Chapter 47: Niles


Niles couldn't sleep. He wondered how Daphne went with Donny earlier that evening. Thought about what Frasier was going to do tomorrow.

What would happen if everyone's stories didn't line up?

Daphne should be fine, she can always deny it, say she didn't know. But Niles knew he couldn't very well say there was nothing there, if his brother was going to say the opposite. And he couldn't expect anyone to lie for him, really.

And what if it was true? What if my infatuation with Daphne did destroy my marriage?

It wasn't fair to Maris. She wasn't easy to live with, but they had managed to do so for several years just fine. But Niles truly didn't know if he could have kept it up long term. A lot of what made it easier was her overall indifference to Niles, and his access to her money. It allowed Niles the freedom to keep to himself; to do what he wanted, essentially. He was able to settle, and be comfortable.

Until I met Daphne.

Niles knew he wasn't truly happy in his marriage and relationship, even before he met Daphne, but it was easier to pretend. Before Niles discovered that he could feel something more. Want something more. Daphne seemed to unlock something within Niles that even he wasn't aware was missing. He changed, bit by bit, just by being around her, as Niles realized that he enjoyed the feelings that Daphne awoke within him, not even knowing how it was possible one person could make him feel so alive, so happy. So in love.

Was that so wrong?

Maybe. Previously, Niles let her roll over him, allowed Maris to do whatever she wanted without consequence, regardless of how that affected him. But the more time Niles spent around Daphne and his family, the more what Niles had with Maris didn't seem like enough anymore. He started to push back, again and again, wanting Maris to give him something more; be a bit more affectionate, a bit more present in their lives. Niles just wanted Maris to act like they were a partnership – a marriage – rather than just two people living separate lives, side by side.

And in the end, what broke our marriage?

Niles didn't want to apologize for being upset and worried when Maris went missing. She disappeared for a week without telling him. And it really hit Niles hard when he realized how far gone things were when it took him three days to notice Maris was actually gone, and not just ignoring him. That in itself felt unforgiveable. Maris acted as if Niles wasn't a consideration in her day-to-day life. And if Niles was honest – he knew he wasn't.

I tried, I really did. All I wanted was respect. To be treated as an equal.

While Niles fought, as hard as he could to try and repair what was broken with their relationship, Maris seemed to be doing just fine without him around. But now, when he had finally given up, Maris was making existence as difficult as possible for him again. Niles knew that this divorce was barely a blip in her life. It continued, unaltered, while his was in pieces around him. Maris didn't once reach out unless there was something she could gain. He knew this, to his core.

But Niles still couldn't shake the fact that he was unfaithful, at least emotionally, for the last four years. That Maris may have noticed his interest in someone else, and because of that, it created cracks that couldn't be repaired.

Niles finally fell asleep, still feeling guilty and conflicted. When he woke the next morning, he decided to come clean to Donny. To tell him that yes, he was in love with Daphne. Had been for years. And while he didn't think that it affected his marriage, Niles couldn't say with 100% confidence that it didn't contribute.


Urinal cakes.

Niles shook his head, still in disbelief. Maris' family wealth was made through urinal cakes. Turns out he really didn't know his wife. Ex-wife. The divorce will be final within a couple of weeks.

After Donny had told him about what he had found, Niles knew he had something valuable. All it took was one phone call to Maris, and everything came toppling down. To keep the source of her wealth secret, Maris had agreed to finalise the divorce and financial settlement without further delay. It was more than Niles would have ever expected. After the call, Niles spent the better part of the day in a meeting room, signing page upon page of non-disclosure agreements, divorce papers and other legal documents. And just like that, his life with Maris was untangled and he was free. It would still be a couple of weeks before everything was signed off and finalized in full, but for all intents and purposes, he was divorced.

And the world didn't end.

That was the biggest thing. Niles always thought that this divorce would leave him completely destroyed, losing everything. But, in the end, he gained so much.

Niles didn't get to see Frasier or Daphne after his call with Maris, and he was eager to update them. Niles tried calling Daphne next, but her cell went to messages.

No matter, I'll see her later.

He called Frasier.

"Frasier, it's Niles."
"Niles, Donny said you and Maris were coming to some sort of agreement. Is everything okay?"
"More than okay. Pop open the champagne, we've got a divorce to celebrate!"
"Oh Niles, that's fantastic news! Hold on a moment, let me tell Dad..."

Niles could hear Frasier telling their father in the background, when he thought of something.

"Is Daphne with you?"
"No, I haven't seen her since this morning at Donny's office. Why?" Frasier, as usual, was suspicious.
"I wanted to let her know today's outcome and to thank her for coming in for the deposition earlier, but her cell phone is turned off."
"Well, you'll see her later at my place for dinner. Listen, I'm heading to Nervosa shortly, I'll meet you there in about an hour?"
"Sounds good. I'll see you then, Frasier"

Niles met Frasier at Nervosa. He was giddy, and couldn't help but let his absolute joy bubble over. Niles had never felt so free, and found himself waxing lyrical about the scent of coffee, the blueness of the sky, the warmth of the sun. Frasier was slightly irritated at Niles' over-the-top attitude, but was still extremely happy for his brother. They sat with their coffees, as Niles finished explaining his victory.

"...And I never dreamed I would get a financial settlement like that, either." He smiled, grateful for his brother. "Frasier, thank you again for convincing me to see Donny."
"Thank you Niles. I'm-" Frasier looked pleased with the praise, before noticing something. He suddenly looked worried. "Well, let's not forget Roz's part in all this."

Niles shrugged, a little confused Frasier was wanting to share the praise.

"Well, it doesn't matter who played what part. I'm just glad it's all over. I'm now free."

Niles turned to flag down a waiter, and that's when he saw them enter together. Niles then understood why Frasier didn't want to take all the credit after all.