Leonel stood on the foyer, gazing quietly at Alexis.
Inside the house, a few candles flickered, casting a soft glow in the big dining room. But Alexis sat alone, dressed sharp in black, blending with the dim light, adding to her solitude.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe candlelight played on her face, hiding her feelings from Leonel.
He glanced down, switched his shoes, and then murmured, “You seem cheerful today, enjoying a solo candlelit dinner” Putting on his slippers, Leonel moved in for a ki*s but Alexis turned her face to the side, saying, “I just find the light a bit too much."
She gestured to the other side.
With a slight grin, Leonel took a seat across from her. After pouring himself some wine, they both sat without touching the glasses, calmly studying each other.
Finally, after a pregnant silence, Alexis spoke up. “Have you decided?” Leonel lifted his glass, took a sip, and grinned. “I said | want custody of the kids, or no deal” Alexis fixed her gaze on him, her dark eyes unyielding.
After a bit, she flashed a faint smile and teased, “Why so stubborn, Leonel? There are plenty of young girls out there that would be eager to have babies with you.” Leonel scowled.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe kept his eyes locked on her, not wanting to miss a single change in her expression.
Alexis’ words stirred up memories of his unexpected ki*s with Anika last night.
Maybe it had been a spur of the moment thing, or maybe it was the strain in their marriage, but he did feel a twinge of temptation.
Yet, when push had come to shove, he resisted the urge to act recklessly.
Back then, he felt a bit dull and wasn't in the mood. Did Alexis even care about Anika's presence now? He scoffed. “Are you really willing to ditch the whole Mrs. Douglas gig?” Meeting his glare, Alexis smirked back. “Leonel, I've never been one to marry for status. Heck, folks usually want to snag a piece of my status pie” With things boiling down like this, she didn't mind delivering a sting.
As expected, Leonel’s eyes narrowed. His grip on the glass tightened, fingers turning pale. He hissed, each word measured, “Mrs. Douglas, you don't gotta keep reminding me how the Fowlers picked me.” After a pause, he carried on, “| know you got my schedule from Noreen, and | know you dug into Anika and everything. But that isn't proof of anything fishy. My dealings with Anika are legit, and the house is a company perk for her” Alexis could see he was just trying to gross her out.
She glanced down, scoffing softly. “Real classy, talking about ‘keeping’ a woman. It makes my stomach turn.”