Passion Renewed

Chapter 80

Melanie

As Daniel returns to the table and takes his seat across from me, my heart sinks at the sight of his troubled expression. I take a sip of my coffee, trying to steady my nerves as I prepare for the difficult conversation ahead.

"Would you like anything to drink?" I ask softly, attempting to break the tension that hangs heavy in the air. We can signal the waitress."

Daniel shakes his head, his eyes downcast. "No, thanks," he murmurs. "My stomach's in knots. I don't think I could drink anything right now."

I nod understandingly, a pang of guilt twisting in my chest. "I hate seeing you like this," I confess softly. "I wish there was something I could do to make it easier for you."

Daniel looks up at me, his eyes filled with sadness. "There is," he says quietly.

My heart sinks at his words, knowing what he's going to say next. "Daniel," I begin, my voice trembling slightly. "I don't want to get back together."

His face falls, and he looks away, blinking back tears. "Is there someone else?" he asks, his voice barely a whisper.

I shake my head adamantly. "No, there isn't," I insist, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

Daniel's shoulders slump in defeat. "There has to be," he insists, his voice breaking. "I know you, Melanie. And I know you wouldn't end things with me unless there was someone else waiting in the wings."

I sigh, frustration bubbling up inside me. "I'm not with Marcus," I say firmly, meeting his gaze head-on.

"But you will be," he insists, his voice tinged with resignation. "If you're not already."

I shake my head, feeling a surge of frustration rise within me. "No, I won't," I declare, my voice firm with determination. "And it doesn't matter anyway."

Daniel shakes his head, tears glistening in his eyes. "But it does matter," he insists, his voice trembling with emotion. "You would be mine if it wasn't for him."

I feel a surge of anger rising within me. "You can't blame Marcus for our breakup," I retort sharply. "That's on you, Daniel, not him."

He hangs his head, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. "I know," he admits, his voice barely audible. "But you won't even give me a chance to make things right."

I'm taken aback by his words, a pang of guilt stabbing at my heart. The truth is, I haven't given Daniel any opportunities to correct his mistakes. Instead, I just ran into Marcus' arms not even a week after our breakup.

"I'm sorry, Daniel," I say softly, my voice filled with remorse. "I haven't been fair to you."

He looks up at me, his eyes filled with hope. "But I can change," he insists earnestly. "My therapist showed me the errors I made in our relationship, and I want to make them right."

I'm speechless, stunned by his sincerity. Could Daniel really change? Could we have a future together if he did?

But then I remember all the times he's promised to change in the past, only to fall back into old patterns. Can I really trust him this time?

"I don't know, Daniel," I say finally, my voice wavering with uncertainty. "I need time to think."

He reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. "Please, Melanie," he pleads, his eyes searching mine desperately. "Don't shut me out. Give me a chance to show you how much I love you."

I feel a tear slide down my cheek as I look into his eyes, seeing the depth of his pain and regret. Can I really turn my back on him now, when he needs me the most?