Page 21 of Shattering

Then, finally—

"How long?"

Gray frowned slightly. "What?"

Her voice didn't waver. "How many times have you been with her?"

The question landed like a fist to his gut.

"Was it only her?" Cadi continued, her voice flat. "Or are there more willing groupies?"

His jaw tightened. "That is none of your business. "

The way he said it made Cadi's stomach turn. It wasn't just dismissive. There was something defensive in it, something almost... protective.

Like Vanessa deserved better than to be discussed with someone like her.

Cadi let out a soft laugh, but there was no humour in it—just something hollow, something raw.

For the first time since sitting down, Cadi turned her head to look at him.

The agony in her eyes sent a sickening wave of guilt rolling through his stomach.

She was pale—so pale her freckles stood out starkly against her skin, her lips bloodless. Her breathing was shallow, her shoulders locked so tightly she looked as though she might snap in half.

Gray's body moved before he could stop himself. He started to stand, reaching for her—

"Sit down."

Her voice was so raw it was painful to hear.

Gray froze.

She wasn't just pale. She looked like she was about to pass out.

A pulse of unease passed through him, cold and deep, like someone had just walked over his grave.

Cadi closed her eyes for a long moment, her fingers curling slightly against her lap. When she opened them again, her expression was empty.

Not neutral. Not controlled.

Just... gone.

Gray's stomach twisted violently.

This wasn't the Cadi he knew.

Did she ever exist?

She cleared her throat. The sound was dry, brittle.

Then, in a voice he had never heard from her before, she spoke.

"So you think I had an affair with Callum while you were in Brisbane."

Gray stiffened, but she didn't stop.

"Then I got pregnant. And once you got home, I passed him off as yours."

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