Nathan received the message just after getting his childhood sweetheart to sleep.
Dawn was breaking.
His first reaction to the phone notification was to frown, worried it would wake Nina.
Still, seeing who it was from, he carefully picked up his phone.
“Nathan, let’s break up.”
His frown deepened. He tried to pinch his nose bridge, but Nina held his hand too tightly.
In her sleep, Nina murmured, “Nathan…”
His irritation melted into indulgence.
Patiently, he patted her hand. “It’s okay, I’m just going to take a work call in the living room. Sleep well.”
Once Nina settled back to sleep, he gently pulled his hand away.
He went to the balcony and tried to call.
But there wasn’t even a ring.
The screen displayed: “This person hasn’t added you as a friend. Voice call unavailable.”
His heart dropped.
A feeling like panic spread through his chest.
He felt like he was about to lose something incredibly important to him.
Without thinking, he rushed to leave.
“Nathan!”
Nina’s weak voice stopped him at the door..
She looked at him, face pale. “Where are you going? Are you abandoning me too?”
He and Nina truly were childhood friends.
Next–door neighbors.
Walking hand in hand to elementary school.
But Nina’s father left early.
+15 BONUS
+15 BONUS
Her stepfather was a complete waste – gambling, drinking, womanizing.
In middle school, he’d almost molested her.
Nathan, living nearby, heard her desperate cries and kicked down the door to save her.
Since then, Nina had depended on him completely.
Just like now.
Nathan softened, his earlier panic fading.
He smiled. “How could I? Why are you up? Shouldn’t you rest more?”
“I can’t sleep well without you.”
