In a husky tone, Leonel tenderly caressed her cheek. "Get some rest."

"And you?"

"I've got some matters to attend to."

Following a prolonged pause, Alexis gently remarked, "You've been quite occupied lately. Do you plan to manage everything before the wedding?"

Leonel remained silent, opting instead to run his fingers through her hair.

“Carry on with your tasks," Alexis whispered.

Pulling out the quilt, she settled down and shifted her gaze to the opposite side of the bed. "Leonel, could you please turn off the light? It's a bit too bright," she requested.

Leonel leaned in, extinguishing the Light.

Observing her profile, he softly called, "Alexis."

"What is it?"

Following a brief period of silence, Leonel simply rose unhurriedly and exited the bedroom.

In the bedroom enveloped in darkness, Alexis lay with open eyes.

How could she manage to fall asleep? Throughout the night, she occupied herself by counting the hours. Leonel, on the other hand, spent an equivalent amount of time smoking cigarettes in his study, mirroring her wakefulness while lying in bed.

Only with the break of dawn did she succumb to sleep, waking to find Leonel absent.

In a bewildered state, Alexis perched on the bed.

Fragrances of breakfast and lingering notes of last night's blood permeated the air.

It was either a fragment of Leonel's history or perhaps a glimpse into the future.

Alexis mechanically retrieved her phone, dialing Leonel's number.

After a half-minute ring, Leonel's tender voice greeted her. "Good morning."

Casually, Alexis remarked, “An early start at the office today?"