Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn) novel Chapter 217

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, making the buzz of Joshua's phone seem even louder. He glanced at the screen—it was Allison calling. His expression hardened as he picked up, his voice rough, "Hey, Allie."

Allison heard the rasp in his voice and immediately worried, "What's up, Joshua? Did something happen on your way back?"

"No," he replied curtly.

A brief silence hung between them. Then Allison added, "I made it here safely. The trip was smooth, and this place is really tucked away. The caretaker here is super nice and really attentive. Everything's good."

Except, I miss you like crazy and worry about you. But she kept that thought to herself. This wasn’t the time for sweet talk. Joshua had bigger fish to fry, and all she needed to do was keep her head down and listen.

Joshua's reply was just a non-committal grunt. Allison noticed he seemed distant today, probably still reeling from whatever went down earlier.

"Well... I guess I'll let you go so you can get back to work," she hesitated.

Joshua's gaze drifted out the window, where the sunlight streamed in, and he gathered every ounce of strength he had left. His eyes were red as he said carefully, "Allie, let's call it quits."

He couldn't put it off any longer. His grandfather had been right; the Owens family, being straight-laced business folks, couldn’t stand up to Chris's ruthless tactics. Every day they delayed put them in more danger.

Allison stood there, stunned, her mouth opening and closing without a sound as she clutched the phone. Out of nowhere, tears spilled down her cheeks.

She didn’t believe Joshua's excuse about needing more fun. That wasn't him. It had to be because of Chris. He was trying to keep her safe by pushing her away. Still, those words cut deep, and she couldn't just brush them off. She didn't want to cry, but the tears wouldn't stop.

Winter days ended early; by just after six, the sky was already dark. A gentle knock on the door broke the silence, and the housekeeper softly called, "Ms. Allison, dinner's ready."

Allison sniffled, her voice scratchy, "I’m not hungry, thank you."

Maybe the housekeeper didn’t catch that, as she knocked again, "Ms. Allison, are you asleep?"