To ignore
evil is to become
accomplice to it.
-
Martin Luther King Jr.

________________

"Mmm... good morning," Daniel says, shifting against me, his head nuzzling my side.

My eyes flutter open, blurry and confused. I lightly shift to feel Daniel pressed against me like he was last night, and me sleeping on my back, unmoved from our position.

Neither of us broke apart, neither of us even attempted to move, and not once did I wake up. I slept like the dead last night and that never happens. I'm usually tossing and turning at some point unless Daniel is beside me.

It was... all him.

This spooning, this tight hold Daniel has on me, it feels new and different.

"Good morning," I say, feeling my cheeks blush when his lips press against my temple again.

"You're so fucking warm." His hand floats across my bare stomach and that's when I remember... I am completely naked.

His fingers splay across my abdomen and his thumb lightly strokes my skin. It's a breeze of a touch, but it wakes up a wave of lust, and just like that, I want him again, but I want all of him.

"Sleep for another few minutes," I tell him as I slowly unwrap his arm from my body. He makes a sound telling me how much he doesn't want me to leave the bed but I need to get up.

It was past two when we finally slept, finishing my work and now it's six. He needs to get some sleep. I sit up on the bed and looks down at the hot sleepy face of Daniel. He smiles at me once more before closing his eyes. I run my fingers through his hair, feeling his smooth hair.

We didn't speak anything more about the divorce. It's not happening and we agreed to it and it's scares the hell out of me. This is my first time in a committed relationship. He's the first man who held a special place in my heart and the thought of loosing him is scary.

I brushed my teeth, took a quick shower before rushing towards John's room. I sigh in relief when I find John sitting on his couch, reading some magazine. He lifts his head and catches me standing near the door. I step inside and settle beside him on the couch.

"Good morning," I mutter, smiling bright.

"Good morning. I didn't take you as an early riser," he says, smiling at me. He grabs the cup of coffee from the table, taking a sip from it.

"I need your help." I finally say after taking a breath. "It's about Daniel." He doesn't reply, and I take that as his tacit agreement I should proceed forward.

"You definitely don't need my help in anything other than Daniel," he points out, and I nod.

"The board meeting is within a week and they're planning to let him go." I say. "It would devastate him. I need you to help me in making things clear to the board members."

"I can't do that," he admits almost grudgingly.

My brows pull together. "You can't or you won't?"

John sighs audibly. "If Daniel is out then I get the chairman position. Why will I help him?"

"I'm not asking you to justify his actions," I snap, my voice sharp. "All I'm asking is to give him a chance to explain. As far as I know, Annabelle is invited for the meeting but Daniel isn't, then how in the world can he explain what has happened. Daniel doesn't want the chairman title. He likes to be where he's right now. He knows he made a mistake and he's ready to accept the punishment but disowning him or throwing him out of the company is not the right way to punish him. It's not like he killed someone, he had sex with a person and the company was not affected by it in any way."

I don't wait for him to answer, not wanting to pressure him too much. I rise to my feet and marches out of the room letting him alone with his thoughts. The last thing I want is him to get in trouble for helping Daniel especially considering they don't have a good relation.

"Good morning again," I say, smiling back at Daniel who just sat up from bed. The covers fall off his bare chest and if I didn't know he was wearing shorts under the covers, I'd think he was naked from how low they ride on his carved hips.

Cutely, he presses his palm to his eye and smiles back at me. "Good morning," he says in a groggy but happy voice. He gives me a quick once-over. "You're going to your office?"

I choose a white elegant solid color, bow collar, long sleeve blouse with red tight skirt and paired it with my white t-strap.

"Yeah."

"No suit today?"

"I want to show-off my legs," I joke, winking at him. He rubs his eye again and then lifts his arms over his head to stretch.

Shamelessly I take in the expanse of his exposed skin, the way his muscles flatten out when stretching, but then bunch together when he's back to normal. He, by far, has the best body I've ever seen, and I was curled up next to that body last night. Strong and firm, he held me throughout until we both passed out.

Being held. Feeling safe. Things I've missed so very much.

"I don't want anyone to know that we decided to stay married," I tell Daniel, hoping that he wouldn't get angry. He didn't.

"Okay," he replies, smiling at me. I'm glad he didn't ask the reason because I'm not sure myself about the reason. I need sometime to deal with all that's happening in my life.

All this is unexpected.

"Are you leaving now?" he asks, throwing the sheets to the side and standing from the bed.

"Uh..."

Eyes up, Allison. Eyes. Up.

"No! I need to have some breakfast. I'll wait for you."

