Page 93 of Shattering

Gray rubbed his hands together, as if choosing his words carefully. "Regan said what she said, but I believed it. I let it fester. I was the one who took her words an' turned them into a truth they never were."

Cadi went quiet.

Gray exhaled slowly. "An' maybe she kept it a secret for so long... ta protect ya."

Cadi stilled.

The thought had never crossed her mind.

She had always assumed Regan had kept the truth from her because it suited her—because it gave her power.

But what if it wasn't just that?

What if Regan had been afraid for her?

Cadi pressed her fingers to her temple. "I don't know, Gray."

Gray nodded. "Ya don't have to. Not yet."

She sighed. "Either way... I can't forgive her."

Gray leaned back, watching her carefully. "Then don't."

Cadi looked over, surprised.

He shrugged. "Not till yer ready."

She studied him, this version of him that was softer, calmer, more at peace with himself.

Gray continued

"By the way, I came clean to Mr. Burton about Vanessa."

Mr. Hayden Burton was the clinical lead in orthopaedics.

Cadi set her wine glass down, studying him carefully. "Yeah?"

Gray nodded."Told him everything. How she twisted things, how I made a bloody fool of meself tryin' to make ye jealous. Didn't hold back."

Cadi raised a fine eyebrow. "And?"

Gray exhaled. "He was sound about it. Said it was good I told him meself. Thought it might be best if I switched up theatre days, so I'm not workin' with her as a regular anaesthetist anymore.Just in case. He said he would take care of it."

Cadi nodded slowly, processing that.

"I sent an email to me manager, CC'd Hayden in, so it's all above board. Obviously, I can't avoid her completely—if there's an emergency, I'll work with whoever I have to—but best to keep things professional. Keep me distance."

He watched Cadi, waiting.

For an I told you so.

But she didn't give him one.

She just picked up her wine glass again, took a slow sip, and said, "Good."

Gray blinked. "That's it?"

Cadi smirked. "What, you want a medal?"

---