The call comes when I’m alone.
Of course it does.
Ethan has stepped out to take a meeting, something brief, something “nothing serious.” He said it like a promise. Or maybe like a warning. I don’t know anymore. I watched him grab his jacket, watched the way his eyes lingered on me like he was checking if I’d still be there when he came back.
I’m sitting on the edge of the bed, phone in my hand, scrolling without reading, when it rings.
Unknown number.
I almost don’t answer.
Something in my chest already knows.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Solene. This is Nadia, from Crestview Properties.”
My stomach drops so fast I have to put my other hand on the mattress to steady myself.
“Yes,” I say. My voice sounds normal. I hate that it does.
“I’m calling to let you know the apartment you viewed is ready
