However challenging it might be, he couldn't bring himself to surrender.

Alexis stood beside the bed, adjusting her attire, and casually remarked, “Get some rest."

As she left, Leonel gazed at her retreating figure, bitterness creeping into his eyes. He had never felt as much of a failure as he did in that moment. She had been willing to overcome her psychological barriers and become his partner, nestled in his arms, yet he had firmly rejected her.

Leonel couldn't fathom how he drifted off to sleep.

He noticed that the door was left slightly ajar, allowing a faint sliver of light from the ward outside to filter in. It brought him a sense of comfort.

Unbeknownst to him, Alexis hadn't slept a wink.

After leaving the lounge, she made her way to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. The sensation stung, sending a jolt of pain through her.

As she gazed into the mirror, she was met with the reflection of a stranger.

Alexis stared blankly at her reflection for what felt like an eternity.

At dawn, Leonel stirred from his sleep to discover a petite figure on his bed.

Cordelia, her tiny legs tucked and her cherubic cheeks cradled in her hands, gazed at him intently. Upon noticing him awake, she snuggled up to him like a puppy, peppering his face with kisses and drool.

Leonel's heart brimmed with affection.

He scooped Cordelia into his arms, checking her temperature and discovering that her fever had subsided.

Cordelia giggled, snuggling deeper into his embrace, her sweet voice calling out "Daddy" repeatedly.

He chuckled, sensing that if he stayed a moment longer, his resolve might crumble immediately, making it difficult to leave at all.

During breakfast, he proposed to Alexis, “I'll return to change and come back in the afternoon."

Alexis was sipping milk when she heard Leonel's words, her keen intuition picking up on his unspoken sentiments.

Quietly finishing her milk, Alexis said in a subdued tone, "I have some matters to attend to at the office this morning. I hope you can take care of her for the time being. I'll return this afternoon to arrange for her discharge."

Leonel nodded in agreement.

Perhaps due to the events of the previous night, they didn't seem to get along very well that morning. After breakfast, Alexis cradled Cordelia in her arms once more. Cordelia, aware that her mother was leaving, didn't want to let go.