Leonel gently massaged her soft hand in a manner that was totally different from his earlier rough behavior.

With their fingers intertwined, he pinned her down on the bed and kissed her soft lips.

His back muscles tensed up as he restrained himself during the kiss.

Alexis didn't reject him either, but tears slid down her cheeks and her body trembled.

It was more like a heartbreaking kiss than anything else.

Leonel wanted so badly to continue what he was doing. As a man, it was difficult to hold back himself when he saw his beloved lying beneath him, meekly allowing him to fondle her.

He knew for a fact that she wouldn't resist or stop him from doing whatever he wanted to do at this moment.

Perhaps it was out of pity or maybe gratitude, Alexis seemed very willing to surrender the rest of herself to him.

But Leonel was no fool.

He could see that despite what was going on, she was showing no signs of passion. Though she went along with what he was doing, she seemed devoid of any feeling for him. This discovery thoroughly disappointed him.

He ceased his movements and buried his face in her neck, breathing softly in an effort to calm himself down.

After a while, he whispered in her ear, “Come on, Alexis, how can we make this work? How can we mend this relationship? We still have a long period of life ahead. Yes, we've hurt each other, but we've also forgiven each other. Shall we just end it like this? As for what I did to you and the Fowler family, I think I've almost paid it off with what happened to this leg.”

When Alexis heard this, she closed her eyes and sighed, “Leonel, is there nothing left between us apart from obligation and debt?"

"What else could there be, huh?" Leonel retorted. "Alexis, it's clear that we can't go back to the way we used to be. Hester and I were never Like this when we were together! Despite my disability, she was still willing to care for me. Whether she did it out of a desire for wealth or for some other motive, what matters is that she always made me feel comfortable. And I like that. Why should I give up such a woman just to be with you? Think about it, Alexis."

Alexis didn't know what to say in response. Even though she knew that he was deliberately provoking her, she couldn't help but feel quite saddened.

Hester had indeed been by his side for the past few months.

Alexis couldn't ask how far their relationship had progressed nor did she know if they really developed genuine feelings for each other.

By now, the sweat from their passion had cooled, and Alexis slowly sat up.

Picking up his shirt, she held it to her chest. She understood what he meant. She was no longer able to respond to his touches like she used to.

As a man, Leonel had needs, and clearly, Hester was able to meet those needs.