In the moments before Richard is about to consummate his attraction to Nikki, he realizes how grave the loss of his wife and children would be, so he walks out on Nikki, musing that you can't choose who you love in life, but you can choose how you love. Richard returns home, surprising his wife, and they begin to rebuild a genuine rapport, with the possibility of good things to come.
Richard, before consummating his attraction to Nikki, realizes the devastating consequences of losing his wife and children, leading him to abandon her. He then returns home, surprising his wife, and they begin to rebuild their relationship with a genuine connection, potentially paving the way for positive developments.