Ramon's Arrival (2)

Everyone subconsciously held their breath as Leila's trembling hand swiped to answer.

A gruff male voice came from the other side.

"Who is this?"

Leila's hand went still, her heart racing as she heard the doting, familiar voice of her father. Her throat tightened as she opened her quivering lips and called out.

"Daddy..."

There was a noticeable silence from the other side, and then the voice spoke again, this time with a slight tremble that didn't go unnoticed.

"Le-ila?"

"Yes, Daddy."

Inside his office, Ramon put down the pen in his hand, his brows etched into a frown that made him appear even more unapproachable as he detected the sliver of emotion in her voice.

"Did someone bully you?"

His voice rang out clearly inside the office, and Leila shook her head, holding back the tears that were about to fall from her eyes.