It was nearly 2am.

Blinking back tears, she worked diligently in the kitchen, scrubbing away at the plate and silver wear, despite the fact that they were already sparkling clean. It was ridiculous perhaps, but at least it gave her something to do. She glanced at her handiwork that lay neatly on a plate in the center of it. She didn't see it as a bribe, a gift or even a peace offering. It was simply a gesture; something she had always done. A gesture for someone she cared about.

It was when she heard the doorknob turn that she found herself face to face with him. Only, she couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze. Instead she stared at the expensive cherry wood sideboard that sat against the wall. "I thought you might fancy a sandwich."

He said nothing as he moved toward the table and for one split second she thought… or hoped rather… but her hopes were dashed when he quickly turned away, the familiar expression on his face.

"You're angry." Her words were more of a statement than a question.

"I don't know what I am."

"You're angry." She repeated. "I was afraid that you might be. How did your brother know? Because I never-."

"He said that Donny told them when he came to the condo to pick up his cell phone. Apparently Donny left it there when you two… Well, anyway, he told Frasier and Dad."

Her body turned cold. "Are they angry as well?"

"They're worried sick about you, Daphne!" He was trying unsuccessfully to keep his voice calm, but here was no denying the fact that he was angry.

"What… What did you tell them?"

"That I had spoken to you recently and that you mentioned needing time alone. I also told them that I had no idea that you and Donny had broken up."

"And it's all true."

"Right, but I didn't say anymore. I couldn't risk-."

A nosebleed. She finished silently. "Thank you… for bringing my bag."

He nodded. "Sure."

"Did you… have any trouble finding it in me room?"

"No, I opened the door and there it was. But I couldn't help noticing…"

"What?"

"On your dresser. I know I shouldn't have looked, but I saw the rings and when I moved closer, I saw that your engagement ring was there too. I don't understand…"

"Donny had asked me to pick them up on Friday morning and…" She paused, willing her voice not to break as she looked at her left hand which was bare. "… And later that afternoon when he came over to get them… it was over. Just like that. I knew you'd be angry."

His eyebrows rose. "Why… did you think I'd be angry?"

She didn't allow herself to think about what he could possibly mean and instead took the question at face value. "Because, Dr. Crane… you… you're loyal! You aren't the kind of man who would leave one woman for another, even if, in your heart you knew that the woman you had intended to marry wasn't the woman you truly loved!"

He was staring at her, complete shock on his face. "Wait a minute… What are you saying? That Donny broke up with you?"

Now it was she who was at a loss. "What? I-." She wanted to say something more, but she had no idea what to say. She averted her gaze and when her eyes met his, she saw anger there unlike any she had ever known could exist.

"That is absolutely… unforgivable!" He yelled.

The outburst startled her. She'd never seen him this angry before. He was enraged and although she knew that he wouldn't lay a hand on her, it frightened her.

"Dr. Crane…"

"When Frasier told me, he made it sound… or I just assumed… My God, Daphne. I'm so sorry."

He sat down beside her on the sofa and looked into her eyes. "Daphne, you didn't deserve him. If Donny was such a fool to think that he could possibly find someone better than you, then he deserves to be alone! And to do this so close to your wedding day… He has absolutely no sense of honor or decency!"

Daphne was stricken. "Dr. Crane…"

"Don't defend him, Daphne!" Niles shouted. "He is worthy of nothing but contempt! If he wasn't sure, then he should have never…. That son of a…. He's a lying, insensitive-."

"Dr. Crane, please!" Her voice broke and she could barely control the threatening sobs.

"Daphne, that man cannot-."

"Stop, please! I beg of you!" She cried.

He froze, staring at her as her sobs began to surface. "Daphne…"

"This is why I didn't tell you!" She shouted. "I knew you'd be so cross!"

"Oh Daphne…" The gentle hand on her back only served to increase her tears.

"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you, Dr. Crane! I really am! But I just couldn't stay where I was any longer! Not when I'd lost the only man I've ever truly loved!"

She was sobbing harder now, her face pressed into the thick lush arm of the sofa, the feel of his soothing hand on her back. "Daphne, are you sure that you've lost him?"

"Yes!" She managed to choke out. "H-he loves someone else! I've lost him forever!"

"I'm so sorry."

His words… the words she had come to expect from him… hurt more than he could imagine. If he only knew…

"I can't believe that Donny would-."

"Can we please talk about something else?" She pleaded.

"Of course."

She cried until she was numb and her sobs became shudders; and yet his hand stayed on her back.

"Daphne I'm sorry." He was saying quietly. "I'm so sorry. I've been… so unfair to you. Nothing like the friend I want to be."

She wasn't ready for this conversation. She'd never be ready. But it shouldn't have surprised her, his pushing her like this. He was a psychiatrist and isn't that what psychiatrists always did? The knowledge that he was so concerned made her cry even harder; the painful sobs returning.