Following a refreshing shower, her thoughts drifted back to the conversation she had with her mother earlier that day over tea. Rena had mentioned Leonel, suggesting Alexis was being too distant with him.

Rena advised, “If you want this marriage to work, both you and Leonel need to make some adjustments. I've seen Leonel grow up; I understand him. Men tend to think similarly. No matter how much they love you, they can get a bit lost at times, sometimes even straying. And I'm aware you wouldn't stand for that."

Reflecting on her mother's words, Alexis looked down, feeling troubled.

She went about her skincare routine in a daze. Then, after a moment, she took out the small glazed leaf to examine it once more.

Encased in colorful glass, the red maple leaf seemed to blaze Like fire, symbolizing the vibrant youth shared by her and Leonel.

As Alexis lost herself in thought, the door swung open Leonel entered and casually inquired, "What's caught your interest?"

“Just looking at a document," she responded, setting aside the gift.

He shut the bedroom door and announced in a deep voice, “Next week, I'm hosting my company's anniversary celebration. You might want to chat with my secretary about picking out a gown for the event."

Alexis gave a nod. "I saw the invite downstairs."

The look in Leonel's eyes deepened. He approached and casually picked up a bottle of lotion she had just applied. “What did you think of the invitation? Any thoughts or suggestions?"

With a slight smile, Alexis replied, "The emcee seems quite elegant."

After a moment's pause, he moved to embrace her from behind, drawing in the scent of her freshly bathed skin.

"No one, no matter how elegant, compares to you," he murmured, his voice low and gravelly.

His hands started to roam. She attempted to resist, but he was insistent, lifting her up and carrying her to their plush, large bed.

He positioned one leg on the bed and started to unbutton his shirt.

Alexis was hesitant, mindful of their children in the next room.

“What if Evelyn and Daniel walk in?" she voiced her concern.

Leonel continued with his shirt, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he spoke, his voice rough. "At their age, they know better than to come in without knocking." He then added with a chuckle, "Two years back, Daniel asked me why you were crying in the middle of the night and if I was the cause. Alexis, how do you think I should've answered him?"

Alexis detested when he brought that up, feeling a mix of shame and embarrassment.

As Leonel aged, he became more assertive in their intimate moments than he was in his youth. At times, Alexis found herself wondering if he was using some kind of stimulant...