Ida frowned and glanced down to see that Chaseâs phone was on silent.
It was ringing, and the caller ID was showing the number of that boy named Byran.
She wasnât sleepy at all; she was just feeling quite peeved.
âWhy donât you just turn your phone off?â Ida asked impatiently.
Chase shrugged helplessly. âThe lad said if I turned off my phone, it would seem like I had something to hide, and heâd call the cops, claiming I kidnapped you and wouldnât let you answer the phone. I donât fancy being hauled off by the police!â
Ida was speechless.
What a little rascal!
After taking Chaseâs phone, Ida retreated to her room. Seeing the number calling again, she leaned against the headboard and answered while massaging her temples.
âChase! Iâve checked. You and Ida are living in the same place! If you donât let her answer the phone, Iâm really gonna call the police!â
Ida responded coldly, âWould you really call the police?â
The voice of the boy on the other end faltered and then rose in pitch. âIda! You finally answered! Iâve been worried about you!â
Ida replied sharply, âWorried about what?â
Caught off guard, Byran huffed arrogantly. âI donât know, I just am!â
Growing impatient with the lad, Ida said, âByran, I was doing just fine before I met you, and Iâll be fine after. You donât need to worry so much and stop bothering my friend, got it?â
Sucking in a breath, Byranâs voice was shaky but still childishly stubborn. âI get it, I get it! I didnât mean to bother your friend! Itâs just that all my calls to you were answered by Ellinor, and Iâm stuck at home, which is why Iâve been so anxious!â
Ida sat up straight. âWhat did you just say? Ellinor answered my calls?â
Byran nodded honestly, âYes, it was her! I was really shocked. How did your phone end up with her?â
Ida asked sternly, âWhat did you say to her when she answered?â
Byran sounded guilty, âI⦠I didnât say anything!â
âWhat do you mean you didnât say anything? Repeat your conversation!â
âOh, come on! I didnât expect her to answer! I just mentioned that we had a one-night stand, and you should take responsibility.â
Ida covered her forehead with her hand. âAnd how did she respond?â
Byranâs voice trembled. âShe asked when it happened.â
Ida sighed. âAnd what did you say?â
Byran replied honestly. âI didnât dare answer! I remembered you told me not to let Ellinor know, so I just hung up.â
Ida massaged her temples. A secret that shouldâve stayed that way was now out in the open. What good was hanging up now?
Ellinor knew about her one-night stand with her brother. She was probably furious.
Ida didnât realize that Byran had been pushed too far; when she wanted to end it all, he was no longer under her control, and thenâ¦
âAlright! Itâs late; go to bed. Donât call me unless itâs necessary. I donât have time to play games with you!â
As she was about to end the call, she heard Byranâs trembling voice. âIâm outside; I canât sleep! Itâs too coldâ¦â
Her hand, originally ready to disconnect the call, stopped. She frowned. âItâs late. Why arenât you at home sleeping? Why are you out wandering?â