Although they wished to assist him, Leonel dismissed their offers.
âItâs unnecessary.
I can manage on my own.
â
Despite the difficulty of each step, he successfully made his way from the parking lot to the living room without any help.
By that time, nearly all of the younger generation had arrived.
The presence of the children added to the already bustling Living room.
Upon Leonelâs arrival, Evelyn dashed over joyfully, seizing his hand and addressing him as âDaddy.
â Meanwhile, Daniel, engrossed in his book, greeted him politely without rising.
Leonel looked at him and affectionately tousled Evelynâs hair before settling onto the sofa.
Ollie darted around his feet.
Rena emerged from the kitchen with her own blend of scented tea.
Observing Leonel seated there with his hands clasped on his knees, Rena couldnât suppress a surge of emotion.
After a moment, she mustered a faint smile and encouraged, âStart with some tea.
Dinner will be served shortly.
â
Olivia approached Rena to lend a hand.
Rena handed a cup of tea to Leonel but hesitated to leave.
With a somber tone, Leonel whispered, âThank you, Mom.
â
Hearing him calling her mom again, Rena felt even sadder.
Overwhelmed by tears, she excused herself to the bathroom to calm herself.
The atmosphere in the living room became awkward.
Marcus glanced at Leonel and proposed, âSince dad is still asleep, how about a few rounds of chess with me?â
Leonel grinned, teasing, âTry not to shed tears if you lose.
â
Marcus snickered, retorting, âDo you think Iâm still eight?â
The two men remained focused on their game of chess, with Edwin occasionally casting a glance in the direction of the bathroom.
Just then, Alexis came downstairs.
Cradling a recently awakened Cordelia, Alexis descended the stairs at a leisurely pace.
Spotting Leonel in the distance, Cordelia reached out, calling, âDaddy.
â
Alexis had no choice but to bring the little girl to her father.
Due to Leonelâs leg difficulties, he remained seated and reached out to take Cordelia.
In that moment of contact, his hand inadvertently brushed against Alexisâ chest.