His gaze softened, and the calculating glint in his eyes faded, replaced by something tender. When he spoke, his voice was gentle, coaxing, almost reverent. Gone was the scheming man from moments ago—now, he looked like nothing more than a lovesick fool.
Both Athena and Hera tensed immediately. They recognized that expression all too well. It was the same look that was meant for the second female lead during Alexi's grand confession in a carefully staged, romantic setting.
"Hera, no other woman has ever treated me or loved me the way you did," Alexi said, his voice filled with longing. "I was blinded by fame and money, so much so that I never realized what I had until I lost everything. No one else wants me, no one else loves me or thinks of me the way you did."
