---- Chapter 10 Three days later, Gerard and I stood outside the law firm. The place was swarming-reporters, influencers, all waiting with cameras ready. "Mr. Busch, is it true you caused your daughter's death?" "Sources say your father kicked you out-care to comment?" "After divorcing Danielle Astor, are you planning to marry Peggy Madoff? Do you think you were a decent husband? A decent dad?" Gerard tried to speak, but nothing came out. He glanced at me like I'd save him. I didn't move. Just stared straight at his flashy suit. ---- Seven days. Nadine had only been gone a week, and he was already dressing like he had something to celebrate. Gerard lowered his head, yanked off his jacket, and clutched it like it could save him. He pushed past the cameras and stopped in front of me. For once, he looked like he actually felt something. "Danielle, I didn't know Nadine was really sick that day. I'm sorry-I swear I didn't know. If I had... Inever would've..." He reached for my hand. I stepped back. There was a time I told myself -if he ever reached out on his own, I'd try. I'd find a way to love him. ---- Because you can't build a life on hate. So I tried. Hard. I played the perfect wife-quiet, kind, never hid our marriage. And what did I get? Labeled a mistress. Dragged through the mud. Gerard's hand fell, trembling. Regret and panic flashed across his face. He finally looked like he knew what it meant to lose me. "Honey..."' His voice cracked. I turned away. "Don't call me that, Gerard. It makes me sick." sek We signed the papers.