The moment Charles picked up the call, he brought the phone to his ear, listening intently.
His heart sank.
Everything around him seemed to freeze. Even after the caller abruptly ended the call, Charles remained rooted in place, motionless, as if the world had suddenly slipped out from under his feet.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Reuben asked, concern lacing his voice as he arched his brow.
Charles swallowed hard, his gaze unfocused.
"Umm… something urgent just came up," Charles spurred out, his tone laced with tension. "I have to go—right now."
Without waiting for another word, he turned, sliding his phone inside his pocket with a swift motion.
"Besides, it was nice meeting you," Charles added quickly, offering Reuben a faint smile as he stepped toward the roadside and raised a hand.
A yellow cab screeched to a halt moments later, and without another glance, Charles climbed in, shutting the door behind him.
