the world, his wife lost her life to a heart condition. Since then, he had been left to care fo

few brief relationships came and went, but none of it stayed. He convinced himself tha

a request that made no sense at all. Once Daniel learned

ly lost your sense

The thought of leaving them, especially with a child on the way, didn't sit right with him.

o she is,"

, and that was enough

she studies with yo

nty-five. Same a

ding me. That's a fif

y one who might actually say yes. I can't thi

a stranger, someone far younger than him. A university student he had never even

going to explode when

When you decide on something, you make

y'll just accept me marrying someone younger, someone they

as the one who int

it would all come together. The story needed to hold up. A woman that young didn't match what people expected from him, and

n needed someone to look after them. One woman had no issue with him having three kids, but he never felt anything for her. The other didn't interest him either

to see her in person. Have you

today. I know she'll agree to hel

e kind of father your child deserves.

d the baby deserv

t I expecte

ey married young, just like Harry and Laura, but Daniel had already c

s or trips abroad, he spent his time studying languages and attending classes in math and

reserved, and he followed every expectation set by his family without question. Because of that, his parent

ogether they found a balance that worked. People often saw them as a perfect match. Then their children came

him, and so did the family business. With no one else to lean on, he forc

Daniel adapted, just as he always did. He learned how to manage on his own. At ti

t happens once I s

certain she'

nna. That

n't explai

someone needs her, she shows u

et i

least ask you

at

in there acting all cold and serious. She's a good woman, Dan

idiculous t

ome up with a name, though no one had the nerve to say it in front of him. They called him "Ice-Cold Crusher." In business, that image only grew stronger. He handled matters without hes

nged for all of them to meet at his apartment, hoping they could settle the details and build a story that wouldn't fall apart

knows about m

. More than once, I think. Either

clear boundaries wh

hadn't even considered. The fate of "Mighty Deanna" and "Ice-Cold Crusher" was already shifting, whether they realized it or not. The r

red with modest heels that carried a quiet sense of grace. Her wardrobe didn't offer much for making a strong impression, but she wasn't ab

ill presentable. Without realizing it, he adjusted himself for the situation ahead. The thought of meeting someone much youn

His reputation stood firm. His children were well cared for. People respected him. Everything about his life pointed to success

oor before sitting beside him. For a moment, he simply watched. His thoughts drifted to what his brother's child would have, something Jonathan would never know. The