13
~Bella's POV
I still couldn't believe how kind the manager was being. His concerned tone and gentle demeanor—it was all so unlike him. It was almost unsettling. This was the same man who had once barked orders at me like I was less than human. Back then, I was sure he wouldn't have cared if I'd dropped dead on the spot. Yet now, here he was, watching me with actual concern in his eyes, like he truly cared about what happened to me.
I barely had time to process this bizarre change in him when my phone buzzed on the small table by my bed. The sudden noise startled me, making me jump. The manager raised an eyebrow, silently questioning me, but I didn't answer. I reached for the phone, my hands shaking slightly.
The screen glowed with an unknown number, and my stomach twisted into a knot. My first instinct was to ignore it, but something told me I needed to pick up. I hesitated, then pressed the green button.
"Hello?" I said, my voice barely steady.
