Chapter Ten: Consequences

"I'm Amanda Clarke."

Those three simple words hung heavily in the silent air between them waiting to be caught. But Daniel could not move, could not speak. In an instant, he was transferred back to the horrible moment on their wedding night when he realized Emily had been lying to him, playing him for a fool. Except this time, there was nothing to cloud his judgment, and he now realized those lies which seemed colossal at the time, only played a minor role in the greater lie. Emily Thorne did not exist. Not in the way he knew her, at least. The poised and controlled socialite, whose entrancing eyes and graceful smile had captivated him from the start, was not real. This particular revelation seemed to strike Daniel as the most devastating of all.

It was easy, really – stating one's name. Or at least it should be. Though Emily whispered her loaded admission in one short breath, it left her feeling the need to gasp for air. Certainly, she had admitted her real identity before, but it was harder this time. Maybe it was because more was at stake, more to lose. Jack, her childhood friend and love, was seemingly obligated to forgive her transgressions, but Daniel was a different story. His aghast stare of disbelief was almost suffocating.

Nothing was ever going to be the same again, not between them. Daniel would never be able to look at her with the same eyes that loved Emily Thorne, loved the woman he thought he knew. He could only love the part Emily allowed him to see though. Her amnesia had granted him a wider glimpse, but still managed to protect the darkness of her childhood and the vengeful choices she made as a result of that darkness. Emily wondered what he was thinking right now, wishing he would say something... anything.

Daniel blinked several times, his head spinning with the devastating truth swelling his mind. He swallowed hard, the saliva in his mouth seeming non-existent. Emily's eyes were full from the brevity of her confession, her expression strained as she waited for him to reply. Tears had even seeped onto her cheeks. Real tears, he suspected. Not the false ones she must have feigned for his benefit in days gone by. "Daniel, please say something," She finally requested in a soft breath.

He did not speak though, but rather pivoted and moved a few steps past the doors to take a seat on the sofa. Burdened, he exhaled and leaned over to rest his face in his hands which he pressed against the bridge of his nose. Daniel closed his eyes in thought, but soon re-opened them, lowered his hands and looked over at Emily. "You're Amanda Clarke," He restated as if to validate it.

She nodded slightly. "That's right."

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because...what you were saying earlier... about being a coward..." Emily whispered, pursing her mouth while settling it within herself – who she was, what she had become. "Maybe I've been one too." Daniel furrowed his brow, obviously needing further explanation, but Emily decided it was best to show him instead. He watched warily as she retrieved a wooden box from the kitchen table, returning a second later to somberly hand it over. She then took a seat in the plush chair across from Daniel who was now eying the double infinity symbol swirled across the wooden lid.

"What's this?" He questioned with intrigue, opening it.

"My father made it for me in prison," Emily explained as Daniel began to examine its contents. "Those journals... restored my faith in him, and... left me a road map to the people who destroyed him... destroyed us."

Daniel looked up at her regretfully, it finally hitting him what it truly meant for her to be Amanda Clarke, what it meant she must have endured at the hands of his parents and their co-conspirators. "My family," He exhaled in realization. Now, it suddenly made sense. "So that's what this has really all been about... you seeking retribution for the past?"

The dark glint in Emily's eyes only confirmed his suspicion, causing Daniel to lightly scoff and look away in reflection. "My mother always said there was something about you that just wasn't... quite right." He released a breath through his nose, feeling like an idiot. "But I would defend you, you know... I would... I would tell her she was wrong. I would make excuses for your illusive behavior, try to ignore all the mysterious phone calls and... hours un-accounted for... Now it all make sense. You were busy keeping the biggest secret of all." Daniel looked over at Emily again to find her stoically receiving his harsh assessment. "Does she know who you really are?"

Emily drew long breath. "I haven't given her an opportunity to confront me, but... I'm pretty certain she's figured it out."

