With a task at hand, Noreen filled a glass with warm water and placed it within Leonel's reach. "I'll fetch her. Maybe it's time to settle things."

Stepping out, she summoned Anika.

Anika, a mix of nerves and anticipation, eased the door open and stepped inside. Her voice trembled slightly. “Leonel, we—"

He observed her in silence.

Drawn to him, Anika moved closer, an impulse she couldn't resist.

But as she inclined toward him, Leonel's reaction was swift and startling. He averted her advance, sending her reeling, before pulling her hair and banging her head against the bedside table. The collision was sharp, the corner tearing a small gash in her skin.

Dazed, Anika touched the wound, her gaze never leaving Leonel.

She was at a loss, the gentleness she knew from him seemed a distant memory.

He grasped her chin, his tone icy, a warning clear. "I told you to leave Alexis alone. Despite her struggles, you baited her with the press at the courthouse."

Anika's voice trembled with uncertainty.

"I never meant it Like that. Leonel, you chose me once. Now that she's gone, why not give us a real chance? How will you know if you don't feel the same unless we try?"

Leonel's response was dismissive, a firm hand against her chest.

He slid a cigarette from his pocket and bent his head to light it, a plume of smoke obscuring his face.

With a cynical chuckle, he questioned, “Is there truly such a thing as abundant love?"

The color drained from Anika's face as realization took hold. She had never been his choice, only a pawn in his game against Alexis.

Despite the shock, a hollow laugh escaped her.

“Did my presence upset her, or was it your doing?" She leaned in, her voice a hushed echo. "Remember who you left the bar with? Who opened her home to you, who stood by your side after those arguments with your wife? It was me at your house, in your bed. We shared rounds of golf, trips to Hondrau. You've held me, kissed me-not just a drunken mistake, but with clear intent."

Her laughter was tinged with madness.

"Imagine Alexis' face seeing those photos, those videos. The pain, the sickness it must've brought her."

Leonel met her gaze, his own expression icy and unforgiving.