Chapter 98: Damage Control

The sobs that wracked my body seemed to echo through the house, my pillow only able to muffle so much of my heartache. I was drowning in a sea of misery as I recounted the conversation with Ryder. His words harsh and hurtful in a way I'd never expected... Not from him.

A gentle knock on my bedroom door forced me to retreat further into my pillow.

“Kate, honey? Are you okay?” Aunt Mara's voice carried through the closed door, her tone laced with concern.

I didn't reply. I couldn't. The sobs left me breathless and even if I could speak I didn't know what I would say. I could scarcely believe what had happened myself - to try and explain it to someone else would make it too real.

The door clicked open softly and slowly and I felt Aunt Mara's weight settle down beside me on the bed.

"What happened, honey?" she asked gently, her voice brimming with worry and sympathy.

“Ryder,” was all I managed to choke out, my voice muffled by the pillow I sought sanctuary in.

She rubbed my shoulder sooth