Chapter 17: The Unsettling Call

The sun shone brightly through the windows, casting a warm glow on the room as I sat on the edge of my bed, lost in thought. It had been weeks since the passionate night I shared with Alex, and our love had only grown stronger. We were navigating the challenges that life threw our way, united in our commitment to each other. However, little did I know that a storm was brewing on the horizon, threatening to shake the foundation of trust that we had built.

As I reached for my phone, it buzzed with an incoming call. The name that appeared on the screen sent a chill down my spine - Becky. She was once my closest friend, but our friendship had shattered when I discovered her betrayal with my ex-husband, Johnson. I had cut all ties with her, determined to protect my own sanity and move forward. Yet here she was, calling out of the blue.

Hesitant, I answered the call, my voice laced with caution. "Hello, Becky. What do you want?" I asked, unable to conceal the bitterness in my tone.

"Andrea,