A second kiss accompanied a crude remark. “It's just a week of recovery. You can't endure it anymore, huh? Does Calvin usually satisfy you the way I do? Under him, you..."

In response, Alexis resorted to a swift slap across Leonel's face.

The cloakroom, sprawling over 4@ square meters, fell into an abrupt silence, as if the entire space had muted, leaving only the echoing resonance of that impactful slap.

Undeterred by the reddening of his face, Leonel's gaze remained fixed on Alexis.

Her eyes, now tinged with red, conveyed a reluctance to engage further with him.

After a prolonged silence, Alexis pushed him away and headed outside.

"Alexis!"

Leonel grasped her hand, adopting a softer tone. “Let's talk."

Keen on avoiding any eavesdropping from Evelyn downstairs, Alexis lowered her voice. "I'm heading to Heron for business. Let's discuss other matters when I return from the business trip.

A sense of relief washed over Leonel.

Despite his desire to speak further, Alexis remained unresponsive, the harshness of his words from earlier lingering in the air.

Calmly, she stated, “Leonel, now that we're married, I prefer to avoid quarrels during our time together."

Rubbing between her eyebrows, she added, "I must depart at seven the latest for a nine o'clock flight."

Leonel maintained his position, leaning against the closet.

Retrieving a cigarette from his pocket, he leisurely lit it, taking two deliberate puffs before extinguishing it.

The cigarette was stubbed out.

He retrieved a small box from his pocket, approached her with deliberate steps, turned her around, and wordlessly placed it on her slender ring finger.

Between his fingers, he held a ring identical to hers.

Without resistance, Alexis observed him silently. His Adam's apple moved subtly. "Let's head downstairs for dinner. I'll drive you to the airport later."

"It's okay. I'll drive there on my own."