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Epilogue
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-08 01:49:53
Kaugnay na kabanata
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 2
Daniel and Deanna still had something to resolve. The room Emma occupied in their house had been meant for the child that refused to arrive. They had prepared it during the first months after the wedding, convinced it wouldn't take long, imagining what it would be like. And they had tried very hard, with the desperate eagerness of newlyweds; well, it had been the same when they weren't planning it yet. But now they had added the excitement that in each encounter, life could be growing inside Deanna's womb.Apparently, even without being conceived, the child was already as stubborn as its parents. The first disappointments were mild; the first negative tests were dismissed with the promise that "next time, for sure." But after a while, they started to hurt more and more. What was happening? Everything was normal, doctors had assured them many times that there was no physical impediment in either of them; all the exams were excellent, all the results were more than fine, so why?Strange
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-08A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 3
Harry didn’t come for Emma that night, so the little girl ended up sleeping at her godfather’s house. Deanna watched as Daniel settled her into bed—tucking her in, covering her, and placing her favorite dolls by her side. His face was troubled; it pained him to see the little one being shuffled from one home to another, from one pair of arms to the next, as if she belonged nowhere. It reminded him of his own children.“It’s just not the same,” Deanna whispered.How did she do it? She had this uncanny knack for reading his thoughts.“Harry is taking this way too far. I don’t understand why he won’t let Laura go—Emma doesn’t deserve any of this.”“He’s doing what he can, Daniel. And Emma’s fine; she’ll always be cared for by all of us.”“I met you because of her,” he said, gently stroking the little girl’s soft head.Daniel had no idea that his goddaughter was nothing more than another pawn in her mother’s desperate game. Deanna had wanted to explain it to him countless times—when she s
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-09A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 4
Fortunately, when they were alone in their room, they could forget about the problems and fears for a while. There, away from the kids and in the privacy of their space, Daniel let himself be cuddled and held. Gone were the old insecurities that had driven them apart so many times.Deanna had thrown herself into family life, trying in her own way to build a stronger foundation this time. Daniel, on his end, had learned to tame his demons.The passion was different, but no less intense. At one point, they tried figuring out the exact days when they had the best chance of conceiving that child they both longed for; but Deanna grew tired of it quickly—it killed the excitement of sneaking off to the office to kiss and touch each other like two teenagers; of slipping away to their music room, where he’d undress her against the wall, or those quick encounters on the kitchen table when the kids weren’t home.Daniel never got tired, never got bored, never stopped being surprised; she still dr
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-09A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 5
Apparently, the issue Daniel was dealing with at work was serious, because it was becoming a habit for him to get home after dinner. But he never mentioned anything to Deanna about it. Usually, if the day had been rough, she would bring him a coffee or a dessert to his home office while he kept working late into the night. And while he muttered and cursed under his breath, she’d read in one of the armchairs, half-smiling.She always had to convince him to stop for the night and go to bed—otherwise, he’d end up dozing off in the chair. But as the days passed, he stopped bringing work home and instead stayed longer at the office. Sometimes he’d come back after they’d already finished dinner, and other times well into the night. He’d ask her to pick the kids up from school, and that’s when Deanna knew it was going to be a long day for him.That morning, she woke up alone in bed and panicked. She checked the clock—almost 4 a.m. Where was he? She went downstairs, nervous. He never came hom
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-11A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 6
“Come on, Deanna, we’re here to create, to reinvent ourselves… to make art… Sacha’s dying for you to sing with him again,” Leonard pleaded.“Believe me, I want to go back, but things have gotten a bit complicated with Emma visiting all the time.”“You can’t spend your life babysitting that viper. I know you love the girl, but you have to think about yourself too. It’s been over a year since you last stepped on a stage. At least think about it—Feni won’t ask you to go on tour. We can do a season right here in the city. You know Marcus is probably drooling at the idea of you performing again at the Ambassador.”“I really want to go back…” Deanna confessed with nostalgia.She was dying to sing again, to continue her training with Sacha, to stand on a stage once more. But she also wanted to be at home, pick up the kids from school, and take care of Emma.“You know I’ll help you, even if it means I have to play babysitter,” Reed said, still trying to convince her.“I’d love to see that! Al
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-11A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 7
