Laura knocked on her apartment door; Deanna wasn't expecting her. Classes had been canceled that day, and she'd taken advantage of it to organize and do some cleaning; otherwise, she wouldn't be back until late afternoon. She was supposed to finish her degree with Harry this year; now she'd have to wait a bit longer.
"Sorry to bother you today."
"Not at all, Laura, come in... It's a bit messy because I was cleaning up."
"Thanks. I'm here on a mission."
"A mission?"
"Yes, my brother-in-law gave me his credit card and today we're going shopping together."
"I guess the family meeting is already planned."
"Yes."
"Well, I'll do my best."
"Really, Deanna, I don't know how to thank you for what you're doing. I know you didn't get a good impression of Daniel the other night, and you'll have to postpone your studies for us. But you don't know what this means to me." She placed both hands on her belly.
"I'm more than happy to help, don't be silly. That little seed growing inside you will have the best parents in the world and grow up happy. That's all that matters."
"And will have a wonderful aunt."
"Who's going to spoil them rotten."
"Let's go spend Daniel's money, we need to find the perfect outfit."
"Okay, let me change first."
Deanna had never set foot in stores like these in her life. The cheapest dress was worth three months of her salary - did people really spend that much on a single piece of clothing? She felt hesitant about buying these things; according to Laura, she needed not just new clothes, but also shoes, bags, and a salon visit.
So this was how they were used to living; Laura just swiped the credit card and they'd leave one store to enter another. And not just that, but they spent so much time trying on styles and choosing colors. Her head was starting to hurt. It was a completely foreign world to her.
Her life had always been simple. Her mother and grandmother had raised her practically in the small restaurant they ran, among pots and seasonings. She'd had a normal childhood, playing with friends after school until late in the park. A typical teenage life, hanging out with friends and going to the movies. She'd worked in the restaurant since she was 16 and had her first love at 17.
Suddenly she was immersed in a completely new world and wasn't sure she could enjoy it. None of the things Laura got excited about interested her in the least. Her only passion had always been singing, and all she wanted was to perform in a prestigious theater until she couldn't speak anymore. She wasn't after fame or fortune either - when she sang, she felt an energy she couldn't describe; she was happy, she was free.
"I think this color goes really well with your hair tone."
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Laura, but you're the expert." Laura laughed.
"Well, then leave everything to me. Even Harry won't recognize you."
Her professors were surprised when she showed up for the entrance audition. No one understood how such a powerful voice that could hit the highest notes without losing warmth could come from that slim body. She was definitely destined for a bright future.
Her presence on stage changed radically; she wasn't the usual optimistic and smiling Deanna. She transformed into a presence that captured every gaze, her bearing shifted and her face expressed a passion that reached everyone watching. She put her whole soul into every performance.
"I look like my great-aunt in this... and she's dead."
"You're exaggerating, it looks magnificent on you... but maybe it's not your style."
"Are we going to take much longer?"
"We can't go back until we find the perfect outfit to impress everyone... Though I think you've already impressed Daniel."
"Your brother-in-law is the most impassive man I've ever met."
"He's a great person, just a bit..."
"Dull?"
"Formal, I'd say."
Actually, Deanna hadn't expected Daniel to be so attractive in person. She'd imagined he'd be a different kind of man, but he didn't look his 40 years, nor did he look younger. It was as if he was at just the right moment in life. He had just a touch of gray at his temples and expressed more with his eyes than with words. He had a formal appearance, as Laura said, but at the same time gave the impression of being completely approachable.
If it weren't for that abrupt way he had of saying things and his attempts to impose his will, she could understand why he was considered such a catch. Deanna sensed something more, but didn't dare mention it to Laura; maybe it was just her imagination, but Daniel seemed to carry a great sadness within him. She knew his story from Harry, that was probably why.
"Oh, yes! That's the one for you!"
"Are you sure?"
"Of course! How do you feel in it?"
"Like a Prima Donna."
"Then this is it."
"Thank heavens! Can we go now? I'm hungry."
"Sure, we'll go eat something and then look for the rest of the things."
Internally, Deanna swore she'd kill Harry when she got her hands on him.
While they were shopping, Harry had gone to visit his brother at the office. He needed to get Daniel to tone down his intensity regarding his treatment of Deanna. He knew she wouldn't back out, but he didn't want her to be the target of his brother's complicated character.
But at that moment Susan was with him trying to find out if what their mother had told her was true. Finally, Harry decided to confess everything.
"I have two siblings who escaped from an asylum... They're crazy."
"Come on, Susan, you know well we don't have any other option, all because of that family rule, and my friend was the only one who could say yes."
"She must love you very much to have agreed to this without asking for anything in return."
"She's just awesome. That's why I'm asking you, Daniel, to please try to be less strict, okay?"
"That woman is combative and has an answer for everything. Why don't you ask her to be more docile?"
