Under the stark light, Leonel's gaze fixed on his wife.

Moments later, he fished a cigarette from his pocket, struck a match, and inhaled deeply. "I've been gone for a week. Is this the crux of your message?" he probed.

Alexis offered a ghost of a smile. "The essence of my message is bound in the agreement."

Tension quivered in Leonel's fingertips as he grasped the cigarette, another Long pull painting shadows on his hollow cheeks, accentuating a weary charm.

His eyes were frost as he considered her.

“Discussions are better over a late-night bite, don't you think?"

Alexis addressed the servant with serenity etched on her features.

“Prepare two bowls of noodles then."

The servant, who had been holding her breath in the thick air of anticipation, felt a wave of relief with Alexis' concession.

"Immediately," she assured with a quick exhale.

“Include a pair of eggs and a handful of greens," Leonel added, his voice devoid of earlier intensity.

The servant acknowledged with a nod and retreated.

In the expansive hall, only Alexis and Leonel remained, enveloped in a silence that spoke volumes. Leonel's steps echoed to the dining room where he took a seat. The light above cast a sheen on his tousled black hair, giving him a ruffled Look.

He gestured to the chair beside him. "Sit down," he suggested, his tone light.

Alexis, harboring no desire for discord and mindful of the children's presence at home, took her place opposite him. She reached for her phone, yet Leonel cut in, “Where are Evelyn and Daniel?"

Upstairs, busy with their studies, she thought. "They're immersed in homework. I'll call them down."

Leonel insisted gently, “Let's eat first."

He extinguished his cigarette and met Alexis’ eyes, his voice a soft murmur. “The weekend's nearly here. How about we take the kids and dine with your folks? It's been ages."

A frown creased Alexis' brow at his words. But before she could respond, the noodles arrived, steaming and promising a temporary truce.

The perceptive servant, attuned to the strained air, attempted to usher in some warmth. “The eggs are especially soft today, and the vegetables are vibrant. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, enjoy your meal."