The next morning, Alexis woke up quite early.

But the moment she opened her eyes, she saw a white rose beside her pillow. She gazed quietly at the rose, and a tear trickled down her cheek.

If not for the sounds of the children downstairs, she would have thought that the past couple years were just a dream.

Right now, she felt as if she had returned to the period when Leonel had just returned from abroad.

If not for the children's voices, she would have believed that she was really in that period.

She and Leonel had been through a lot all these years. They'd had three children, and now, he was back with her again.

Just then, the door was gently opened, and Leonel walked right into the bedroom.

Since it was winter, he had on a charcoal-colored turtleneck sweater with matching trousers, making him look handsome and vibrant.

His leg had almost returned to normal, and he was now walking with confidence.

As he stepped into the room, a beam of sunlight entered from outside, illuminating the entire room.

Alexis watched Leonel silently until he approached the bed.

"Did you sleep well?" Leonel asked in a hoarse voice.

Lifting her arm, Alexis picked up the rose and asked in a similarly hoarse voice, "Where did you find this?"

She doubted he went jogging with his leg condition, and she knew the flower shop wouldn't be open so early.

Leonel sat on the edge of the bed and tenderly caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. The gesture was playful and intimate.

Despite the years they had been married, Alexis felt overwhelmed and turned her face away.

Leonel withdrew his hand and smiled. "I've got a small garden in the backyard. The roses are all imported varieties. Haven't you seen them yet, after all this time?"

The rose in her hand brushed against his leg.

“I didn't know. It's winter, after all."

“They're in a greenhouse. You should take a look when you get up.”