Alina’s POV

The phone buzzed on the counter, a vibration that felt louder than thunder.

I froze mid-step, coffee cup halfway to the sink. My heart clenched so hard I nearly dropped the mug. I already knew who it was. The air itself told me before I even looked.

Barry.

The name glowed against the screen, accompanied by the message that made my stomach twist.

You can ignore me all you want, Alina. But we both know silence doesn’t erase me. I’ll see you soon.

The words blurred for a second, my vision going watery. I gripped the edge of the counter so tightly my knuckles whitened.

No. No. Not...