Drawing in a long, steadying breath, Leonel declared, "I won't repeat my actions. I'm not going to force myself on you in the future.”

He withdrew from her, rising to his feet with deliberate slowness. As the room plunged into darkness, their gazes locked, both reflecting a mix of confusion and clarity.

He broke the silence. "I'll relocate to the guest room. Divorce, however, is not an option."

With a final note of resolve, he asserted, "You will remain Mrs. Douglas for life."

Alexis remained silent, her form motionless, even as he exited. Once alone, a solitary tear traced her cheek.

Leonel's love had dwindled to mere possession, his fear of abandonment stronger than his desire for her happiness.

Alexis was all too familiar with this abandonment, living daily with the void of his affection.

Their communication had eroded to nothing. Their marriage, a deadlock of unspoken grievances.

Leonel's visits were sporadic, yet he maintained his role as a father, tender with the children, cordial with Alexis.

Behind closed doors, however, they were estranged, their emotional bonds worn to indifference.

The whispers of discord in their marriage had reached every ear.

Waylen's request for a private word with Leonel resulted in a composed exit.

Resolved, Leonel had decided against divorce, yet he refused to plead with Alexis for reconciliation.

He left the Fowler residence in a sleek black limousine. The driver caught Leonel's dour reflection and inquired, “Mr. Douglas, shall we return to the villa or head to the company?"

Leonel responded without much concern, "To the company."

The driver maneuvered the limousine towards their destination. They arrived at the company headquarters, a testament to Leonel's vision, erected just two years prior.

Upon their arrival, a sudden halt announced Anika's presence, drenched by the rain, standing resolutely before the vehicle.

She approached, arms folded protectively across her chest. In time, Leonel lowered the car window, a cigarette soon glowing between his fingers. “What brings you here in the rain?"

The guy in the fancy car looked real suave, puffing on his cigarette like it was a piece of art.

Anika's chase after Leonel wasn't just about fame and fortune, it was also about admiring him as a woman.