Chapter 10
The rain began to drum a steady, heavy rhythm against the glass skylight of the bookstore loft as Daniel sat quietly on the sofa downstairs. Sarah had reluctantly brought him a cup of black coffee before retreating to the back office, leaving the estranged couple alone in the quiet space. Amy sat across from him in an antique rocking chair, her expression carved from stone as she watched the flames dance in the brick fireplace.
"Vanessa was arrested yesterday morning for corporate espionage and financial fraud, Amy," Daniel spoke softly, staring down into his coffee mug. "I don't care about Vanessa, Daniel; her crimes were your business partner's problems long before they became police headlines," Amy dismissed indifferently. Daniel looked up, his eyes pleading for a shred of the unconditional grace she had showered him with for seven marriage years.
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"I built Harrison Freight Systems because I thought providing a secure financial future was the ultimate way to show my love for you," Daniel defended hoarsely. "No, Daniel, you built an empire because you were terrified of being ordinary, and you used me as an ornament to decorate your success," Amy corrected sharply. The brutal honesty of her words stung worse than any corporate defeat or federal investigation ever could.
"I want to be a father to this child, Amy; I want to fix this marriage if there's anything left worth saving," Daniel whispered, leaning forward with outstretched hands. Amy stood up slowly from her rocking chair, walking over to the small desk by the window where a thick manila envelope lay sealed. She picked it up, walking across the room to place it deliberately on the coffee table right in front of him.
