"Dad, I'll stay here with Layla," Lucius said softly, his grip on Alekis' hands tightening as he gave them a gentle squeeze. "I'm so sorry for neglecting you all these years."
Alekis lay on the bed, his weary eyes locking with Lucius' from where he sat in the chair beside him.
A faint smile tugged at Alekis' lips despite the pain that lingered in his eyes. "You never neglected me, Lucius," he replied. "Don't blame yourself. I was too scared… too scared to face the truth, to face you. Now, you are here, everything is going to be fine. Did Layla have her ultrasound?" He then asked.
"Yes, Dad," Lucius said as he looked at his father. "I saw the baby. It looks like a kidney bean right now. We even heard its heartbeat. The baby's growing so well." His eyes shimmered with tears of happiness, and a soft smile played at his lips.
Before Alekis could respond, there was a gentle knock on the door. Layla entered, carrying a tray with a kettle and a teacup.
