He pondered whether Alexis endured pain during Evelyn's birth.

With no family by Alexis' side, he wondered if loneliness and fear consumed her.

Waylen's counsel echoed in Leonel's mind.

Encouraging Leonel to free himself and extend an exit to Alexis. Yet Leonel grappled with the haunting question-could he endure life if he liberated Alexis?

Uncertainty clouded Leonel's mind.

In February, he returned to Duefron, laboring under the hopeful assumption that Alexis would return upon his homecoming and cessation of the search.

Patiently, he awaited her change of heart.

Every day, he waited for Alexis, but she didn't return. Occasionally, he caught snippets of news about her.

He had even seen a photo of Evelyn from Laura.

She discreetly showed it to Leonel without informing Edwin.

Evelyn was an incredibly cute girl, resembling Alexis. Her brown hair had a slight curl to it.

The two-year-old girl gazed at the camera, radiating joy through her smile.

Leonel's eyes welled with emotion as he tenderly caressed the photo.

In a hoarse voice, he implored, “May I keep this photo?"

Laura assented, and Leonel gingerly accepted the photo, cradling it in his palm, his gaze fixed upon it for an extended period of time.

Observing Leonel, Laura sensed a newfound strength emanating from him.

Several years had transpired, during which Leonel had shed weight and grown taciturn.

On a weekly basis, Leonel visited Waylen and Rena. However, each visit concluded with Leonel departing after presenting gifts. He refrained from lingering at the Fowler residence. On the occasion of Rena's birthday, an exception was made, prompting Leonel to stay momentarily.

Sympathizing with Leonel, Laura covertly passed Evelyn's photo to him.

At that moment, Edwin descended the stairs, catching sight of the photo in Leonel's possession. A sheepish expression crossed Laura's face.

Tucking the photo away, Leonel expressed gratitude, and then departed.

Edwin, gazing in the direction of Leonel's exit, questioned Laura after a prolonged silence, "He inquired about nothing?"

"No. Even if he had, I wouldn't dare divulge it."

Through the years, Laura remained under Edwin's sway.

Edwin refrained from discussing the photo extensively.

Laura covertly breathed a sigh of relief.

As they were getting ready to leave, Edwin got into the car and said at a leisurely pace, "In reality, Leonel will have the chance to meet his daughter soon. Alexis is expected to return next week."