Another social event, with its protocols and formalities. Another reminder that she didn’t truly belong in that extravagant circle. Her confidence wavered under the pressure of making a good impression—because Daniel’s reputation depended on it. And Deanna had to meet the expectations to avoid tarnishing it.
“It’s like playing a role, just think of it as being in a play,” she told herself, trying to convince herself that, eventually, she would get used to this world. If only she didn’t have to go through everyone’s critical scrutiny. Not long ago, none of this had mattered to her—it made no difference, because it was supposed to end. He had warned her from the start: being married to Daniel Crusher came with a lot more baggage.
But now that everything had taken an unexpe
Leonard Reed, head of a multimedia conglomerate, was the owner of those dark eyes."Is that Crusher's wife?" he asked his assistant as soon as they walked in."Yes. She’s much younger than him. They got married not long ago."Reed knew all the gossip and rumors that had been circulating for months—his wife, Alice, had made sure to keep him informed of everything she heard. A younger woman, beautiful, a university student, and an opportunist. But seeing her in person was an entirely different experience. There was something strangely familiar about her, though he couldn’t quite place why. Maybe he had seen her at another event before, but he couldn’t remember.Reed was respected among his peers for his charisma and the impulsiveness that somehow always led to
Harry scanned the room, searching desperately for Daniel. He knew exactly what would happen the moment his brother realized what Reed was doing. But Daniel was nowhere in sight. Harry had to do something—he had to get Deanna away from that man, and he had to do it now.Yet, he remained frozen. His body screamed at him to move, but his mind held him back. Deep in a dark, unspoken corner of his thoughts—the place he didn’t dare acknowledge—he was waiting for Daniel to appear and let his temper explode. Because he knew his brother well, and his jealousy wouldn’t be directed at Leonard.Daniel, however, wasn’t in the ballroom. He was locked in an adjacent meeting room with his father, several board members, and the finance team, engaged in a heated debate. Of all nights, this had to be the one where they bombarded him with complaints
Leaving an event like that was a privilege only someone like him could afford—someone who didn’t care about gossip. He opened the door for her, letting her step out first, and then closed it behind them, leaving Camila standing there, caught between shock and indignation.He took her hand again as they crossed the lobby toward the elevators. He didn’t say a word, and Deanna didn’t ask. She simply followed. That seemed to be what he wanted—silence. She knew he was fighting a battle within himself.The ride to the top floor was just as quiet. He held onto her hand the entire time, not letting go until they reached his office doors. He pushed them open and stepped inside.“I’m sorry,” he said, leaning against the doorway.“Tell me
Daniel’s shadows lit up when he was alone with her.They didn’t go back home; the kids were staying with Susan again anyway. All those years he had spent alone after Emily died felt so distant now, as if his life had a gap where time had stopped and the darkness of grief had covered everything.Now, Deanna filled it all with her light.His office had once been his hideout, a place where his sorrow could consume him without anyone seeing. The entire top floor of the building belonged to him, fully equipped, even with a small room that was now empty and filled with old boxes."Your office feels like an apartment…" she murmured, glancing around."In a way, it was."They were lyin
Laura’s face was losing color as she listened to Beverly, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her dress.“Why are you telling me all this?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.“I’m not going to play innocent with you… That’s not my style. You know, like everyone else, that I’ve always been interested in Daniel.” She paused, watching Laura’s expression carefully. “You’re her friend, and I do feel for you, but it’s only a matter of time before your husband decides he can’t hold back anymore. At the office, he treats his brother with contempt—avoids him, ignores him. And for what? I don’t think it makes sense for them to be fighting over a woman.” She leaned in slightly. “Let’s be honest, Laura. You don’t want to separate from Harry
“Daniel’s wife is coming along with his daughter,” Lily’s mother told Alice at the salon, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret.“Really? The young one?” Alice raised an eyebrow, setting down her cup of tea.“I’m surprised he even let her go…”“Looks like his new wife has quite a bit of influence over him.” Alice smirked.By now, everyone had heard about what Leonard had done that night and how Mrs. Crusher had been completely “enchanted” by his shameless flattery.Alice saw an opportunity. Her youngest daughter was the same age as Naomi, went to the same school, and would be at the party too. Why not chaperone? She could get a good look at the gold di
"Thanks for coming with me, Deanna! I had the best time!""Yeah, sweetie… I’m glad." But her smile barely showed.Naomi frowned. "Are you okay?""Of course," Deanna said quickly. "Just a little tired… Your dad is probably waiting up for us."And he was. Daniel had stayed awake, waiting for them to get home. Naomi walked in, glowing with excitement, rushed to greet him with a kiss, and headed straight to bed. But Deanna… something was off.Daniel’s eyes locked on her. "What’s wrong?""Nothing. Let’s just go to sleep."But the night didn’t change a thing. During breakfast, while Naomi talked non-stop abou
Leonard couldn’t get her out of his head. He kept thinking about that sweet young woman who knew so much about music—the same music he loved. He envied Crusher’s luck. A woman with all those qualities was like finding a needle in a haystack.No matter what rumors were going around, that woman was no opportunist. She had her own sense of life and an appreciation for simple things.He had one of the university professors send him the videos from Deanna’s entrance auditions. He didn’t know her last name, only that she was Harry Crusher’s classmate, and he got them. He spent two hours going through them until he found her.The moment he heard her, he knew she had too much talent to spend her life behind Daniel.
