Danielle’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with astonishment. “What did you say?”
“I’m not trying to take advantage of your situation,” River added quickly. “I know this is sudden, but I just want to help you. You’re being swamped by these rumors, and it’s not just affecting your job—it could even impact Niki. If you’re willing, I can…”
“No.” Danielle cut him off before he could finish, her brow furrowed. “River, you’re a good man, and you’ve always been there for me. I’m truly grateful for that.”
She was thinking rationally. “But I can’t do this. I can’t use your reputation to get myself out of trouble when I know there’s no future for us. That would be exploiting your kindness and giving you false hope. I can’t do something like that.”
She was well aware of River’s feelings for her; she hadn't been oblivious. But she simply didn’t have the energy to start a new relationship. She didn’t want to use his genuine affection as a tool and end up hurting him.
River’s heart ached, but he softened his tone. “You don’t have to worry. We would just be pretending for a while.” He paused, his gaze resting on her tense face. “I know what you’re worried about, but we can tell everyone we just started dating. Once the rumors die down, we can find a suitable reason for an ‘amicable breakup.’ It won’t cause you any trouble, and it won’t put me in an awkward position.”


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