Why is this man digging like this?For all he knows, this could be a whole childhood trauma he’s poking at over dinner. Some people have daddy issues that require therapy, tears, and a glass of wine… not a public Q&A in front of strangers. Andhere he is pressing the topic like he was interviewing me for a biography.
Still, I kept my expression neutral. “Not that I remember.”
His line of questioning felt increasingly personal, so I slowly set my fork down and met his gaze respectfully before speaking, making sure to choose my words with caution.
“I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but… may I ask why you’re so interested in my family history?”
The room went quiet.
Alejandro studied me for a long moment, as if weighing whether the truth was worth the consequences. Then, he picked up his fork with deliberate slowness and cut into his lamb chop, his motions steady and calm, like we weren’t on the precipice of a life-altering revelation.
Finally, he set his fork down and divulged, “Because I’m your father.”
The weight of his pronouncement crashed over the table, silencing the air completely.
My face went completely still, eyes locked on him as I searched his features for something that would make sense of what he had just said.
Across from me, Marcos sat unmoving, betraying no sign of surprise or confusion; just a serene calm, as if that was information well-known to him. That realization sent a different kind of heat coursing through me, igniting a mix of anger and betrayal.
Domino, on the other hand, said nothing, but his presence shifted. His stare remained unreadable, steady on me, while his fingers tapped slowly against the table.
And then there was Lainey. She raised her hand to signal one of the waitstaff.
“Um, yeah… can I get more wine?” she asked, glancing down at her half-empty glass. After a brief pause, she added nonchalantly, “Actually… do you guys have liquor?”
I leaned forward, shock and confusion crashing into each other.
“You’re my father?” I repeated, the incredulity coloring my voice. “Is this… is this some kind of sick joke?”
Alejandro didn’t even blink. His expression was resolute. “I don’t joke about things that matter."
“Since when have you been my father?" I challenged.
“Since the day you were born.”
A dry laugh escaped me before I could stop it.
“Since the day I was born,” I echoed, shaking my head. “That’s funny...realfunny.”
His jaw tightened slightly. “Ajori, there were… circumstances.”
“Circumstances?” I shot back, my voice rising. “Nah. Don’t do that. Don’t sit here in your five-thousand-dollar suit, in this palace, eating off gold-trimmed plates, and tell me you couldn’t find me! Do you know what my life looked like?! Do you know what it’s like growing up wondering why your father didn’t want you? Watching other kids get picked up, get protected, and get loved out loud while you’re sitting there trying to figure out what’s wrong with you? And now you just pop up!” I went on, gesturing around the room, “in a mansion, with security, chefs, money, power… and suddenly you’re my father?”
I laughed again, but there was nothing funny about the situation.
“Where was all this when I needed it?” I demanded. “Where wasyouwhen my brother got sick? When I was working myself to death trying to keep us afloat? When I had to step up and be everything because nobody else did?!”
Alejandro’s expression didn’t crack, but something behind his eyes shifted.
“You know what,” I said, holding up my hand. “Save it! I don’t want excuses; I want answers…realones.”
I shoved my chair back and stood.
“And until you’re ready to give me those, I’m done here.” I tossed my napkin onto the plate. “I’m going to take a breather. Lainey, watch Kyrin for me.”
Lainey raised her glass with a small smirk, though her eyes flicked between us.
“I got you. But friend, I’m glad you didn’t ask me to leave with you… these lamb chops are hitting.”
That earned the faintest shift from Domino. He looked away briefly, like he was hiding a reaction.
I didn’t say another word. I just turned and walked out.
