NovelEnglishFollowing Melissa's directions, she headed to a quiet pub with a band playing soft jazz music.
Upon arrival, Melissa was already there, pulling out a chair for her.
“What's your poison, Alexis?” she asked.
Alexis smoothed her hair, replying casually, “A Margareta, please!” Besides drinks, Melissa ordered dessert for Alexis. When she turned back, she spotted Alexis lighting up a cigarette.
Melissa's jaw dropped.
Normally, Alexis wasn't a smoker but she just couldn't resist lighting one up now.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtTaking a drag, Alexis exhaled lazily. Suddenly, Melissa couldn't fathom how Leonel could betray Alexis for someone like Anika.
Sensing Melissa's thoughts, Alexis spoke with a faint smile. “Leonel and I have been hashing out the divorce.” Melissa hadn't expected her to be so upfront.
Cutting to the chase, she asked, “Marcus caught wind of the rumors.
He's itching to confront Leonel himself, but guys can be impulsive, you know? So... is it true? Is Leonel really hooking up with someone else?” Hearing that, Alexis froze, her hand trembling.
She looked down, puffing on her cigarette, and shrugged. “It seems like it” Then, after a pause, she added, “Whether he's pushing me to give in first or he's genuinely into this woman. Who knows! Doesn't really matter anyway. Either way, I'm done with him,” she said bitterly.
Dealing with him made her sick! Melissa fell silent for a moment, and then clinked glasses with Alexis.
“Marcus will swing by later. Let's make the most of the night I” A faint smile played on Alexis’ lips.
Despite being a bit buzzed, she decided to keep a clear head. Her marriage with Leonel was already a mess; best to stay sharp in other areas. So, she called for a designated driver to take her home after just one drink.
Seated in the car, instead of dialing Leonel’s number, she rang up Noreen.
“Noreen, could you shoot me over Mr. Douglas's schedule for the past couple of months?” She hesitated for a moment before adding, “If it's not too much trouble” “Absolutely, Mrs. Douglas!” On the other end, it seemed like Noreen had been anticipating Alexis’ to her call, swiftly agreeing request.
Before long, Leonel's schedule landed in Alexis’ inbox. As she scrolled through, she noticed he spent a chunk of his time at social events, often with one certain companion — Anika.
On July third, it was Anika at dinner with him.
And again on the fifth.
And the eighth...
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAnika, Anika, Anika...
Setting down her phone, Alexis pondered. The driver, who'd overheard, chimed in eagerly, “These days, guys lose it the minute they touch a drop of booze... Women make one slip-up, they get crucified for it.
That's not right, is it?” Alexis’ smile was faint but knowing.
Arriving home, she learned Waylen and Rena had dropped by earlier to pick up the kids, and it was actually Leonel’s idea. The servant mentioned, “Mr. Douglas rang up earlier to make the arrangement. And Mr. and Mrs. Fowler's car left about ten minutes ago.” Alexis stood there, stunned, placing her briefcase on the sofa.
Then, she headed to the wine cabinet, grabbing a bottle of wine.
Observing, the servant suggested, “Let me whip up some food for you.
We can't have you drinking on an empty stomach.” With a faint smile, Alexis replied, “Thanks, Noval” Nova felt a lump in her throat, on the verge of tears. She admired Alexis and felt Leonel was a fool for not cherishing her. Ever since he brought Anika home the other night, Alexis hadn't been herself.
But Nova kept her thoughts to herself.
Half an hour later, Alexis dined solo, pouring herself a glass of red.
Suddenly, the sound of a car engine reached her ears. She smiled faintly, guessing it was Leonel. As expected, his familiar footsteps soon echoed from the porch...
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