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.
The woman standing in front of him, staring in astonishment and confusion, looked so much like Deanna—the same hair, the same eyes, even the way she carried herself. And that same incredulous gaze. She couldn’t have been more than ten years older than him, though she looked younger. The other woman, however, wore a wide smile, her white hair adding to the warmth of her joyful expression.Daniel Crusher was intimidated.When Deanna had told them she had gotten married, why, and to whom, her mother had gone pale, screamed, gotten angry, and ranted endlessly. Her grandmother, on the other hand, couldn’t stop congratulating her and making a fuss.“He’d better come here and face us!” her mother had demanded.“Yes, yes, bring him, Deanna! I want
After his argument with Deanna, everything became difficult for Harry. Work bored him, Laura bored him, even music started to irritate him. He couldn’t get her tearful eyes out of his head, the sadness in her expression. Guilt—he felt a guilt that tormented him. Over the past few days, he had tried to call her multiple times, but he never even got as far as dialing her number. What would he say? How could he possibly apologize?Laura didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. The marriage she had wanted so badly was falling apart. If this continued, it was certain that once the baby was born, everything would be over. The only thing she could think of was reaching out to Camila. Maybe she could talk to her son and figure out what was wrong with him.She arrived at the house unannounced. Camila was with Arlen
Another social event, with its protocols and formalities. Another reminder that she didn’t truly belong in that extravagant circle. Her confidence wavered under the pressure of making a good impression—because Daniel’s reputation depended on it. And Deanna had to meet the expectations to avoid tarnishing it.“It’s like playing a role, just think of it as being in a play,” she told herself, trying to convince herself that, eventually, she would get used to this world. If only she didn’t have to go through everyone’s critical scrutiny. Not long ago, none of this had mattered to her—it made no difference, because it was supposed to end. He had warned her from the start: being married to Daniel Crusher came with a lot more baggage.But now that everything had taken an unexpe
"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