22. Worry

Gerald glanced at the wall clock once again; it was already ten o'clock, and Ariana still hadn't returned. 'Could she have gone back to her parents' house?' Gerald shook his head. From the information he had gathered, Ariana had been living with Amber ever since they set up the restaurant. 'But she might have gone back to her parents' place,' he thought again, remembering how angry she had been when she left him at the restaurant. That possibility was still on the table.

Gerald looked at his phone. He had Amber's number and Ariana's father's contact as well. But should he call them? If he did and Ariana wasn't there, it would only emphasize that their relationship was not going well. Gerald ran his hand through his hair.

Or should he go back to the restaurant? At this hour, the restaurant probably hadn't closed yet. Ariana might have returned there to pick up her wallet and phone that she left behind. Gerald glanced at his phone lying on the nightstand. So far, there hadn't been any