Chapter 53

With trembling fingers, he dialed her number, each ring echoing a silent plea for her to answer, to alleviate the growing worry in his chest. The seconds stretched into an eternity, but there was only an ominous silence from the other end.

" F*ck, " he muttered, the weight of realization settling heavily upon him. A myriad of thoughts raced through his mind—uncertainty, regret, and a gnawing fear that he had unwittingly pushed her away.

The emptiness of the room mirrored the hollowness he felt within as he sat there, grappling with the repercussions of her absence. His thoughts spiraled, questioning if his actions had caused irreparable damage, if his connection with Ava was now irretrievably fractured.

A sense of urgency gripped him, propelling him out of bed in search of some clue, any sign that might offer solace or explanation for her sudden departure. He scanned the room, hoping against hope to find a note, a message, anything that could shed light on her departure.

With a heavy