Chapter 379 : Too Late, Too Little

*Lauren*

The shrill ring of my phone yanked me from the depths of sleep, and my heart slammed against my ribs like a panicked bird. Fumbling in the dark, I grasped the device, squinting at the harsh light of the screen. Lucas's name glowed back at me, and my stomach twisted with sudden dread. It was late—too late for casual calls.

Did something happen? Was he hurt? Was someone else hurt?

"Lucas?" My voice quivered, betraying my fear. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Lauren! Hey, baby..." His words slurred together, a sure sign that he wasn't sober. There was an unfamiliar lightness to his tone, one that didn't belong in our recent string of tense conversations.

"Lucas, you sound ... Are you drunk?" I sat up, pushing back the sheets as concern morphed into frustration. He wasn't hurt. Instead, he'd decided to drown whatever we were going through in alcohol.