Chapter 127: Calm Before the Storm (Tyler's POV)

(Tyler's POV)

As we headed into the kitchen, Aunt Mara dropped what she was doing and made her way over to Kate with outstretched arms.

I saw Kate's eyes misting up with tears once again, but she fought them, only allowing one to roll down her cheek before she wiped it away with a sniff.

"I'll give you guys some privacy," I said, placing Kate's used mug in the sink before I headed towards the front door.

"It's okay," Kate murmured as her aunt released her from the hug. "Stay."

I hadn't wanted to leave, but it felt like the right thing to do, so I was grateful when she told me to stay.

"Are you okay, honey? What happened?" Mrs Harris asked, her concern obvious in the lines on her face.

Kate took a deep breath, steadying herself. When she spoke again she sounded so numb and detached, like she was talking about someone else's life. "I think Ryder cheated on me," she said mechanically. "He was in his bedroom with his ex-girlfriend or ex-fling or whatever you want to call her... I didn't se