Earlier, Leonel had been joyfully distributing wedding favors, but now, as Alexis descended the stairs alone, she could hear the whispers of the female employees. They speculated that since marrying Leonel and having a child, Alexis had lost her appeal to him.

Sitting in the car, Alexis could sense that even the driver, Ross, had overheard the gossip.

Clearing his throat, he offered some reassurance. “Don't pay attention to what those gossipy women say. They're clueless. Leonel does care about you."

Alexis smiled faintly, looking down.

She doubted Leonel's care for her now. In her heart, she believed he resented her, maybe still harboring some feelings but troubled by her past three years with Calvin. That might explain his erratic behavior, the push and pull in their relationship.

She feared that after the second baby's birth, Leonel might find their life together dull and want to move on without her.

Everyone sought happiness, and a clever man like Leonel would make his choices wisely.

Leaning back in the car seat, Alexis listened as Ross chatted about the Fowler family and future prospects, even bringing up Waylen and Rena.

She pondered how to explain the situation to her parents.

Her love for Leonel had once been deep, but now their marriage felt like child's play, making a wedding seem pointless.

Neither she nor Leonel had mentioned it. Perhaps they were in agreement on this.

Arriving at the law firm, Alexis called Leonel in the afternoon to remind him to wake Evelyn and give her medicine.

Leonel's response was lukewarm, a stark contrast to his earlier enthusiasm about getting married to her.

After hanging up, Alexis mused to herself, “Maybe there's more to his mood than just anger towards me. He could be experiencing early menopause." Ordinary people would struggle with his temper, and Alexis, known for her own fiery disposition, recognized that their relationship had changed.

He no longer tolerated her as before, making conflicts inevitable.

Determined to keep her composure, Alexis resolved to hold back her emotions as much as possible.

Following her court trial, Alexis made her way to the hospital to visit Calvin.

She carried his favorite flowers with her. Entering his room, she found Calvin in good spirits, comfortably propped against his bed's headboard, immersed in a book. It appeared to be a parenting manual.

As she entered, Calvin didn't look up, almost as if he had expected her arrival.

“There you are," he said casually.