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?"

let go of her hand, feeling his heartache intensify

catching in her throat as she spoke, "Sienna

her from being targeted by criminals and facing a brutal

into

"Sienna accused me

you two to be together. But I'm terrified at the mere

losing her.

bear the burden of being a wicked mother who ruined

his lips

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

He understood Shelly's concerns,

the thought of ending

He couldn't bring himself

Daniel's silence, Shelly knelt before him again. "Daniel, I'm begging