Daniel reached the apartment ahead of everyone else. He had only stepped inside a handful of times over the past few years, yet this visit felt different. Laura's presence showed in the smallest corners of the place, making it obvious the two of them had settled into living there together for a while.

Something about the situation unsettled him. The whole setup pulled him back to those awkward dinners his mother used to arrange, where he had to sit across from strangers and pretend interest. This time, though, no one pushed him into it. What weighed on him was different. For once, he wasn't the one doing the judging. He was the one being measured.

Then the doorbell broke the quiet, and Deanna arrived. The second she stepped inside, Daniel felt the shift. Whatever he expected, it didn't come close to this. Her smile carried across the room with ease, filling the space before she even spoke. Warmth seemed to follow her in, and it settled around everything. Soft waves of caramel-colored hair rested over her shoulders, framing her face as she moved.

Without thinking, Daniel pushed himself to his feet, like his body moved ahead of his thoughts. Deanna walked straight toward him and stopped in front of him, meeting his gaze without hesitation.

"Hi, I'm Deanna. You're Daniel, right?" she asked, holding out her hand with a steady smile.

"It's good to meet you, Deanna. Yeah, I'm Daniel. Harry's brother," he replied, taking her hand. "Glad you could make it."

At that moment, Laura came in with drinks and snacks in hand. She greeted Deanna with ease, and the two women fell into a natural exchange. Even so, a faint tension hovered in the room. Harry, as always, jumped in with his usual stream of chatter, trying to smooth things over before the silence could grow.

This meeting needed to go well. Everything depended on it. In a way, it did work out. Just not in the direction any of them expected.

"So, you're in the same program as Harry and Laura?" Daniel asked, choosing his words with care.

"We actually met in university," said Deanna.

Curiosity crept into Daniel's voice as he continued, "And what field did you choose?"

"I studies classical singing."

A low sound slipped from him. "Mmm..." That tone didn't sit right. It carried something sharp beneath it, and she caught it right away.

Harry's warning echoed in her head. He really did mean it.

She didn't let it slide. "What's that supposed to mean?" said Deanna.

"It doesn't mean anything."

"Come on, you didn't just say 'mmm' for no reason."

"It's nothing... I respect artists, that's all."

Before either of them could push further, Laura stepped in. "Why don't we start eating?" she said, trying to cut the tension before it grew.

Letting Daniel go unchecked would only make things worse. At the same time, Deanna wasn't the type to stay quiet. If they didn't step in, it would turn into something else fast. All they could do was hold things together for as long as they could.

For a while, the meal moved along without trouble. Light conversation filled the table, and the mood settled enough to seem normal.

Then that subject came up, and everything shifted again.

"We don't have much time, so we need to sort this out fast," said Harry. "You don't realize how much this means to us."

Gratitude showed on Laura's face as she spoke. "I really mean it. Thank you so much for doing this."

Daniel didn't ease into it. He went straight to the terms. "While we're married, I'll handle your university costs for that year. It's fair, since you'll be stepping away from your studies."

That caught her off guard. "Wait, stepping away? I'm not stopping school."

"You'll need to. Being married to someone still in university won't reflect well."

"I'm not taking your money."

"This isn't about the money. You're giving something up, and that deserves something in return."

"So that's how you see it. A sacrifice."

Across the table, Harry and Laura shared a look. The tension they tried to manage had slipped.

Her tone sharpened as she continued, "You are aware I have three kids, right?"

"I know."

"Then we need clear rules about how you deal with them."

Turning her head, she glanced at Harry. He met her eyes with a tired expression, already bracing himself for how the rest would go. Quietly, he hoped his friend could stay through the evening without calling everything off. Meanwhile, Daniel carried on like he was finalizing a deal, not stepping into a marriage.

"There are house rules you'll need to follow. They already work, and I'm not changing them."

"What kind of place is that? Sounds like a military camp."

"I expect you to adjust, even if you don't seem interested in what I'm saying."

