Alexis was really returning.

She and their daughter Evelyn would soon be back. Excited, Leonel started shopping for gifts. He imagined a two-year-old would adore cute, plush animals.

Pondering whether to get a cat or a dog for Evelyn, he researched extensively and consulted his female colleagues with children.

Ultimately, he chose a 2-month-old spotted dog, naming it Ollie.

He planned to present it to Evelyn.

Then he thought, perhaps it would be better to keep it at his villa.

There, Evelyn could play with the puppy on the Lawn. The thought of such moments kept Leonel awake for several nights.

A week later, at Duefron's international airport.

Alexis arrived on a regular flight, not a private one. After disembarking, her daughter Evelyn, who was two and a half, whispered a request to visit the restroom. So, Alexis accompanied her, waiting outside as Evelyn went in by herself.

At two and a half years old, Evelyn could manage the restroom by herself. Alexis waited for her outside.

Soon enough, Evelyn emerged, having zipped up her pants.

The washbasin, however, was too high for her.

Alexis lifted her up, showing Evelyn how to wash her hands properly.

The little girl caught on quickly.

Alexis smiled warmly, gently kissing Evelyn. "Good girl," she praised.

Evelyn responded with a giggle.

As Alexis looked up, about to set Evelyn down, her gaze caught in the mirror.

Leonel was there.

He was in a formal suit, as if he'd come straight from work.

He appeared thinner than before.