Acceptance with Conditions

The next morning, Juliet sat on the edge of her bed, gripping her phone tightly. Her heart pounded against her ribcage as she stared at Owen's name on the screen.

She had been waiting for this moment for months. And finally, it was here.

With a deep breath, she pressed the call button.

One ring.

Two.

Three.

By the fifth ring, she thought he wouldn't pick up. Then, finally—

"Juliet." His voice was cool, distant.

Juliet swallowed. "I—I need to see you."

Silence.

She could tell he was debating whether to end the call right there.

A part of her wouldn't even blame him. She had been avoiding him for months, ignoring his messages and calls, keeping him in the dark.

"Please, Owen," she added, her voice softer now. "It's important."

A heavy sigh crackled through the line. Then, finally, he asked, "Where?"

She exhaled in relief, quickly mentioning a location.