Chapter 133 The Centre Won't Hold

• "Why did you invite him here?" Andrei asked, feeling all of Aleksei's emotions—from his hurt to his bewilderment—as if they were his own. Despite the years of separation and tumultuous relationship, their emotional bond was still as strong as ever. And it pissed Andrei off because disliking Aleksei and treating him like an enemy was far easier than loving him, only to be hurt and disappointed over and over.
• "You know we are nothing but chess pieces to him," Andrei continued, his voice breaking slightly. "Why did you think this would turn out differently?"
• "I thought he would have forgiven me by now," Aleksei replied, leaning against the wall. "Besides, I was hoping he'd agree to speak with the parole board."