The phone buzzed incessantly on Athena's nightstand, the caller ID illuminating the screen once more to reveal Aiden's name, stubbornly demanding her attention.
She huffed, choosing to face the ceiling, while fighting the urge to pick up. Ignoring him felt like a form of rebellion against a stubborn whirlwind of emotions swirling in her chest.
For the umpteenth time, she would deny his call, but the fact pained her. The calls had become a bitter reminder of the fractures in their relationship, forcing her to evaluate the decay of trust that had once anchored their partnership.
Each ring echoed like a wave crashing against a cliff, relentless and unyielding. Athena buried her face in her hands, mentally scolding herself.
How could it have come to this? A former ally's betrayal hitting harder than a physical blow, all the while Aiden continued to reach out, seemingly oblivious to the wall she was trying to build between them.
