He didn't go to the office that morning. He felt guilty that he hadn't been there when Camilla attacked her and that she was still the target of everyone in his family; Deanna was becoming the Crushers' punching bag. He had his mother and brother come to the house, he was going to put a stop to it.
Camilla arrived with a proud attitude, she wouldn't give in to her son. Harry, on the other hand, felt only remorse. When he heard from Susan what Camilla had done to Dean he wanted to run out to see her, but his sister stopped him; he would only gain more trouble.
- This has to end and it has to end now - Daniel began, trying to remain calm.
- I told you not to marry her, Daniel! -
- That subject is concluded, Mom, I'm not going to discuss it with you again. Deanna is my wife and you will start treating her with respect. I don't care if you don't like her, I don't care what you think of her; from now on all those attacks against her will stop -
- Didn't you see the pictures?! And you, Harry! Aren't you ashamed of yourself?!
- I don't know what you were told, but none of it's true! How could you behave like that, Mom! -
- And you... You'll solve whatever problems you have with your wife away from Deanna... I don't want her involved in anything anymore... I told you many times that you'll keep away from her - He said to him while pointing at him.
- How can you blame your brother? That woman...! -
- That woman is MY WIFE! And she has a place by my side that everyone will respect! -
- Well, I don't accept it! Explain to me what she's doing after your brother when you're out of town? Do you have any idea what's being said about them? That's why Laura is the way she is! She can't be satisfied with you alone and she's after Harry too! -
Daniel couldn't take it anymore and slammed his clenched fist on his desk.
- You didn't just yell at Deanna, you did it in front of my kids! What were you trying to achieve? That they hate her too? Naomi called me scared by your attitude asking me to come back! Jonathan started crying and even Ethan had to intervene! -
Harry didn't say anything, he just watched his brother's anger grow by the minute. He really loved her.
-You don't even measure yourself with your grandchildren in the way! From this moment on, I want to make one thing clear to you: I will no longer tolerate you intruding into my private life. What happens in my home is my business and mine alone!
Camila was on the verge of a stroke, her son had never demanded anything so vehemently from her before. But she maintained her posture in spite of that, she was convinced that Deanna was only an interested party. She was dismayed by the embarrassment of being on everyone's mouth.
- Good! Keep thinking like that, sooner or later you'll have to prove me right, I know, it's just a matter of time.
That was all she said before walking out furiously.
-With you the conversation is different, you know that," he said to Harry.
He was standing still, knowing that his presence gave him authority and was intimidating.
-Deanna came looking for me at the office... -
- I know that... Because Laura has been crying to her about her problems with you. I told you to stay away from her and now I want your wife to -
- You can't help it, especially now that we're family -
- Then find a way. Last night she cried herself to sleep. Naomi told me some things, but she hasn't wanted to tell me anything... She's probably trying to avoid a bigger problem. I won't change my mind, Harry, try for heaven's sake to get it over with... -
- You don't know how hard it is... - He said defeated.
Deep down Daniel felt sorrow for his brother, pity. He didn't even dare to imagine himself in his place, but why prolong such suffering? -
- Do you want to leave town? Maybe to a subsidiary somewhere else... If you need it I can send you wherever you want... Maybe if you move away you can concentrate on your wife and your daughter... -
- No... Laura won't want to give birth without her whole family around... I'm not ready to leave -
- Think about it, Harry.
- Where is she? -
- She went to see her mother, she should be back soon...
- Well, I'll go then... I'm sorry about what happened with mom - And he stood up to leave.
- Sort out your issues with Laura before your daughter is born... You said when it all started that you were doing it for them... We all did it for them -
- The only one that won out was you...
- No, you won your wife and your daughter... I'm sorry you can't see that, you need to grow up -
The look on Harry's face was a mixture of resentment and grief. Daniel was always there to help him with his problems, but this was one he had to solve alone.
When Deanna returned she found him sitting outside, waiting for her. Having seen her mother and grandmother comforted her heart a little. She grabbed a blanket from a chair and went to sit with him. His closeness gave her security and he did not hesitate to hug her to make her feel that he was with her. He wanted to ask her about everything Camila had said to make her cry like that, but he restrained himself.
There was no need to disturb the peace after the storm, Deanna would talk to him when she was ready.
- I missed you - She said taking him by the hand.
- Me too... a lot.
- How did it go? -
- Fine... -
- I'm sorry you had to come back like that... But if I can be a little selfish, I'm glad you did... -
- I won't leave you alone again... -
- Don't worry, I'll be fine... I have three guardian angels, you know? -
- I did a good job, didn't I? -
- Very good job... You have two knights in shining armor and a brave lady. How lucky can you get, mmm? -
- I have two ladies, not one...
- Do you really? Then you're luckier than I thought you were -
- Luckiest of all. - And he kissed her forehead.
For some reason he felt her more fragile. The combative Deanna would have fought with teeth and nails against an attack like Camila's, but this Deanna sought refuge in his arms.
- The picture thing worked wonders -
- Do you think that will be enough? Of course not, it's just the beginning -
- Camila is furious with both of them. With him for defending her and with her because now she thinks more than ever that she is an opportunist.
- All this will feed itself, now the repercussions will come and I'll have my chance -
- Take it -
The phone rang and Daniel answered. He should have come to pick up Ethan at school, something happened.
He found himself in the principal's office with his son and his classmate sitting with their heads down and their faces covered in bruises. Both young men waited outside when the other parent appeared. Heated voices could be heard on the other side of the door. And when Daniel came out it only took one direct look for Ethan to know they had to leave.
He parked the car a few blocks before they reached the house.
- What happened? -
- The principal already told you -
- I want to hear it from you.
- He insulted mom.
- Tell me...
- What for? You've already forgotten her.
- That's not true, I'll never forget your mother...
- Why did you marry Deanna? -
- Because I love her, Ethan.
His son looked at him as if trying to find a hint of doubt, but Daniel's gaze was calm and confident. He wasn't angry with him.
-He said you married her because she's a young girl and you're a shameless old man; that Mom couldn't be good enough for you and you ended up with Deanna because of it... Everyone knows what happened with Uncle Harry... He's been telling me things about Deanna for a while now -
- You'd told me about it, but you were handling it well. What happened this time? -
- I can't take it anymore, Dad.