Alexander finally turned, his eyes bloodshot, his face a mask of conflict and pain.
He looked at Danielle's reddened eyes, at the determination and concern shining within them, and the walls he had built around his heart began to crumble.
For the first time in years, he considered that perhaps his idea of "protection" had been wrong all along.
"I…" He opened his mouth, his voice trembling, but the words of refusal wouldn't come.
He knew she was right. If he kept shouldering this alone, he would eventually break, and the moment he broke would be the greatest threat of all to her and Niki.
Seeing his resolve weaken, Danielle felt a wave of relief. She didn't press him further, only said softly, "You don't have to answer me right now. But I hope you'll think about it. Think about the hope in Niki's eyes. Think about whether there's another possibility for us—"
"Not as husband and wife, not as enemies, but as family who can rely on each other."
She turned toward the door, pausing just before she opened it to look back at him. "Niki and I will be waiting for you at home. Whatever you decide, at least let us know you're safe."
The door closed softly, leaving Alexander alone in the room.
He sank onto the sofa and drove his hands into his hair, his mind a maelstrom of emotions.
Danielle paused for two seconds at the door before opening it.
Silence answered from behind her. No plea to stay, no further questions.
The faint scent that was uniquely Alexander was already beginning to fade.
She clenched her fists, a sudden hollowness echoing in her chest.
She knew this distance all too well.
Nash finally reached her, bending over to catch his breath before straightening up, his face etched with guilt.
He bowed his head slightly, his tone almost pleading. "Miss Crawford, I have to apologize to you today."
"I was a fool back then. I misjudged you, and I gossiped about you with the others, saying you weren't good enough for Mr. Davidson… and a lot of other horrible things. It was all my fault. If you're still angry, you can yell at me all you want. Please, don't hold it against me."
Danielle was taken aback by his sudden confession.
She had long since forgotten the whispers and rumors she'd endured in the Davidson household. But seeing the genuine remorse in Nash's eyes, the old wounds seemed to fade a little.
She shook her head gently. "Let the past stay in the past."
"Thank you for forgiving me." Nash breathed a sigh of relief, but his expression quickly turned serious again. "Miss Crawford, the real reason I came to you is… I need to ask you to save Mr. Davidson."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell