In the darkness, Niles turned onto his side and pulled the comforter closer to his body, grateful that sleep had finally found him. For hours, he'd tossed and turned,
thinking about what he'd lost and what a fool he'd been to let her go.
"Oh my love... I'm so sorry." He whispered. "I only hope you know how profoundly sorry I am and can forgive me some day."
Suddenly he felt movement, signaling that he wasn't alone. And he was filled with unimaginable relief. For the woman he cherished so deeply had returned.
"I love you so much, Sweetheart." He said; his heart warming at the thought of her lying next to him. He moved closer to her, unable to bear being apart from her no
more.
He wanted to stay like this forever; even longer if that were possible. For with her by his side, he didn't need anyone else.
As if by fate, she sighed and put her arm around him, drawing him even closer until it felt as though they were one. He took her hand and kissed it before drifting back to
sleep.
But seconds later, he opened his eyes. Something was definitely amiss.
He rubbed her hand against his cheek; his blood turning cold when he realized what was wrong.
He swallowed hard and daringly turned to face her. When she smiled at him, he froze in shock.
No...This can't be happening...
If he'd ever wondered if it were possible to hyperventilate in bed, he was about to find out.
When she leaned foreword and kissed him, he gasped, recoiling as he scrambled off the bed like a frightened cat.
"DEAR GOD!" He yelled; the words resonating in his ears like a gong.
For the woman lying next to him wasn't Daphne Moon at all...
It was Maris!