He advanced toward her, his voice strained. “How long do you expect Calvin to be by your side?"

The tension between them was palpable, both visibly shaken.

Alexis, usually so composed, found her strength waning in Leonel's presence.

She looked down, her voice barely above a whisper, “And how long will you be with me? You promised not to get involved with her, but the next second, you were each other's arms inside the car. Leonel, I can't trust you anymore."

A profound silence enveloped them.

It dawned on Leonel that their issues were more than just the passage of time.

There were deep-seated cracks in their relationship, a fundamental lack of trust.

Alexis no longer desired him in the way she once might have. Her need for a child from him didn't equate to love.

And while Leonel harbored love for her, it was tainted by resentment.

Lighting a cigarette with trembling fingers, the rising smoke created a hazy barrier between them. He asked, his voice hoarse, "What do we do now?"

The necessity of having a child for Evelyn's sake loomed over them.

But Leonel was adamant; he didn't want their intimacy to be a mere means to an end.

Leonel's yearning for Alexis was palpable. He craved her return, regardless of her willingness.

His desire was not just for her physical presence but for the alleviation of his loneliness. Even if she hated his guts, her mere presence would be enough.

Alexis remained silent, her gaze fixed on him as she awaited his decision.

She realized she had no leverage in this situation.

Leonel, aware of her predicament, responded coldly, “Pack your things and move in tonight. Additionally, I'll make an appointment to reverse the vasectomy to facilitate your pregnancy as soon as possible.”

His tone left Alexis uncertain if he was being sarcastic.

Without much time to ponder, Alexis simply nodded, her eyes drifting upstairs where Evelyn likely slept.

Leonel, keenly observing her, said with a hint of sarcasm, "If you tell Evelyn I'm her biological father, she probably won't mind staying. Unless you're too attached to Calvin... Alexis, are you prepared to leave him?"