She wasn't into it at all.

Leonel felt defeated. He didn't just want his own satisfaction but also her comfort.

Alexis didn't argue. When he embraced her, her mind replayed scenes of him with Anika. Those memories were etched deep, extinguishing any arousal she felt for him.

Yet she believed she could endure it.

It was a form of repayment, she believed.

After a pause, Alexis retrieved a tube of lubricant from the bedside table, placing it in Leonel's hand. The room was dim but he could guess what it was.

He recoiled internally.

Arching up to kiss his chin, Alexis murmured, “Leonel, this is all I can offer, if you're set on it."

She sank into the bed, her flawless face framed by cascading brown locks.

She was stunning.

Yet, Leonel's heart weighed heavy. Gently, he set the lube aside, bending down to embrace her tenderly.

ALL he did was hold her.

In the tranquil room, only their soft breaths filled the air.

After a while, Leonel whispered into her ear, his voice strained, "Alexis, you're just cold toward me, aren't you? If it were someone else, you wouldn't need this, wouldn't have to endure this. You could find happiness and live a better life, right?"

Alexis was uncertain.

She reached out, embracing Leonel gently, though he saw it as nothing but another gesture of pity.

They held each other for what felt like ages.

Not a word passed between them until the moon dipped and dawn approached.

Acceptance dawned in an instant.

As Alexis fetched the lubricant, Leonel felt a pang of defeat.