CHAPTER 171: THE UNCERTAIN PROMISE

Daniel squeezed her hand, his eyes pleading. "I understand. Take the time you need, but please, don’t shut me out. Let me be there for you." Juliet nodded, though the uncertainty in her heart remained. "I won't shut you out, Daniel. I promise." He gave her a small, hopeful smile and kissed her forehead gently. "Thank you, Juliet. That’s all I ask." They sat there in silence for a few moments, holding hands, both of them lost in their thoughts. Juliet’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions, torn between the stability and love Daniel offered and the undeniable pull she felt towards Caleb. As Daniel stood up to leave, he gave her one last, lingering look. "I’ll be downstairs if you need me." Juliet nodded, watching him go. Once the door closed behind him, she let out a deep sigh, her heart heavy with indecision. She knew she had to make a choice, but the path forward was anything but clear. Juliet sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts drifting back to the past, to that fateful day wh