Seeing that Alexis wasn't saying anything, Leonel took the initiative to comfort Evelyn and coaxed her into agreeing to go to the hospital.

As soon as he looked up, he saw the smile tugging at the corners of Alexis' mouth. He was stunned. It seemed that Alexis hadn't smiled in such a relaxed manner in so long. It wasn't that she wore a straight face all the time, but that her smiles seemed a bit strained these days.

“Why are you so happy?" he asked.

Observing him, Alexis recalled the disappointment etched on his face earlier this afternoon at her parents’ place. It dawned on her that he must have overheard her conversation with her mother.

His birthday was coming up. If Alexis told him now that she and Calvin were never really a couple, it'd cheer him up, right?

They were kind of estranged from each other due to the separation, but their love for each other was real.

Alexis smiled.

She didn't say anything and just lowered her head to eat.

Perhaps because she was in a good mood, she ate more than usual tonight.

When she finally got up from the table, she gently touched her belly, thinking that if Leonel saw her do this, it'd eliminate his evil desires for her.

Sure enough, Leonel stared at her the whole time.

But he saw right through Alexis. Judging from her movements, he could guess what was on her mind, and he couldn't help but chuckle.

For a moment, he even had the illusion that the old Alexis had come back...

Before drifting into sleep, Alexis pondered that she might not be able to elude this night.

Although typically tender, she was also eager to conceive quickly.

Consequently, once Evelyn had fallen asleep, Alexis took the initiative to quietly shift behind Leonel and tenderly embrace him.

A puzzled utterance escaped Leonel's lips as his gaze remained fixed on his daughter's countenance, yet his hands explored Alexis’ form.

Silently enduring, Alexis made no objection to the intimate contact.

She simply wished he wouldn't keep her up too late tonight.

After a brief interaction, Leonel ceased his tactile exploration of Alexis. Resting her face against his shoulder and back, Alexis inquired softly, "Is something amiss? Are you weary?"