Chapter Seventy Two

“No,” Daniel said firmly, his voice tinged with desperation. “I don’t expect anything, Tasha. I just need you to know the truth. I’ve spent these years pretending I was okay when I wasn’t. I couldn’t even bring myself to live in this house because it wasn’t home without you. Do you know how pathetic that feels? To have everything but still feel like you’ve lost it all?”

Tasha’s breathing quickened as his words struck a chord deep within her. She wanted to push him away, to walk out and never look back, but there was something in his eyes a vulnerability she had never seen before, that made her pause.

“I kept everything, Tash,” Daniel continued, his voice breaking slightly. “Your things, your memories... even this house. I kept it all because I couldn’t bear to let go of you completely. And now, seeing you again, being near you and... it’s brought everything back. I know I don’t deserve it, but I need you to understand that you’ve always been on my mind. Always.”

Tasha closed her eyes, trying to block out the intensity of his confession. She could feel her resolve crumbling, but the pain of the past still there like an open wound.

“Daniel...” she started, her voice soft but guarded. “I can trust you with something else, but i don’t know if I can trust you with my heart again. You hurt me more than anyone ever has.”

His expression turned anguished, and he took a cautious step forward. “I know I did, and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. But if there’s even the smallest chance—” His voice cracked, and he swallowed hard before continuing. “If there’s even a fraction of hope that we could rebuild something, I’ll fight for it. For You. For us.”

Tasha’s lips trembled as she struggled to hold back tears. She wanted to believe him, to let his words heal the pain she’d carried for so long. But the fear of being hurt again loomed large in her mind.

“I don’t have an answer for you, Daniel,” she whispered finally. “Not right now.”

She walked past him heading straight to the door...

Daniel nodded, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I understand. Take all the time you need, Tash. I’ll wait, no matter how long it takes.”

Tasha paused just outside the building, the cool evening air brushing against her face as she tried to gather herself. She didn’t want to look back, but the weight of Daniel’s words clung to her, making it impossible to ignore the man she was leaving behind.

Before she could take another step, Daniel’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“Let me take you home,” he offered, his tone gentle but firm.

Tasha turned slightly, her brows furrowing. “I can manage, Daniel. I know the way out of here, remember?”

“It’s late,” he said, stepping closer, his eyes earnest. “Please, I insist. It’s the least I can do and besides I brought you here.”

She hesitated, knowing full well that accepting his offer would only complicate things. But the thought of being alone with her swirling emotions felt even more overwhelming. With a resigned sigh, she nodded. “Fine. But no detours, Daniel.”

His lips twitched into a faint smile, though his eyes betrayed the deeper emotions he was holding back. “No detours. Just straight home.”

As they walked to his car, the tension between them was palpable. Daniel opened the passenger door for her, his actions careful and deliberate, as if afraid of pushing her further away.

Once inside, the silence was thick, save for the soft hum of the engine as Daniel navigated the streets. Tasha stared out the window, her arms crossed, unwilling to meet his gaze. She could feel him glancing at her occasionally, but she kept her focus on the city lights blurring past.

“I noticed you don’t live in the building anymore,” Daniel said after a few minutes, breaking the silence.

Tasha shifted slightly, her voice even. “Yes, I moved out. Didn’t seem right to stay there.”

He nodded, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. “I figured as much. I didn’t come back there either. Too many memories.”

“Memories you wanted to forget?” she asked, her tone sharper than she intended.

“No,” Daniel said softly. “Memories I couldn’t let go of.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken truths. Tasha didn’t respond, unsure of how to process everything he’d said that evening.

When they finally pulled up to her apartment complex, Daniel put the car in park but made no move to get out. Instead, he turned to her, his expression unreadable.

“Thanks for letting me drive you,” he said, his voice low. “I know I don’t deserve it.”

Tasha opened the door and stepped out, turning back to him briefly. “Goodnight, Daniel.”

He nodded, offering her a small, sad smile. “Goodnight, Tash.”

As she walked up to her building, Daniel watched her until she disappeared inside. He let out a shaky breath, resting his forehead against the steering wheel. For the first time in years, he felt like he was standing at a crossroads, uncertain of which path would lead him back to her or if it ever would.

***

Later that night, Daniel found himself at their usual bar. Stanley was already there, sipping his usual scotch as Daniel joined him.

“Long day?” Stanley asked without looking up, his tone familiar and knowing.

Daniel sighed, signaling the bartender for his drink. “You could say that.”

Stanley smirked. “Let me guess, Tasha again.”

Daniel gave a short laugh, shaking his head. “You always know, don’t you?”

Stanley leaned back, folding his arms across his chest. “I’ve known you too long to miss the signs. Let me guess: she’s still keeping you at arm’s length?”

Daniel stared at his glass, the frustration clear on his face. “Yeah. She’s built this life for herself, Stan. A good stable one. And then there’s Ethan, it pains me I'm not in it…”

Stanley raised an eyebrow. “Ethan, but he calls you Dad, and Tasha let him?”

Daniel nodded. “Yeah, he does. And every time, it feels like I’m being pulled deeper into something I can’t figure out, you know he calls Robbin dad also.”

Stanley tilted his head. “What’s there to figure out? You care about him, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” Daniel said quickly, his voice firm. “But there’s more to it. I know he’s Tasha’s son, but...” He hesitated, then sighed. “I can’t help but wonder after all this test, if he’s mine.”

Stanley’s gaze turned sharp, his tone more serious. “You still haven’t asked her, have you?”

Daniel shook his head. “No. And I’m not sure I ever will. What if the answer complicates things even more? What if he’s not mine, and I lose what little I have with him now?”

Stanley frowned, leaning forward. “Daniel, you’ve been in limbo for six years. That’s not fair to you or to Ethan. If there’s even a chance that he’s your son, you deserve to know. And so does he.”

Daniel’s jaw tightened as he looked away, his thoughts clearly heavy. “You think I haven’t thought about it? Every time I see him, every time he calls me Dad... It’s always there, in the back of my mind. But most times Tasha doesn’t want to talk about the past. She’s made that clear.”

Stanley took a slow sip of his drink, studying Daniel carefully. “Tasha’s a strong woman, but she’s not heartless. Maybe she’s just waiting for you to show her you’re ready to handle the truth.”

Daniel exhaled deeply, his shoulders slumping. “I don’t know, Stan. I’m trying to be there for Ethan, to give him whatever he needs. That’s all I can focus on right now.”

Stanley nodded slowly, his expression softening. “You’re a good man, Daniel. But don’t let fear keep you from finding the answers you need. For your sake and his.”

Daniel didn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the bar counter. Finally, he raised his glass. “Here’s to figuring out life, one mess at a time.”

Stanley clinked his glass with a small grin. “Damn right. And don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Always.”