After failing to reach Kathrine for hours, Ethan finally gave up trying to call her.
He stood near the door, his hand gripping the handle, his jaw tight with restrained worry. He had told himself not to overthink. Told himself she was probably busy, probably at work, probably just occupied with something that did not involve him.
But the silence from her end had unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
He had left her that morning.
Left her standing there after everything that had happened.
At the time, he had convinced himself he needed space. Needed distance to clear his thoughts, to regain control over the storm Marcus had stirred inside him.
But as the hours passed, regret followed him like a shadow.
And when he had finally reached for his phone, ready to hear her voice, ready to fix what he had broken, her phone had been off.
Every call unanswered.
Every message unread.
He had waited.
Then he had worried.
And now, he was done waiting.
