Chapter 25
CALLUM
Heather’s gaze flicks from me to Jane, calculating and cold despite the polished smile on her lips. I can see her strategy unfolding as clearly as if she were projecting it on a screen—plant doubt, create a crack, then wedge herself straight into it.
— Of course, Callum darling. I didn’t mean to offend you, she says with feigned contrition. I’m simply concerned about you. You’ve always been so rational. This sudden marriage—it’s not like you.
— People change, Heather, I reply, instinctively stepping closer to Jane. Sometimes for the better. And speaking of change, I think it would be appropriate if you stopped calling me “darling.” We share a past, yes, but I find it particularly impolite of you to bring it up in front of my wife.
Heather is left momentarily speechless, but it’s Jane’s surprised expression that holds my attention.
I realize that, since the beginning of this nightmare of a day, this is the first time I’ve actually defended her against Heather.
The thought fills me with an unexpected sense of shame.
What kind of man—what kind of husband—doesn’t immediately stand up for his wife when faced with the petty insinuations of an ex?
— I appreciate your concern, Heather, I add with icy politeness, but it’s entirely unnecessary. Jane and I are very happy.
— Clearly, she replies with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. Good for both of you.
She glances at her watch, a calculated move to remind us she’s in control.
— We should rejoin the others.
— We’ll be there in a moment, I say.
Heather hesitates, visibly annoyed that I’m not following her lead.
— Very well, she finally says with a slight inclination of her head.
When the door closes behind her, I let out a long breath of frustration. Turning back to Jane, I find her avoiding my gaze.
— I’m sorry about that. Heather has always excelled at passive-aggressive conversation, but today she’s truly outdoing herself.
— She knows about our arrangement—or at least she suspects it, Jane says, her expression mirroring the concern tightening in my chest.
I rake a hand through my hair, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.
— Heather has always had a talent for turning the smallest piece of information into a weapon.
— Remind me why you dated her again? Jane asks, a wry smile tugging at her lips—one that warms me more than it should.
— On paper, she was perfect, I admit.
— The perfect little McGregor wife, Jane adds with a grimace.
— Exactly, I agree. The problem is, what looks perfect on paper and what works in reality are two very different things. A lesson I’ve been learning lately.
I hold her gaze a beat longer, something unspoken passing between us. Maybe an acknowledgment that whatever this is between us has shifted into something more.
— So what do we do now? Jane asks. I don’t believe this surprise visit is a coincidence.
— It’s not, I confirm. I know Heather—she always has a very specific goal.
— To discredit me?
— Most likely. Or worse—to expose the truth about our marriage in front of my family. She’s always had a knack for turning situations to her advantage.
Jane crosses her arms, a new determination lighting her eyes.
— Then we don’t give her that chance. Not her, not anyone. We become the perfect couple. United. Unshakable.
— You mean we put on an Oscar-worthy performance?
— Exactly, I say. Heather is looking for cracks in our facade. Let’s not give her any.
A mischievous smile curves Jane’s lips.
— Oh, I love this plan. A live improv session, just for Lady Perfect. I can be very convincing when I want to be.
— I’m aware, I reply with a small smile.
A silence settles between us.
— Callum, we need to talk about what’s been happening these past few days. Between us, I mean.
My heartbeat quickens.
— You’re right, I admit. We’ll talk tonight.
She nods.
— Good, I say. Now then, is my wife ready to give the performance of your life?
Jane draws in a dramatic breath, straightening as if she’s stepping onto a stage.
— Absolutely, my husband. Get ready to be hopelessly in love with me for the next few hours.
Or maybe for the rest of my life?
I shake my head, trying to push the thought away.