Page 9 of Shattering

That was the Gray she had married—the Gray who made her feel adored, desired. But now... she barely recognized the man who shared her bed.

She had been vying for a position on the diversity team, hoping to improve communication issues for refugee patients. Theinterviews had gone well, and she had been optimistic. Until today.

Chapter 7

Regan, her stepsister, had recently joined the hospital's admin team. Over the years, she had shed her timid nature, growing into a woman who carried herself with confidence. Dressed immaculately in fitted trousers and crisp blouses, she commanded attention in every room she entered. Some admired her efficiency, while others found her bossy. Cadi had always supported her, ensuring she found a position at the hospital and helping her make the right connections.

That afternoon, Regan caught up with her outside the ward. "Cadi, do you have a minute?" Her voice was softer than usual, hesitant.

Cadi glanced at her watch. "If this is about scheduling, can we—"

"No, it's not that," Regan interrupted, eyes darting around before she touched Cadi's arm. "Come have a cup of tea with me in the cafeteria. Please."

Cadi frowned. Regan wasn't the type to plead. "Alright."

The cafeteria was quiet at this time of day, the low hum of conversation blending with the clinking of cups. They took a seat by the window, the winter light filtering in, casting a soft glow over Regan's face. She stirred her tea absently, then sighed.

"How are Mom and Dad?" Cadi asked before Regan could speak.

Regan's expression flickered before she straightened slightly. "They're fine. Same as always."

Cadi knew better. Their parents were good people, but their expectations had always weighed heavily on Regan. The tension had never entirely faded between them.

And then there was Tomos. Regan was stiff with him, as if she didn't quite know how to interact with a child. She wasn't unkind, but there was an awkwardness that Cadi wished would fade. Tomos, in turn, remained wary of her, sensing the formality that lingered between them.

"Is everything alright with you and Gray?" Regan finally asked, her voice careful.

Cadi tensed. "Why are you asking?"

Regan hesitated, as if torn between protecting her and telling the truth. Finally, she exhaled, pressing her lips together. "I overheard something today. And I think you should know."

Before she could continue, a voice interrupted.

"Dr. Hughes!"

Cadi turned to see Mark, one of the orthopaedic surgeons, approaching with a polite but eager smile. "Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to ask if you had any input on the new rehab protocols we're trying out. We're seeing mixed results with the last set."

Cadi forced a tight smile. "I'll email my thoughts later. Right now, I'm in the middle of something."

Mark glanced between them and nodded quickly. "Of course. Sorry about that."

As he walked away, Regan watched him go before focusing back on Cadi. "I was passing by the committee room earlier. Gray was talking to one of the members about the diversity position. He... he suggested Vanessa Seymour might be a fantastic fit."

Cadi's hands tightened around her cup. "Did he say why?"

Regan winced. "He didn't mention you at all. He just said Vanessa was a good fit for the role."

The words echoed in her mind, each syllable a blow to her gut. She set her tea down carefully, afraid she might shatter the cup in her grip. "I can't believe this."

Regan reached out but hesitated before touching her hand. "I didn't want to be the one to tell you, but I thought you should hear it from me."

Cadi swallowed, the hurt creeping up her throat like bile. "Thanks, Regan."

Her steps felt heavy as she left the cafeteria. The disbelief turned into something sharper, more desperate. She needed to hear it from him. Needed to see his face when he explained why he had done this.

Chapter 8

Cadi made her way to the consultant's lounge, her heart pounding in her chest. Gray was always hanging out there after lunch on Thursdays because he said his office was too stuffy. She hesitated at the doorway, steeling herself before stepping forward—then froze.

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