If Victoria did know, or at least suspect, she had not shared her suspicions with him. Daniel felt certain it was yet another deliberate omission on her part, but his mother's actions were not on trial at the moment. A new thought struck him then, and Daniel apprehensively tilted his head in question. "Wait – my father's conviction... was that because of you?" Emily closed her eyes in affirmation, one of her proudest moments suddenly evoking a hint of shame. "My God," Daniel breathed, shaking his head. "All these things that have gone wrong the last few years... they were at your hands, weren't they?"

"Daniel -"

Casting the Infinity Box to his side, he abruptly stood and walked a few paces towards the kitchen, anger brimming. "This is insane."

"Daniel, I know this sounds extreme, but if you would just read these journals -"

Rotating sharply on his heels, he extended his arm, pointing for emphasis. "Reading those journals is not going to erase what you've done... the lies you've told!" Daniel spat, silencing her. "You've been playing me from the minute we met." Emily wanted to respond with rebuttal to discount his accusations, but nothing was going to suffice at the present time. Daniel had every right to be furious with her, and she was more than prepared to bear the consequences.

He paused, studying her unflinching figure. "Your amnesia... now that was a joke on both of us, I guess," Daniel chuckled sardonically. "Talk about the blind leading the blind." He shook his head, disgusted by her actions, but even more so, by his own stupidity.

"Losing my memory was inadvertently one of the best things that ever happened to me," Emily softly replied, standing as well and walking over to where he stood. "For the first time since I was nine years old, all the pain of the past was gone." Her eyes danced vulnerably between his, uncharacteristically vying for Daniel's compassion.

Inevitably weakened, Daniel averted his eyes, sighing. "Look, I'm not denying what my parents did was unforgivable, but you can't play God with people's lives."

Emily bowed her head, allowing Daniel this time to sort through his emotions rather than trying to justify her choices. "I know I've not given you any reason to believe this, but... I really am so very sorry for hurting you."

No longer able to avoid her chocolate pools which were calling to him, Daniel slid his eyes back over to Emily's, seeking confirmation of her genuineness. They matched her voice, gentle and open. Daniel swallowed again as she modestly continued, "It's why I chose to leave in the first place. I was going to let all of this go, but... when I found out I was pregnant, it reminded me of who your mother really is... what your family is capable of... and... that I owed it to my father to finish what I started."

Daniel rolled his tongue against the interior of his cheek, trying to come to terms with what Emily was saying. It made sense it theory, but her betrayal itself felt crushing to his heart. He shrugged in defeat, shaking his head. "What do you expect from me, Em?"

Emily raised her brow, exhaling as she attempted to find the right words. "I expect you to be angry... furious... I expect you to feel betrayed." She nodded to herself, wetting her lips. "But I hope -" She paused, her emotions threatening to take over again. Emily looked up at the ceiling as tears welled in her eyes, causingDaniel to narrow his brow at the unusual display. Exhaling, her eyes returned to his. "I hope...you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive me someday... because I really do love you, Daniel... And I love our baby."

Daniel stared back at Emily, contemplating whether or not he believed her. Like an undercurrent, his heart was always pulled towards her, but his mind remained on steely guard. And as the two forces strongly fought against each other, Daniel felt conflicted. He gave his head a small shake, turning from her. "How can I even be sure the baby's mine?" He solemnly questioned, glancing over his shoulder once finished.

Stung, Emily closed her eyes, Jack's previous offer immediately coming to mind. It really would be so easy. She supposed she deserved this, deserved Daniel's doubt. It was hurtful, but she had suffered far worse. "I haven't been with anyone else, Daniel," Emily answered honestly without defense. He could not resist looking at her again after she replied with the exact words he desired to hear. "But if you would like me to get a paternity test, I'll do that for you."

Daniel paused again. He wanted to believe her. There was such sincerity reflecting in her eyes, in her voice. He shook his head, ill-equipped to make any decisions right now. "I need time to think... about everything."

With that, he left Emily to stand in the haunting silence of the beach house, her refuge. She knew better than to go after Daniel, respecting his need to process the reality which had come crashing down upon him without warning.

The following day, Emily ran her hand along the smooth surface of the Stowaway's bar top with fondness, the familiar establishment still empty due to the early hour. "Jack?" She called and he appeared from the back room a few moments later, his gladness to see her apparent in the expression lighting his face.

