- Daniel's wife is coming with his daughter - Lily's mother said to Alice in the beauty salon.
- Really? The young girl? -
- I'm surprised that Daniel let his daughter come...
- It seems that his new wife has a lot of influence over him -
By now everyone knew what Leonard had done that night and how Mrs. Crusher had been "delighted" by the compliments he had shamelessly given her. Alice saw her opportunity, her youngest daughter was the same age as Naomi and they went to the same school, she would also be attending the party. Why not be her chaperone? She could give the opportunist a look and warn her.
She didn't say anything to Leonard, as if he cared what she did or didn't do. He only cared about his company and other women, he had no major interest in what was or wasn't going on at home. He was an absent father to his three daughters, he only dedicated himself to providing for their every whim, for the rest there was Alice. His two older daughters moved as far away from him as they could when they started college, moving out of the house and leaving the social circle in which they had grown up. They couldn't stand their father's behavior.
Naomi was anxious on the day of the party, unbearable. The only one who understood what she was going through was Deanna, her father and siblings just wanted to run away. Even little Jonathan went to his room alone so he wouldn't have to hear her. She was always a good and demure child, but nerves were eating her up. None of her dresses seemed good enough for her.
- If I knew it was going to be like this, I would not have let her go... -
- It's normal for her to be nervous, Daniel. Be patient with her -
- Thank you for escorting her -
And he was really grateful to Deanna, and not just for taking her to the party. He was grateful for everything she represented in his life and in the lives of his children, it was no lie when he had told Philippa that she had come to change things. He would never replace Emily, nor did he intend to, but with each passing day she was becoming more of a pillar in that house, in his home. She had won her children over by just being herself. She was patient with them and sometimes condescending, especially with the little one, but now they turned to her when they had a problem. How could he not feel lucky?
- Naomi is going to be late," Deanna told her.
-I think this dress looks good on me.
- Yes, it's definitely the best of them all. What do you think, Daniel? -
He didn't know about dresses, he froze looking at his little girl who was giving him an anxious smile looking for his approval. Deanna was giving him signals with her eyes.
-It looks good on you.
Oh my goodness, what a dry answer! She gave him an exaggerated nod of her head, encouraging him. He could do better than that.
-You look very beautiful in that dress... -
- Really? - The girl's smile became gigantic and seeing it, Daniel understood.
- Of course you do, I have a beautiful daughter. Anything you wear will make you look beautiful.
And Naomi felt so happy. It was rare for him to have that kind of comment, but he realized that his daughter was on her way to becoming a woman and she needed her father to walk her through the process. Deanna smiled tenderly.
- Thanks Dad, come on Deanna! -
- Sure, let's go." And Naomi hurried off.
- You're a wonderful father, you know that? -
- I had no idea she needed my approval for a dress -
- Of course she does, you're her daddy and she wants you to be proud of her... I think you can improve your comments... -
- What's that supposed to mean? -
She put a hand on his face and kissed him goodbye.
-You're dry... dry as a bone..." She told him as she walked away, giving him a smile.
Deanna went to the party, knowing that she would have to face again the looks that judged her; in a way she was resigning herself to the fact that it would always be like that, no matter how much effort she made, she would continue to be the target of prejudices and comments. What she did not know was how far they went and the kind of things that were said.
Another social gathering, but it was logical, these people did not have the same concerns as ordinary people. She missed her life a little before all this: studying, singing, making ends meet, trying to save on shopping; in short, all that which now made no sense to think about. Daniel had given her a credit card and told her that there was no limit, that she could use it as she wished. But she continued with her way of living despite being surrounded by luxuries.
"I could order drinks with that card," she thought with a smile as she held up a glass of juice. Naomi had forgotten she was there and was left alone in a chair watching the pre-teens socialize with their peers. Then suddenly her phone started receiving messages. It was Daniel.
- How's everything going?
- Perfect, don't worry.
- I don't worry.
- Of course you do.
- My daughter and my wife left me, I just want to know if they are well.
- They left you? My God, how inconsiderate!
- Don't mock me.
- I'm sure you can survive a few hours without supervision.
- I don't think so.
- See you when we get back, stop worrying ♡♡
The place turned from a house into a nightclub in a matter of minutes. They were dancing and singing loudly totally oblivious to anything else but having fun. Naomi was doing it with a group of friends and then Deanna discovered the real reason why she wanted to come. A boy was staring at her and she was staring at him. It would be better to leave that part out for Daniel and Ethan.
-You're Daniel's wife," a voice sounded behind her.
She turned around and there was Alice.
-Yes.
- Alice Reed - Oh my goodness!
- How do you do?
- I got the comments about your "meeting" with my husband -
- I see - Deanna remained passive.
- You don't seem to mind -
- What's that? -
- That he's a married man -
- No, I don't care. I don't care about Mr. Reed at all -
- You're bold, you seem to be very confident -
- No, I'm not. I'm simply not interested in your husband if that's what you're worried about, I already have my own -
- Yes, Daniel. I'd heard the rumors about your wedding, I didn't think he was that way.
- In what way? -
- That he'd get carried away with a pair of young legs, everyone knows you're using him -
- Not all men are like your husband, Mrs. -
- How shameless you are! Daniel must not have realized what he got himself into... How did you convince him? Did you sleep with him until you caught him? Did you play the helpless little girl? - Wow!
- Ma'am, I don't even know you. I don't know what they told you about your husband, but it's none of my business. I'm sorry you had to go through all that, it's not my fault. I have zero interest in him, believe me -
- Even your mother-in-law says you're an opportunist and a gold digger. They're all on the lookout for you, you have a reputation as an ambitious slut. What do you think they say about Daniel? That he's become a moron because you've got him eating out of your hand. Poor Emily! If only she could see the kind of woman her husband has brought into her house and with her children! You'd better stay away, my dear, you're ruining Daniel's reputation -