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 speckled with 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."
The tension in the room shifted. Relief spread through Cadi, but even as she exhaled, her gaze flickered between Gray and Regan.
Something had happened. And she intended to find out what.
As soon as Gray stepped away to get coffee, Regan turned to Cadi, her expression dark. "I tried talking to him," she said, voice low but angry. "I tried asking what's wrong with him, why he's been acting like this. And do you know what he did? He got defensive. Snapped at me. Told me to mind my own damn business."
Cadi swallowed, glancing toward where Gray had gone. "Regan, there's something I need to tell you."
Regan frowned. "What?"
Cadi hesitated, then lowered her voice. "I saw him with Vanessa. In the consultant's room. It wasn't just talking. He tucked her hair behind her ear, Regan. He kissed her."
Regan's entire body stiffened. "You're joking."
Cadi shook her head, her throat tightening. "I wish I was."
Regan's eyes flashed with fury. "That absolute bastard. And you're still standing here, waiting for what, exactly? A confession? Cadi, you need to ditch him."
Cadi inhaled sharply. "It's not that simple."
"It is that simple," Regan snapped. "After all you have been through, he's treating you like an afterthought. You saw what you saw. And if he won't even give you a proper explanation—hell, if he won't even act like he cares—you deserve better."
Cadi looked down at her hands, heart hammering, unsure of what to say.
Before she could respond, the nurse came back, and the conversation ended. But Regan's words lingered, heavier than ever.