My eyes narrowed. “What exactly do you mean by that?”
She lifted a shoulder. “Oh, Ethan. Don’t be defensive. I’m only saying she looked uncomfortable. I’m sure galas can be a bit much when you’re not used to our world.”
As far as I was concerned, the only world that mattered was the one with my Callie in it.
“You might not have been able to tell from the table where you were seated, but my wife wasn’t struggling tonight,” I retorted, knowing my choice of words would sting. “We had a great time.”
Unease flickered in her eyes for a moment, but then she smoothed her expression. “I only meant that some people aren’t suited to the expectations that come with your life. It takes a certain resilience.”
My mother was so wrong about Callie, and I couldn’t lie to myself anymore and say that her comments came from a good place. My wife had ripped the blinders away. “I’m not disappointed in Callie. The only expectations she hasn’t met are the ones you set. And even though they’re unreasonable, she’s been bending herself into knots to try to get your acceptance. That’s on you, Mother.”
Her lips pressed together. “I’m trying to protect you.”
“No.” I shook my head. “You’re trying to shape things to your liking. There’s a difference.”
Her gaze hardened. “You’re overreacting.”
“I’m not,” I disagreed. “What I’m doing is finally paying attention.”
The music swelled behind us, laughter ringing as if nothing had changed. But it had for me.
“Do you even know where she went? Or were you just guessing?” I asked, already knowing I wouldn’t like the answer.
Her silence told me everything.
“Right.” I heaved a deep sigh. “I would say that I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, but you taught me not to lie. So have the night you deserve.”
Turning on my heel, I headed for the exit. Time was slipping through my fingers. I needed to find my wife.
Unfortunately, the universe seemed to be conspiring against me. It took ten minutes for the valet to bring my car around, and I hit every red light on the way home.
The penthouse was dark when I stepped inside.
“Callie?” I called.
There was no answer except silence.
I dropped my keys onto the entry table and headed for the bedroom, my chest tightening with every step. There was no sign that Callie had been home. The lights were off, and the bed was made.
Wondering if I’d somehow missed her at the club, I finally noticed the closet door stood open.
I crossed the room in two strides and stopped short. Half of her side of the closet was bare. Her favorite sweaters were gone. Her jeans. The sneakers she wore to the gym.
I yanked open the top dresser drawer and found it empty. No lacy bras and panties, or even the comfortable cotton ones she wore when she wasn’t feeling well. The next three drawers had been picked over too. And two of her suitcases were gone.
“No.” I turned toward the vanity, my pulse roaring in my ears.
Her jewelry tray sat where it always did, except it wasn’t full.
The earrings she wore every day were gone. And carefully placed in the center were her wedding and engagement rings.
My world tilted as I reached for them. A hollow sound tore from my chest. Closing my fist around the rings that belonged on my wife’s finger, I sank onto the edge of the bed.
I dragged in a breath and pulled out my phone with shaking hands. There were no missed calls or messages from Callie.
Pressing my palms to my eyes, I breathed through the ache that spread through my chest. Somewhere deep down, I’d known this was coming. I’d felt it in the distance between us. Seen how she’d been bracing herself for disappointment.
I just hadn’t believed she’d actually go. I thought I had time to fix my mistakes. To make things good between us again. But as I stood there in our silent home, her absence screamed louder than any argument ever could.
