"Alexis, I didn't sleep with Anika."

He held her close, his voice husky. “Remember when it used to be good between us?"

Alexis couldn't push him away.

He pinned her wrists above her head, holding her down.

Turning away, she buried her face in the pillow, embarrassed and revolted. Eventually, she admitted softly, “I can't remember."

"I'll make you remember, Alexis, you will never forget again this time."

Leonel fell silent, holding her close, feeling their connection.

In the quiet bedroom, Alexis was trapped, unable to move and forced to endure him.

She ended up sleeping with him again.

Outside, the breeze blew in, and the sound of Evelyn's Laughter filled the air. Since the accident, she hadn't been this joyful. Now, she played happily, with Ollie barking alongside.

Tears welled in Alexis' eyes. It all seemed so absurd.

“Why the tears?"

Leonel murmured, wiping them away. "See how happy Evelyn is? Let's start fresh, alright? No more Anika, no one else. I'll spend my Life making it up to you and Evelyn. Please, don't shut me out."

Alexis remained silent, her tears still flowing down her cheeks.

Leonel offered her a sleeping pill.

Forced to rest, Alexis drifted off. When she awoke, darkness enveloped the world beyond the French window. The city's hustle seemed distant, only a few scattered lights visible.

It felt desolate.

Downstairs, Evelyn's voice mingled with Leonel's. She talked a lot.

Since the accident, speaking had become harder for her, but the doctors urged her to keep at it, fearing her ability might fade.

Alexis listened in silence.