"Grandpa promised to take us to see you at the theater... Why didn't you tell us you were in town?""I'm sorry, sweetie. I took a few days to be with Mom and Grandma... To be honest, I wasn't sure if I should tell you.""Why not, Deanna?" Ethan asked. "Is it because of Dad?""I don't want to cause any trouble...""The only one causing trouble is Beverly!" Naomi said angrily."Come back, Deanna, so she'll leave," the child said innocently."I can't do that, grasshopper. And Naomi, it's not right to say those things.""But it's true! She's always hanging around the
"Deanna, dear. I have bad news. The theater where you were going to perform in Paris suffered a terrible fire.""Oh my God!""A tragedy, but luckily, no injuries. Unfortunately, until they finish the repairs and reopen, you won’t be able to sing there. Do you want us to look for another venue?""I don’t know. What do you think?""I honestly think we should wait, if you don’t mind.""Yes, I think that’s best. I could use a longer break.""Perfect! I’ll let you know as soon as I have any updates.""Thank you, Sacha."
"What a beautiful drawing, little grasshopper. Your drawings get better every day. Do you think you’ll become an artist?"Jonathan grinned from ear to ear. Every time they talked, he would proudly show her all his "masterpieces.""You know, I need to practice a little… Will you keep me company? We always talked about how one day you'd be my practice partner, but you still haven’t accepted my offer, hmm?"Nothing made him happier than hearing her sing. She always sent them recordings of her performances, and he waited for them with so much excitement. They communicated through music—it had always been their shared language, the unspoken emotions carried through notes and melodies. And when she sang just for him, he could feel their connection more
"He invited me to a party, but Dad won't let me go...""Louis? That's awesome, Naomi!""Yes! But if he gives me permission, I'll have to go with Ethan...""Well, at least you'll get to see him.""You have no idea how my dumb brother's been acting. He barely lets me do anything, and Dad always takes his side... I'm going to die single.""Haha! No, sweetie... It's way too early to think like that. Give Ethan time. When he likes some girl, he won't be thinking about watching over his little sister anymore.""I was hoping the dress you sent me for the party would arrive, but it hasn't yet."
"I can't believe it's been a year already... Happy birthday, Ethan!""Thanks, Deanna.""Where are your siblings?""They went shopping with Grandma... Boring.""I imagine you’re not interested in tagging along with the little ones anymore.""No, this year I’m starting driving lessons. If I get my license, Dad will let me drive his car.""You’ve grown so much...""Where are you?""In Sydney... We arrived last night… I’m still not used to the time difference.""La Bohème?""Yes, that one&helli
"Let us see the full costume!" Naomi asked excitedly.Deanna stood up and took a few steps back. She was wearing an empire-waist dress, burgundy with gold details. Her hair was styled in an updo reminiscent of the era, adorned with a delicate headpiece that looked like a small tiara.Six months had passed since she had started working with Sacha Feni, and that night was her debut. She was in Rome, waiting for the curtain to rise. The Teatro dell’Opera had been chosen to present the new gem of the operatic world. The theater was packed; every seat had been sold. Leonard had spared no expense in promoting her, and with Feni’s name attached, expectations were high."You look beautiful, Deanna!""Thank you, Ethan… I’m so nervous!"
What Daniel needed to finally accept that Deanna wasn’t coming back arrived in the form of a news article in the local paper.That Sunday, he had woken up and gone downstairs for breakfast like always. His kids were going to their grandparents' house to visit Emma and spend the day there, and for some reason, around 11, Beverly was already at his house. He didn’t care. He knew she was hovering around, trying to find a way into his life. She could do whatever she wanted—if she wanted to keep enduring his indifference, that was her choice.He locked himself in his office, trying to avoid her, but there she was again, with her laptop and a stack of documents. He didn’t even know why he didn’t just tell her to leave. He was too apathetic to care.He sat back in his chair, reading the newspaper, wh
But the papers remained abandoned in a corner of his desk; he didn’t even look at them. Her signature was on them, and he didn’t want to see it. If he did, reality would hit him straight in the face: "She doesn’t love you anymore."Harry had become the black sheep of the family. Susan was livid with him and never missed a chance to throw what he had done in his face. Daniel outright pretended he didn’t exist, and Charles would sometimes watch him with suspicion. He kept going over it in his head. He had gone down to the security department to check if it was true, and it was. His ID badge had recorded it, and he had made a copy of the video.What bothered him the most was seeing her with Leonard. It was more than confirmed that Deanna had left Daniel for him. They were seen all over the city together, and now people were saying the guy had
Sacha Feni wasn't just left open-mouthed; he was amazed. The call to Deanna didn't take too long—the next day he was already informing her that her audition had been a success and that he wanted to start working with her as soon as possible."I can't believe it..." She was so surprised."I told you! I told you! This is great, Deanna!" Leonard was euphoric."But...""But nothing! You did it!... I'll have to get in touch with the guy and see how we proceed... Get ready, baby, because the world awaits you from now on.""I have to call mom."Shouts of joy and tears rang out in the small restaurant. Her little girl had taken a giant step f