Chapter 63: Shadows with Her

Leopold POV

Gabriel and Gracie, the twins, dominated my life from the moment I arrived at my parents' house. They became the center of my attention, drawing me into their busy routines. Take them to school, accompany Gracie to ballet lessons, and watch Gabriel play basketball. They were my savior from loneliness, my solace from the troubles I'd let slip away in California.

But as time passed, the image of California haunted me more and more. The nights alone and the silence only invited memories that I wanted to hide. Nothing could prevent my mind from drifting to California, remembering Serena, and longing for her presence.

As my eyes closed, Serena appeared in my mind. Even though distance separated us, her presence felt so real and so close.

I couldn't ignore her piercing words, calling me a coward. That's right. I ran away, leaving her without a word. A cowardly act that is imprinted in my memory.

“Can I sit here?”

The stern voice broke the silence, and I looked up. My father pull