Chapter 17: Niles
Niles stared down at the unsigned papers in his lap, and gathered his thoughts. He felt guilty that he left everything out like that. Niles had completely forgotten about them when Daphne arrived. Niles couldn't blame her for looking; the documents were right there, she knew what was going on. He would have most likely – no, definitely – would have done the same if the roles were reversed. He just wasn't sure how he could convince her what he was trying to do. Niles wasn't even sure what he was trying to do. He glanced up at her. Daphne was sitting on the couch, her face blank, waiting patiently.
"Um, I guess this might be a little hard to explain. But I'm going to do my best."
Daphne didn't say anything, her face remained stony.
"So. Maris and I have been married for... just over 11 years now. As you know, she comes from money - a lot of money. So, naturally, before we wed it was expected that I sign a prenuptial agreement..."
Niles commenced; detailing the pre-nup that he was bound by. How he was young, and naïve, and in love, not questioning how unbalanced the terms he willingly agreed to were. That regardless of how the marriage ends the pre-nup was worded to leave him very little – anything he earned or accumulated during their marriage likely to be split in Maris' favor; while there were no downsides at all for her.
He was a coward; Niles didn't think he was happy – not for many years – but fooled himself into thinking he was. He stayed; not wanting to be divorced before he turned 40, having to start over financially and socially, feeling like he failed. Niles risked losing so much, and didn't think he would gain anything by leaving. The last few years of his marriage was rough as Niles slowly became more aware that his love for Maris was not as strong as it was - if love was even there at all.
Knowing Maris had more influence and status than he did; leaving would be a death sentence to his current life. How Niles had hit his breaking point several times over the years, but each time went back to her. Niles questioned whether he could have done more, if the issues in his marriage were his fault. Questioning if he could have done more to help Maris with her problems; if he had failed as a husband, as a psychiatrist.
Their separation was due to Niles finally taking a stand and refusing to back down. That while it was tough, he had wanted to push for a chance for their relationship to be salvaged. He cared for Maris still – she was a major part of his life – but being apart from her made Niles realise a lot of things were broken, that they couldn't fix them without some sort of counselling. How he wondered if he only want to save his marriage because he didn't want to have wasted 15 years of his life.
But no progress on their marriage had been made since they separated. Niles knew that something had to be done, and today pushed Maris for a decision.
"...So, during lunch today, I told Maris we must do counselling, or the marriage is over. Less than two hours later, she had divorce papers served."
Daphne spoke for the first time since he started opening up.
"But you're not going to sign them. You're still pushing for therapy."
"I don't know. Honestly, I've never felt so unsure about anything before. A week ago, I know I would have been practically begging her to take me back. But now..." Niles trailed off. He briefly wondered if he should mention how he felt about Daphne.
No, not like this. It'll just add another layer of confusion and emotion to this mess.
He sighed.
"This whole thing is a shock. As you can see, I've made many starts on that letter. I think it's a way of trying to sort my feelings out."
Daphne looked around at the crumpled paper. She picked one up and smoothed it out, reading what was written. Niles sat there, watching her read. He knew some of his earlier drafts has sounded more desperate – were more desperate, and he felt embarrassed by them.
"I don't know why I'm fighting so hard."
"I don't either. From everything I've seen or heard about Mrs Crane, she doesn't respect you." That statement hit Niles hard.
Was it that obvious?
Daphne continued, looking directly at him.
"It seems to me that Mrs Crane likes to control you. I was there when you first separated. She had you nearly beside yourself with worry – because she decided to go on a shopping spree on the other side of the country without telling you. And you were rightfully upset, but she turned it back around on you being at fault. Honestly, that always upset me - that she could treat you with so little regard."
Niles sat there absorbing what Daphne was saying.
"You're right. I am someone who hates change, hates confrontation. If I can do something to avoid it, I will. I guess that meant Maris could walk all over me."
Daphne re-crumpled the note in her hand and dropped it to the floor.
"I'm not sure if you want my advice..."
"I would welcome your input, Daphne." Niles looked at her, imploring her to continue.
"You essentially gave Mrs Crane an ultimatum today. She made a choice. If you try to negotiate, it'll send a message that you didn't mean it. She'll always push back because she thinks you are easy to manipulate."
Niles thought about it, silent for several moments.
"You're right," he said softly.
He stood up, and walked over to the table. Placing the papers down, he started signing them.
"Are you okay?"
He paused briefly, before continuing to sign.
"Yes. Deep down, I knew this was the only option." He finished and stood there, staring at the divorce papers before slipping them back into the envelope.
Daphne stood up and walked over to him. Niles turned to face her; she seemed to have tears in her eyes, which she blinked away. Daphne smiled at him.
"I'm proud of you, Niles."
They embraced each other, standing there for several minutes. Eventually, they parted.
"Thank you, Daphne. You were a great help."
Daphne looked surprised.
"I didn't do much, really."
"No, you did. Really. You helped me voice the feelings I had about the whole matter."
"Well, I'm glad I was able to help."
Niles looked around the room, suddenly feeling tired and drained.
"I'm sorry, I was hoping this night would have gone a lot better. Instead, it's been rather depressing."
Daphne took Niles' hands. He looked at her.
"It wasn't that bad. I had fun cooking with you. And dinner really was delicious. It may have been more awkward than we would have liked, but I'm glad I was able to help you work through the things weighing you down. We're friends, I'm always here for you."
Niles smiled at her, grateful for Daphne's presence in his life.
"Well, I'm feeling exhausted. It's been quite a day. Would you like me to call you a cab? Or, you can stay in the guest room."
Daphne kissed him softly.
"I'd like to keep you company tonight, if that's okay."
Niles looked at Daphne, feeling overwhelming love and gratitude for her in this moment. Still holding hands, he led her upstairs.
