Daphne sighed as she looked out of the window at the cars rushing by. She was lost in thought, oblivious to the world and to the fact that her husband was speaking to her. That is, until she felt his fingertips on her cheek.
"Daphne?"
She turned to look at him. "What?"
At her unintentional harshness, his smile disappeared. "I was asking you if you enjoyed the opera."
"Oh, yes I did. It was… nice." She lied, praying that he'd believe her. But as always he saw right through her.
"Daphne, you're not still thinking about that damn engagement ring, are you?"
"Well, wouldn't you be? It's wrong, Niles, giving a woman an engagement ring that was meant for someone else! I mean, how you think I would feel if you gave me an engagement ring that you had bought for another woman?"
"That will never happen." He said, almost too quickly in an obvious attempt to reassure her.
"How can I be certain?" she asked, wishing she'd never said anything at all.
Again he was smiling. "Because you're the only woman for me."
The words were meant to be a compliment, but she flinched as a memory flashed before her. And then she said the words that she could never take back.
"What about Maris? And Mel?"
He turned to her, the smile and the color draining from his face. And for a split second she feared that he might faint.
"Niles?" She cried, shaking him lightly.
"Niles, I'm sorry-I… Niles, please!"
But he remained silent until they arrived home. As they pulled their car into the parking garage, she silently prayed for him to talk to her; to say something… anything. But still he was silent. The silence followed them into the house and up the staircase, lingering as they showered (individually), and got ready for bed.
Daphne climbed under the covers, burying herself into the down comforter, while she dampened her pillow with tears. She was almost asleep when she felt him climb into bed and draw her into his arms.
"I'm so sorry, Niles." She whispered. "I'll never mention Maris or Mel ever again. You're the only man I'll ever love."
He drew her even closer, his nose pressed against her hair where he inhaled deeply. "I'm sorry too, Daphne. And I love you so much. Always and forever."
THE END