Chapter 29

I picked up Lila's jacket with a smile. Just as I was planning to toss it back at her, my phone rang. Looking at the screen, I saw that it was Alex. "Who is it?" Lila looked over. The moment she saw Alex's name, she immediately turned her head toward me. I hesitated as I met her gaze. "Answer it," Lila urged as she nudged my arm. "Hurry up and answer." "Forget it," I said in a heavy voice. "How could you not answer?" Lila asked with a tone of urgency. "Alex was a big help to you this time. Think about it, would you have gotten out of it so easily if not for him?" At that thought, I realized that I shouldn't be so hesitant. So, I pressed the button to answer the call. But as soon as the call connected, it suddenly felt as if I had lost my voice. I couldn't form the words to speak. The other end of the line remained silent as well. Lila started to grow impatient at that. She waved her arms wildly as she urged me to speak. "Hello?" I forced myself to say. "I thought you'd gone