He said Leonel didn't have gout, that it was just a cover-up.

In that instant, Alexis' whole world stopped. ALL she could think about was Leonel.

Her heart raced and her fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white.

Her hands started to bleed but she didn't even notice.

She had a clotting disorder, making this dangerous, but her mind was too overwhelmed to care.

ALL she could focus on was this truth.

Leonel had sacrificed his left leg to save her.

That was why he needed a wheelchair. That was why he limped with every step. That was why he couldn't hold Cordelia and walk about.

That was why he said he had a girlfriend and told her to move on with her life as well.

Alexis was in shock, standing there for what felt like an eternity.

By the time she snapped back to reality, the banquet had already wrapped up and everyone was Leaving.

As she headed out, she bumped into Leonel at the hotel entrance. He was talking quietly with Noreen, and their voices were too low for Alexis to make out what they were saying.

Seeing Leonel again brought a mix of feelings to Alexis.

She stared at the man she had once loved intensely and later grew to resent just as fiercely.

After everything she'd recently discovered, it all seemed trivial now.

Back in Merblune, she'd made Leonel cave in by threatening to harm herself.

But now, things were different. She just wanted him to be okay, no matter what.

Leonel noticed her and turned to look.

Under the sparkling chandelier, Alexis looked unusually pale.

Blood was dripping from her hand, pooling on the carpet.