The Wrong Woman

Daniel exited the ward and trailed behind Shelly as they headed downstairs and out of the hospital.

When they reached the car, walking side by side, Shelly suddenly stepped ahead of him and got onto her knees. Daniel was shocked. He hurriedly helped her to her feet and asked with concern, "Mrs. Lawson, what's wrong?"

Despite Daniel's efforts to help her up, Shelly remained on her knees. She cried inconsolably.

"Daniel, I'm kneeling to apologize to you. Please spare Sienna. I've already lost my husband. I can't bear to lose my daughter, too. How will I go on without her?"

Daniel felt a crushing weight in his chest. It was as if his heart had been struck with a heavy blow. Sorrow clouded his eyes, and tears reddened them.

"Mrs. Lawson, I'll do everything to fulfill your request, whatever it may be. Please, stand as you speak."

Shelly stood up and said, "Daniel! I want you to know that I do like you. But I can't ignore the fear that's been gnawing at me since you and Sienna started dating. Every day, I've been haunted by the thought of Sienna being in danger because of your job.

"And now, my worst nightmares have come true. Even though Sienna made it through this time, what about the next? Or the time after that?"

feeling his heartache intensify until it seemed almost

spoke, "Sienna

risks are unavoidable, but maybe not being with you could spare her from being

dissolved into

continued, "Sienna accused me of

be together. But I'm terrified at the

losing her.

bear the burden of being a wicked mother who ruined her happiness than seeing her life

his lips

his gaze drifting to the night sky. A sharp pain gripped his chest. Emotions tightened his throat

He understood Shelly's concerns,

of ending things

too much to bear. He couldn't bring himself to do it, nor did he

Shelly knelt before him again. "Daniel,