Love That Wasn't Meant to Last novel Chapter 20

I stayed the night in a hotel near the hospital. As soon as I turned off airplane mode, my phone flooded with messages from Sylvia.

"Why did you take the day off?"

"Where are you? Why isn't your phone reachable?"

"Hudson, are you okay?"

"Please call me back—I'm really worried."

After reading through all her messages, I decided to call her back with a video call.

The second she answered and saw me, relief washed over her face. "Thank goodness, Hudson! You finally called me. Do you know how long I've been waiting? Where did you go? Why didn't you answer? Am I still your girlfriend or not?"

I just gave her a quiet smile, letting her get it all out. After a moment's pause, I decided to keep things simple.

"Something came up suddenly, so I had to come back to Adenville. I was in such a rush that I forgot to call you. I'm sorry for making you worry."

She looked skeptical but nodded. "Alright, fine. I'll let it slide this time. So, when are you coming back?"

I couldn't help but feel a little touched. That was just who she was. She didn't press me for details, didn't question my choices—she just waited patiently until I was back.

"I wouldn't want to waste my time on someone who didn't appreciate it or risk putting myself out there for the wrong reasons."

There was a hint of sadness in her voice, as if she were recalling something painful from her past—something I hadn't known about.

"I think… I think I understand now," I said.

Her expression was tight, like she was trying to shake off an unpleasant memory. She forced a small smile. "Alright then. Just… take care of yourself, okay? I'll be here when you get back." And with that, she ended the call.

Staring at the phone, guilt started creeping in again. I couldn't help but wonder how Sylvia would feel if she knew the reason I had rushed from Carzonia to Adenville was to see Selena. How would she feel about it?