Chapter 25: The Best Serenade

Xavier went mute, staring at the phone. Why did she call out his name? He never thought she'd still anticipate his call after a month. Damn me, he cursed himself for thinking only about himself.

"Hello there," Alessia spoke again.

"Alessia," he finally managed, his heart tightening. Oh, he missed her so.

"Is that you, Giovanni?"

"Yes. It's Giovanni speaking. I'm sorry for taking this long."

"It's alright, it's alright. It's been a busy month. I didn't even get much time to socialize. How are you?" Alessia spoke in one breath, bringing a smile to Xavier's face. She was happy to hear from him.

"I am fine," he replied curtly, causing her to chuckle.

He heard her chuckle, and his eyes softened. Her laughter felt like a sweet serenade, echoing through his wretched soul and soothing the worries of his blackened heart.

"I will call you later. You don't want to get caught calling a woman by your mom," she teased.