The clock had long slipped past midnight when Daniel finally stood outside Elise’s apartment door.
The corridor was hushed, the kind of silence that only fell deep into the night — soft, heavy, and fragile. Somewhere down the hall, a light flickered, humming faintly against the still air. Daniel drew in a slow breath, feeling the weight of the conversation pressing against his ribs.
This was something Isabella must never hear. Whatever truth needed to be spoken tonight, whatever wounds it reopened — their daughter would not be part of it.
He lifted his hand and knocked, just once, softly. He knew he didn’t need to do more. Elise would be awake. She always waited when he said he needed to talk.
The door opened after a moment, spilling a warm light into the hall. Elise stood there barefo
