He scoffed and answered.
Chapter 22 A Put call
es or to awes
Chapter 22 A Brief Call
“Aliana, happy birthday,” the clear and soothing voice came through the phone, strangely dissipating the fury that Eliezer had bottled up all day.
He glanced toward his mother in the kitchen and spoke slowly, “I’m surprised you remembered Mom’s birthday. Aren’t you coming back to see her?”
He was met with silence.
Eliezer frowned and checked the phone–the call was still connected.
“Lindsey?”
Just as he was about to say something to ease the tension, the line went dead.
The call ended abruptly after just 29 seconds.
Eliezer stared at the darkening screen, his frown deepening as his grip tightened around the phone.
“Was that Lindsey? Why didn’t she say anything?” Aliana emerged from the kitchen with the last two dishes.
Eliezer didn’t respond. He tossed the phone aside carelessly and helped his mother set the table, his expression gloomy.
Aliana gave him a sidelong glance. After wiping her hands and sitting down, she picked up the phone and checked the brief call log. her eyebrows lifting slightly.
But she said nothing, merely glancing at it before setting it back down.
- A|28 JO) 1ou ajowes
“Aren’t you going to call her back?” Eliezer suddenly asked.
Aliana had just lifted a spoonful of soup to her lips but set it back down at his words.
“It’s dinnertime. Calling now wouldn’t be appropriate. Besides, Lindsey probably just called to wish me a happy birthday. I appreciate the thought. What would I even say if I called back?”
Eliezer fell silent.
The atmosphere returned to their usual strained dynamic, so quiet it felt like two strangers sharing a meal.
After finishing her soup, Aliana finally broke the silence, “I heard you and Lindsey are already divorced. Are you planning to marry Jaelyn? Have you set a date?”
The rapid–fire questions seemed to leave Eliezer unsure which to answer first, so he simply chose the one he preferred.
“Only the divorce papers are signed. We haven’t finalized the legal procedures yet. For now, Lindsey is still registered under the Woodward family’s household.”
The somewhat childish remark made Aliana involuntarily lift her eyes and glance at her son sideways.
“The Woodward family’s household” made it sound like he wasn’t a family member.
“I know you were resentful when your late grandfather pressured you into marrying Lindsey. I also realize I shouldn’t have pressured you either. But if you’ve decided on divorce, you should complete the paperwork soon. Dragging it out isn’t good for anyone.”
Eliezer didn’t even look up when he said, “I know what I’m doing.”
