Chapter ２１

"It—it just occurred to me."

Leonid runs his hands through his hair as he struggles to make sense of the perplexity and rage that are written all over his face. I am sorry to say that I cannot alleviate his suffering since I am the one who is creating it.

What on earth is going on? He looks across at Arlene. "You're fucking my dad? " she said. Are you some type of gold digger? You had higher hopes for him, didn't you think? You're attempting to steal his money, aren't you, or what the fuck?"

Arlene's head is bowed down, and the thought of what she must be going through tears my heart.

"Leonid, she is not to blame for this. I approached her about it."

"Why on earth would you choose to act like that? She is of an age where she could be considered your daughter. Is it even legal? Oh, and for the love of fuck, she's my girlfriend!

"Leonid, I'm embarrassed beyond words. This is something that should have never taken place.