"Nah, head down and I'll be right there."

"Okay." I give him a small smile, as we don't talk about the elephant in the room. "I'll see you down there."

I go to walk away, but he stops me, his brawny chest right in front of me. I have to tilt my head back to look him in the eyes and when I do, he smiles at me-the cutest freaking smile I've ever seen-and then he slowly wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a hug.

My arms instinctively went around his neck and I breathed him in deep. He didn't squeeze hard but the feel of his arms around me he had me swooning.

After a few seconds, I leaned away, but didn't leave his embrace. I gazed up, dazed. Our arms were still around one another and I couldn't make mine loosen no matter how hard I tried. It was like I was stuck. Daniel's hands moved down my body, gravitating toward my lower back where he gently drew me in closer. That safety I feel when he's around shrouded my entire body and I felt untouchable. The corner of his mouth tugged upward into a smile and, despite myself, I smiled back.

I turn away, walking out of the room to the living room before we jump into bed again. I stop when I find everyone in the hall. Thomas is talking to Anaconda about something. Her expression tells that she has no idea what he is talking about. Hope smirks at me as if she knows what's going on.

"This for you," Ryan says to Anaconda, pointing his finger at... a box? It looks like a parcel and Leila is already opening it without waiting for Anaconda's permission.

"I didn't order anything," Anaconda states, walking towards the box. She starts riping the huge wrapper while John who stood behind her starts helping too. All four continues to rip the huge box but it looks like there are so many wrappers around it.

I turn my gaze towards Hope, she smiles at me before nodding her head. Realization dawns into me. I know exactly what's happening. I did tell Hope to deliver the gift to her but I didn't expect it to be so soon. A smirk touches my lips as I watch them.

From the corner of eye, I see Daniel walking towards me and my heart beats faster. He wraps his arms around me from back, resting his cheek on my shoulder. I feel chills running down my spine as his lips presses against my neck. Hope's eyes widens seeing the action because it's so intimate and Daniel is not usually into PDA. I place my hand on top of his, smiling wide and my cheeks burning.

Thomas looks at us, throwing daggers at me with his eyes. I ignore him as I focus on the parcel. Ryan chuckles loudly when they're finally done opening the parcel. Ryan looks at me, giving me an enormous smile before stepping away from the package.

John takes out the photo frames which I send to Anaconda, looking amused. He casts me a look before taking out all the ten photos. I feel Daniel freeze behind me when his eyes catches the photos. I rub my thumb over his hand, soothing him.

I didn't look at him as my eyes were fixed on Anaconda who stares at the photo frames with wide eyes.

Right at your face!

All ten photos are of mine and Daniel-together. The first was the one at the.. bar? How? From where did Hope get that picture? It was a simple photo but it meant a lot to me. To us. He didn't look drunk and I didn't look angry either. We looked so familiar with each other as if it had been our nth meeting. Warmth curls through me.

I turn my gaze towards the next one. It's the one from when we were walking to meet Angel for planning the wedding. His hand intertwined with mine while we both looked forward. There's nothing special to this photo other than the fact that we looked like we were together.

Next one is from our wedding day. Daniel was sitting on a bench while I was on his lap, one arm around his neck while the other held a cup of hot chocolate. The caption -Better Together was written on the board behind us. That photo was actually my plan since I stole his hot chocolate and stuck my tongue out at him. Maybe the photographer might have thought I was crazy while taking that photo.

Fourth was the picture of us cutting the cake and feeding each other. I don't exactly remember that moment because I was damn drunk that night but the cake of indeed amazing. Fifth was the one taken by Hope when I visited Daniel's office. We were sitting on his couch and he was kissing me, trying to get rid of my lipstick. I don't know how she got those pictures but I knew she's the one who arranged it.

Sixth one is every intimate and homely. I was sitting on the kitchen counter, my one leg wrapped in a bandage and a bowl of ice-cream in one hand while the other was on Daniel's hair as he kissed me. A smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I look at that photo. I wasn't in my usual professional look, I looked... calm and at home.

I turn my gaze to the next one. My eyes widens slightly when I see it. When did Hope take this? I was sleeping, white sheets covering my body but it's clear that I'm naked beneath it. Daniel was sitting on the bed, sheets covering his lower body while his upper part naked as he stared down at me, his hand on my hair. He looked so happy, peaceful and so in...

Love?

Jesus!

That's so sweet. He used to watch me when I was sleeping?

I would call it creepy.

Shut up! He was just being sweet and cute.

