Leonel echoed the word.

Suddenly, a laugh escaped him as he leaned in to whisper in Alexis‘ ear, “We once had a home, you know. We were even engaged."

“Long gone," Alexis replied with a touch of coldness in her tone.

Instructing the driver, she added, “Take the other route."

Leonel returned to his vehicle, steering it aside with apparent grace.

Yet his eyes concealed a profound sense of despondency.

Seated in the car, he observed Alexis' vehicle depart. After a prolonged moment, he took a cigarette, placing it in his mouth.

Lost in thought, he forgot to light it.

Collapsing heavily into the seat, he contemplated that this was supposed to be their reunion.

A scratching sound echoed outside the car.

As Leonel opened the door, he discovered a spotted dog on his secretary's leash.

The secretary, somewhat embarrassed, commented, “It seems to have caught wind of your scent.”

Leonel stooped, Lifting the two-month-old puppy into his arms. The little canine nestled against his chest, affectionately licking his hand, exuding an endearing and gentle demeanor.

Leonel's thoughts shifted to Evelyn, the daughter born of his union with Alexis.

On this day, however, his focus remained primarily on Alexis, obscuring his view of Evelyn. Though he recalled Evelyn's sweet voice and her hair's rich brown hue-his preferred shade-he couldn't clearly discern her appearance. In moments of reverie, Leonel envisioned Evelyn as a youthful version of Alexis.

A strong desire to embrace Alexis and their daughter overwhelmed Leonel.

But constrained by circumstance, he cradled the puppy in his arms, placing it on his lap while steering home single-handedly.

As the car came to a halt, Leonel realized that Alexis' villa was situated right in front of his house. Despite the distance between the two villas, he could observe the activities in the opposite one if he focused.

Irony at its finest, Leonel sneered.

Stepping out of the car with the dog in his arms, he allowed the canine to frolic on the grass.