Chapter 18

Sarina's POV:

I didn't know how long I had been sitting on the edge of my bed. Even when my mom knocked on my door, I didn't respond. Eventually, she gave up, leaving me alone in my silence.

Once I felt calm enough, I decided to take a shower, hoping that some rest might help me feel better by morning.

I skipped dinner and went straight to bed afterward.

Lying there, staring blankly at the ceiling, I felt the familiar vibration of my phone.

At first, I ignored it, but when it didn't stop, I reached for it, finding it near the foot of the bed where I had carelessly tossed it earlier.

I took a deep breath and saw Maximus' name on the screen. I didn't really feel like talking to him, but I also didn't want him to overthink things.

After a few more seconds, I finally answered the call.

"Hello," I greeted, my voice flat and uninterested, knowing I couldn't fake any enthusiasm at that moment.

"Mrs. Salonga, this is Aries."

I frowned and looked at the screen again to confirm it was