Alice’s POV
By the time I got back to New York, I was in a cab headed toward my dorm. The city buzzed around me—horns blaring, people rushing, the occasional hum of street music in the background. I leaned against the window, the cool glass pressing against my temple, when I decided it was time.
I needed to call Mum. I didn’t want her finding out about my relationship with Sam from someone else—even if it was fake.
I tucked loose strands of hair behind my ear, still slightly tousled from the chaos of baggage claim. My fingers hovered over the screen before I finally tapped the call button.
The phone rang, and she picked up almost immediately.
“Mum.”
“Hello dear, how are you?” Her voice was warm and familiar, instantly grounding me.
“I’m alright, Mum. How are you?”
“I’m okay, darlin
