Surprise hit him when he rolled up to the courthouse gate and there she was, stepping out of a white ride across from his. It was the woman he'd been itching to see.

They hadn't crossed paths in ages and it seemed Alexis had shed some pounds.

As Alexis shut her car door, she spotted Leonel too. He was itching to hop out and have a chat with him but she beelined into the courthouse without a glance back.

"Hey, hold up, Alexis!" Leonel called out, scrambling after her.

Hearing his voice, Alexis halted. Leonel slowed his stride, almost like he was scared of spooking her. He got within arm's reach, ready to say his piece, but words failed him. He didn't know where to begin.

Finally, he muttered, “Alexis, I..."

But before he could finish, Alexis cut in, "Save it for later!"

Leonel's heart sank. He wanted to say more but Alexis was already walking away.

Throughout the next four hours at court, his eyes kept drifting to her. He noticed she'd shed quite a bit of weight...

Back then, he used to say she rocked black hair better, so she always kept it dyed that way.

Now it was back to light brown-her natural hair color.

Leonel got what it meant and his face went ashen.

There was still no verdict after the hearing but the judge mentioned they'd chew over the case before giving the final word.

Alexis didn't mind. After a quick chat with Rex, she departed. Once again, Leonel caught her in the parking lot.

"Alexis!"

Already at the driver's door, Alexis turned as she heard him. Keeping a cool facade, she said, "My lawyer laid it all out in court, Leonel... There's nothing else to say."

"Look at this!"

Leonel held up a glass ball, his gaze fixed on her. “I found it on the nightstand. Alexis... Can't we patch things up?"

Under the sunlight, the crystal sparkled.

Alexis remembered the blisters on her hands from crafting it.