After a pause, he then continued, "Well, I've brought you the things, so mission accomplished! I'll be off to report to my wife. Melissa's all worried about you. It makes me jealous!"

With that, Marcus departed.

Leonel fired up the car engine.

Marcus had been visiting less lately. Right after the accident, he'd drop by almost every other day, always saying something to rile Leonel up.

At first, Leonel didn't like it. No guy wants to expose his miserable side to others. But he later just got used to it.

Sometimes, while the doctor massaged him, Marcus would just sit there quietly.

Despite the car accident, Leonel did return to the Fowler house.

He'd said if he split with Alexis, it was for good.

Since Alexis was considering seeing someone else, why bother her again?

After Marcus left, Leonel stayed home for a week, for no reason really.

Then he had to go out for a big project's signing ceremony.

It was to be hosted at a fancy business club.

The other side's president a northerner and was forthright. He insisted on drinks after the signing.

Noreen was about to intervene but Leonel stopped her.

He downed two glasses of champagne fast, smiling. "Sorry, I'm not feeling great. That's my Limit. Help yourself!"

The client, after two brandies, patted Leonel's shoulder. "I heard about your leg. You're straightforward about it and I like it. We'll be good friends."

Noreen's face dropped at the news.

Leonel forced a smile, hiding his pain. When leaving, the client, drunk, even offered to push his wheelchair.

Leonel declined politely.

Outside, Noreen muttered, “What a jerk! Why even deal with him?"