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…"
<Friends are supposed to be unconditional companions that life places in our path so we can share both joys and sorrows. They’re there to lift our spirits when we’re at our lowest or to join us on an adventure. They’re the ears that listen to our dreams and hopes, knowing they’ll tell us the truth, no matter how painful it is. Some even go beyond friendship and become family—the family we choose.Deanna had always been that kind of friend: the reliable one who would listen to you until late at night and then hug you to comfort you. She wouldn’t hesitate to follow you to the ends of the earth in search of the pot of gold, even knowing it didn’t exist. She would marry your brother just to help you build a happy family and would give up many important things just because she considered you even more indispensable. And never, ever, would she betray you
Daniel was also getting ready, but in a very different way. For him, that night was going to be tough and painful—tough because he’d have to endure seeing her with Leonard, and painful because he’d have to fight the urge to hold her. He didn’t know how much he could take and was trying to prepare himself to keep his impulses in check. Ever since he had met her, everything had been a whirlwind of madness for him. She had turned his life upside down, making him fall in love like a foolish boy.The cold man, hidden in his sorrow, imposing and unshakable, had disappeared a long time ago. Only the facade remained—inside, he had completely crumbled. Just seeing her again was enough to make everything around him falter, because to Daniel, she was a violent gust of wind that knocked him down with nothing but her presence. That’s how in love he was, and that&rsq
Opera night was no longer what it used to be in the old days, when it was an occasion for ostentation and a gathering of respected members of society. Now, anyone who could afford a ticket could step into the magical world of the theater. But just this once, every single guest would be an ostentatious, respected member of society. Just this once.That was Leonard’s doing—he had made sure Deanna’s debut in her hometown would be done the old-fashioned way. He had sent invitations to those he deemed influential, to the trendsetters, to political figures—anyone who needed to see her sing. He was proud, and he wanted to share that pride with all those who had once whispered behind her back while watching her.Tonight, they would stand and applaud. They would congratulate her at the after-party. Because he and Marcus ha
The music began; the overture played with power, and the melody was so lively that little Jonathan couldn't help but move his feet to the rhythm. He was filled with excitement—it was his first time seeing it live on stage. It was the first time for all of them.The curtain rose, and the play began.As Daniel had explained to Naomi, there were dialogues, fortunately in their own language. The lyrical parts, however, were in German, but at least they could understand what the story was about.And then she appeared…Beautiful, radiant, powerful. Wearing a white period dress, a smile on her lips, and strength in her voice. The first notes left everyone in suspense, and as the first act unfolded, the energy in the theater became
Once again, the game of glances, where they spoke thousands of words without saying a thing. The unspoken body language, the small smiles, the hands casually brushing through hair or resting on arms, the subtle movements, the magical feeling of creating an invisible tension in the air that connected them. Daniel’s blood was starting to boil, yet he still couldn’t take a single step toward her.His expressionless face sent one message, but the fire in his eyes sent another. Deanna didn’t understand—was it because of Beverly? Could her fear be true? That he no longer loved her? She bit her lip, hesitating. Why had he come, then? To show her that his love had died and that now he had another woman by his side, someone more suitable?Hours passed, but there was still no reaction from him. She felt her soul slipping a
“But…”“But what, Crusher?”“You and her…”“Oh, please!” He threw his arms up. “Do you think that if we were together, I’d be telling you all this? Yes, I love her… But not that kind of love… I just want her to be happy, and it looks like her happiness is with you…”Daniel watched him, then looked toward the dressing room doors.“Are you still going to hesitate?”“Are you… letting her go?”“I will never let her go! I’m not with her like everyon
His arms imprisoned her more tightly, he could feel how that daring neckline pressed against his chest; feel the small movements of her body, the electricity repeated itself, the heat repeated itself. If he could, he would embrace her so much as to incorporate her into his own being. His hands grew restless and traveled across her back and bare neck, moving further south until he could perceive the curve where her back ended beneath the countless layers of fabric of her dress. And that movement rewarded him with a stronger and more furious moan.She abandoned his jacket to fully hang from his neck, drawing him closer, as if Daniel wasn't already immersed in her orbit. Her hands slipped through his hair, how she adored running her fingers through those strands sprinkled with white! She couldn't stop the heat growing inside her, she had missed him so much. When lips weren't enough, she used her teeth in small, gentle bites and now it was Daniel's turn to emit sounds of pleasure
And Daniel wasn't the only Crusher dealing with doubts and uncertainties. Harry was also still learning, but for him, the learning curve was different: he had left behind a toxic relationship, devoid of affection and love, for one that was completely opposite. And sometimes, just sometimes, the resentment from those times would leave a lump in his throat.Even though Amanda was about to give birth, Harry still hadn't taken that next step in their relationship: marriage. He truly wanted to marry the mother of his child, but he had bitter memories from his last marriage that were holding him back.“I understand, Deanna, it's not easy for him to accept that things have changed,” Amanda said one warm afternoon as they sat together enjoying the last rays of sunshine.“That child was very lucky to have found you. I guess he still has a lot of open wounds.”“Yes... but he also became a happy and funny man. He's nothing like the Harr
