Chapter 49

Valerie

The abrupt intrusion into my peaceful slumber left me groaning, desperately seeking refuge under my pillow. Who in the world sets an alarm for such an ungodly hour when the sun hasn't even considered gracing us with its presence yet? As the unwelcome sound finally ceased, I heaved a sigh of relief, only to have my peace shattered once again as it resumed, assaulting my ears with renewed vigor. My eyes, heavy with sleep, squinted through the darkness in search of the accursed clock, only to discover that the source of my torment was none other than my own phone, vibrating and lighting up at an unholy hour.

Dragging myself into a semi-upright position, I squinted at the glaring numbers on the screen, revealing the ungodly hour of two in the bloody morning. An unidentified number mocked me from the display, taunting my weariness. My irritation was palpable as I mumbled a sleepy, "Hello."

"You fucking bitch!!!" A man's voice erupted from the phone, causing my eardrums to protest a