Liv’s POV
The tea had barely cooled in my cup when my phone buzzed again. This time, the name on the screen made my heart ache.
“Dad,” I murmured, picking up immediately.
“Liv,” his familiar, warm voice greeted me. It felt like a blanket of comfort wrapped around my frazzled nerves.
“Hi, Dad,” I said, the tightness in my chest loosening a fraction.
“How are you, sweetheart?” he asked, concern lacing his tone. “I’ve been worried about you.”
“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile even though he couldn’t see it. “Really, I am.”
There was a pause, and then his voice softened. “That’s good to hear. When are you coming home to visit your old man? It’s been too long.”
“Soon, Dad,” I promised. “I’ll come see you in the countryside. I miss you.”
“I miss you too, pumpkin,” he s
