CHAPTER 23

Athena's POV

I arrived at my appointment, hoping for some clarity, but all I felt was the growing pit of anxiety in my stomach. I needed Justin's explanation, pero wala. Hindi ko alam kung ako ba ang mapride o kung may nangyari na sa kanya. With a deep sigh, I pulled out my phone and tried calling him again. The ringing felt like an eternity, but there was no answer. Naka ilang ulit na ako tawag, pero wala pa rin.

"Justin, nasaan ka na ba?" I whispered to myself, my frustration growing with each unanswered call. I couldn't shake off the worry that something bad might have happened to him. Desperation crept in as I dialed his number once more, but still, no answer.

I slumped on the couch, staring blankly at the wall. My mind raced with thoughts and questions. "Ako ba ang may mali? Am I being too prideful?" I wondered, feeling the tears start to well up in my eyes.

A sudden knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. My heart leaped with hope.