Secrets and shadows

Daniel paced nervously in the living room of their spacious apartment, his thoughts a tangled mess as he prepared for the conversation he knew he had to have with Emma. She sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on him, a mix of confusion and anger in her gaze.

“Emma,” Daniel began, his voice wavering, “there’s something I need to tell you about my past. I did things… things I’m not proud of.”

Emma’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of things, Daniel?”

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “Years ago, I was involved in some… financial schemes. I manipulated the stock market to make a huge profit, which resulted in the collapse of a company. Many people lost their jobs, their livelihoods.”

Emma’s eyes widened in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

Daniel looked away, guilt washing over him. “I didn’t want to burden you with my mistakes. I thought I could handle it on my own.”

She shook her head, anger clear in her voice. “You should have told me. We should have faced this togeth