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
After her classes, Deanna stopped by Harry and Laura’s apartment, but he wasn’t there. She found Laura looking worried and a little sad, so she simply listened. She wasn’t about to tell her how well things were going with Daniel when her friend was in that state.Laura told her that Harry was becoming more and more distant. He was still the same sweet and considerate man, but it seemed like the only things he cared about were the baby and his work."How strange," Deanna thought. They had always been so in love with each other. Maybe it was just an adjustment phase for Harry.She arrived home feeling a little uneasy. It was unusual to see Laura like that. Maybe the pregnancy was affecting her.Daniel had been waiting for her, feeling a bit restless, wondering if s
She turned to him, her body burning with heat—every touch, every kiss.He knew exactly how to touch her, how to taste her skin to unravel her. That was what he sought every time—to set her free. Because when he did, she let go completely, pouring out everything she had. She surrendered. She was his.She looked at him, her eyes transformed, pupils blown wide, her breath unsteady.Daniel might have started the game, but Deanna ruled it.She radiated a desire meant only for him, because he was the one who awakened it, because she had never felt this raw, primal need to love with her body what her heart commanded.Not like this. Not with this madness.Watching her react was what made him los
Deanna's birthday was nothing more than a small gathering at home with a few friends and family.Strangely enough, Camila suffered from a terrible stomachache that very same day.Charles arrived with a gift, had a few drinks, and left shortly after—it was a party for the younger crowd.When Deanna had said they were a rowdy bunch, she hadn’t been exaggerating. Most of them were musicians, and they completely took over the small space where she kept her music room. The evening turned into a bohemian scene, filled with songs and instruments.Daniel felt like a fish out of water, though he kept a cheerful and friendly attitude.But he never strayed far from her.Aside from Laura, Susan, and Deanna herself, every guest was a man.Younger men.
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.
"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
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