Chapter Thirty-Eight

Alexander slumped in his car, his head heavy against the steering wheel. His furrowed brow betrayed the deep thought consuming him, and he shut his eyes, trying to drown out the world's noise.

His shallow breaths came in quick succession, his white-knuckled grip on the wheel showing the weight of his troubles.

He felt suffocated under the palpable weight of his thoughts, gasping for air when he finally lifted his head after what felt like an eternity.

With trembling fingers, he fumbled for his phone, dialing his sister's number. When she answered, her excitement was a beacon of familiarity.

"How's my favorite brother doing?" she asked, ready to catch up.

"I... I don't know," Alexander replied, his voice cracking. "I just needed someone to talk to. Can you talk?"

"Of course," Isabel replied, her voice soft and reassuring. "What's going on?"

Alexander took a deep breath, pouring his heart out to his sister about Camilla passing out at his house and the shocking news from the doctor.

As