All the work he has planned to get ahead on that night was forgotten.
"I didn't know you were into those things," he whispered as he held her close in bed.
She was already drifting between sleep and reality.
"What things?" she murmured drowsily.
"The aggressiveness... You're always passionate, but that was something new..."
"It's what I love most about you," she confessed.
"My aggressiveness is what you love most?" he asked, surprised.
"Yes... no... I don't know... It's what you do to me," she sighed.
"You're going to be the death of me..."
"I'm sorry about what I did today at the company," Deanna said softly."You don't have to be sorry... Actually, you changed my mood. I had a difficult meeting before you arrived... Those stubborn old men..." Daniel sighed."You had a complicated afternoon... Let me prepare something to cheer you up.""What's that?" he asked, curiosity replacing the weariness in his voice."My mother used to make a dessert when I had a bad day or felt sad. I'll prepare it for you..."They went to the kitchen. Daniel sat at the small table with a cup of coffee while she prepared her chocolate dessert. Deanna turned on the radio and melodies flowed between their gentle conversations, mingling with the co
After arguing with Deanna, Harry looked like he wanted to throw himself off the balcony. She returned alone, her eyes holding back tears, walked straight to Daniel and with just a look, he understood."We'll come back tomorrow if necessary. Goodbye, mom," he said firmly, placing his hand protectively on Deanna's back.They left. Deanna was clearly upset and distressed, and Daniel confirmed once again that her feelings for Harry were not the same as what his brother felt."They'll both be fine, don't worry," he reassured her."I don't know what Harry has in his head... he seems like a different person."I don't know either," he lied, avoiding her searching gaze.
Harry: — What’s wrong, Ethan?Ethan: — Uncle, do you know anything about Deanna?Harry: — What do you mean?Ethan: — It looks like she argued with Dad on Sunday. When we got back, she was gone… It’s been four days, and she hasn’t come back. Naomi called her, but Deanna just says she’s taking care of her grandmother and that she’ll return when she gets better.Harry: — I didn’t know Deanna’s grandmother was sick.Ethan: — She’s not, Uncle. She doesn’t want to come back because of Dad.Harry
"Mrs. Crusher… Deanna. Did something happen? Why haven’t you been coming to the theater?""I’m sorry, Professor Marcus. I’ve been dealing with some personal issues… I forgot to let you know. I’m really sorry.""Oh! Don’t worry about that. I took the liberty of calling because we miss your presence and your voice here… I won’t pry into your business, Deanna, but it would be a real shame to lose you.""That’s not my intention, Professor…""Magnificent! Please come back soon. I’d love to introduce you to some of the permanent cast and the orchestra musicians.""That would be wonderful. I’ll be there tomorrow. Does that work for you?"
Daniel gripped her waist as she began to move slowly against him, trying to arouse him. Deanna had done that too.Her fingers tangled in his hair as she whispered in his ear. Just as Deanna used to do.She sighed deeply and held him tighter when she felt her movements beginning to affect him. Deanna would voice her desire without shame.Her kiss, her mouth, the softness, the persistence, the tip of her tongue seeking entry. Deanna would simply take what she wanted, without asking.Something suddenly awakened within him. He grabbed her thighs and placed her on the desk. Just like he had done with Deanna. Legs wrapping around his waist, pulling him closer; the arched back, the exposed skin that begged for his mouth.
Daniel was in his office, just as Susan had predicted, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, preparing for another night of self-punishment. His near-encounter with Beverly tormented him; his emotions had betrayed him as he thought of Deanna, trying to recall the feelings she stirred in him. Now he faced yet another mess: trying to fix his mistake.He knew Beverly had always waited for some signal from him, some sign that he might yield to her intentions, but he'd never seen her that way. No matter how she presented herself or how subtly she tried to get his attention, he'd never felt drawn to her. If he hadn't caught himself in time, he'd now be drowning in regret.Someone knocked on his door, but he didn't bother to answer. He heard the door open and opened his eyes, ready to dismiss whoever it was—and then he saw her. Dea
Beverly was sitting behind her desk when one of the legal team members peeked through her door."He didn't come in today either," they informed her.Daniel hadn't shown up for two days. The coward was hiding after what they almost did that day. She was about to lose her patience when she received a call."She went back to the house, she went back to him. You weren't fast enough, Beverly. Now it'll be harder than before."So, she made a decision. She couldn't separate them by herself, and everyone was too calm for her liking. She knocked on Harry's office."Come in, Beverly," he called from inside."Sorry to bother
"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!"
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