Chapter 22

I stared at the phone Dominic had bought in my room. I considered calling my father for the first time. Since my disappearance, he must have been concerned. Instead of fleeing from home, I should have just told him I didn't want to marry the man he handpicked for me.

I couldn't make up my mind after a few moments. I tried to call Marian's phone number, but it rang on the other line, so I had to cancel it.

As I waited for my call to be connected, I took a deep breath and let out a sigh. Hearing my most favorite person in the world's voice made me weep up, and my guilt kept me from speaking right away. As soon as I mustered the confidence, I said, "Papa..." “Papa...,” I couldn't stop crying any longer and didn't know where to begin.

“Juliana, can you tell me where you are?” I felt horrible for worrying him out because his voice was full of anxieties.

“Don't worry about me, Papa; I'm fine.” I tried to remain calm, but it was excruciating to speak with him again