While Evelyn enjoyed her bath, Leonel also bathed the puppy, drying both afterwards.

He then dressed Evelyn in a onesie and carried her to the bedroom.

He decided it was best they all sleep together, given her young age.

Evelyn seemed perfectly at ease on the large bed with Leonel, as if he had always been there for her.

She wanted to sleep with the puppy as well, but Leonel was not keen on having three people and a dog in the bed.

After some persuasion, Evelyn agreed to place Ollie's pink bed close by, where the puppy looked comfortably nestled.

Evelyn, visibly delighted, emitted warm breaths from her tiny nose.

Leonel held her, feeling her slight yet sturdy form.

As she snuggled into the blanket, he sat beside the bed, reading a fairy tale book to her.

Evelyn rested her head on his arm, listening attentively.

By 9:30, she had drifted off to sleep, her cheeks flushed with warmth.

Leonel watched her lovingly, reluctant to leave her side. Eventually, he withdrew his hand and walked to the walk-in closet, where Alexis was organizing her belongings-a task she had been at for over an hour.

Standing by the door, Leonel observed her silently. Her expression was impassive, showing neither resistance nor joy.

It was understandable, given her primary reason for returning was essentially to “borrow seed"-nothing more.

In Alexis' eyes, her relationship with Leonel, along with any feelings she once held for him, had long faded.

Breaking the silence, Leonel asked softly, "Does this small amount of luggage mean you plan to leave again? Are you planning to leave as soon as you're pregnant, taking Evelyn with you- maybe even with Calvin?"

Beneath the glow of the crystal chandelier, Alexis lowered her gaze.

It was late, and she was too weary to argue with him.

Shaking her head, she replied, "No, it's just that I brought back only a few things."

Leonel watched her intently.