He seized her hand, pulling her close. Their breath mingled. "You think I'm filthy. Look in the mirror. You always have a man around, huh? Calvin was your shadow. Now who's this? His stand-in?"

Alexis shut her eyes. “Are you done? Good. He's—"

"I don't care who he is. I don't give a fuck!"

Leonel released Alexis and stared straight ahead. Moments later, he pulled out a pack of cigarette from the console. Beside it lay a bottle of perfume that wasn't hers.

Anika must have left it.

Alexis felt queasy, turning away. "Let me out.”

Leonel spotted the perfume but grinned. He lit a cigarette, glanced at her. "There's no rush to leave. I won't hassle you. I just need to say my piece."

Disgust flashed in his eyes.

She guessed his agenda. Calmly, she reclined, staring ahead.

Leonel smoked, and then snuffed out the cigarette.

Casually, he said, "You had other people in your life. Why couldn't I? Alexis, you want out. Fine, let's get a divorce."

Outside, the night felt heart-wrenching.

But Alexis was numb.

In a light tone, Leonel continued, "Congrats. You're free and so am I. It's not my business who you're with, just as it isn't yours who I'm with."

With a sneer, Leonel delivered his parting shot.

Alexis took a deep breath, striving for calm. "Right. There will be no ties between us from now on."

A click broke the silence.

The car door unlocked.

Leonel, still cold, ordered, "Out."

It was cold in the early autumn night and the autumn's chill had settled in.