Alexis' face lit up with joy.

Seeing this, Waylen remarked to Rena, “I think I'll start giving you flowers every day."

Marcus, leaning back, commented, “Leonel really knows how to make the ladies happy."

Leonel brushed off his pants and replied with a smile, "Thanks for the compliment. I'll keep it up."

After a brief exchange, Leonel clapped Marcus on the shoulder. “Care to join me for a smoke?"

Marcus sensed Leonel had something on his mind.

They both stood and strolled into the front yard. Watching them, Waylen mused aloud, “When did those two get so chummy?"

Truth be told, Marcus and Leonel hadn't always seen eye to eye.

Alexis raised an eyebrow but remained silent. She suspected it had something to do with today's events at the restaurant.

Alexis left with Evelyn in tow, while Leonel lingered behind.

Did he do something?

Outside, the two men lit their cigarettes. Leonel, however, only took a couple of drags before putting his out.

Marcus, with a cigarette dangling from his fingers, inquired, "Quitting smoking for the baby plans?"

Leonel responded with a sneer, "Your sister wouldn't have it any other way."

Marcus, with a cigarette held delicately between his fingers, took a couple of puffs, exhaling the slender trails of smoke. He chuckled softly to himself. "Makes you wonder, doesn't it? Do all men in love behave this way?"

He then squatted down on the ground, looking up at Leonel with a thoughtful expression. “You know, I've always been a bit jealous of you."

Leonel, puzzled, asked, "Jealous of me? Why?"

Marcus replied with a soft smile, "When we were still kids, you seemed to lack everything, but in reality, you had it all. Dad always valued you highly, and my sister doted on you... Apart from Elva being the pampered one, all of us were subjected to rigorous education and high expectations. Yet, Dad allowed you to sleep in my sister's room every night. When I was young, I wasn't even allowed to own a doll, but you had one from childhood."

Leonel felt a Lump form in his throat.

Dolls... Was that something Marcus had been interested in as a child?