The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 660

“I’m sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you this year,” Ethan said, his tone apologetic. He hadn’t expected to be sent out of town for work right around her birthday. “I was assigned to an out-of-town case on short notice, so I can only wish you a happy birthday over the phone. I’ll have to give you your present when I get back.”

Leilani shook her head. “You don’t have to. Just you remembering is enough to make me happy. You don’t need to get me a gift.”

“No way,” Ethan insisted. “You can’t have a birthday without a gift. Besides...” He paused, his voice softening slightly. “We go way back, remember?””

He drew out the words with a teasing lilt.

Leilani couldn't help but laugh, not thinking much of it. “Ethan, behave yourself.”

Ethan laughed too, but before he could say more, a colleague’s voice yelled in the background, “Ethan! We got the suspect!”

He answered the call and quickly said to Leilani, “I’ve got to go. We’ll talk when I get back.”

Leilani nodded. “Okay. Be safe.”

The call ended, but Leilani held the phone, a smile still lingering on her lips.

Perhaps because she had received so much love and so many well wishes, Leilani was in a wonderful mood all day. After her friend’s call, several former patients she had treated also sent their regards upon learning it was her birthday.

There was just one thing that puzzled her. Since the morning, Callahan hadn't sent a single message. At first, Leilani had been full of anticipation, but as the hours ticked by and evening approached, there was still nothing from him.

Dusk settled, the sunlight outside fading away to be replaced by the gradually illuminating city lights. Leilani sat on the sofa, her phone screen lighting up and dimming, again and again.

She unlocked it and opened WhatsApp. Her chat with Callahan was still on last night’s “Good night.” An entire day had passed without a single new message between them.

Leilani bit her lip, her fingers unconsciously stroking the edge of her phone as her gaze drifted to the clock once more. It was already 7:43 PM.

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