**Chapter 12: A Call from the Past**

Luka stepped away from Pamela, his eyes never leaving hers as he answered the call. "Hey, Alex," he said, his voice low and even. Pamela watched as his expression changed, his eyes clouding over with a mixture of emotions. As he listened to the person on the other end of the line, Luka's grip on his phone tightened, his knuckles turning white. Pamela could sense the tension building in his body, and she felt a pang of concern. Who was on the phone, and what were they saying to him? Luka's conversation was brief, but intense. He listened for a few minutes, his face growing darker with each passing second. Pamela could see the turmoil brewing inside him, and she felt a surge of empathy. She knew that he was struggling with something, and she wanted to help him. When he finally hung up the phone, Luka took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for an escape. Pamela could see the pain etched on his face, and she felt her heart ache for him. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle. Luka's gaze locked onto hers, and for a moment, he just stared at her, as if searching for the right words. "It's my brother," he said finally, his voice laced with frustration. "He's in trouble, Pamela. Again." Pamela's heart went out to him, and she reached out to touch his arm. "What kind of trouble?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. Luka sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his emotions. "He's been in debt for a long time, and now the creditors are threatening to take our family's old warehouse. It's been in our family for generations, Pamela. I have to do something to help him." Pamela's mind was racing with thoughts of how she could help Luka. She knew that she had to support him, no matter what. "What can I do to help?" she asked, her voice firm. Luka's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, he just stared at her, as if searching for a lifeline. "I don't know," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just know that I need to fix this, Pamela. For my brother, and for my family's sake." As they stood there, the sound of the river flowing in the background, Pamela felt a sense of determination rising up inside her. She knew that she would do whatever it took to help Luka, to support him through this difficult time. And as she looked into his eyes, she knew that she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as they faced them together. Luka's phone buzzed again, and he glanced at the screen. "I have to go," he said, his voice reluctant. "But I promise I'll be back soon." Pamela nodded, understanding. "I'll be here," she said, smiling up at him. As Luka walked away, Pamela felt a sense of unease settle in. She knew that Luka was struggling with something big, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to face it. But as she watched him disappear into the night, she knew that she had to be there for him, no matter what.