I grabbed his arm. “We don’t have to..."
But Sydney was already handing him a drink. “Come on. One toast. For the birthday boy.”
He took it. Didn’t drink.
The living room filled fast. Music louder. Someone turned on the pool lights outside.
I stayed near the kitchen island. Watching. Waiting for the moment it turned messy.
It didn’t take long.
Sydney cornered Cal near the stairs. Hand on his chest. Laughing too loud at something he didn’t say. Leaning in. Whispering.
I saw red.
I crossed the room. Fast.
“Get your hand off him.”
She turned. Smirked. “Jealous, Hadley?”
I didn’t think. Just swung.
My palm connected with her cheek. Sharp crack.
The room went quiet.
Sydney’s hand flew to her face. Eyes wide.
“Never step foot in my house again,” I said. Voice shaking but clear. “This is our home. Mine. Cal’s. Eli’s. The baby’s. You’re not welcome.”
Jake stepped forward. “Hadley...”
“No.” I looked at him. At Holland. At the others. “You let her do this. Every time. You watched him spiral and did nothing. Not tonight.”
Holland looked down. Jake rubbed his neck. No one defended her.
Sydney laughed...high, brittle. “You think you won?”
“I think you lost,” I said. “Get out.”
She looked at Cal.
He stepped beside me. Voice low. Cold. “Leave, Syd.”
She stared. Then turned. Walked out. Door slammed.
Silence.
Cal looked at me. Eyes wide. Something new in them.
I exhaled. Shaky.
He took my hand. Led me upstairs. Past the curious stares.
In our room he locked the door. Pulled me into his arms.
“I’m sorry,” he said against my hair. “I should’ve stopped it sooner.”
