LIV’S POV

The airport was a sea of movement, voices blending into a chaotic hum, yet I felt utterly disconnected from it all. My suitcase rolled noisily behind me as I walked toward my gate, my fingers clutching my phone like a lifeline.

Vio’s name lit up the screen, and without hesitation, I pressed the call button. The phone barely rang before she picked up.

"Finally!" Vio’s voice burst through the line, exasperated and ...