Allyson's POV
My phone buzzed against the polished surface of my desk, the vibration cutting through the quiet of my office.
Kenneth's name flashed across the screen.
A familiar knot of guilt twisted in my stomach. I had promised myself I would return his call, check on him after everything that had transpired with Michael. Yet with each passing day, I found another excuse to delay the inevitable conversation.
I stared at the phone, weighing my options. Ignoring him would only deepen the shame I already felt. Drawing in a steadying breath, I swiped to answer.
"Kenneth, hi..."
"Allyson." His voice carried its usual warmth, though I detected an undercurrent of hurt beneath the surface. "I was beginning to wonder if you had erased me from your memory entirely."
I squeezed my eyes shut, releasing a soft sigh. "I apologize. Life has been... overwhelming lately."
