Marry Me.

Chapter Six.

I retreated to the sanctuary of my study, a heavy heart weighing me down. The argument with Daphne reverberated in my mind, the hurtful words exchanged a painful chorus. Regret surged through me, a tidal wave of remorse for the love I had hidden and the pain I had inflicted upon her.

Sitting at my desk, I picked up a pen and a stack of parchment. I knew mere words could never fully convey the depth of my regret, but I had to try. I needed to bridge the gap that was growing between us, to let her know the love that had been buried under layers of uncertainty and fear.

With each stroke of the pen, I poured my soul onto the paper. Apology after apology flowed from my heart, each letter filled with genuine remorse and declarations of my love. I confessed my anxieties, my doubts, and the overpowering emotions that had clouded my judgment. My heart was bared on those pages, my vulnerability laid bare, hoping that my words could somehow mend the wounds I had inflicted on the woman I held dear.

Days morphed into weeks, and the letters piled up, each one a plea for forgiveness and a chance to make things right. But as time passed, a growing ache settled within me—the realization that my apologies remained unanswered, my entreaties left hanging in the air.

Daphne's silence cut deep, a reminder of the pain I had caused her, a reflection of the distance I had placed between us. I hadn't meant for this, for the silence to stretch on. But now I understood the weight of my actions, the impact of my indifference.

Day by day, I yearned for a response from her—a glimmer of hope that she might acknowledge my remorse, that she would grant me an opportunity to redeem myself. But the silence persisted, a haunting echo of my own neglect.

In my solitude, I reflected on the moments we shared—the laughter, the fleeting glances, the warmth of her embraces. The memory of her joy, of the happiness we had created together, struck me with a force I hadn't expected. I loved her—undeniably and deeply.

With this newfound clarity, I realized I couldn't bury my love beneath the weight of expectations and tradition any longer. It demanded recognition, nurturing, and commitment. I had to reach out to Daphne, to break the silence that had become an insurmountable wall.

Summoning all my courage, I decided to confront Daphne, to lay my feelings bare and seek redemption. I made my way to the Laurier mansion, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and trepidation.

As I reached the grand entrance, a sight met my eyes that took me by surprise. Daphne stood before me, her gaze a blend of strength and vulnerability. It was as if the silence had changed her, transformed her into a woman who had found her voice.

"Nolan," she said, her voice steady yet tinged with sorrow. "Your letters—they reached me. I read every word."

Hope ignited within me, a flicker that seemed to brighten the room. "Daphne, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I love you, more than words can express. Please, give me a chance to make things right."

Daphne held my gaze, her eyes a mix of pain and determination. "I've been silent, Nolan, because I needed time. Time to understand my own heart and whether I can forgive the pain you've caused. Love isn't a game, and we can't ignore the hurt we inflict on each other."

Her words struck me like a blow, the weight of my mistakes settling fully upon my shoulders. Love wasn't just passion and desire—it demanded understanding, trust, and the willingness to heal wounds.

She stepped closer, her tone softening. "But Nolan, I've also come to realize my feelings run deep. I love you, but I can't dismiss the pain you've caused. We need to rebuild trust and open communication to move forward. Only then can we hope to build a future together?"

Gratitude and determination surged within me. I had been given a chance, a second opportunity to mend the fractures I'd caused, to learn from my mistakes, and to treasure the love that had taken root between us.