wedding date and various arrangements with Waylen and Rena.

While Leonel engaged in discussions with them, Alexis found herself with a bit more freedom to relax.

The wedding date was fixed for June.

As June swiftly approached, Alexis expressed her bewilderment. “Why are we having the wedding so soon? It's going to be so hot, and wearing a wedding dress in this heat will be uncomfortable."

Initially, Alexis suspected it was Waylen's suggestion.

However, Rena soon clarified, “It was actually Leonel's idea. He said he wanted to marry you as soon as possible."

Turning to Leonel, Alexis said softly, "So, it was you all along.”

Leonel offered a smile. "What's the matter? Don't you want to get married to me sooner?"

It wasn't like that.

Yet, Alexis couldn't help feeling that everything was moving too quickly. Ever since Kenneth's passing, there seemed to be a subtle change in Leonel.

It was a change unseen by others, but Alexis felt it deeply as someone who shared a bed with Leonel.

Lately, Leonel had taken to lying on a pillow in his bed, silently gazing at Alexis in her sleep.

She lay in his embrace, and yet he watched over her each night as if fearing she might vanish into thin air.