Chapter 3556 stumbled backwards.
Noreen approached, her expression one of sorrow for her employer's heartbreak, recalling the days when Leonel and Alexis seemed inseparable.
She touched his arm, her voice soft.
"Mr.
Douglas, it's tto return to the hospital.
" In the quiet of the hospital room, Leonel had becAnika's focus, her presence constant and unwelcome.
Noreen entered, documents in hand, and hesitated before speaking.
"Miss Cohen is outside, insistent on seeing you.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMr.
Douglas, she shouldn't linger like this.
Propped up in bed, Leonel appeared deep in thought.
At Noreen's words, he offered a subdued nod.
"Let her in.
With a task at hand, Noreen filled a glass w ith warm water and placed it within Leonel's reach.
"I'll fetch her.
Maybe it's tto settle things.
Stepping out, she summoned Anika.
Anika, a mix of nerves and anticipation, eased the door open and stepped inside.
Her voice trembled slightly.
"Leonel, we-" He observed her in silence.
Drawn to him, Anika moved closer, an impulse she couldn't resist.
But as she inclined toward him, Leonel's reaction was swift and startling.
He averted her advance, sending her reeling, before pulling her hair and banging her head against the bedside table.
The collision was sharp, the corner tearing a small gash in her skin.
Dazed, Anika touched the wound, her gaze never leaving Leonel.
She was at a loss, the gentleness she knew from him seemed a distant memory.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe grasped her chin, his tone icy, a warning clear.
"I told you to leave Alexis alone.
Despite her struggles, you baited her with the press at the courthouse.
Anika's voice trembled with uncertainty.
"I never meant it Like that.
Leonel, you choseonce.
Now that she's gone, why not give us a real chance? How will you know if withyou you don't feel the sunless we try?" Leonel's response was dismissive, a firm hand against her chest.
He slid a cigarette from his pocket and bent his head to light it a plof smoke obscuring his face.
With a cynical chuckle, he questioned, "Is there truly such an thing as abundant love?" The color drained from Anika's face as realization took hold.
She had never been his choice, only a pawn in his gagainst Alexis.
Despite the shock, a hollow laugh escaped her.