**Elena**
I pressed the phone tighter against my ear, trying to steady my voice. "Hi."
"How have you been, Elena?" Her voice was soft, almost casual.
I clenched my jaw. “Cut to the chase. What do you want?” I said coldly, not wasting time.
"That's harsh," she replied, a hint of hurt in her tone. "C'mon, can't I ask how you're doing, Ena?"
Ena? That name felt like a knife twisting in my gut. "Please. You don’t have the right to call me that again," I snapped. "Now, why did you call?"
There was a long sigh on the other end. "We’re almost at the mansion," she said quietly. "I thought... maybe we could meet. Talk."
I swallowed the lump in my throat "There’s no need. I’m out of town," I lied smoothly. "Enjoy the birthday party." And just like that, I ended the call.
I dropped the phone
