EMMA

- Mrs. Crusher... Deanna, did something happen? Why aren't you coming to the theater? -

- I'm sorry, Professor Marcus, I've had some personal issues... I forgot to let you know, I'm sorry -

- Oh! Don't worry about it. I took the liberty of calling you because we miss your company and your voice here... I won't inquire into your affairs, Deanna, but it would be a real pity if you were to leave us -

- I don't mean to Professor... -

- Magnifico! Please come soon, I would like to introduce you to some of the stable cast and musicians of the orchestra -

- That would be wonderful. I'll be there tomorrow, shall I? -

- That would be great! I'll be waiting for you -

It had been a week since the last time she had been at the Ambassador. Philippa insisted that she not miss the opportunity because of what had happened with Daniel, it was a great advantage to have a mentorship from Marcus.

- What did she say to you? -

- "She's coming tomorrow, Leonard. Stop breathing down my neck, will you? -

- I thought that dumb Crusher had ruined everything for me -

- She said she had "personal issues," she didn't mention the husband -

- No need, I've already been informed that she left Daniel's house because of the tulips I sent her -

- Stop it, Leonard! You're overstepping your bounds... I know your intentions with her, but I have mine too. That woman would become my star singer and I'm not going to let you ruin it for me -

- Of course I won't ruin it for you, Marcus! You surprise me, I want as much as you do to see her become the Ambassador's Prima Donna and then put her out into the world... But, I want other things too -

- Did Crusher tell you anything? -

- No, this is strange... Last time he showed up in my office threatening me to stay away from her -

- Apparently it was a hard blow that she left his house... -

- Better, let him get used to her absence -

When she learned that Deanna had gone to her mother's house, Laura insisted to no end that she would go back to Harry. If she wasn't with Daniel, it wouldn't be long before her husband would be looking for her. Being with her parents, she couldn't control him.

Beverly, for her part, saw the loophole she was looking for to get into Daniel's life. In Deanna's absence, she would spend more time with him, holding him back with excuses about work and managing to spend more hours at his side. Sometimes she would even show up at the house, bringing papers and legal matters she considered "urgent".

The only one who would plunge the knife into his wound to get him to react was Susan.

- When do you plan to get her? -

- I'm not going to look for her, Susan. Maybe it's best for her if I stay out of her life -

- You're being childish, Daniel! How is it the best thing for you to walk away? You're dying inside to bring her back! Is it your pride? -

- No, Susan, it's not! -

- Then do something! Right now she must be thinking that you don't love her enough -

- That's not true.

- And how would she know that if you just stand here licking your wounds? If you love her, go get her, or are you waiting for someone else to take her away? -

- Of course I'm not! - He shouted at her.

- Then move -

- She's not even answering my texts anymore. Where do you want me to go? -

- I can't believe you're such a fool. She must think you don't love her and you're here thinking it's better to let her go; but as soon as someone else shows up you're going to regret it, Daniel –

Returning to the theater brought relief to her heart. She felt happy among the decorations, costumes and lights. Marcus was delighted with her return, he had big plans for the little lady, her voice would make the Ambassador shine even brighter.

-Deanna, my dear, allow me to introduce someone to you.

- Of course... Leonard Reed? -

There he was, standing to Marcus' left, with a huge grin on his face and his body heavy with anticipation.

- Have you two already met? - Marcus pretended.

- Yes - She replied in a muffled voice.

- Nice to see you again, Deanna -

- What are you doing here? -

- Leonard is one of the theater's benefactors, the biggest and most generous, I'd say... -

- Oh, don't overdo it Marcus... I must confess I was surprised to find out you'd be working here with the Professor, so I took the liberty of sending you some flowers. I trust you received them -

- Yes, I did. But I can't thank you for them, I'm sorry.

- Don't worry, I understand. I've known Daniel forever, I guess he didn't take it kindly.

- If you know him, why did you send them? -

- Your husband, Deanna, must understand that you're not just another piece of property to his credit. Besides, the compliments Marcus gave me about you compel me to support you in your career -

- I warn you that no matter what your interests may be, you will get nothing from me, Leonard.

Marcus smiled, despite his youth, she knows how to set limits.

-My only interest, dear Deanna, is to hear you sing on stage," he said.

Leonard always appeared, without fail, when she went to the theater. He was enraptured by her voice, her stage presence, her passion for music. Little by little, he began to approach her without showing what he really wanted, luring her with his knowledge of opera. Sometimes they stayed chatting in the seats while the rest rehearsed.

The rumor of her closeness with Reed soon reached Camila who was counting the days until Daniel decided to leave her. Without Deanna in the house, she went back to planning family gatherings on her own. Even more so now that Laura had returned to Harry's side and the birth date was approaching. For her, normality had returned; all that was missing was their signatures on the divorce papers.

Dinner at Daniel's house felt uncomfortable, empty. They could all be together, but it wasn't the same. It wasn't for him or his children. And somehow, Beverly had joined in on those dinners. Susan looked at her sideways, knowing her true motives.

- Have you already decided on a name for the child? - Camilla asked them.

- Emma - Harry answered.

- Emma Crusher! What a beautiful name, son. And Daniel will be the godfather -

- That's right - Laura was happier than she had been in her short marriage.

- What do you think, Daniel... Daniel! -

- What? I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. -

- Laura and Harry are naming the baby Emma, Daniel - Beverly interjected.

- They are? Well, nice name -

- What's the matter with you, son? -

- Nothing, mom... I'm going to say goodnight to the kids.

He stood up and without further ado left the room. He was not interested in anything that was being talked about, he only thought about Deanna. All the time he was thinking about Deanna. And yet he had remained motionless without looking for her or contacting her. She was better off without him, without his volatile temper, without his jealous outbursts, without his hurtful words.

Taking advantage of her son's momentary absence, Camila began to recount the things she had heard about Deanna.

- It seems that Alice Reed will soon be single.

- What are you talking about, Mom? -

- Well, Susan, your ex-sister-in-law is getting closer and closer to Leonard.

- What a nonsense! And I don't have an ex-sister-in-law -

- The way things are going, you soon will.

- Camilla... - Charles warned her.

- What dear? Now you can't deny to me that what I thought about her wasn't true... -

- Mom, please don't talk about Dean like that - Harry couldn't stand it.

- You have nothing to say, dear. Your friend went after your brother and now that she's met Reed she's after him. Leonard has influence in the theater world, it's more convenient for her than Daniel –