Darrel’s POV
My phone felt heavier than it should have.
I stood by the window of my apartment, staring down at the city lights without really seeing them. Everything that had happened earlier kept replaying in my head. Luca’s face, his disappointment, his anger, and the way his voice cracked when he said he trusted me. That hurt more than the shouting ever could.
I ran a hand down my face and exhaled slowly.
I had to fix this.
No matter how uncomfortable it was, no matter how ugly it became, I had to fix it.
I unlocked my phone and opened my messages. Karen’s name stared back at me. I hesitated for only a second before typing.
"We need to talk. Please pick up my call."
The message sent, I waited, but there was no reply.
I tried calling. It rang. No answer.
I tried again.
Still
