After just an hour, Leonel left alone, having driven himself there.

Thoughts of his encounter with Alexis lingered in his mind, prompting him to impulsively head towards the Fowler residence.

The place glowed with bright lights against the night sky.

Sitting in his car parked outside the gate, Leonel sat quietly, smoking and occasionally coughing.

In this city, both he and Alexis resided, yet they lived as if worlds were apart.

Even though they had known each other since childhood and were childhood sweethearts, they now interacted with each other as if they were strangers.

Leonel maintained a distant presence in Alexis’ life, barely involved beyond picking up and dropping off the kids at school. He never set foot in the Fowler residence again, holding true to his word.

Leonel had vowed to grant Alexis her freedom.

At times, he kept his distance, but occasionally he caught glimpses of her around town.

Perhaps it was his efforts not to intrude on Alexis' life that softened her attitude towards him, though she showed no desire to reconcile. And sometimes Leonel found peace in that realization.

She and the children were doing well, with a new addition on the way.

Leonel held onto a newfound hope.

He made the decision to give up smoking and drinking.

While he doubted a reconciliation with Alexis, he remained committed to witnessing his children grow up.

On Christmas night, the Fowler family gathered together, with Edwin, his wife, and Olivia also in attendance.

Having recently returned from abroad, Olivia now worked at a comic book agency, having somewhat established herself in Duefron.

As the younger members of the family engaged in casual conversation over drinks, Olivia casually inquired of Melissa, "Hey, didn't you mention that Jessie would be joining us? I haven't seen her around for a while. What's the story?"

Olivia flashed Melissa a thumbs up and remarked, “Jessie was your former romantic rival, right, Melissa? You're quite the big-picture thinker to be pals with her now."

Marcus playfully nudged Olivia with his foot and retorted, “Cut the crap. Watch out, or I might just toss you out.”

Unfazed, Olivia sought refuge behind Melissa, showing no fear of Marcus' mock threat.