Another morning Harry didn’t wake up at home. Another morning Emma woke up at Daniel’s place. It was becoming a habit; it seemed like the little girl lived with them, not her parents. And Laura never even picked up the phone to ask about her—she always waited for Harry to go get her.Deanna was starting to get fed up with that kind of behavior. Were things really so bad that they forgot they had a daughter? The truth was, the situation was quickly getting out of hand, and no one said a word. Not even Camila.To make matters worse, that weekend the kids were going to spend time with their maternal grandparents, which meant the girl would be left without her playmates. Deanna tried to reach Harry several times that morning, but he never answered.“I can’t believe he doesn’t even care to check on his daughter!” she said, raising her voice when another call attempt went unanswered.She was outraged—sick of them neglecting Emma like that. Daniel just looked at her, saying nothing, holding
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-11A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 8
When Harry finally showed up for his daughter, it was Daniel who handed her over. Deanna was too angry to see him; she felt like if she did, she’d explode. She watched him get into the car and buckle Emma into her seat through a window. A few years ago, they would’ve argued endlessly over far less than this. Now she just watched him leave.Was he really that alone? Her old college friends still messaged her, inviting her to sing or to attend one of their performances, and they always asked about him. He had walked away from everything—even old friendships.The anger faded when the heaviness set in. She had everything it took to free him from that situation. She had the words to pull him out of misery—but the consequences Laura threatened were too much. She was sure he wouldn’t choose freedom over his daughter. Otherwise, he would’ve done it long ago. But she couldn’t find peace. She had to find a way to help him. There had to be something she could do without the result being losing E
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-11A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 9
Leonard wasn’t going to sit around and do nothing.That Monday, he went looking for Camila at the Club—the same one Alice used to frequent, the one he hadn’t stepped into in twenty years. Even though they were family, their relationship remained tense and distant; Camila still thought the worst of him, and Leonard couldn’t stand her. But they had learned to be “cordial” with each other—though not without the occasional glare of disgust.For Leonard, this was personal—because of how she’d treated Deanna—and for Camila, it was pure loathing. That’s why every head turned when Reed confidently slid into the seat across from her. Everyone knew they couldn’t stand each other. The moment she saw him, Camila’s face said it all: disgust.“Camila, darling, what a coincidence! How have you been?”“What are you doing, Leonard?”“I saw you and wanted to say hello. Don’t tell me that bothers you.”“Of course it bothers me,” she replied under her breath so no one else could hear.She was visibly unc
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-12
Pinakabagong kabanata
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 22
But first, Charles had things to discuss with Daniel. The Crusher patriarch had long since retired from the business world, passing the baton to Daniel, but that didn't mean he was out of the company. He still hung around from time to time, ready to act, as he had done when some partners had abandoned them at Reed's instigation.Every so often, he received reports and endless accounting lists. He killed time that way, entertaining himself by reading numbers. But one of the balance sheets caught his attention: there was a bank account that did not belong to any official company expense, nor to suppliers or customers. It was in a woman's name, and every two weeks a significant sum was deposited into it, with the transfers signed by Daniel himself.Perhaps a little upset by his younger son's situation, perhaps remembering the mistakes of his older son, he became so concerned that he asked him to lunch to discuss “important matters.” And of course, Daniel rearr
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 21
Breaking the news to Daniel was going to be a challenge. She left the theater feeling confident, happy to the core for Leonard, excited like a little girl with a new toy.But the screams coming from their room could be heard by the children downstairs.“That old bastard! With my sister?!”“Don't get angry... They're in love...”“Susan is in love with him?! Please, Deanna!”“Hey! You're talking about my father!”“I don't want to argue with you about this... It's unacceptable.”“What? Unacceptable? They're two adults, Daniel. Susan doesn't need to ask you or anyone else for permission to live her life.”“We know what Reed is like! Do you think he'll change just like that? He'll be back to his old ways overnight!”“That's not true! He's been behaving himself for a long time! Give him a chance...””Leonard?! With my s
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 20
He wanted to forget everything, he didn't want to think about anything else, just be with his family, with Deanna. He spent those two weeks spending time with her, accompanying her to the theater, watching rehearsals, taking her out to dinner. They even escaped for a weekend out of town. “I need to spoil you,” he said to convince her to leave the kids with Susan.And so they went out that Friday night for dinner. He knew how to flatter her. They drove all night to the little cottage; they had breakfast under the trees in their bathrobes, listened to music, and relaxed in the evenings after giving in to their desires.It wasn't hard for Daniel to fall in love with his wife all over again every day, or for Deanna to melt at his thoughtful gestures and attention. Despite the routine of married life, the house, and the children, he planned to court her forever.The season premiere was approaching, and once again the theater began to take on a life of its own.“You don't understand, I don'
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 19