"Emily – hey."

She smiled, warmed by his innate goodness. "Do you have a minute?"

"Sure," Jack nodded, leading her out onto the deck. Noting her somber countenance, he had a sinking feeling Emily had decided to decline his offer, but said nothing and waited for her to speak instead.

She stared beyond at the docked boats on the water for a time, considering her decision once more. "I want you to know how much it means to me that you gave me another chance," Emily began, turning her head to cast a purposeful gaze in Jack's direction. They had never really addressed the tension between them preceding her shooting, how angry Jack had been with her and rightfully so.

Jack was keenly aware of what Emily was referencing and appreciated the acknowledgment, albeit belated. "When you were shot and lost your memory... I realized that I had been holding onto all that anger and pain... taking it out on you. It wasn't fair." He furrowed his brow in genuine remorse. "I'm so sorry."

"I'm the one who's sorry," Emily whispered. "You've lost so much, and... it's my fault." Jack shook his head dismissively, but she was not swayed. Looking downward at her rounded stomach, she was reminded of what she had come to say. "Your offer yesterday was so incredibly generous... but I can't accept it."

"Why?"

She sighed, her brown eyes fluttering upwards under her lashes. "Because I can't let you live another lie because of me. You deserve so much better than that, Jack." It was the truth. He did deserve so much more than she could give him, and Emily refused to perpetuate another lie at this expense, no matter how much he thought he wanted it. In the end, it would be the wrong choice for him, for all of them.

"You love Daniel," Jack surmised, looking off. When would he finally learn, he chided himself – finally learn to let her go?

Emily gently pressed her palm to his cheek, requesting his attention. Startled by her touch, his blue eyes darted at her. "I love you too much to let you do this."

Deep down, Jack believed Emily when she said she loved him. It was a different kind of love than what he felt for her, but he could take comfort it, make peace with it. He sighed, eventually nodding in concession. "Thank you though," Emily wistfully added as her hand fell to her side. "It's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me."

Jack's mouth curved upwards as he leaned over to kiss her cheek. When he pulled back, they shared a look of an understanding. "Have you decided what you're going to do?"

Emily released a heavy breath, sitting down on the wooden bench attached to the deck railing. "I told Daniel the truth."

"About the baby?" Jack clarified, joining her.

"About everything."

One positive aspect of Victoria's preoccupation with David Clarke was it meant she was not residing at Grayson Manor, but rather in New York with him, which in turn, afforded Daniel the solitude he so desperately needed. Spending most of the night tossing and turning with images of Emily flashing in his head, he was taking a rather slow start to his day. It was nearly noon, but he remained in a gray T-shirt and sweats, nursing a cup of coffee and staring at his laptop screen.

Tapping the small arrow key beneath his fingertip, he scrolled through picture after picture taken of Emily, or of the two of them together, pondering his abundant foolishness. Daniel stopped at the image taken of her on a swing during their Voulez wedding shoot and absently flexed his fingers in thought. Emily had been the very essence of perfection that day. Actually, she had hidden the truth so beautifully along. He had gotten it right the first time though when he defined her as a fantasy. The problem was, Daniel managed to fall for that fantasy not once, but twice.

Having walked along the beach to reach the imposing mansion, Emily presumably crossed the patio and entered its open doors into the living room. Her eyes immediately noticed the vacant walls where prized paintings once hung, not to mention the sparse furnishings. All that was left in the room was one sofa and the dining table along with its accompanying chairs where Daniel was seated. He looked up to cast a blank glance her way before returning his attention to his laptop. Still not used to seeing Emily's pregnant form, the sight of her stirred a mixture of emotions Daniel was not prepared, nor willing to act on yet.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you'd been robbed," Emily observed, her eyes trailing around the sprawling room.

Daniel was not amused by her light commentary. "What's left of the furniture will soon be auctioned off. Everything else has already been liquidated." He closed his laptop, adding an arrogant grin. "Job well done on your part, huh?"

