WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Chapter Twenty-Two

**RYAN & NAOMI'S WEDDING DAY - PART TWO**

After overhearing Mal's conversation with Dominic, I quickly re-entered the crowded barn, hoping to avoid further confrontation. Despite the lively party around me, an uneasy feeling churned in my stomach.

Mal was across the room, leaning against the wall with a drink in hand, engrossed in conversation with some guests. My attention was abruptly pulled away when Naomi stormed over to me, visibly upset. "Why is Olivia here?" she fumed, gesturing towards Mal, who was now engaged in a cheerful exchange with the blonde.

I turned to Naomi, trying to mask my own turmoil with a laugh. "It's actually quite entertaining," I said, though my voice lacked conviction. Naomi's brow furrowed in concern. "I thought you two would have been perfect for each other, but I guess not," she said, pulling me towards the bar. "Let's get a drink and dance."

Time slipped away as I danced and mingled, but my thoughts kept circling back to what I had overheard. Questions about Mal's connection with Dominic, and whether Ryan knew anything about it, plagued me. Deciding a drink might clear my head, I headed to the bar.

As I sipped my drink, I saw Mal leaving the barn with Olivia, his smile directed right at me. My anger flared as he winked. I downed my drink and stormed out, following a path that led me to the paddock where Raven was grazing.

Feeling overwhelmed, I opened the gate and entered the paddock. The cool grass beneath my feet was a small comfort. I made my way to the oak tree in the center, sinking down against its trunk as Raven approached, nudging me gently before returning to graze. The night sky, dotted with stars, seemed to offer some solace.

"Callie," a voice said softly. I turned to see Mal approaching, his expression serious. "That didn't last long," he remarked, taking a seat beside me. "You saw?" I replied, a note of detachment in my voice. "It's none of my business, Mal. You're free to do what you like."

He sighed, settling closer. "I'm not interested in her, Callie. What you saw was nothing." I remained silent, trying to avoid meeting his gaze.

"Instead of trying to be so high and mighty all the time, why can’t you just tell me how you feel? It’s clear it bothered you," Mal said, his frustration evident.

I sighed and looked at him. "I don’t see the point in discussing something that doesn’t benefit my well-being."

"That’s your problem, Callie. You expect everyone to open up to you, but you refuse to do the same," he said, his voice rising.

"Why should I open up to someone who sleeps with whoever crosses their path?" I retorted. "Stop pretending to care. If you did, tonight wouldn’t have happened at my sister’s wedding."

Mal took a step back, clearly upset. "And you’re a hypocrite for making phone calls to Dominic while criticizing me."

I turned to walk away, but he grabbed me by the waist, pinning me against the tree. His eyes were dark with emotion, a mix of rage and something else I couldn’t quite place. "I’m not one of your flings. You can’t just grab me when you want," I spat.

He released me, his shock palpable. "Even if I had feelings for you, they’re gone after tonight," I shouted, storming back towards the barn.

Inside, I ordered a large drink and downed it quickly. Naomi appeared beside me, sensing my distress. "I take it you decided to speak to Mal after all?" she asked brightly.

Tears welled in my eyes. "Olivia's here. She was with Mal," I whispered. Naomi looked at me sympathetically before guiding me out of the barn.

As we stepped outside, Mal emerged from the path leading to his house. Naomi marched over to him and, without hesitation, slapped him. "You don’t deserve Callie," she said fiercely. "She’s someone you could only dream of having. You’re not who I thought you were."

Naomi took my arm, and we walked away together. I managed a small smile at her support. "You didn’t have to do that," I said, touched by her gesture.

"I had to try to knock some sense into him," Naomi replied with a laugh.

The rest of the night blurred into a haze of laughter and dancing. As the clock struck three and the party dwindled, Mal’s absence was noticeable. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had disappeared with Olivia again.

Cole handed me a shot, but I declined, feeling ready to call it a night. "Be good to Leigh," I advised before heading out.

Stumbling towards Ryan’s house, I marveled at the stars above, only to trip on the front steps. Mal appeared, lifting me effortlessly into his arms. Despite my protests, I stopped struggling when I heard his chuckle. "As much as I hate you right now, you’re really pretty," I whispered, looking up at him.

"Let’s get you to bed, my love," Mal murmured, kissing my forehead. That was the last thing I remembered before drifting into a peaceful sleep in his arms.

**THE NEXT MORNING**

I awoke to the bright morning sun and Mal’s presence beside me. Disoriented, I noticed him smiling down at me. "Good morning, my love," he said softly.

I gasped, "We didn’t…?"

Mal’s laugh was warm and reassuring. "Of course not. But if we had, you would have remembered."

Curious, I asked, "Why were you talking to Dominic?"

Mal sighed, rubbing his eyes. "It’s complicated. Dominic is helping me deal with the person responsible for my mother’s death."

I leaned in, resting my forehead against his. "I don’t think anything can be more complicated than what we’ve recently faced."

Mal pulled me closer. "I didn’t know Olivia was with Luca. I’m sorry for how it appeared."

I chuckled softly. "Olivia is just Olivia. I guess I expected something more from you… but never mind."

We lay in silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence. Mal’s confession and my admission of feelings felt like a tentative step towards understanding each other better. As my thoughts drifted and sleep overtook me again, I felt a sense of peace, knowing Mal was there with me.

"You're killing me, Callie. I love you, but you deserve more my love" he whispered as I slipped back into sleep.