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CHAPTER 321
~Solstice's POV~
Silence followed.
It was so quiet I could hear the faint rush of wind in the background on her end of the line.
Mum didn't even try to cover it up with an excuse, and that silence told me more than any words could have.
My throat tightened, and I sniffled, a single hot tear slipping down my cheek. My lips trembled.
"You didn't answer," I whispered, even though I already knew the truth.
Still, she said nothing.
I ended the call before my voice could break completely and at the moment when she finally summed up the courage to speak.
It was too late to hear anything. My hand was shaking so badly I almost dropped my phone.
This time, I scrolled back to Dad's name and pressed it without hesitation. The phone rang once before he picked up.
My feet came to an abrupt stop mid pace. My heart was pounding so hard it hurt.
"Dad." My voice was sharper than I intended.
"Hello, jewel," he greeted warmly, like nothing was wrong.
