âI just need to chill out.
â
âNope.
No bar hopping for you.
â
Alexis chuckled.
âWhat, are you planning to keep me on a leash or something?â
Leonelâs response was slow but playful.
âIf thatâs the game youâre into, Iâm in.
â
Alexis couldnât believe his audacity and scoffed, âIn your dreams.
â
Just as Leonel was about to respond, his phone interrupted.
It was an unknown caller.
The voice on the other end was direct.
âIs this Mr.
Leonel Douglas?
I regret to inform you that your father has died in prison.
â
The word âdiedâ echoed in Leonelâs mind.
He was momentarily lost for words.
He wanted to deny the man was his father, yet he remained silent.
What was the point? The man was dead already.
Alexis overheard part of the conversation.
She gently patted Leonelâs shoulder, suggesting softly, âYou should go handle this.
Itâll be your last chance to see him.
â
Leonel ended the call, the sound echoing in the quiet room.
He gazed at Alexis, his eyes reflecting a silent sorrow.
Deep inside, he grappled with a complex mix of emotions.
The news of his fatherâs death had struck him unexpectedly, leaving him lost in a sea of conflicting feelings.
Leonel harbored a sense of relief, believing it to be the result of Kennethâs own karma.
With his passing, Leonel also realized he was alone in the world, without any blood relatives.
Time seemed to stretch on before Leonel finally found his voice.
âOkay,â he whispered.
Alexis opened her mouth to speak, but Leonel gently took her hand before she could form a question.
âAlexis, can you come with me?â he asked, his voice as soft as a murmur.
It was not about saying final goodbye to Kenneth together or anything.
Leonel simply knew he needed Alexis by his side more than ever.
Alexis nodded, her eyes full of understanding.
âOkay, Iâll come with you.
â