To her, this was far from an act of love; it felt like an ordeal, leaving her cold and detached through the encounter.

Leonel was relentless, showering her with kisses.

When the moment to exit the car arrived, he ushered Alexis out. The evening had settled in, and the air was rich with the aroma of dinner being prepared from the neighboring houses.

Ignoring the temptations of the dinner table, Leonel scooped Alexis into his arms and headed straight upstairs. Alexis, resigned to her fate, questioned him icily, “What's your plan, Leonel? Forcing it onto me isn't right, is it?"

Leonel, unfazed, continued his ascent.