Emily took his snide quip in stride, keeping her tone light. "But Voulez is doing well, yes?"

"Yeah, but it's not enough to keep this monstrosity afloat. Grayson Manor officially went on the market today." Daniel brought the coffee mug to his lips, sipping at it.

"Daniel, I really am sorry for how my actions have impacted you," Emily winced in remorse. "I was never trying to hurt you."

"Of course not," He patronized, setting his mug down and propping his arm on the back of the chair. "I was just a mere casualty in all of this, wasn't I?"

"That's not true," Emily quietly insisted, lowering her chin.

But Daniel only continued to pontificate cutting remarks as he reflected with a waft of his hand. "I guess it was rather inconvenient for you right before our wedding when I started thinking with my own mind instead of letting you control everything?"

"Daniel, I know you're angry -"

"Angry?" He retorted, giving his head a shake. "Nah, Em... angry doesn't quite cover it." Emily slid her tongue across her lower lip with fallen eyes. This was worse than she thought it would be. What did she expect though? She had seen Daniel mad before, but she hoped he might cut her some slack, given the circumstances. Then again, Emily had to acknowledge she was asking a lot of him to simply accept the truth and move forward as if nothing had happened.

Daniel rose from his seat then, walking closer to where she stood. "I just found out that the woman I have loved for the past three years doesn't exist... that our entire relationship, all of it... was just one big lie."

Something in his tone had changed. There was defeat in it, a rawness which caused Emily to look up. "It wasn't all a lie," She fervently whispered. Daniel looked on at her, silenced by the tender conviction in her eyes. Emily gave head a shake, keeping her gaze steady. "Not with you."

Daniel's defenses began to lower for a moment, the gentleness of Emily's heartfelt words penetrating his resolve. He wanted to believe her. Perhaps, a little too much. Swallowing the lump forming in his throat, he averted his eyes. "I told you I needed time, Emily... I mean – Amanda."

"You can still call me Emily, Daniel," She softly encouraged, drawing a breath. "And I know you said you needed time... I intend to give it to you."

Daniel lifted his shoulders, slightly perplexed. "Then why are you here?"

"Because... I need you to do me a favor."

"A favor? I should have known," He lightly jeered, moving a few feet away. "You're not here out of concern for me. You want something."

Emily regretfully shut her eyes. "I didn't mean it like that -"

Daniel spun back around, his frustration level rapidly rising. "Why would you possibly think I would agree to help you?"

"Because you know what your parents did to my father was wrong," Emily calmly replied, catching him off guard. "And I believe that you want to make it right in any way that you can."

"Daniel?" David greeted, a bit surprised by the young Grayson's visit to his hotel suite.

"Mr. Clarke," Daniel returned, forcing a polite smile as David welcomed him inside. Encountering Emily's father with the knowledge of her real identity, made for an uncomfortable situation. Of course, David was none the wiser.

"Daniel," Victoria chimed as she strode into the living room, pleased to see her son. "What brings you to the city?"

"I actually have a present for Mr. Clarke."

Victoria cocked her head with intrigue as Daniel removed a folded piece of paper from the interior pocket of his jacket. David shared in her inquisitive expression as Daniel handed it to him. Unfolding it, David quickly scanned it, looking up a moment later with a forming smile. "My beach house?"

Daniel nodded. "The owner is my ex-wife, and... well, she wanted you to have it."

"You've spoken to Emily?" Victoria questioned, her tone wary.

"Yes. She's back in town," Daniel lightly smiled, finding enjoyment in watching his mother squirm. Victoria narrowed her eyes in displeasure, inwardly panicking. If Emily were back, then it was only a matter of time before she revealed herself to David.

David was oblivious to the mother – son exchange as he re-read the recorded document deeding his beloved home back to him. "That's very generous of her. What would make her do such a thing?" David asked, trying to make sense of the selfless gift from a woman Victoria claimed to be evil.

"She was very close to your daughter," Daniel carefully replied, not yet wanting to reveal his knowledge of the newly discovered secret. David nodded with saddened eyes, the mention of his departed daughter clearly a painful subject. "I can take you there now, if you like," Daniel offered, thinking it was likely to be a rather long car ride.