I brush off my thoughts as I turn my eyes towards the next one. The eighth one took my breathe away. It's the one with both of us sleeping. I was cuddled against him with clothes on. It didn't look sexual or anything, it looked like a couple sleeping, enjoying the feel of each other.

I look at the ninth one. It was yesterday's photo. How did Hope manage to get it so soon? I knew she was taking photos yesterday but I didn't expect to get it framed today. Daniel was carrying me in his arms, looking down at me as I rested my cheek against his chest and yesterday's night rushes back to me. I feel my toes curl when I reminisce yesterday and my cheeks hurts from smiling wide. I take a deep breathe as I take in the last photo.

It was the one in front of the jewelry store where we brought the engagement ring. I was staring at Daniel with a small smile on my lips while he held my hand as he planted a kiss on my ring. This was one of my favorite ever since it appeared in the gossip columns. A memory of his sincerity towards the me.

I'm not giving this one to her. I want it for me.

No!

I want all the pictures.To keep it to myself.

Because watching us from the eyes of an outsider means so much more. I didn't know we looked like this. All these photos felt so deep and...meaningful. I felt safe.

"All these are Allison's gift for you," Hope says, smiling wide. I'm glad she opened her mouth because right now I can't find my voice.

Anaconda turns her gaze towards me, looking murderous. She grits her teeth hard before walking away. Honestly, I didn't expect much from her especially since Daniel is wrapped around me.

I grinned brightly as I turn towards Daniel who was still staring at the photos. He finally pulls his gaze away from the photos as looks down at me, then our faces are close as our eyes connect.

Cupping my cheeks, he touch his mouth to mine. It's a soft one, but he lingers longer. He continue to kiss me until I reluctantly pull back.

"Thank you."

My heart warms at his words. I know how much this means to him. He wants to prove to her that she's just a past character in his life which doesn't have any role anymore. The photos speak whom he wants in his life and that's a direct hit for Anaconda. I have waited for this day since the moment she delivered me those pictures.. If she thought that I would shut my mouth after she has decided to spoil my wedding bliss then she's absolutely wrong.

Sending those pictures the next day of the wedding was to devastate me but obviously that didn't work. It just helped to know Daniel's feelings more. I wouldn't have done anything about it but the hurt that flashed across Daniel's isn't something that I can forget. She was trying to make him feel worthless, telling him that he made a mistake and that's not something I would let it go easily.

I brush off my thoughts Thomas turns his gaze towards me. My smile vanishes when I see him fuming in anger.

"Why did you do it?" he asks, stepping towards me.

I shrug. "I wanted to make certain things clear," I reply vaguely.

That angers Thomas more. "They love each other. Why are you standing in between them?"

"What are you talking about?" Daniel asks, stepping forward.

Thomas spits venom at me. "You want Annabelle so why are you staying with her? Because of the company? I told you I'll deal with it. Just stop this nonsense. You and Anna, both are getting hurt."

Daniel's body language changes, he looks alert and angry. "I don't want Annabelle. The only woman I want is standing next to me," he grits out but this time I don't feel butterflies. All I feel right now is concern. Concern about Thomas and Daniel.

Thomas cleared his throat, maybe not knowing how to answer. His eyes darted back and forth for a second, as if he was literally searching for an explanation, but then he spoke and I listened. "You don't want her. She's just a trophy wife until you're done with this mess. Moreover, she has her eyes on John, it was evident to you yesterday."

You got to be kidding me.

I told you. This man deserves a punch.

"She is mine," Daniel says and I can see he's controlling his anger because it's Thomas on the opposite side.

"She's not."

"She's my wife, Thomas. You can't ignore that fact."

"I'm not ignoring it. I'm just stating my point."

"What point?"

"She's going to open her legs for someone else when she sees a chance. She's going to walk through the same path as her mother. For God's sake, she's an illegitimate daughter."

I feel the ground under my feet slip away. Anger filling up my body.

She isn't my daughter.

The words ring in my ears and I feel the room spinning. The room starts to tunnel in on me. The edges of my vision blur and turn black. The ceiling spins and spins and spins to the point that my stomach rolls. Damn it!

Within seconds, Daniel is beside me holding while I try to get a clear vision. Hope reaches near, rubbing my back. "Count, Ally. You're fine."

I start counting just as Hope instructed and I feel better, much better when I finish counting till ten. I take a deep breathe, trying to steady myself and slowly my vision gets better. I turn towards Daniel who's staring at me with concern-filled eyes. I smile at him and relief spreads through him. He pulls me to his arms, holding me close. I pat his chest before pulling away and facing Thomas. Daniel gives me a small nod before stepping back.

