SWNOVELS Chapter 3524
Then she looked back up, cool as a cucumber. “Leonel, you've overstepped. You can hop into a new relationship but only after we're officially divorced. You might be cool with Anika, but what's she thinking? Might she pull some crazy stunt?” Facing him, Alexis lost her appetite.
She stood up, heading upstairs, but he grabbed her wrist.
Swiveling back, she met Leonel's moody gaze. He murmured, “Drop the D-word, and I'l peace out” Alexis stared him down.
She yanked her hand away, looking like she just heard a lame joke.
How absurd! But she wasn't sure if she was laughing at Leonel or at herself, for putting up with this nonsense.
After Alexis made her exit, Leonel lingered at the table. The silver candlestick still cast its glow.
Alexis hadn't touched the food but had just sipped a bit of wine.
He lifted the glass, savoring the wine's slow burn.
Nova sidled up, whispering, “Mrs. Douglas skipped dinner again. She hasn't been herself since that woman showed up. Sorry for the nagging, Mr. Douglas.” Leonel toyed with his glass, silent.
Nova didn't press further, making herself scarce.
Leonel remained seated till midnight. The candles had long died out, leaving the dining room in darkness.
He glanced towards the upper floors, finally rising when his eyes grew heavy.
In the late hours, a sleek Land Rover pulled into an upscale neighborhood.
Anika greeted Leonel at the door, throwing herself into his arms with joy.
Though they still didn't get intimate that night, Anika knew a man's heart softened with a woman's affection. She aimed to provide the warmth he lacked at home.
Come morning, in a finely furnished apartment, Leonel dozed on the sofa.
His phone buzzed with a call from Alexis.
But Leonel remained in dreamland.
Anika emerged from the kitchen, spotting the caller ID. She nibbled her lip, grabbed the phone, and slipped into the bedroom to pick up.
“Hey there, Mr. Douglas’ line. Drop a message, please.”