Chapter 25

• "Sorry, Dad. I just had a sudden visit with somewhere, so I couldn't say goodbye," I stated as I talked to my father through the phone. I could feel the tremor in my voice even though I tried to sound composed. The car’s hum and the occasional whistle of the wind through the air vents seemed louder than usual. I glanced at Agustine briefly, who was focused on the road, his hands steady on the wheel, yet I could feel his aura around me, grounding me even as my pulse raced. My thoughts scattered as I worried about how my father would react.
• I heard him sigh. "Don't do that again, it's very unprofessional," Dad preached—embarrassment automatically crept inside my system. I lowered my gaze to my hands folded on my lap, feeling a bit guilty for making him worry. "Anyway, did you already talk with Mr. Revelar? Was there a problem with the project? You are using his phone so you're still with him?" he asked a series of questions. Each question landed like a small weight on my shoulders. I hesitated, trying to organize my thoughts before responding, but the quick succession of inquiries made my mind whirl even faster.
• I don't know what to answer his questions first. I briefly glimpsed Agustine who was driving seriously; His eyebrows met with a deep thought. His jaw was tight, and I could sense his mind calculating, analyzing, but he didn’t glance at me even once. I felt the pang of guilt for lying, but I also felt grateful—he was letting me handle my father’s call, respecting my space. I took a deep breath to steady myself.