David paused in consideration. "Yes... yes, that...would be nice." He looked over at Victoria in after-thought, the underlying tension between them ever present.

"You go on," Victoria nudged, forcing a contrite smile. "You deserve a night to yourself in your own home." She hated exposing David to a situation she could not control, but knew she must concede in order not to arouse suspicion. Things had been difficult enough between them despite the fact he had professed his love to her.

Of course, Emily had anticipated this in advance, had gambled on the hand Victoria would play and chosen this tactic in order to temporarily free David from her claws. Only Daniel had direct access to him though, which is why she had enlisted his help. Thankfully, he had agreed.

Emily's plan had worked two-fold, Daniel noted and smiled to himself in satisfaction. It was then he realized that in spite of everything, he was still rooting for her.

"How does it feel to be back in the Hamptons after all this time?" Daniel awkwardly questioned, briefly shifting his eyes from the road ahead to glance at David in his passenger seat.

"Strange, actually," David reflected under his breath, looking out the window. "In a way, time stood still all those years in prison, and yet... it didn't." He drifted, not wanting to dwell on the past or provide additional details as to his whereabouts the last ten years. "So, this Emily... will she be at the beach house when we get there?"

"No... she... wanted to give you space." It was an understatement, but was the most neutral response that came to Daniel's mind. He did not want to lie to the man who was already devastatingly betrayed at the hands of his parents, but Daniel also felt it was not his place to tell him the truth about Emily either.

"I'd like to meet her."

"I'm sure that can be arranged," Daniel managed, inadvertently gripping his fingers tighter around the steering wheel.

David looked over at Daniel in observation, trying to better assess the product of obscene wealth and social status, not to mention ruthless parents. He certainly seemed kinder than Conrad, but remained guarded nonetheless, and for what reason, David was not certain. "You two... are on good terms, I take it?"

Good terms was not exactly an accurate representation of their relationship. Daniel lifted his brow. "Let's just say... it's complicated."

Mild amusement glossed over David's face as he turned back to the passing road. "It almost always is... Your mother said some things about her -"

"My mother and Emily have never gotten along," Daniel was quick to interject. Whatever Victoria had told David, it no doubt cast Emily in a negative light, and he instinctively felt the need to defend her.

"I'm more concerned with what you said earlier, Daniel... about her being close with Amanda. Just how close were they?"

"I think you better discuss that with Emily, sir," Daniel respectfully declined, glancing at him again.

David gave a nod of acceptance, silence falling between them. Though Daniel's eyes never left the road again until they reached the beach house, he sensed David's pain lurking below the surface as they drove closer and closer to his past, and he could not help feeling sympathetic towards the grievous father. Unbeknownst to David, his daughter was alive, but it did not erase the years of turmoil and isolation unjustly inflicted upon him.

Emily left the beach house well lit in preparation of their post nightfall arrival, and once there, Daniel escorted David inside. He remained a few paces behind though, watching as David reverently took in his surroundings. "It almost looks exactly the same," He admired, walking further into the living room and opening the side doors to allow in the breeze.

"I'll let you get settled," Daniel suggested, following him and stopping in the doorway where David now stood. He extended his hand. "Welcome home, Mr. Clarke."

David accepted it with a warm upturn of his lips. "You can call me David."

"Well then... welcome home, David," Daniel amended, smiling a little.

Across the vast expanse of the night, Emily stood on Victoria's balcony with Nolan at her side watching the scene occurring on the beach house porch. "Daniel working with you? Mmm – who would have thought?" Nolan purred over her shoulder.

Emily's lips curled into a contented smile as she rested her hands against the ledge. "I suppose there's a first time for everything." She slowly turned, brushing Nolan's arm with her own as she went inside. He followed a step behind, both soon descending the curved stairwell to the first floor. Daniel met them on the patio a few minutes later, assuming they had witnessed his recent parting with David. "How's my dad?" Emily immediately asked, anxious for additional details.

