As she lay back, absorbing the news, the door creaked open again. To her surprise, it was Daniel. His face was a cocktail of emotions—concern, confusion, perhaps even regret.

“Emma,” he said softly, stepping closer. “I’m sorry. I didn’t… I mean, I should have believed you.”

Emma looked at him, remembering the love they once shared, now buried under years of disappointment and miscommunication. She took a deep breath. “Daniel, I’m not the enemy here. I never was.”

He nodded, looking away for a moment. “I know. It’s just… everything got so messed up.”