Luzie's POV:
I was packing my luggage when I casually answered the phone, switching to speakerphone.
"Luzie, how have you been lately?"
Zara was originally lying on the sofa reading a magazine. Upon hearing Franklin's voice, she sat up straight, stealing glances at me from time to time, looking very concerned.
I pretended to be impatient. "I'm fine, very busy. Is there something you need?"
"No, nothing in particular," he said. "But you've been turning down all my invitations, and I'm worried about you. Luzie, are you really okay? Would you like me to come with you on a trip, to help you relax? Anywhere you'd like to go, anything you'd like to do, I'm happy to go with you."
His tone was soft, patient, even like someone trying to comfort a child.
On the couch, Zara lowered her head in