"Brother, we're putting her in a difficult situation and she didn't have to accept; she just wants to help us."
"Harry's right. Treat her well, Daniel."
"You're making me feel like I'm a heartless monster."
"Of course not... you're just a bit distant sometimes and very, very, but very disdainful when you want to be."
"Of course not."
"Of course you are, Dan," Susan told him.
With Susan's support in this whole charade, they had a better chance of making it more believable. Although she still couldn't understand how Daniel had agreed so easily, she was sure her older brother would never lend himself to something like this. But if there was a niece or nephew on the way, it all made sense. Still, there had to be another factor involved. She'd know when she finally met Deanna.
But before the family meeting, Daniel needed to make sure his future wife passed "quality control." He was very aware that Deanna wasn't used to moving in his social circles, and although he cared little about that, he knew his family would notice the smallest detail.So he talked to Harry and asked him to let Deanna know they'd be having dinner alone."Why don't you call her yourself?""Because I don't have her number.""You should have asked for it when you took her home, brother.""I didn't think it necessary. Call her for me and tell her I'll pick her up at 8."It wasn't the first time he'd gone to dinner with a woman, nor the first time he'd picked one up at her home. However, like the day he met her, Daniel again had this strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. But this time, since they were going to a nice restaurant, he went back to his usual three-piece suit. The vest was always a must in his suits, which set him apart from other businessmen with his elegance.Deanna had t
The atmosphere became a bit tense and Daniel simply looked to the side. He wanted her to leave already. During their date, he had strongly disliked her attitude and was annoyed by her conversation topics - she kept asking about his children. It was a vulgar way of showing her interest in Daniel, using his children to get to him."I was telling Mary it was you and she wouldn't believe it. What would Daniel Crusher be doing with a young girl in a place like this?" And she turned to look at Deanna."Hello," Deanna said, but she didn't respond. She was waiting for Daniel to explain."Is this your style now?" That was very rude of her."Excuse me, but I can hear you too." Lynda looked at her."And who are you?""I'm Deanna, nice to meet you.""Hi, and you are...?""Daniel's fiancée." Lynda laughed.The situation was escalating. She was trying to belittle her with absolute brazenness and being rude, she didn't even know her. What kind of person was this woman?"That's right," Daniel said."
Camila had gotten ahead of her son and spoken with her grandchildren about what their father was planning to do. Daniel was furious - this was something that only he should have done. But Camila was very worried about the decision he was about to make and wanted to warn her grandchildren. Things were getting a bit out of control."What did you tell my children, mom?" Daniel's jaw was clenched."That you're about to do something crazy and bring a woman into your house who's barely old enough to be their mother.""I should have been the one to talk to them about this, not you.""They're my grandchildren, Daniel." Camila straightened in her chair, every inch the family matriarch."They're my children, and no one can interfere with my decisions or how I raise them, much less get ahead of doing something that's my duty."Camila didn't have bad intentions; she was distressed about all the scandal that was about to unfold. Daniel Crusher married to a young woman who clearly only wanted his
It would be best for the children to meet Deanna at their house, on their own territory so they wouldn't feel uncomfortable in public. But before that, he sat down with them to assure them that what their grandmother had told them wasn't true; he explained to the older ones that they hadn't known about her before because he needed to be sure things would work out. Perhaps when they were a bit older, he could give them the real reason.Daniel wasn't sure if little Jonathan had fully understood the situation; he was the one who worried him most of the three. Ethan had no complaints about it, telling his father it was his decision and he respected it. Naomi, being shyer, assured him there was no problem and that she hadn't listened to the things their grandmother had told her. Both children trusted their father, but they also didn't dare to contradict him.To try to make the meeting more relaxed, they invited Susan, Harry, and Laura. Maybe, surrounded by their aunts and uncles, they woul
Finally, the day of the family introduction arrived. Deanna's stomach was in knots, and she hadn't been able to eat all day due to nerves. If she made it through tonight, Harry and Laura could start their life together; if she failed... well, they still could, but she'd be in for a miserable year.Daniel, on the other hand, felt confident about what lay ahead. If he showed any weakness, he'd have to put up with his mother's constant meddling throughout the marriage. That couldn't happen - not only was his brother's wedding at stake, but also Deanna's well-being. She had put so many important things on hold to help them, and he felt compelled to protect her somehow.The gathering was set at Daniel's parents' house. Laura's parents and some close family members would be there too. Daniel had insisted on keeping it a simple, intimate dinner. E
There was a chance that Laura and Harry could have the wedding they deserved. What did she have to lose by trying?"Actually, Laura, I was thinking... how about a double wedding?"Laura looked at her, very surprised."Double?""Yes. Why not? You and Harry are planning to get married too, right? We could do it together."Harry knew Deanna and understood what she was planning."Deanna's right, we can do it together. It would be wonderful!""No, no, no, there are too many things to prepare and it's impossible in two weeks. Besides, it's too soon for you to get married, Laura," Laura's mother p
The invitations were sent, all services and the church were booked. Everything was ready, waiting for them. Only Laura's dress was missing; two weeks was too little time to find the ideal one, much less have it made. But it was enough time for Deanna to find hers, which turned out to be very similar to the style her favorite soprano had worn in her day.A white dress, off-the-shoulder and form-fitting, but with draped fabric in the skirt. Nothing spectacular; the simpler, the better. She wasn't supposed to be the star that day - Laura was - and achieving that would take more than just a dress. She'd need help from a few more people.The guests would be family members from both sides, closest friends, and of course, several university classmates - something she was counting on. Deanna loved Harry and Laura dearly; they were like siblings to
The wedding reception was at the same hotel where the brides had gotten ready. A grand decorated ballroom, tables arranged around a dance floor, and a head table where the four newlyweds would sit. A grand event for what was supposed to be just a family dinner.Gradually, people filled the place, greeting the parents of the newlyweds. The two couples arrived a bit later; Deanna insisted on just making a quick appearance, and Daniel agreed because he couldn't stand being the center of attention."Deanna! That was beautiful," Susan exclaimed."Thank you.""Really wonderful. Did you know she could sing like that, brother?""No, I didn't," Daniel replied while Deanna blushed.
