"Have you heard? The Ice King Daniel Crusher married some young girl - bet she's after his money." "That marriage won't last - he's way too cold to keep a young wife happy." "Word is she had a thing with his brother before landing him."That was the kind of gossip making the rounds in their social circles, and Camila heard every whisper.Daniel's mother now had to deal with the awkward silences and hushed conversations whenever she walked into a room. She'd seen this coming - had warned her son countless times. But no, he was too busy falling for that gold-digger who'd eventually make him look like a fool. It was just a matter of time. She wasn't about to let her son become the laughingstock of their so
That afternoon, they couldn’t go anywhere else. By the time the couples said their goodbyes, it was already late— the kids had school the next day, and he had work. Harry had made sure to keep them in sight the whole time, which only confirmed his suspicions.He had always been intrigued by the closeness between them, that silent language of gestures and looks they seemed to share. But now, he saw clearly that she had never shown anything more than sisterly affection toward Harry, treating him like a younger brother despite being the same age.At some point, he had heard the many rumors that they had been more than just friends.But if Harry had feelings for her, why had he insisted so much on them getting married? There were things that didn’t add up, but he was determined to turn this farce into something real.After so many years, he finally felt something stir inside him again—something beyond work, beyond routine. There was a different kind of woman in his life now. One who didn’
Susan was still completely off-kilter and heartbroken over Harry. Daniel collapsed into his armchair, burying his face in his hands as if he’d just fought a battle."God, oh my God... Harry," she murmured."What am I going to do, Susan? I don't know how we can continue living as brothers after this... He's such a cowardly kid! I knew it—I knew he was in love with Deanna!""Daniel, he can’t do anything about his affection for your wife now. He’s married, and I know he won’t dare hurt Laura," Susan replied."'Affection for my wife'... I'll have to witness it every time I look at her. You know how I am, Susan—I just can't stand it," Daniel grumbled."Then you'll have to make an extraordinary effort because he's still your brother, and in time, things will change. Once his child is born, he'll forget everything," she advised."Believe me, I never expected to develop feelings for her. Ever since I met her, she's all I think about," he admitted."I realized that even before you did, Daniel"
On Friday afternoon, after school, Deanna met up with them. For the first time, the five of them were out together in public; the fact that she was seen with his children was enough evidence to prove that they were a family—and that she was his wife.The first thing they looked for was a gift for Camila, and then they strolled around, browsing shop windows and buying things the kids wanted. Deanna picked out some ties for him, and he finally approved a dress for the birthday. Jonathan walked alongside his siblings, amazed and happy. They didn't get out much like that."Don't wander too far," Deanna warned them.Daniel couldn’t remember the last time he had enjoyed a family outing so much—perhaps back when Emily was still alive. The more he watched them, the more he fell in love. She opened her he
The party Camila had organized was going to be grand. She was known for turning her events into lavish affairs, where the most important members of her social circle made an appearance. No one ever missed them.Because of that, Daniel was well aware that he and Deanna would be the center of attention. Everyone would want to see his new wife and find out if any of the circulating rumors were true. Deanna wasn’t nervous, but she was worried. Trying to fit in, ensuring her husband's image remained untarnished and free from criticism, weighed heavily on her. She had never imagined that meeting these expectations could be a full-time job.The endless introductions dragged on, but Daniel never left her side. He held her hand or rested his hand on her waist—a clear display of support and pride. He was proud to show her off. And, in his mind, it also served as a te
"Where did you leave it?" Daniel asked."Leave what?""Your shame.""Oh, that… I lost it somewhere when Susan told me she was taking the kids home because you asked her to… When did you find yours?""Find what?""Your audacity.""The day I met you."Daniel leaned against the desk, his need to touch her burning through him. But since she had made the first move, he wanted to see just how far she was willing to go."You picked that dress on purpose," Deanna said."Yes, so I could watch you."Deanna turned around,
After that party, many things changed in Daniel's life. If before he had fallen for her smile like a child, now he was completely lost. The first night they spent together turned out to be everything he had imagined and more; he once again had a woman in his life. A wife. Deanna began to melt his defenses and ease his sorrow; she brought back his joy. His house became a home once more—warm and happy."Deanna's birthday is next week, Harry. What should we get her? Do you think she'll celebrate at home?""I don't know, Laura.""I'll call her to ask. We won't be able to go out and celebrate like before. I doubt Daniel will let her get together with all the guys again.""I don't know.""What's wrong with you? You've been so down for
Moving into his room was a revelation for Deanna. There were no more excuses to keep sleeping apart. Daniel saw no reason to continue sleeping alone, without feeling her beside him, but when he finally brought it up, he felt as nervous as a teenager.That afternoon, they were sitting in his office, listening to music while he read. Being in his arms, surrounded by his scent—a mix of wood and sandalwood—made her feel as if she were wrapped in a cocoon. Moments of calm like this, with her head resting on his shoulder, relaxed her so much it felt like she was drifting into a deep sleep."Deanna…""Mmm?""Do you think… are you awake?""Mhm.""Right, well… do you think that… actually, I fee
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'
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
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
“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
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
“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
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
When Camila called Laura asking her to come over because Charles wanted to talk to her, Laura panicked. What did he want? Did they know? Well, if they knew about Harry and his lover, maybe she could get them on her side—maybe they'd even help her force her husband to leave her. She put Emma in the car and left; the child would serve as a shield or, at the very least, might stir some pity in her grandparents—either way, it worked for her.“Laura! Emma!” Camila greeted them as soon as they stepped through the door.The little girl ran into her grandmother’s arms. Despite all the constant "trips" and the many hands that cared for her day to day, she was full of energy—always smiling, always running, always trying to climb onto furniture. The love she didn’t get from her mother, she received from everyone else.“Hi Camila, how are you?” Laura greeted her.Looking at her, she seemed like the same old Laura from college.“I’m sorry, dear, but Charles wants to speak with you. I had a very un
Ethan was waiting for him in the living room; he wasn’t going to hide from the scolding. Yes, he had done something wrong—very wrong—by hitting a younger kid. But that little brat was a pervert. He was sure his dad would understand, even if he punished him too.Naomi, on the other hand, wasn’t so confident. She could already hear him banning her from going out, from seeing friends: school to home, home to school.But Daniel came in and went straight to greet Susan with a kiss on the cheek, and gave Deanna a quick kiss on the lips."Are you okay?" Deanna asked. He looked... off."Yeah, yeah... just a lot of work."He walked directly to where Ethan was, and when Ethan saw him, he stood up. Naomi stayed quiet in a corner, wishing she could disappear into thin air. Daniel stopped in front of his son and said:"Don’t do it again."He turned to Naomi."You either.""Yes, Dad," they both replied at the same time.And that was it? That was it?He took off his jacket and went into his office,