"It's not that I don't care. It's just hard to take this seriously when you come across so rigid."

"Rigid isn't the word. It's discipline. And while we're at it, you might want to rethink your clothes," he said, motioning toward her knees.

"What is this, a convent?"

"Hey, let's just calm down—" Harry tried to intervene.

But it was already slipping out of control. Every rule Daniel laid out was met with resistance from Deanna. The polite tone he usually kept didn't hold this time.

"If we want this to be convincing, these are basic expectations. You're not exactly the kind of woman I usually choose."

"That's good to know. I get what you're trying to say, but you're talking like this is some business deal."

"I'll speak with my lawyer about a prenup tomorrow. This marriage may not be real, but it has to look real. Everything needs to be accounted for."

"So let me understand this. I follow your rules, I leave university, I study how to deal with your kids, and I even change how I dress. I get the prenup, but everything else?"

"Good. That means we understand each other."

"Understand each other? That's your list, not mine. I've got conditions too."

"Go ahead. Let's hear them."

"Since I can't continue university, I'll set aside one day each week for private singing lessons."

"That's fine. I'll pay for it."

"No need. I already work."

"You'll have to leave that job, so I'll take care of it."

Frustration rose in her chest, but Laura's anxious look held her back for a moment. Drawing in a breath, she steadied herself.

"Alright... if you're handing out money that easily, then I want my own space in your house. A room I can use as a music studio."

"That can be arranged. Anything else?"

"For now, that's enough."

Silence settled over the table, and no one seemed willing to meet another's eyes. Harry and Laura exchanged tense looks, both realizing they had been holding their breath the entire time.

Breaking the quiet, Daniel spoke again. "Tomorrow, I'll talk to our parents. We'll set up a family meeting so they can meet her properly. Laura, I assume you'll help her get used to everything."

"Yeah... alright," responded Harry, glancing at Deanna with quiet apology. In his head, he could already hear everything she'd say about Daniel once they were alone.

Nothing about the man made sense. He spoke without restraint, like everyone around him worked under him and had no choice but to comply.

She couldn't take it anymore. "I'm heading out," said Deanna.

Harry suggested, "I can book you a cab if you want."

Before she could answer, Daniel cut in, "That won't be necessary. I'll take her home."

"Daniel, that might not be the best idea."

"And why wouldn't it be? She'll be my wife soon. There's nothing strange about it. Come on."

Without waiting, he moved toward the door and paused there, expecting her to follow. With a quiet sigh, Deanna said her goodbyes and stepped out after him.

The drive passed in silence. Neither of them spoke as the car moved through the streets until they reached her building.

"So this is where you stay?"

"It is. Thanks for the ride. Goodnight."

That ended it. She stepped out and walked inside without looking back.

For a few moments, he remained in the car, his eyes fixed on the entrance. His thoughts drifted as he sat there.

If she didn't fall in line with what he expected, their story wouldn't hold. No one would buy it. She wasn't someone who bent easily. She spoke her mind, carried herself with ease, and had that warm smile that didn't match the situation at all.

What had he gotten himself into?

The following day, Daniel sat down with his parents. He kept reminding himself to stay composed and speak in a way that felt natural. If he sounded forced or too prepared, the whole story would fall apart.

"So, what is it you wanted to tell us, son?" His mother looked at him expectantly.

"I'm getting married."

Confusion showed on his father's face right away. "Married? What are you talking about, Daniel?" he asked, clearly caught off guard. That wasn't something he thought he'd hear again.

"In a few weeks, I'll be married, Dad. Before that, I want everyone to meet her."

"Wait a minute... who is this woman?"

"Her name's Deanna."

"Deanna? Who is Deanna?"

He already knew how she would react. Questions would come one after another. For years, she had hoped her grandchildren would have a proper mother figure, someone who wasn't her or Susan. Still, this wasn't how she expected things to happen. Neither of them was ready for this.

