68

XANDER’S POV

I walked into the house, feeling tired and anxious. The day had been long, and I was hoping to see Adeline and make sure she was okay.

But as soon as I stepped inside, I knew she was not home. The house was quiet, too quiet.

"Adeline?" I called out, but there was no answer. I checked the living room, the kitchen, and even the guest room where she had stayed last night. She wasn’t there.

I pulled out my phone and called her. The phone rang, but she didn’t pick up. I tried again, and still no answer. I sent her a text: "Adeline, where are you? Please call me." I waited, but there was no reply.

Panic started to creep in. I tried to think of where she could be. Maybe she went out for some air, I thought. But she would have told me. She wouldn’t just leave without saying anything.

I called her again and left a voicemail. "Adeline, it’s Xander. I’m worried about you. Please call me back."

I sat down on the couch, trying to stay calm. But the silence in the house was unbearable