Roughly 5@ days post-delivery, Leonel headed to the company as usual.

Before departing in the morning, he informed Alexis of his return by around six and arranged for the driver to fetch Evelyn and Daniel.

Work progressed smoothly though, prompting Leonel to return home earlier than expected.

Bearing a pack of diapers tailored for Cordelia's needs—-her only allergy-free option-and a bouquet of champagne roses, he entered the house quietly.

Slipping into slippers, he tiptoed through the house, assuming Alexis was asleep.

Considering Cordelia's two nighttime awakenings, sleep seemed probable for Alexis.

The bedroom door stood slightly ajar. With a smile, Leonel pushed it open, envisioning Alexis resting on the bed, her serene face nestled into the pillow, while Cordelia frolicked nearby.

The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing an empty bed. Leonel's gaze swept the room, but Alexis was nowhere to be found.

Pausing abruptly, the diapers and flowers slipped from his grasp, tumbling to the floor below.

He hurriedly crossed the bedroom, pushing against the bathroom door with force before yanking it open.

To his surprise, Alexis wasn't inside.

A wave of weakness washed over him, accompanied by a cold sweat trickling down his back. Leaning heavily against the door frame, he gradually sank to the floor, his trembling hand reaching for a cigarette in an attempt to steady his nerves. But in a sudden realization, he recalled the presence of the baby in the room, causing him to break the cigarette instead.

Making his way to the sink, he activated the golden tap, splashing cool water over his face.

Moments later, he found Alexis in the study.

Wearing a white nightdress, she leaned against the French window, her gaze fixed on the outside world. The sunlight bathed her face, imparting a serene aura. Yet, despite her serene demeanor, Leonel detected a profound sadness in her eyes.

The melancholy in her eyes evoked memories of their time in Melbourne.

During those days, she wore the same expression as she did now.

It was then that Alexis made the fateful decision to take her own life.

At this moment, the sun was slowly setting.

Leonel stood in the fading light, their elongated shadows stretching across the room, Alexis sensed his presence and turned to meet his gaze, tears glistening in her eyes.