18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 642

Lillian's world fell apart, and you were nowhere to be found.

“I was pregnant, and you were absent.”

“I miscarried, and still, you were gone.”

The sound of a woman’s sobs and complaints pulled Daniel from his sleep. His eyes fluttered open, landing on the tear-streaked face in front of him.

Recognition dawned, and his eyes widened in shock.

She was young and beautiful, dressed in the latest Chanel, her makeup impeccable despite the tears threatening to ruin it.

She couldn't be more than twenty.

Daniel’s head pounded, the room spinning. How on earth did he end up here?

His children were grown, each one remarkable and striking.

But in a blink, he was back decades in the past.

Lillian gripped Daniel's arm, her eyes brimming with resentment and sadness, “Now, I'm getting married. I hope you'll stay away.”

The same words, the same scene, replayed from years ago.

Sunlight draped over him, casting a tall, lean shadow on the ground.

He lifted his hand, calloused but unlined by age.

Was this a deathbed delusion, or had regret dragged him back to his youth?

His daughter and son-in-law were thriving, his grandchildren well-raised; he should have no regrets...

But there was one: Stella.

Countless times he had reflected, if only I had been more attentive, Stella wouldn’t have grown up in that orphanage, wouldn’t have faced such hardships.

Lillian’s panic surged as he remained silent, fearing his persistence would reveal her secret to the Rileys. That revelation would not only cancel her marriage but also turn her into a laughingstock, and her family’s business would go bankrupt.

She bit her lip in silent determination, touching her flat belly, “I’m pregnant, and the child isn’t yours.”

Her words struck Daniel like a thunderbolt, shattering the confidence of his younger self.

The mission had been urgent and secretive, lasting a year. He hadn’t even healed before rushing to see her.

His work was demanding, indeed a hardship for her.

But before committing, he had warned her, and she claimed she could wait.

He had returned, with an engagement ring in his pocket.

But the answer he received was not the one he desired.

Self-reproach, reflection, begging for a chance...

But that was a past life. The present Daniel’s heart was still.

When he learned the truth, he felt resentment and regret but was mostly consumed by guilt.

Daniel took Lillian’s hand and methodically removed it from his arm, his calmness devoid of any emotion, “Alright.”

Her tears kept spinning, his decisive response leaving her stunned, “Daniel, I...”

She had fallen for him at first sight, passionate as a moth to a flame, believing love could conquer all, so she took the reckless leap.

Reality, however, dealt her a harsh blow, revealing her naivety.

Lillian’s family troubles, Daniel couldn’t solve.

His love for her changed nothing.

Lillian was heartbroken, and even as she spoke the words to end their relationship, her love for him persisted.

She could deceive others, but not herself.

She expected him to be devastated, to cling to her regardless of the consequences, to demand what happened, to promise to solve all her troubles, to never part ways, or at least to hold her tight. Instead, he was resolute.

His rationality was frightening.

Did he ever... love her?

Lillian’s pride was wounded, her anger flaring, “My family faced hardship, and when I needed you most, you were nowhere to be found.”

The past was smoke, and Daniel had no desire to listen or explain, “I’m sorry.”

He wanted to leave, to find his daughter abandoned at the orphanage.

Every second was precious.

This time, he wouldn’t miss out on her growth.

He would protect her, spare her the cruelty of their previous life.

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