Alexis felt trapped.

In this foreign land, she had no phone, no money-nothing.

Under Leonel's watch almost 24/7, she had no freedom.

Evelyn's hearing remained a concern, with no suitable treatment yet.

Everything was on hold.

Because of Evelyn, Alexis kept her cool with Leonel. But when Evelyn wasn't around, she shut him out.

Leonel didn't push. He figured she just needed time.

She continued to ignore him.

Two weeks in Geveland, Leonel could still sense Alexis' distance.

When they went to bed, she resisted his touch, stiffening every time he tried to touch her.

One time in the dead of night, he had tried to cuddle her, but she had feigned sleep, waiting for him to give up.

Eventually, he did, realizing she wasn't interested at all.

He had stopped trying.

He had then slipped out of bed, likely to the bathroom, maybe to ease his frustration.

Leonel tried to please her as she was always so indifferent.

One day, the streets were buzzing with activity. Leonel suggested a stroll. Alexis hesitated, absorbed in a foreign novel on the bedroom couch.

Since arriving at the villa, she'd kept to herself, avoiding the outdoors.

Leonel wrapped his arms around her. “Come on, let's go out. It's lively tonight. You need some fun, Alexis. I want to see you smile."

Setting the book aside, Alexis replied calmly, “If you want me happy, let me and Evelyn leave."

"No chance," Leonel retorted firmly.