In a raspy tone, she reassured, “Absolutely not. You'll be a healthy and strong little girl after the operation."

Due to her tender age, Evelyn couldn't fully comprehend, yet fear still gripped her.

Clinging tightly to Alexis’ neck, she resisted letting go. Alexis patiently soothed her. After approximately thirty minutes, Evelyn finally succumbed to sleep.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Leonel observed in silence.

He refrained from intervening, apprehensive of disturbing Evelyn, who appeared to be ensnared in a nightmare.

Following Alexis placing Evelyn in bed and ensuring her comfort, Leonel tenderly grasped Alexis' shoulder, questioning softly, “How did she develop this issue?"

Alexis leaned to dim the light and suggested to Leonel that they move to the living room for a conversation.

However, once there, Alexis remained wordless, contemplating the glass of water for an extended period of time.

Leonel refrained from pressing her.

Eventually, in a subdued tone, Alexis began, "When Evelyn woke up once, she overheard the doctor discussing her condition with me. A nurse intentionally said something to frighten her. She has grappled with this issue intermittently since then, particularly upon waking."

Leonel gradually balled his fists, maintaining silence.

He cradled Alexis tenderly in his embrace.

Perhaps the warmth of his embrace triggered a reaction from Alexis, prompting her nose to twitch. She yearned to broach the topic of Evelyn's condition and their future, but found herself unable to do so.

Despite appearances of a reunion between Alexis and Leonel, how many additional estrangements lingered from eight years plus three?

Leonel pressed a gentle kiss to Alexis' forehead, affirming, "I'll be here for you, starting now."

They embraced one another silently, the quietude lingering.

Initially, halfway back to the villa, he was quite aroused and entertained by the thought of holding her until she fell asleep tonight.

However, now he had no such intention for intimacy.

His predominant concern shifted towards Evelyn.

Abruptly, regret surged within him for his earlier judgment of Alexis.