Page 12 of Shattering

"I know," she muttered. "I just—"

"No. No excuses. You need to ask Gray why he is rooting for that woman. You can't let this slide, or you'll drive yourself mad."

Cadi swallowed hard, her throat tight. "I'll talk to him."

Regan didn't sound convinced. "Good. Because if you don't, I will."

Before Cadi could respond, Regan muttered a quick, "Bye," and hung up.

Cadi set the phone down on the counter, staring at the screen until it dimmed. Outside, the cherry blossoms swayed in the wind, pink petals drifting onto the grass. But she couldn't appreciate their beauty. Not when everything else around her felt like it was beginning to break apart.

Her fingers hovered over her phone for a moment, then, as if on instinct, she unlocked it and scrolled down her contacts list. Her breath was shallow, her hands clammy.

She hesitated only for a second before pressing the call button.

It rang once. Twice. Then a voice picked up.

"Hi, Callum," she said.

Chapter 10

"Cadi?"

The moment Cadi heard his voice on the other end of the line, the dam inside her cracked. She hadn't meant to break down, hadn't meant to let the tears come so fast, but the weight of everything hit her like a tidal wave. A choked sob escaped before she could stop it.

"Cadi?" Callum's voice sharpened instantly, concern cutting through the line. "What's wrong? What happened?"

She couldn't speak, not yet. She pressed a hand over her mouth, trying to control the sobs racking her body, but it was useless. Everything—Gray's distance, the betrayal, the gnawing insecurity—rushed through her, leaving her gasping for air.

"I'm coming over," Callum said firmly. "Just hold on. I'll be there soon."

Cadi didn't protest. She just nodded, even though he couldn't see her, and ended the call.

Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang.

Callum stood on the doorstep, dressed casually in jeans and a dark sweater, his blond hair slightly mussed from the wind. His hazel eyes swept over her, taking in her tear-streaked face, swollen eyes, and red nose. Without a word, he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

"Come on," he said softly, guiding her toward the kitchen. "Tea first. Breakdown second."

Cadi let herself be led, too exhausted to argue. He maneuverered her onto one of the stools by the kitchen island before moving around like he had done a hundred times before, pulling out the kettle, reaching for the mugs. The familiarity of it—the effortless ease of his presence in her home—only made her chest ache more.

By the time he placed a warm cup of tea in front of her, she was trembling.

"Alright, tell me," he said, leaning against the counter. "What happened?"

Cadi sniffled, rubbing at her nose with the sleeve of her jumper. "I'm such an ugly crier."

Callum smirked. "Oh, I know. Your nose is practically glowing right now. Santa will be by to collect you soon."

A laugh bubbled up from her throat, strangled and teary, but real. She swatted at his arm. "You're supposed to say I look fine."

"Nah, where's the fun in that?" He grinned. "Now talk to me."

Cadi swallowed hard, wrapping her hands around the mug for warmth. Then, in a broken whisper, she told him everything.

The distant way Gray had been acting. The extra shifts. The moment she overheard him suggesting Vanessa for the role she had fought so hard for. And finally—the worst of it—what she had seen in the consultant's room.

When she finished, her voice was hoarse. "Why? Why would he do this? Is it because I've put on weight? Because I haven't lost it all? Maybe he doesn't find me attractive anymore. Maybe—"

---