For the other grandfather, the more worldly one, everything was new. He couldn't share Charles's vision regarding children and grandchildren. He had only just learned to be a father to Deanna, when she no longer needed him to grow up. And he was still learning. Grandchildren? That was in another dimension.He had spent half his life immersed in resentment, hatred, and self-punishment. He reflected his mother's rejection in the women around him: his wife and daughters. He carried the unhappiness of lost love and felt nothing but fleeting moments.And in the blink of an eye, he had a family and a stable relationship that complemented him. He and Susan were something neither of them suspected or planned; they grew closer after Deanna and Daniel remarried, at family gatherings, in casual conversations. Until one day he realized he couldn't stop thinking about her.Old Leonard dusted off his true charm to win her over; because this woman was not like the others, this
He held her hand as they waited for their turn for the ultrasound. One of her feet kept tapping the floor, causing her knee to rise and fall.Several other couples were waiting, some women alone, and they looked at them curiously. You couldn't help but notice the 15-year age difference, especially Daniel's increasingly noticeable gray hair. And, for some reason, Deanna's face looked more cheerful, fresher, and younger.“Don't be nervous,” she said, giving him a small smile.He just looked at her and smiled back. He was always nervous for her and their children; he couldn't help it. Even if everything was perfect and normal, Daniel always worried. It was just the way he was.Finally, it was time to go in, and the specialist welcomed them with everything ready.“Would you like to know the sex of your babies?” she asked.“Yes.”“Very well... Then let's check how they are first.”She
Deanna continued singing throughout her pregnancy, but it became increasingly difficult. Carrying two children growing inside her and still shining on stage, captivating the audience with her voice and stage presence, was becoming difficult. Daniel accompanied her to every performance, proud of his wife and excited about the belly that grew every day.“I can't do this anymore,“ she told Leonard as she stepped off the stage.Wagner's Tristan and Isolde was the opera Marcus had chosen for that season.“Don't worry, I'll talk to Marcus and we'll find a replacement for you. It's time for you to rest, baby,” he said worriedly.He held her hand as if she were going to fall or fall apart. For Reed, it was a new experience. Despite Alice's pregnancies, he had never been involved in anything like this. But now he could see his grandchildren growing inside his daughter and was experiencing all kinds of emotions.Deanna was so touched
When the last page of the document was signed, Harry could finally breathe deeply. It was over. Laura tried to fight it, but she had nothing left; none of the Crushers supported her. And the first thing he did with his freedom restored was to go and bring back the mother of his child. They settled back into Amanda's small, old apartment, for the time being. The house had gone to Laura, and Harry had no interest in going back there.And although Emma was legally in the care of her grandparents, she moved in with them. And for the first time, she was able to experience what it was like to have a loving family. It was easy for her to bond with Amanda, the little girl got along with everyone, especially when she received kisses and hugs and heard stories before going to bed. Having the same person take her to daycare by the hand and then pick her up to spend some time at the park soon became a habit for the little girl.Amanda asked Deanna to be her son's godmother and Dan
“Well, what shall we do? Shall we have dinner?“ asked Leonard.“Please, I'm starving...” replied Deanna.“Get changed and let's go the Liverpool, my friend has booked us a table.”“Are you coming, Harry?“ asked Daniel.“Harry said he had things to do, but we'll take Emma,” replied Deanna.He rushed out with his phone in one hand and his car keys in the other. He had no idea what was going on, all he understood was that the envelope he was now carrying inside his jacket gave him the freedom he so desperately wanted. Freedom without fear.How had Deanna gotten it? He didn't understand either. All he could see was the road ahead. As he drove, he realized what he was feeling, what he really needed. It wasn't an impulse or a consolation. He wanted to see her, hear her, be with her, beg her for forgiveness and plead with her.When he arrived at the address on his GPS, he got out of
Once again, the Ambassador raised the curtain, the lights shone brightly, and the seats awaited the audience. It was another opening night in the city. Some were eager to see her again, others went out of curiosity, and she continued to feel nervous. But this time, the entire family was present, even Camila.She could no longer make excuses; she was the wife of his eldest son. And to Charles' surprise, she hadn't put up much resistance; it seemed that she was beginning to accept Deanna's place. Harry also got his tickets, which caused another argument at home, but he didn't care what Laura had to say. He dressed Emma and they left; he didn't know how long the girl would be able to sit still, but at least they would see her for a while.In her dressing room, there was a bouquet of roses from Daniel, her costume hanging on a hanger, and the makeup artist putting the finishing touches on her. Her stomach was a ball of nerves and her heart was filled with happiness. She ha
Daniel arrived home from work to find Leonard sitting in his living room, looking very relaxed and comfortable, but Deanna was nowhere to be seen.“What are you doing here?” he asked.“Deanna called me and asked me to come over.”“For the premiere?”Leonard just shrugged.“Are they here?”“Nope...”“And Susan?”“At home.”The door opened and Jonathan ran in, followed by Ethan and Naomi and finally Deanna.“Hi, sweetie,” Leonard greeted her.Strangely, the children barely said hello and quickly went up to their rooms. Her face said nothing; she was grim, somber. She looked at them and made them uncomfortable.“Deanna, what's wrong?“ Daniel noticed something strange.“I need to talk to you. Can we go to your office?”“Yes...”What was going on?
Deanna searched her mind, but she couldn't remember anyone named Amanda, not even from college. But from the way she asked about Harry and looked at Emma, she knew him.“Harry's fine... I saw him a few hours ago.”“Emma has grown so much,” she said, but something in her voice sounded wrong.“Excuse me... are you okay?”“To be honest, no... I sound like a stalker, don't I? I'm sorry... I couldn't resist the urge... I came to town to do some research and see my doctor, and I was passing by... I know I shouldn't have done it.”She was confused. The woman spoke to her naturally, even confidently. However, it was clear from her expression and tone of voice that she wasn't quite right. She looked at her belly as she caressed it with one hand.“I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused Daniel too. He's been so good and kind, he cared about me... About us. If it hadn't been for him, Harry would have