Without waiting, he called her, only to be cut off after a couple of rings.

A mix of emotions surged within him: confusion, pain, and anger. Not one to give up, he dialed again, only to be met with the same unwavering denial. Taking a deep breath, he made one last attempt.

This time, after what felt Like an eternity, Ariana picked up.

At first, Holden was furious, but he bit back his anger.

As the call connected, however, he was suddenly speechless. The torrent of questions he had racing in his mind, inquiries about whether she intended to distance herself from him, died in his throat.