That moment made Alexis painfully aware that feelings could shift unexpectedly.

Neither she nor Leonel could dodge their destiny; the minute she welcomed him into her home, their paths were intertwined.

The room was dim, yet Leonel could see the despair etched on Alexis ' sorrowful face. Alexis had been the embodiment of expression on her was a clear sign she had reached her Limit. To see such a always joy.

Speaking in a gentle voice, Alexis said, “Alright! I won't bother you anymore. You can go back to the life you choose. And the kids, I know you want to see them too. It was tough before because of me. From now on, you won't have that burden."

She paused, collecting her thoughts, and then added, "From here on out, we're just family. Oh, and Noreen mentioned you have some rehab opportunities, so make sure to visit the doctor regularly. Don't let Mom and Dad worry about you anymore. Marcus, Elva, and everyone else, they all care about you too."

With a resolved sigh, Alexis concluded, “Leonel, I'm leaving now!"

After Alexis finished speaking, she felt a deep sadness but managed to hold back her tears.

She stepped back, her shoes leaving marks on the carpet now stained with drops of blood that turned it dark.

Then she called out softly again, "Leonel."

Her eyes grew red as she spoke his name, and Leonel's did the same.

Leonel had been raised in Alexis' home, almost like a son to Waylen and Rena.

Whenever they went out, Waylen introduced him as his eldest son. The other children in the house looked up to him as an older brother, and Alexis always treated him with gentle care.

But now, everything was about to change.

They had always believed there was a chance for them together, but now Alexis was truly saying goodbye.

She had decided to stop chasing after him and to let go of any hope of reigniting their relationship.

She hadn't really expected this.

Before, she believed that each setback would make her braver, but in just a couple of months, she had run out of courage.

She realized that love needed bravery, and both she and Leonel had lost that initial spark of courage, making it impossible for their love to continue.

With a heavy heart, Alexis walked away.

It was drizzling when she arrived, but by the time she left, it was pouring heavily.