"She studies with Harry at university. We've been seeing each other for a few months, and I've decided to marry her."

"One of Harry's classmates?"

"Yes, Mom. I know what you're thinking. That's exactly why we kept things quiet."

"You're fifteen years older than Harry. If she studies with him, then she's around his age. Are you really saying you're about to marry someone that much younger, and after only a few months together?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying."

"You've completely lost it, Daniel. Your children need someone who can guide them, not someone who feels like they belong in the same group as them."

"Mom, leave my kids out of this."

"How am I supposed to ignore them? Think about what you're doing. Stop being so stubborn. This marriage isn't happening."

"That's not up for discussion. I've made my choice, and it stands."

"Charles, are you going to sit there and say nothing? Talk some sense into him!"

For a moment, his father stayed quiet. Then he leaned forward and fixed his gaze on Daniel.

"Is she expecting a child?" he asked.

"What? No, Dad, of course not."

"Then what's the reason behind this?"

"Because I love her, and I know she'll be a good partner. Or do you think someone like her would only agree to this if there were something else involved?"

His mother let out a sharp breath. "Or maybe she's interested in what you have."

"That doesn't make any sense, Mom."

"What doesn't make sense is you rushing into something like this. If she's with you, there has to be a reason behind it."

"I didn't realize you thought so little of me, Mom."

"You know what I'm talking about. I've seen too many cases lately where women like her go after men like you for their money. Look at Madison's son and that girlfriend of his."

"Deanna's not like that."

"And you're certain of that? Men tend to lose judgment when they're taken in by looks."

"I'm certain because she's close to Harry and Laura. She's already shown she doesn't care about what I have. She even works, though I expect her to stop once we're married."

His father spoke up, his tone measured. "This all feels rushed, Daniel."

"I understand that, Dad, but I need you to trust me. You've known me my whole life. I wouldn't go through with this if I wasn't sure."

"You've always been careful with your decisions... It seems we'll be planning a wedding, Camila."

"You're both unbelievable. Fine, then bring this 'future wife' here soon. Have the children met her yet?"

He answered quickly, "No, not yet."

She gave a short nod. "Good. If this falls apart, at least they won't have to watch their father get left behind by someone younger."

"Mom, please..."

"No, Daniel. Absolutely not. You're bringing a stranger into your home, where your children live, and you expect everyone to accept her as your wife. Do you have any idea what people will say?"

"That doesn't matter to me."

The conversation didn't end well, but it wasn't a total loss either. At least his father chose to trust him. The real challenge remained his mother. She would look at Deanna from every angle, picking at every detail until she found something she could use against her.

Daniel already expected that, which was why he reached out to his sister-in-law. He needed her to guide Deanna, help her adjust, and maybe even suggest a wardrobe that would meet his mother's standards.

If this was going to work, Laura had to prepare her well. Advice, adjustments, anything that would help her face what was coming. Once Camila set her mind on something, she didn't let it go. She had a way of making things difficult, especially for someone stepping into the family.

From the start, Deanna didn't fit the image Camila had in mind for her eldest son.

Over the years, she had introduced Daniel to women she believed were suitable. Most of them came from families she knew well. Each time, he showed no interest and asked to be left alone. Now, out of nowhere, he claimed he was ready to marry someone no one had even heard of.

There was no way Camila would accept that without pushing back. In her mind, the situation was clear. She believed Deanna had her own motives, and she intended to prove it.

The first person she turned to was Harry.

"Tell me something. How did your brother even meet this Deanna?"

"I introduced them. Mom, you don't need to worry. She's a good person."

"I do need to worry. She'll be part of my grandchildren's lives."

"You're making a bigger deal out of this than it is. Don't you trust your youngest son?"

"No, I don't."

"Mom!"

"Everything about this feels rushed, Harry. Something isn't adding up..."

"You're reading too much into it. Daniel just decided to move forward with his life. There's nothing wrong with that. He deserves to love someone and be loved in return."

