The arrival of the servant punctuated their exchange.

Alexis allowed a small smile to grace her Lips.

Resting casually in his chair, Leonel toyed with the two poached eggs in his bowl and chuckled. "It's merely an egg. Why the flowery language, Diana?"

The servant's cheeks turned pink with embarrassment.

She smoothed her apron and responded with a touch of formality. "I hope your meal is to your liking, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas."

Once Diana had retreated, Leonel turned to Alexis, his voice casual.

"Let's dig in. Have your fill, and I'll take care of whatever's left."

Alexis seemed lost in thought, remembering how in younger days, Leonel would eagerly finish any food she left behind.

Time had worn away that particular ritual, yet here he was, invoking the past as if to mend a fracture with nostalgia alone.

She wrestled with the memory, and then whispered, “Leonel, you know full well the children are staying with me. If there's something else you want, name it. What's needed to finalize this divorce?"

He responded without looking up, his attention on the meal before him.

Midway through a bite of egg, he paused, the soft texture failing to bring him any pleasure. Leonel ate the egg, his gaze lingering on the soft yolk as he spoke softly. “Today marks the day I was born. Mrs. Douglas, it might be a distant memory for you though.” His words hung in the air, a reminder of a shared past.

“I'm aware you're eager to move on, but indulge me with this meal. It's customary to share a parting dinner, isn't it? Despite the end of our marriage, we'll remain entwined in ways most don't understand. How does that sit with you?"

Alexis paused, her mind reeling.

It was his birthday.

A sardonic smile played on Leonel's lips. "It indeed slipped your mind, then. Perhaps only the date of Calvin's passing holds your heart captive."

She pressed her lips together, a slight tension evident. “Your birthday shouldn't be overshadowed by such talk," she replied quietly.

Meeting her gaze, he searched her eyes. “Do I still matter to you?"

Alexis didn't speak. Instead, she took a bite of her vegetables, chewing thoughtfully before turning to the egg, leaving half the noodles untouched, which Leonel finished.

She was about to speak when he rose. “I'll check on the children," he announced.