Cher

uffocating. Then, a sudden, violent motion. He grabbed the delicate ceramic mug I' d seen earlier, the on

akes for you to be satisfied?!" He snatched his phone from his pocket, furiously scrolling, then deleted Kallie's contact,

rom sheer shock. This wasn't the Griffith I knew. This was a volatile str

it cards, the ring box, all crashing to the floor. The diamond ring rolled under the refrigerator, glinti

ising. "You're being unreasonable, Cayla! You're

jarred my teeth, and a sharp pain shot up my tailbone. I looked up at him, tears blurring my vi

. He would bring me soup when I was sick, his touch soft and reassuring.

demands! Do you know the pressure I'm under? My parents are constantly asking about ma

gap between us, the chasm of misunderstanding and betrayal, felt too wide t

d on the table. Not his work phone, but his personal one

ace softened, replaced by a frantic urgency. He looked like a deer caught in

to my feet, grabbing his arm. "No, Griffith, y

my forearm. He didn' t even notice. "Don't be ridiculous, Cayla. This is important. It's

you?" he tossed over his shoulder, gesturing vaguely at the shattered mu

t wasn' t a work emergency. It was Kallie. Always Kallie. The urgency in his voice, the way he

relationship. My body ached, my heart felt like it was tearing apart. The fl

is voice strained. "I just heard... about the lawsuit. It's bad

al, solidifying his choice. It wasn't just an emotional affair anymore. I