Going back to Daniel, who was waiting anxiously for her after everything that had happened, was difficult. She washed her face several times, trying to hide the redness in her eyes. She didn’t want him to see her like that and start asking questions. If she told him she had argued with Harry, it would only turn into another problem. She grabbed a few bottles from the kitchen and returned to the music room.
The moment he saw her walk in with a smile, his heart settled. She sat close beside him, as if needing his warmth, and he slipped an arm around her waist while she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Everything okay?"
"Yes… just a little tired. Why do you always smell so good?"
"Because I shower every day."
Deanna laughed.
The woman standing in front of him, staring in astonishment and confusion, looked so much like Deanna—the same hair, the same eyes, even the way she carried herself. And that same incredulous gaze. She couldn’t have been more than ten years older than him, though she looked younger. The other woman, however, wore a wide smile, her white hair adding to the warmth of her joyful expression.Daniel Crusher was intimidated.When Deanna had told them she had gotten married, why, and to whom, her mother had gone pale, screamed, gotten angry, and ranted endlessly. Her grandmother, on the other hand, couldn’t stop congratulating her and making a fuss.“He’d better come here and face us!” her mother had demanded.“Yes, yes, bring him, Deanna! I want
After his argument with Deanna, everything became difficult for Harry. Work bored him, Laura bored him, even music started to irritate him. He couldn’t get her tearful eyes out of his head, the sadness in her expression. Guilt—he felt a guilt that tormented him. Over the past few days, he had tried to call her multiple times, but he never even got as far as dialing her number. What would he say? How could he possibly apologize?Laura didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. The marriage she had wanted so badly was falling apart. If this continued, it was certain that once the baby was born, everything would be over. The only thing she could think of was reaching out to Camila. Maybe she could talk to her son and figure out what was wrong with him.She arrived at the house unannounced. Camila was with Arlen
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
She felt cornered. Why was he suddenly threatening her like that? Everything they had done, they had done for the same purpose. What had changed? But Leonard was right—if she revealed to Daniel how things had actually happened, she would lose him forever."Why are you doing this now?""Because I need to know what happened, in full detail… Everything… and you're going to tell me, baby. Remember, you're gambling with more than just that idiot—think about his career, your ambitions…""You're a bastard…""I know, I know… You just have to tell me what I want, and you can leave in peace. I have my reasons, and I’m not going to explain them to you… You'll understand…"
Naomi paced back and forth from the door to the window, anxious. Ethan had sat down with Jonathan, and they were getting dizzy just watching her. Daniel pretended to read some papers, peering over his glasses at the girl, clearly nervous. Beverly stood on the stairs with her arms crossed, wearing an expression of pure displeasure."Naomi, enough already... for God's sake," Ethan said."When is she going to get here?""She'll be here soon. Why are you so anxious? It's just a dress...""You don't understand anything..."Ethan rolled his eyes. He wasn't excited about shopping in the least; he just wanted to go out with Deanna and spend the day together. The little one watched her go back and f
For Leonard, it was more than evident that Deanna would remain in the lives of those three children forever. She would have to deal with Daniel, even if she avoided him as much as possible; she would have to deal with all of them. Her life was on stage, up there she was an incandescent star who gave everything for the pure love of music, but her heart continued beating for that idiot and his children.He was in his office that morning, in two days the play would premiere, and everyone, absolutely everyone, the most respected members would attend. From the mayor, the police chief, several powerful businessmen, the ladies of the moment; all that wealthy zoo. Everyone who believed Deanna was his lover.And of course, the three Crusher children. Camila definitely not, Harry and Laura neither, but Charles and Susan would surely be there. 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!"