Daphne could tell something was wrong. Niles was always more reserved than his brother, but he wasn't usually this quiet. He didn't rave about her cooking the way he normally did, and he barely even asked how her day was. As she and Niles were finishing dinner, she reached across the table, gently taking hold of his hand. "Darling, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry, my love," Niles replied, kissing her hand. "I've just got a lot on my mind...my patients," he added quickly.
Daphne smiled at him sympathetically. She knew Niles' ethics prevented him from discussing the specifics of his therapy sessions with her, but did her best to let him know she cared. It was the least she could do for him, considering the way he watched over her, making sure she took time to rest in between taking care of David, the house, and Martin. She loved him for it. Not to mention the long hours he spent at work, which allowed her and David to live in complete comfort. As Daphne looked across the table at him, she sensed that, whatever was upsetting him, he wasn't about to discuss it now. She grinned at him mischeviously. "How about I clear the table, put David down in his playpen, and then you and I can spend some time together? Just the two of us." She winked at him, to be sure there was no mistaking her intention.
Niles smiled, and for the first time since they'd sat down, he relaxed. "That sounds wonderful." He hated keeping this a secret from Daphne, but he couldn't bear the thought of disappointing her. After all, taking care of her and David was his job. Daphne was nothing less than an angel, and she deserved to have the best that money could buy. He'd spent seven years wishing he could give it to her, and now that he had the chance, he intended to do it to the best of his ability.
Later that night, Niles found himself tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Beside him, Daphne was completely out. No wonder, considering how hard she worked taking care of David and the house. Niles looked at her, amazed at how breathtaking she was even now. "Oh...my love," he whispered, stroking her hair. The gesture caused Daphne to sigh in her sleep, though she did not wake. Niles' heart broke, imagining what she would think if she knew the truth. He was a failure, there was no other way to put it. He got out of bed. Suddenly, he had to escape. He quickly threw on his clothes from earlier. As he left the master bedroom, he instinctively glanced in the direction of the nursery. But he knew that if he caught a glimpse of his son's face, he would never be able to leave. Once downstairs, he quickly grabbed the keys to his Mercedes and slipped out the front door.