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
The Ambassador Theater was packed with people. The audition was closed, but it had attracted many aspiring performers from the area and neighboring cities. Deanna had arrived with Leonard, but when the moment came, they had to separate, and he went to sit in the upper rows, just like when he used to spy on her before knowing the truth.Sacha Feni, the producer, was seated right in the middle of the orchestra section, and Marcus came and went at his every request. The guy had a reputation for being fussy, but he already had several successful stars to his credit. When the auditions began, the Professor looked for his friend and sat down beside him."Well... What's she going to sing?" he asked."Un bel dì vedremo," Leonard answered."S
Leonard went to speak with Marcus that morning, needing a place where Deanna could practice her voice before the audition. The professor was furious with his friend."You're a traitor. You knew I wanted her here with me, and now you're going to hand her over to Sacha...""Don't be like that, Marcus. You know as well as I do that this is a one-in-a-thousand opportunity, and if this Sacha doesn't appreciate her, I'm sure she'll agree to stay with you.""You finally got your hands on her, you bastard.""It's not like that...""And you really put in the effort this time. I suppose you must be euphoric.""I'm telling you it's not like that..."
Ethan was doing his school homework when his computer began to emit a constant beeping sound. It was a video call. He couldn't identify where it was coming from, but he answered anyway. The screen showed him an image of Deanna."Deanna!""Hello Ethan, how are you?" Her smile was barely a grimace."Deanna! Where are you?""I'm so sorry about what happened... I'm sorry... They told me you wanted to see me.""Yes! Yes! Wait, I'll go get my siblings! Wait Deanna!""Of course..."Ethan ran out, but he didn't find his siblings in their rooms. He went downstairs and saw them in the living room wit
"I'll accept your proposal, but with one condition," Deanna told him as they walked through the park.Leonard got excited."Really?!""Yes... But I don't want to have a representative who chases after young girls...""Oh, Deanna! Don't do this to me...""It's the only thing I'm asking you, otherwise I'll go back to finish the semester and look for a job."The relationship between them wasn't yet one of father and daughter, but it had grown closer with the days and with Leonard's persistence. A few weeks ago, he was nothing more than a stranger who pursued her to corner her, and now he had become a support for her. Without Harry, without her
Days passed for Daniel as if in a trance, endless. At times, he had episodes of desperation and threw things against the wall, enraged because Deanna had left him; at other times, he broke down crying like a child for the same reason. He was going to lose his mind.He went back to half-living in his office at the company, finding it difficult to face the accusing looks from his children and Jonathan's sadness. The little boy seemed like a ghost around the house, wandering aimlessly or shutting himself in his room, no longer even using his music player. Daniel couldn't bear to see him, couldn't face them because he himself couldn't escape his state of anguish.What support could he give his children when he was such a mess himself? When his wife had died, Daniel spent almost three intermittent months between the office and home. Camila and S
He collapsed into a chair; his hand hurt. He had released all his frustration and pain over Deanna in that punch. His life was, once again, a disaster without her. He tilted his head back and cried again, silently.Every time her smile invaded his thoughts, his heart clenched. He could still go beg her to return; but he pictured her with Reed, getting out of his car, the man ready to come to blows with him to defend her, and his stomach turned.And Harry... all his speeches about starting over were for this. He would start a new life in another city with his daughter and wife, but before leaving, he would make sure to finish him. Was his resentment so great that he needed to separate them to be happy?God, he wanted to kiss her so badly! He had believed he would spend the rest of his life k