When Leonard finished reading the folder his assistant had given him that afternoon, he stretched out on the couch, closed his eyes, and sighed. The woman in question didn't have much to say, but she did have a direct connection to Crusher.Daniel was already back home. The scare was over.“I'm going to take a break from rehearsals and stay with you...”“No, of course not, I'm fine.”“And how do I know you won't go back to work like a madman?”“Don't you trust me?” he said, feigning indignation.“Let me think... No!”Alone, in the privacy of their bedroom, with the house silent, they were themselves again. Embraced on the bed, talking and feeling each other's warmth. That was when they could relax and leave all their worries behind.“It scared me so much, Daniel...”“I know, I'm sorry,” he apologized, squeezing her waist a little tighter.“Take a few days off.”“That's the idea, I'll let Harry take care of things for a few weeks.”“Really?”“I want to stay with you, here, with the kid
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 18
Deanna settled down next to him, watching him sleep. She thanked God a thousand times for still having him with her. She asked that please this not happen again, that please he not leave her alone.Leonard returned with a change of clothes for his daughter. She gave him what she was wearing and asked him to please go to sleep, that whatever happened she would call him. Daniel had not woken up, apparently he was going to sleep for all those hours he had stayed up working.“You always take care of us,“ Deanna said with gratitude in her voice.“I don't take care of him,” her father replied, with a gesture of annoyance.“Yes, you do.”He kissed her on the cheek and left. He was heading out the main entrance when he felt something hit his knee, Daniel's coat folded in one arm. He reached in and found Deanna's phone. “That's not going to help her call me,” he thought. But there was something else besides the phone, a piece of paper.Could it be his daughter's too? He opened it, it was folde
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 17
“Where did they take him?“ asked Deanna, as she jumped out of bed.“Hudson Hospital, wait for me,” replied Leonard.But Deanna didn't wait for him; she ran out in her slippers, grabbing the overcoat Daniel had left on a chair and the car keys. “Deanna! Baby!” Leonard shouted into the phone.Deanna couldn't hear him, the phone remained in one of her pockets, but Leonard could hear the car engine starting.“Shit!” exclaimed Reed, raising his arms. He went out to the street to get a taxi. He was closer to the hospital, he'd get there first. He'd better not die, bastard! Two more seconds and he could have let out all that pent-up desire he had to beat him up. And to top it all off, Deanna had left in a hurry, he hadn't had time to explain anything to her. “As if he deserved it, the bastard! He doesn't deserve anything from her!” he said out loud, the taxi driver only watched him in the mirror. Deanna was driving fast. What had happened? God! Please let him be okay! She ended up running
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 16
Once again, she had dinner alone with the kids. This streak of bad luck didn’t seem to want to end. She understood that his responsibilities could pull him away sometimes, but all these last-minute emergencies and late arrivals were starting to really wear on her.What was driving him crazy—or rather, who—was sitting right across from him.A small café, tucked away, discreet. Her green eyes were watery again, and her voice was trembling.“You can’t do this,” Daniel said quietly.“I don’t have a choice,” the woman replied.“But…”“I can’t live hiding forever. I know I shouldn’t have done it, I know I made a mistake, but I can’t take it anymore… Especially not now.”“Leaving won’t solve anything… Please…”She looked at him with sadness, but she’d made up her mind.“I’m going back to my parents, I’ll find another job; I know I can do this on my own.”“What happened? What changed?”“Everything changed… I’m leaving in a week.”“You’re rushing this. Let me fix it.”“You can’t fix it. Are yo
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 15
“What did that snake want? She’s got some nerve coming all the way here,” Leonard asked.Laura ran out of the dressing room. Leonard had a knack for scaring her off.“Just to complain about what you did with Camila,” Deanna said.“Aha! Looks like your mother-in-law heard… Good, good… With any luck, she’ll finally do something about it. She’s spent way too long pretending nothing’s wrong.”“I don’t know, Leonard…” Deanna didn’t look like her usual self.“What’s wrong, baby?” he asked, concerned.“Nothing… I’ve just got a headache,” Deanna replied, rubbing her forehead.“You’re stressed, Deanna. Want to take a few days off? I can talk to Sacha, give him a call. Stay home,” Leonard offered.“No, no… I’ll be fine.”Deanna looked at him closely for the first time since he’d walked in; he was dressed to the nines, in a brand-new suit, his hair carefully styled and a noticeable scent of cologne. She forgot all about Laura and her threats.“Where are you going?” she asked, eyeing him suspicio
A Wife For My Brother Epilogue 14
Even though she had her in-laws on her side and knew they would pressure Harry to leave her, Laura still wasn’t at ease. Her limits were slipping. She had been so obsessed with chasing after that woman that she had completely forgotten about Deanna and Leonard. If they spoke out, she’d be cornered—and if Charles found out, he’d move heaven and earth. They wouldn’t give the child to Harry, but they would give her to them. It was the same thing. She could go against Harry, but not against Crusher Sr.The threats toward that woman intensified—more violent, more aggressive. She didn’t just call her anymore—sometimes she waited for her outside work, shouting at her in the street. Unlike Harry, and to her misfortune, the woman had actually fallen in love. So much so that she put up with everything in silence, lowering her head.Many times, she had tried to end things with Harry. Long stretches passed where they were apart. She wouldn’t see him or answer his calls.That’s when Harry started
