Anika felt a flicker of fear before her courage surged back. She had lost everything. Fear had no grip on her anymore.

Her laughter was sardonic. "I came close to winning you over, didn't I?"

Once discharged, Leonel found solace in the solitude of his villa, a stark contrast to its usual warmth. The once vibrant walls stood mute, the air bereft of laughter and culinary aromas, the nights devoid of the children's chatter. The silence was deafening.

He found refuge on the balcony as dusk approached.

The servant, seeking to rouse him, climbed the stairs with an invitation to supper. After a second call, Leonel extinguished his cigarette and inquired with a nonchalance that didn't reach his eyes, “Has Mrs. Douglas returned recently?"

The servant hesitated, and then shook her head. "No, she hasn't. She mentioned she'd stop by and get the kids' thing when she finds the time."

Leonel's thoughts seemed to drift far away.

The servant tried once more. "Dinner is served, sir." But Leonel declined with a disinterested wave. "I'm not hungry. Just leave it."

The servant paused, words teetering on the edge of speech, but then retreated in silence.

Once the servant departed, Leonel's gaze lifted to the clouds, recalling how Alexis adored the sunsets from this spot, inspiring him to place a sofa here just for her. Memories washed over him-of them watching the sunset fade to darkness, her nestled in his embrace.

The soft whisper of the night air echoed the tenderness of those moments.

She had nestled in his arms, her own wrapped around his neck, whispering his name through the night.

It felt as if it were just yesterday. Glancing at his wedding ring, Leonel felt a sting in his eyes.

The following day unfolded at the Sterling Law Firm.

Alexis returned to a nervous assistant who announced, “Ms. Fowler, you have a visitor."

“Who might that be? A new client?" Alexis inquired, her tone steady.

With a touch of apprehension, the assistant confessed, “It's your ex-husband, Mr. Douglas."

Alexis composed herself.

Noting her boss' expression, the assistant quickly offered, "I can send him away if you prefer."

“No, have him wait for me in the reception room," Alexis instructed, masking her turmoil.