"I'm not against that, you know that. I've been hoping for it since Emily left in such a painful way. But this? Not like this."

"You're being unfair. I've known Deanna since our first year at university. Laura knows her too. She's a great person. Honestly, I'm surprised she hasn't walked away from Daniel already."

"That's because your brother holds a certain position. That matters."

"She's not interested in what he has, Mom..."

"So you call her by name now. That tells me you know her quite well."

"That's exactly what I've been trying to explain."

From that point on, caution became necessary. Until the wedding was settled, every step had to be measured. Whether Camila approved or not didn't change the outcome. The marriage would happen either way. What mattered was buying enough time so Harry and Laura wouldn't face problems later.

For Daniel, this went beyond the arrangement. He wanted to distance himself from the expectations his family held onto. His children wouldn't grow up dealing with the same pressure. Their happiness would come first, not some outdated belief that forced people into situations like this. None of it would be happening if they were simply left to live as they chose.

Still, something about Deanna stayed with him. She left an impression he hadn't planned for. Even with the difference in age, she carried herself with certainty. She knew what she wanted and didn't hesitate to speak her mind. When someone pushed, she pushed back. There was confidence in the way she held herself, along with a sense of composure.

It was obvious she didn't come from the same background as his family, yet that never seemed to hold her back or make her hesitate.

They had only crossed paths two days ago, but he couldn't shake the memory of her. The way she stepped out of the car stayed with him. Annoyance showed on her face, yet she walked toward the entrance without stopping or turning back, steady in her pace. That image lingered longer than he expected.

A knock sounded at Deanna's door, catching her off guard. She hadn't expected any visitors that day. Since her classes had been canceled, she stayed home to clean and sort things out, knowing she would usually come back late. This should have been her last year at university, the one she planned to finish alongside Harry. Now, that plan had been pushed back.

"Sorry for showing up like this—"

"Don't worry about it, Laura. Come in. I've been cleaning, so things aren't exactly in order."

"Thanks. I actually came with a purpose."

"A purpose?"

"Daniel handed me his card, and today we're going out together."

"So the family meeting's already set?"

"It is."

"Then I'll do what I can."

"I don't even know how to thank you, Deanna. After how things went the other night, and with you having to step away from school because of us... it means more than you think." She rested her hands over her stomach.

"It's nothing. I want to help. That baby you're carrying is going to grow up with great parents and a happy life. That's what matters."

"And they'll have a wonderful aunt too."

"An aunt who'll spoil them every chance she gets."

"Alright, let's go make good use of Daniel's money. We need something perfect for you."

"Give me a minute. I'll get changed first."

Stepping into those boutiques felt unreal to Deanna. Places like that had never been part of her world. Everything around her looked like something pulled straight out of a film, polished and distant. Even the lowest price tag matched what she earned over months. It didn't make sense to her. Did people really spend that much on a single dress? The thought alone made her uneasy. And it wasn't just clothing. Laura had already mentioned shoes, handbags, and even a salon visit.

Watching Laura move through it all made the difference even clearer. She paid without a second thought, as if it were nothing. One shop led to another, and the cycle didn't stop. Trying on outfit after outfit took up most of their time, and choosing between colors dragged on longer than she expected. The noise, the lights, the constant decisions—it all began to wear her down. This wasn't her world.

Everything she knew had always been simple. Her days were shaped by home-cooked meals, clothes passed down over time, and small gatherings with familiar faces. Her mother and grandmother raised her in the restaurant they ran, where the air carried the scent of cooking all day. That was where she grew up, surrounded by warmth and routine. After school, she spent her afternoons playing with friends in the park. Nothing about it stood out as unusual. Her teenage years followed the same path, filled with friends and occasional trips to the cinema. By 16, she had already started helping at the restaurant. A year later, she experienced her first relationship.