"I think he's glad to be home," Daniel reported, his eyes fondly washing over Emily. The short amount of time spent with David had clearly shifted his perspective, though he remained cautious.

Emily returned the sentiment, grateful for what Daniel had accomplished on her behalf. "Nolan, would you mind giving us a minute?"

Nolan smirked, noting the nonverbal exchange between the former spouses. "I'll wait in the car."

They watched him leave and now alone, Emily turned back to Daniel with a breathy smile. "Thank you for what you did tonight."

He nodded, opening his stance in the direction of the ocean. "Your dad, he's..." Daniel stopped, trying to find the proper words to describe the man who was truly a testament to endurance. "He's special... Just like you told me on our first date." Emily frowned, finding the reference bittersweet. "You need to tell him the truth, Emily," Daniel gently insisted, looking over at her. "He needs to know that his daughter is still alive."

Emily was the one to nod this time, her mouth creasing in the corner. "It's next on my list," She whispered, her eyes falling from his.

"Good."

"I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow at nine," She continued, retrieving the small appointment card from her pocket and passing it to Daniel. "Since I'm switching OB's, they're going to do a sonogram," She gingerly explained, not wanting to make him feel pressured. Emily shrugged. "You don't have to come, I just... thought you should know."

Unsure of how to reply, Daniel merely nodded in return. In his eyes, Emily could see him struggling with everything he had learned in the last twenty-four hours, and she did not want to push him any further than she already had. Daniel would come around in his own time. "Good night, Daniel," Emily softly bid, leaving him to his thoughts.

"You sure you don't want me to go with you?" Nolan asked, slowing his new Bentley to a stop in front of the beach house.

Emily looked over at him appreciatively. "Thanks, but I...I need to do this on my own."

Nolan nodded, his mouth curling into an encouraging smile. "I'll see you back at the house." Emily opened the passenger door, pausing momentarily to glance back at him in rare apprehension. Nolan gave another nod of affirmation which Emily reciprocated, convincing herself she was ready for what was coming next. After all, she had unknowingly been waiting twenty years for this moment.

After habitually pouring himself a glass of scotch, Daniel climbed the rear stairwell and wandered out on his mother's balcony in hopes of clearing his head. The cool ocean air caught his face, it's refreshing breeze creating the perfect setting. His eyes could not help from drifting to the beach house shining like a beacon in the night, calling to him. It symbolized the unequivocal hold Emily seemed to have on his heart, the way she called to him.

Her figure appeared from the darkness then as she climbed the porch steps with the intentions of seeing her father face to face. Daniel smiled to himself, proud of her and peaceful with the fact he played a small role in making their encounter possible tonight. Digging his fingers into his pocket, he retrieved the small appointment card Emily had given him earlier to momentarily review it. Clutching it in his hand, Daniel's eyes returned to the beach house.

Emily's heart threatened to pound out of her chest when she crossed the threshold. David was seated on the sofa staring at the crackling fire, but sensing someone's presence, slightly flinched and looked over at her. "I'm sorry to disturb you," Emily found herself saying, feeling as though she were in a daze. "Daniel said I should stop by."

David rose, quickly piecing the information together. "You must be Emily," He assumed, adding a bit of a smile. Emily only stared at him, still somewhat in shock over the fact her father was actually standing before her. "I don't know how to thank you for your generosity," David continued, walking closer. "Is there anything I can do to repay you?"

Emily hesitated, disappointed he did not seem to recognize her. David squinted his eyes, becoming puzzled by her noticeable silence coupled with the way she was curiously staring at him. Picking up on his suspicion, Emily wet her lips with the stroke of her tongue and drew a breath. "Uh, no... please, I'm... I'm just happy to see you back in your home."

"I... I didn't realize you were expecting," David nervously commented, gesturing to her waist.

Lost in the moment, Emily's reaction was delayed. But she soon recovered and looked downward with a small smile. "Oh... yes... two more months."

"That's exciting...Congratulations."

