Chapter 10
Outside the ballroom, the night air was cool.
The sounds of the reception faded behind the heavy doors.
Callum walked beside his mother.
After a few steps, he finally released a long breath.
Adria looked down.
“You've been holding that breath all night.”
Callum nodded.
“I was scared.”
“I know.”
“I thought Grandma was going to hit me again.”
Adria stopped walking.
She crouched in front of him.
“She will never hurt you while I'm there.”
Callum looked at her.
“But what if you're not there?”
Adria's expression softened.
“Then you tell another safe adult. A teacher. A police officer. Someone you trust.”
Callum nodded.
He was quiet for several seconds.
Then he asked,
“Did I do something bad?”
Adria's heart broke.
“No.”
“Not even a little?”
“No.”
“I didn't steal it.”
“I know.”
He looked at her.
“How did you know?”
Adria smiled sadly.
“Because you're my son.”
Callum leaned into her.
She hugged him.
Inside, the wedding continued without them.
But the night had changed.
The ring had been found.
May you like
The accusation had been exposed.
And Bernice had learned that her certainty could not change the truth.
