CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE - THE PRICE OF A PROMISE

  Carlos greeted him with a warm handshake, while Elena swooped in to relieve him of the gifts and pull him into a hug. "Leon, mi hijo! Come in, come in. Dinner is almost ready," Elena gushed, already leading him towards the dining room. Throughout the evening, Nia watched in amazement as Leon seamlessly integrated himself into her family. He discussed business strategies with Carlos, his keen insights clearly impressing her father. In the kitchen, he complimented Elena's cooking with such genuine enthusiasm that her mother practically glowed with pride. Even Luis, Nia's typically sullen younger brother, seemed to warm up to Leon. The two engaged in a playful debate about soccer teams, their laughter filling the room. After dinner, as they all settled in the living room with coffee and dessert, Elena disappeared momentarily, returning with a stack of photo albums. "Oh no," Nia groaned good-naturedly. "Mama, please don't..." But it was too late. Soon, the coffee table was covered