He'd always understood he couldn't hold onto Alexis indefinitely.

But...

Leonel forced a bitter smile, stepping back slightly. He brushed her cheek gently, surprised when she didn't pull away. It might have been the most tender moment they'd shared in a year.

His voice caught in his throat as he spoke. “If I can hold onto you for even just one more day, Alexis, I'll do it... Maybe I've grown accustomed to your presence. I can't imagine a life without you. Maybe your life would be better, freer, if you hadn't taken me in in the first place. But, Alexis, you did. And no matter what... I can't bear to let you go now!"

After saying that, Leonel's eyes shimmered briefly.

He didn't want Alexis to see him cry, so he abruptly turned and left the room.

Alexis saw his tears but said nothing. *

Due to Alexis' pregnancy, Leonel refrained from intimacy. However, Alexis refused to go through with the pregnancy. Her appetite decreased, and she grew thinner, often just sitting quietly by the window, lost in thought.

From that day on, she refused to speak to Leonel.

Evelyn suggested that Alexis was homesick...

December weather in Merblune remained cool and pleasant.

One day, Leonel took Evelyn to the countryside to gather maple leaves.

He intended to create a photo album for Alexis...

They returned to the villa at three-thirty in the afternoon. Evelyn carried a small bag brimming with red maple leaves, eager to show her mom. She also caught two butterflies for her.

The villa was eerily silent.

The servants were likely slacking off, leaving the house empty.

Evelyn's cheerful footsteps resonated through the silent halls as she called, "Mom... Mom..."

The second floor remained silent.

Evelyn assumed Alexis was still lost in thought by the window, as usual. She planned to quietly enter the master bedroom, sneak up behind Alexis, and embrace her gently.

Evelyn tiptoed inside.