Suddenly, the shrill sound of a phone ringing shattered the intimate atmosphere. Klaus froze, his entire body stiffening as the spell between them broke. He scrambled off the bed, pulling the quilt up to cover Claudette as guilt flashed across his face.
"Sorry," he mumbled, not meeting her eyes as he fumbled with his belt and tie, hurriedly putting himself back together.
“Klaus…” Claudette’s voice was soft, confused, hurt.
But he didn’t turn back. His phone buzzed again, and he grabbed it from the floor, glancing at the screen before rushing out the door, the unfinished mess behind him a testament to his moment of weakness.
Once in the car, Klaus let out a shaky breath, raising his hand to his face. In a moment of frustration, he slapped himself hard across the cheek. “What the hell did I just do?”
I watched from beside him, feeling nothing but cold indifference. This was the man I had loved. The man who once swore to protect me, to stand by me. And yet, here he was, reeking of alcohol and Claudette’s scent.
But his thoughts weren’t on me. Not really. He looked down at his phone and saw the missed call.
It was from my mother.