Sometimes love appears in the most unexpected way and through the most unexpected person. For Daniel, life at 40 is a routine split between his three children and his role as CEO of the family business. His wife's death left him immersed in sadness, creating, over the years, a cold shell around him. Deanna has a normal life, working part-time and studying at the University of Arts because she wants to achieve her dream: singing in the opera. She's just one year away from finishing her degree when her friend Harry desperately asks for her help. An old family rule prevents him from marrying his pregnant girlfriend. To do so, Daniel, his brother, must marry first. To help solve his problem, Daniel and Deanna agree to fake a relationship and marriage. They're so different that attraction becomes inevitable. He finds in her the warmth that was missing in his life, and Deanna finds love after a disastrous breakup. Finally, Daniel can have a family again. But there are many hidden interests seeking to separate and drive them apart. The journey is difficult; they must face not only third parties who will complicate things but also their own fears and insecurities. It's not easy to balance a 15-year age gap. But the heart has reasons that reason itself will never understand.
View MoreDaniel was waiting for her standing as she returned after her "show." She walked as if nothing had happened, slightly out of breath and trying to fix her hair."Come with me," he said in a restrained voice."Where?""Just come."She followed him until they left the ballroom into an empty room with stacked tables and chairs."What was that?" he asked, closing the door behind them."What was what?" Deanna crossed her arms."That... 'show' with Harry," he pronounced the word 'show' as if it burned his tongue."We were just dancing," she replie
The wedding reception was at the same hotel where the brides had gotten ready. A grand decorated ballroom, tables arranged around a dance floor, and a head table where the four newlyweds would sit. A grand event for what was supposed to be just a family dinner.Gradually, people filled the place, greeting the parents of the newlyweds. The two couples arrived a bit later; Deanna insisted on just making a quick appearance, and Daniel agreed because he couldn't stand being the center of attention."Deanna! That was beautiful," Susan exclaimed."Thank you.""Really wonderful. Did you know she could sing like that, brother?""No, I didn't," Daniel replied while Deanna blushed.
The invitations were sent, all services and the church were booked. Everything was ready, waiting for them. Only Laura's dress was missing; two weeks was too little time to find the ideal one, much less have it made. But it was enough time for Deanna to find hers, which turned out to be very similar to the style her favorite soprano had worn in her day.A white dress, off-the-shoulder and form-fitting, but with draped fabric in the skirt. Nothing spectacular; the simpler, the better. She wasn't supposed to be the star that day - Laura was - and achieving that would take more than just a dress. She'd need help from a few more people.The guests would be family members from both sides, closest friends, and of course, several university classmates - something she was counting on. Deanna loved Harry and Laura dearly; they were like siblings to
There was a chance that Laura and Harry could have the wedding they deserved. What did she have to lose by trying?"Actually, Laura, I was thinking... how about a double wedding?"Laura looked at her, very surprised."Double?""Yes. Why not? You and Harry are planning to get married too, right? We could do it together."Harry knew Deanna and understood what she was planning."Deanna's right, we can do it together. It would be wonderful!""No, no, no, there are too many things to prepare and it's impossible in two weeks. Besides, it's too soon for you to get married, Laura," Laura's mother p
Finally, the day of the family introduction arrived. Deanna's stomach was in knots, and she hadn't been able to eat all day due to nerves. If she made it through tonight, Harry and Laura could start their life together; if she failed... well, they still could, but she'd be in for a miserable year.Daniel, on the other hand, felt confident about what lay ahead. If he showed any weakness, he'd have to put up with his mother's constant meddling throughout the marriage. That couldn't happen - not only was his brother's wedding at stake, but also Deanna's well-being. She had put so many important things on hold to help them, and he felt compelled to protect her somehow.The gathering was set at Daniel's parents' house. Laura's parents and some close family members would be there too. Daniel had insisted on keeping it a simple, intimate dinner. E
