The servant, who had been holding her breath in the thick air of anticipation, felt a wave of relief with Alexis concession.
Immediately, she assured with a quick exhale.
Include a pair of eggs and a handful of greens, Leonel added, his voice devoid of earlier intensity.
The servant acknowledged with a nod and retreated.
In the expansive hall, only Alexis and Leonel remained, enveloped in a silence that spoke volumes. Leonels steps echoed to the dining room where he took a seat. The light above cast a sheen on his tousled black hair, giving him a ruffled Look.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe gestured to the chair beside him. Sit down, he suggested, his tone light.
Alexis, harboring no desire for discord and mindful of the childrens presence at home, took her place opposite him. She reached for her phone, yet Leonel cut in, Where are Evelyn and Daniel?
Upstairs, busy with their studies, she thought. Theyre immersed in homework. Ill call them down.
Leonel insisted gently, Lets eat first.
He extinguished his cigarette and met Alexis eyes, his voice a soft murmur. The weekends nearly here. How about we take the kids and dine with your folks? Its been ages.
A frown creased Alexis brow at his words. But before she could respond, the noodles arrived, steaming and promising a temporary truce.
The perceptive servant, attuned to the strained air, attempted to usher in some warmth. The eggs are especially soft today, and the vegetables are vibrant. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, enjoy your meal.
The arrival of the servant punctuated their exchange.
Alexis allowed a small smile to grace her Lips.
Resting casually in his chair, Leonel toyed with the two poached eggs in his bowl and chuckled. Its merely an egg. Why the flowery language, Diana? The servants cheeks turned pink with embarrassment.
She smoothed her apron and responded with a touch of formality. | hope your meal is to your liking, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas.
Once Diana had retreated, Leonel turned to Alexis, his voice casual.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLets dig in. Have your fill, and Ill take care of whatever left.
Alexis seemed lost in thought, remembering how in younger days, Leonel would eagerly finish any food she left behind.
Time had worn away that particular ritual, yet here he was, invoking the past as if to mend a fracture with nostalgia alone.
She wrestled with the memory, and then whispered, Leonel, you know full well the children are staying with me. If theres something else you want, name it. Whats needed to finalize this divorce?
He responded without looking up, his attention on the meal before him.
Midway through a bite of egg, he paused, the soft texture failing to bring him any pleasure. Leonel ate the egg, his gaze lingering on the soft yolk as he spoke softly. Today marks the day | was born. Mrs.
Douglas, it might be a distant memory for you though. His words hung in the air, a reminder of a shared past.