The better he treated her and their kids, the more it pained Alexis.

She extended her slender fingers, absentmindedly tracing a maple leaf on the foggy window. Coming back to herself, she realized what she had drawn.

Just then, the door opened and Leonel entered.

When he noticed what she drew, his Adam's apple moved visibly.

"Alexis?"

After wiping the pattern from the window, Alexis turned to face Leonel, her voice calm. "Daniel's fever has subsided. He's better now. You can go about your day."

Leonel closed the door behind him.

Dressed in an overcoat, remnants of snow clung to his hair. He gazed at her for a while and then offered a slight smile. “I don't have any pressing matters. And honestly, I don't have anywhere else to be."

In the past, the Fowler family had been his only family.

Leonel had always spent the holidays with the Fowler family. Waylen would take him to visit friends and relatives, proudly introducing Leonel as his son. Now, Leonel was alone, without family.

Silence fell between Leonel and Alexis, both lost in the same thoughts.

Just then, Daniel approached. Leonel tended to him. Alexis received a call from Waylen, reassuring her that Korbyn was okay and advising her not to worry; he also mentioned Rena would visit the hospital later that afternoon.

Alexis acknowledged the information and ended the call.

Leonel looked up, a moment of hesitation crossing his face. "Your grandpa is unwell? I'll go see him."

Alexis put her phone away.

Aware of her son nearby, she declined politely, "Grandpa wasn't feeling well but he's better now. Still, it might not be a good idea to visit just yet. Maybe some other time."

Leonel caught her meaning and nodded.

His expression grew somber, though he chose not to respond further.

That afternoon, Rena arrived with Marcus, Melissa, and Elva.

Leonel greeted them briefly and then excused himself. As he left the room, he leaned against the wall in the corridor, feeling a pang in his heart. Leonel was filled with regrets. He regretted using Anika to provoke Alexis, regretted thinking about ending his marriage, and even more so, regretted forcing Alexis to get pregnant later Despite his regrets, he realized he had lost Alexis the moment he allowed Anika to stay with him.