It would be best for the children to meet Deanna at their house, on their own territory so they wouldn't feel uncomfortable in public. But before that, he sat down with them to assure them that what their grandmother had told them wasn't true; he explained to the older ones that they hadn't known about her before because he needed to be sure things would work out. Perhaps when they were a bit older, he could give them the real reason.Daniel wasn't sure if little Jonathan had fully understood the situation; he was the one who worried him most of the three. Ethan had no complaints about it, telling his father it was his decision and he respected it. Naomi, being shyer, assured him there was no problem and that she hadn't listened to the things their grandmother had told her. Both children trusted their father, but they also didn't dare to contradict him.To try to make the meeting more relaxed, they invited Susan, Harry, and Laura. Maybe, surrounded by their aunts and uncles, they woul
Camila had gotten ahead of her son and spoken with her grandchildren about what their father was planning to do. Daniel was furious - this was something that only he should have done. But Camila was very worried about the decision he was about to make and wanted to warn her grandchildren. Things were getting a bit out of control."What did you tell my children, mom?" Daniel's jaw was clenched."That you're about to do something crazy and bring a woman into your house who's barely old enough to be their mother.""I should have been the one to talk to them about this, not you.""They're my grandchildren, Daniel." Camila straightened in her chair, every inch the family matriarch."They're my children, and no one can interfere with my decisions or how I raise them, much less get ahead of doing something that's my duty."Camila didn't have bad intentions; she was distressed about all the scandal that was about to unfold. Daniel Crusher married to a young woman who clearly only wanted his
The atmosphere became a bit tense and Daniel simply looked to the side. He wanted her to leave already. During their date, he had strongly disliked her attitude and was annoyed by her conversation topics - she kept asking about his children. It was a vulgar way of showing her interest in Daniel, using his children to get to him."I was telling Mary it was you and she wouldn't believe it. What would Daniel Crusher be doing with a young girl in a place like this?" And she turned to look at Deanna."Hello," Deanna said, but she didn't respond. She was waiting for Daniel to explain."Is this your style now?" That was very rude of her."Excuse me, but I can hear you too." Lynda looked at her."And who are you?""I'm Deanna, nice to meet you.""Hi, and you are...?""Daniel's fiancée." Lynda laughed.The situation was escalating. She was trying to belittle her with absolute brazenness and being rude, she didn't even know her. What kind of person was this woman?"That's right," Daniel said."
But before the family meeting, Daniel needed to make sure his future wife passed "quality control." He was very aware that Deanna wasn't used to moving in his social circles, and although he cared little about that, he knew his family would notice the smallest detail.So he talked to Harry and asked him to let Deanna know they'd be having dinner alone."Why don't you call her yourself?""Because I don't have her number.""You should have asked for it when you took her home, brother.""I didn't think it necessary. Call her for me and tell her I'll pick her up at 8."It wasn't the first time he'd gone to dinner with a woman, nor the first time he'd picked one up at her home. However, like the day he met her, Daniel again had this strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. But this time, since they were going to a nice restaurant, he went back to his usual three-piece suit. The vest was always a must in his suits, which set him apart from other businessmen with his elegance.Deanna had t
Deanna wasn't at all happy with what Harry was proposing. He had to be crazy to come up with such an idea."What you're saying makes zero sense. Did you hit your head before coming here?""I know, but we need your help. I don't know who else to ask."Harry's girlfriend, Laura, wasn't saying anything, but she was getting more nervous by the minute.Their situation wasn't good - they were still in school, they were young, madly in love, but they'd been careless. Laura had confirmed her pregnancy just three days ago."I get where you're coming from, Harry, but no one's going to buy it. Your family doesn't even know me.""But I talked to my brother and he agreed. Please Deanna, help us."Laura finally spoke up, her eyes full of tears."We wouldn't ask this if it wasn't so important to us. Our families are really strict about this stuff. They won't let Harry marry me if his older brother is still single. And my family won't let me keep the baby unless I'm married."Seeing Laura so distress...
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