Chapter 23

Lydia scrolled through her phone contacts, hesitating before finally pressing the call button on Nathan's name. She had been trying to call him all daybut he had refused to pick up her calls. It was driving her crazy, not knowing what was going on or what he was thinking.

As the phone rang on the other end, Lydia's heart raced with anticipation and anxiety. Finally, after severalrings, the call connected.

"Hello?" Nathan's voice sounded distant and guarded.

"Hey, it's me," Lydia said tentatively.

A heavy silence followed, broken only by Alice's soft laughter in the background. Lydia's heart sank at the sound, wondering if Nathan had moved on with someone else already.

"What do you want, Lydia?" Nathan finally asked, his voice sharp and cold.

"I...I just wanted to talk to you, Nathan. I miss you," Lydia said, her eyes misting.

"I made it clear, Lydia. It's over between us. I have moved on," Nathan said bluntly.

Lydia's shoulders slumped in defeat. She knew it was foolish to hope for Na