The anger is gone from Thomas' face which is replaced with concern but that doesn't help my anger. "Whom I open my legs to is none of your damn business," I snap, startling him. "Daniel is a man who knows what he's doing. He doesn't want you to baby-sit him anymore. He's my husband and you better watch your language when you talk to him and me. Whether my mother is a whore, slut or con-artist or whatever is none of your damn business. You hear me? I'm not my mother and you don't get to judge her or me. You don't know her and it doesn't matter whose child I am. But still just to confirm your doubts, I'm hundred percent the biological daughter of my parents. I'm a legitimate daughter so I suggest you check your sources properly."

Judge stares at me for few seconds. "But still this marriage is going to end after si-"

"Will you stop it?" Carla shouts at the top of her voice, startling all of us. She steps towards Thomas, glaring at him. "Stop acting as if you know everything. You know nothing. You didn't let us attend his wedding and now you're trying to spoil his happiness too. What is wrong with you?"

"Carla, you don't und-"

"It's you who don't understand," she snaps, grabbing his collars. My eyes widens in shock. Jesus! Carla is a wild cat. "Can't you see how disturbed he is because of what you are doing. Daniel is a full grown capable of taking his own decisions so you should stop poking your nose into his business."

"Car-"

"Don't, Thomas," she says, stepping away from him. Her face fuming. "Since when did you started judging someone by their background? You think Ally is not worth Daniel's time because her mother did something she shouldn't have done? To be frank, it's none of your goddammit business as Ally said. My parents were drug addicts so do you think I'm just like them?"

Thomas' eyes widens because he must have realized that he has hit a nerve. Regret flashes across his face and I see tears running down Carla's face. My heart clenched seeing her wet face.

I step towards Carla, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. "It's okay, he's an asshole," I tell Carla, trying to console her. She leans against me, muttering apologies for her husband as I hold her. Leila steps in and helps me to hold her mother as we take Carla to her room.

Poor woman! Thomas must have hurt her indirectly without meaning it but still he was out of line and I don't tolerate it. The reason I held back was Daniel. Thomas meant something to him and I didn't want to cause a trouble between them but this one isn't on me. Thomas did it and he has to face the consequences.

Once I'm sure Carla is okay with Leila, I walk out of the room only to find Hope standing outside the room.

"Are you okay?" She asks, stepping towards me.

"Yeah. Just blanked out back there for me a second," I say, moving towards the hall.

"You need to see your psychiatrist," she suggests as she follows behind me.

"Schedule an appointment for Thursday." Considering it's Monday today, I have three days to prepare myself for the appointment. It's been few months since I last met my therapist but with everything that's going on, I need to see her once more.

I stop when I see Daniel and Thomas talking while Ryan and John stood there in silence. I immediately hide behind the wall as I listen to their conversation. Hope looks at me in confusion before joining me to hide.

"Are we eavesdropping?" Hope asks, pressing her ear to the wall.

"Yes," I mutter, trying to listen to the conversation.

"Daniel, you know I didn't mean to say that but I need you to understand that things are getting worse," Thomas says, his voice soft but clear.

Daniel sighs, rubbing his hand over his face. "I don't care whether it's getting worse or not. I don't want Annabelle."

"Daniel," Thomas mutters. "Are you sure? You always liked her. I can clear the company issue. You don't have to listen to your father."

"Thomas, I repeat again. I didn't marry Allison because of my father. I did it because I wanted her from the very first moment I met her. This has nothing to do with the company or my parents."

"You love Annabelle," Thomas points out.

Let's kill him!

Shut up.

"I don't know from where you got this idea but let me make this clear," Daniel says, his voice sharp. "There's just one woman that I love in this world and that definitely isn't Annabelle."

My body freezes. Who is he talking about?

"What?" Thomas whispers.

"You hurt the woman I love and that's not something I can let go. Don't do this again, Thomas." There's an edge to his voice but what caught my attention was something else.

Hurt the woman I love?

Who's he talking about?

Seriously? You don't get it?

No.

Ally!

"You're getting divorced within six months," Thomas points out.

I expect Daniel to blurt out that we aren't getting divorced but he doesn't. "So what? She has given me tons of memories to cherish throughout my life and that's more than enough. I have never been this happy in my life. I love her and every second with her means a lot to me so stop doubting her. You should be glad that she's alright otherwise this isn't how I would have dealt with this conversation."

He's so sweet.

He's talking about me.

Took you long enough.

He loves me.

Yeah! I knew it from the beginning.

He loves me.

Yes.

Do I love him?

Why are you asking me? Find out yourself.

Jesus! I knew this was trouble.