"Thanks," Emily breathed, feeling awkward as well. For David, it was because he thought they were strangers, but for Emily, it was because she held the knowledge they were quite the opposite.

"Daniel mentioned things were complicated between you two," He tentatively inferred to which she raised her brow in agreement. "I hope you two can work things out."

Emily nodded, biting her mouth. "Me too."

"Listen, he uh... he said that you and Amanda were close."

"She was like a sister to me," Emily softly confirmed, thinking of the woman who needlessly died in her arms. "I would have done anything for her."

"That's much more than I can say for other people... people I thought would have protected her."

"Victoria?" Emily presumed, but David shook his head slightly, worrying he had said too much. "Nolan?" She then guessed, reading between the lines.

David exhaled at her perceptiveness. "My daughter was owed a great deal of money. It's obvious from how she lived that... she never saw that money."

Nolan had kept his promise though. He had done much more than that, and Emily was not about to allow her father to think otherwise. "I know this may not make sense right now... but nothing is as it seems," Emily reasoned, her voice low. David turned away at her words, processing them. He seemed unconvinced, but why wouldn't he be? He deserved the truth – the whole truth, not some modified version she concocted to protect him or to protect herself.

"I know for a fact that Amanda never stopped thinking about you... and that her biggest regret was never telling you in person that she believed in your innocence." Emily released a shaky breath, staring at David's back a few feet across the room. "It was my biggest regret," She amended and watched as his body stiffened in response. He shifted his head to the side, listening intently. "And now you're here, and I can tell you... and I'm not going to let anyone keep us apart again."

Slowly, David turned around to face Emily whose eyes were now brimming with tears, silently pleading with him to recognize her for who she really was – his daughter. Narrowing his eyes in observation, he closed the gap between them. "Amanda?" He whispered, stunned and hesitantly pressed his palm to her hair for a fatherly touch.

"Dad," Emily quietly confirmed, tears running freely down her cheeks.

Astonished, David immediately pulled Emily into an embrace, wrapping his arms fiercely around her. She gasped against his chest, clinging to the sense of security instantly found in his arms as if no time had passed. And yet, so many years had. This climatic moment was surreal, but somehow equally clear. David and Amanda Clarke were finally home again.

"Will the baby's father being joining us?" The ultrasound technician innocently inquired, smiling at Emily as she fiddled with the equipment.

Emily leaned back against the elevated examination table, masking her disappointment. "Uh...no... no, it's just me." She forced a smile of her own, reminding herself she had done this alone until now and she could certainly continue. Nolan had dutifully offered to stand-in, but Emily declined. She had made her choices, and she was going to see them through regardless of the outcome.

There was a light knock on the door then, Daniel's face peering around a moment later. "Am I too late?" He asked with a sheepish expression.

Emily smiled in relief as he crossed the small room. "Not at all. You're just in time."

"Perfect timing, indeed," The technician echoed, rolling on her stool closer to Emily. "The father, I take it?"

Emily looked up at Daniel, wondering if he were still unconvinced the baby was his, or if he had only questioned it in the first place to be hurtful. In actuality, it had been a bit of both. Since then, he'd had time to think, and although Daniel still felt betrayed and had an endless amount of questions for her, he could not deny what he knew in his heart to be true. He was going to be a father.

"Yes," Daniel affirmed, staring back at Emily as he took her hand in his. "I am."

A/N: Hello, my fellow Demily shippers! As always, I want to apologize for the delay in this update. I moved this past week which only impaired my writing time even more than usual. I hope you enjoyed this installment. I tried to make it a bit longer this time, but also felt like I crammed a bunch into it so I do hope it made for an ok read. :)

Thank you SO very much for the outpouring of support on the last chapter! Your kind words were extremely encouraging, and it made me really happy to know that the Demily fandom has continued despite the conclusion of the series. I'm so thankful "Revenge" is living on through fan fiction, and your support means more than you know. Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter, if you wouldn't mind.

Side note for "Beyond the Elevator" readers: The next chapter is underway, and it is my plan to have it completed and posted soon. Thank you for patience. :)

Much love,

Only Hope-7 XOXO