Page 15 of Shattering

She shook her head. "No. I think you're hiding something from me. And I want to know why."

Gray's gaze held hers for a long moment, something like pain flickering across his face. Then he exhaled sharply, running a hand over his jaw.

"I'm takin' a shower," he muttered. "If ya want answers, ye'll have to wait."

And with that, he disappeared into the en suite, shutting the door behind him with a quiet, definitive click.

Chapter 12

Cadi sat on the bed, legs crossed, fingers twisting in her lap. The master bedroom had been her sanctuary, a space she had designed with care. The walls, painted in soft grey, were a project she and Gray had done together, their clothes speckledwith paint by the end of it. Framed family photos lined one wall—images of Tomos as a toddler, their wedding day, and candid moments from their years together. The bed, dressed in soft neutral linens, had been chosen after weeks of deliberation, and the warm wooden furniture made the space feel inviting. A chunky knit blanket lay across the foot of the bed, a personal indulgence she loved. She had poured herself into this space, into their home, into their life together.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, shattering her thoughts. She glanced at the screen—work. She ignored it, unwilling to let the hospital invade her fragile morning. But when it rang again, her mother's name flashing on the screen, she had a bad feeling

She answered immediately. "Mom?"

"Cadi—" Eila's voice trembled, barely composed. "It's Derrik. He's had a heart attack. We're at the hospital. They're taking him in for an angioplasty."

Cadi shot up from the bed, her heart hammering. "I'm coming. I'll be there soon."

She grabbed her coat, heading downstairs in a daze. Gray was drying his wet hair as he came out of the bathroom. He looked at her as she rushed past.

"Cadi? What's wrong?"

"It's Derrik," she choked out. "MI*"

Gray didn't hesitate. "I'm coming with ya."

They reached the hospital quickly, the sterile brightness of the waiting area intensifying Cadi's anxiety. Regan was already there, sitting beside Eila, her usually composed face tight with worry. She stood when she saw Cadi, stepping back as their mother reached for her.

"Mam?" Cadi whispered, gripping her mother's hands.

Eila's face was pale, her eyes red-rimmed. "They said it was caught early. He's in good hands, but they have to open up the blockage. He's in there now."

Cadi pulled her mother into a hug, rubbing her back. Gray sat down beside Regan, his presence steady, though his eyes flickered with quiet concern.

*Myocardial Infarction

Minutes dragged into an hour. The air felt thick, oppressive. Cadi's phone vibrated, and she stepped away to answer it.

"Callum?"

"Hey, you alright?"

"No. Derrik's had a heart attack. We're at the hospital."

"Shit. How's your mum?"

"Holding up, but I need a favour. Can you pick up Tomos from school and keep him with you for a bit? I don't want to bring him here yet."

"Of course. I'll take care of him. Don't worry."

Relief coursed through her. "Thank you, Callum."

When she returned to the waiting area, Regan and Gray were deep in conversation, their voices low but tense. Regan's arms were crossed, her expression tight with something close to anger. Gray, his face drawn, was speaking in clipped sentences, his Irish accent thick.

Cadi frowned, stepping forward, but before she could say anything, the door to the cath lab opened. A nurse stepped out, followed by Eila, her hands trembling slightly but her face steadier than before.

"I spoke to him," she said, her voice soft but relieved. "He's awake. He seems better."

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