Now, everything had shifted without warning. She found herself standing in a place that felt far removed from anything she had known, and she wasn't sure she even liked it. The things that seemed to excite Laura didn't mean anything to her. Singing had always been the one thing that mattered. That was all she ever wanted—to stand on a stage in a respected theater and keep performing for as long as her voice allowed. Fame never crossed her mind, and money wasn't the goal. What mattered was sharing her voice. Every time she sang, something inside her came alive. In those moments, she felt at peace.

"This shade really suits you. It works with your hair."

Deanna blinked, unsure. "I don't get any of that, Laura, but I'll trust you."

A laugh slipped from Laura. "Good. Just leave everything to me. By the end of this, even Harry won't know who he's looking at."

Back at university, her instructors had been left speechless during her audition. No one expected that kind of voice to come from someone with her build. She reached high notes with ease and still carried warmth in every tone. From that moment, it was clear she had something rare ahead of her.

Everything changed once she stepped onto a stage. The cheerful girl people knew faded, and something else took over. Her stance shifted, her expression sharpened, and the energy she carried pulled every eye toward her. Each performance came from a place deep within her.

"I look like my great-aunt in this. She passed away years ago."

"You're being dramatic. It actually looks great on you... just maybe not what you'd usually pick."

"How much longer are we staying here?"

"We're not leaving until we find something that makes an impression. Though honestly, I think you've already made one on Daniel."

"Your brother-in-law doesn't react to anything."

"He's not that bad. He's just a bit..."

"Boring?"

"I'd call him formal. He carries himself like someone in charge, but there's also something about him that puts people at ease."

If she were honest, Daniel had caught her off guard. The man she pictured before meeting him didn't match the one standing in front of her that night. His age didn't show the way she expected. He didn't seem older, yet he didn't feel young either. He stood somewhere in between, settled in a way that felt complete. A trace of gray marked his temples, and most of what he expressed came through his gaze rather than his words. Laura's description fit. He looked composed, but there was something about him that didn't push people away.

If not for the way he spoke and how he insisted on getting his way, she could see why others would find him appealing. Still, there was something else she noticed but kept to herself. It might have been nothing, yet it felt real. A quiet heaviness seemed to follow him, like something unspoken lingered beneath the surface. Harry had told her enough about his past, so maybe that explained it.

"That's it. That one's perfect for you."

"You're sure about this?"

"I'm certain. How does it feel?"

"Like I belong on stage."

"Then we're done here."

"Finally. Can we go now? I'm starving."

"Alright. We'll grab something to eat, then pick up the rest."

As they stepped out, Deanna made a quiet promise to herself. The next time she saw Harry, he'd hear exactly what she thought about all of this.

Elsewhere, Harry made his way to Daniel's office. He needed to talk some sense into his brother before things got worse. Deanna might not back down, but that didn't mean she should have to deal with everything alone.

Inside, Susan was already there, questioning Daniel about what their mother had told her. After a moment of hesitation, Harry decided to lay it all out.

"Honestly, I've got two brothers who belong in an asylum. Both of you are impossible." Susan shot him a look. "Don't joke around. Is it true or not?"

"You know we didn't have much choice. That rule about appearances left us stuck, and she was the only one willing to help."

"She must care about you a lot to agree without asking for anything."

"That's just who she is. Which is why I'm asking you, Daniel... go easy on her, alright?"

"She doesn't seem like someone who needs that. She speaks her mind just fine. Maybe you should ask her to tone it down instead."

"We're the ones putting her in this position. She didn't have to agree. She's doing this for us."

"He's right. You should treat her better, Daniel."

"You're making it sound like I'm some kind of villain."

"No one said that... but you can be distant. And when you want to be, you can come across as... very condescending."

"I'm not like that."

Susan didn't back down. "You are, Dan."

With her on their side, things stood a better chance of working out. Even so, she still couldn't figure out how Daniel had agreed so quickly. It didn't seem like something he would normally accept. If a child was involved, that might explain part of it. Still, she felt there was more to it. She would find out soon enough when she finally met Deanna.