With a calm demeanor, he loosened his tie and stepped inside, closing the door behind him for privacy.
“What’s wrong? Having second thoughts?”
Leonel’s gaze lifted to meet his.
Marcus bore a striking resemblance to Rena in his youth, but as he matured, his features echoed those of Waylen.
With his long legs crossed, Marcus didn’t mince words.
“Do you know the real reason why my sister didn’t take you back?” he asked bluntly.
Leonel obviously didn’t.
Untying his tie with a certain casualness, he continued, “You found it so easy to walk away, to utter ‘let’s break up’ without a second thought. But, Leonel, you’re not the only one who had childhood traumas. My sister’s life has been anything but easy. She was born with a blood clotting disorder and spent her first two years in a lab, fighting for her life. And she had autism. Each aspect of her life is as struggling as yours, if mot more. When you decided to walk away, my parents were disappointed, but they said nothing. They saw you as a son, but you let Alexis down.”
Marcus took a deep breath and pressed on, “Yes, we know feelings can’t be forced. But do you know Alexis isolated herself for two years after you left? She didn’t seek you out or demand explanations. She healed in silence and gradually erased you from her life; because you chose to leave. She never returned to this room after that letter from you. Her belongings remained untouched. You see, among us three siblings, it might seem Elva is everyone’s favorite, but the truth is Alexis has always been the most cherished in my father’s eyes. She is the embodiment of my parents’ love, while Elva and I are merely the products of their marriage. Do you get it? Do you understand anything at all? No! You fucking don’t!”
Marcus’ thoughts were heavy with indignation. Why should their family’s treasured princess have to endure such treatment?
Why did Leonel think he could just return after his escapades and be accepted?
Why should Alexis open her heart to him again, when there were countless better men longing for her attention?
After Marcus finished speaking, Leonel’s complexion turned ashen.
He was left in the dark about Alexis’ health issues. He had no idea she was sick, a fact that had never been disclosed to him.
Marcus scoffed at his ignorance.
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“You were too wrapped up in your own world, dreaming of a life beyond the Fowler family,” he said with a hint of scorn, before exiting the room.
Left alone, Leonel remained seated, lost in thought for a long time.
When he finally ventured out of the room, the house was mostly silent except for some activity downstairs. Elva, having just returned from abroad, was distributing gifts to the house staff—-face masks and skincare products.
When a servant attempted to compensate her, Elva cheerfully declined, “No need! They’re gifts for you!”
Leonel observed her from afar.
Elva noticed him and offered a gentle smile.
“Hi, Leonel.”
He managed a slight nod, feeling a sting of guilt. Despite her warm greeting, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was undeserving of her affection.
Suddenly, Leonel felt compelled to act. He swiftly descended the stairs, snatched the car keys from the foyer, and headed out.