Stop fighting Anabel, Daniella

Desmond was in his office when his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw an unfamiliar number. He wanted to ignore the call but changed his mind immediately and answered the call.

“Hello, Who is this?" He asked.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Desmond. This is Clara from Elegance Boutique. I’m calling regarding an incident involving your partner, Miss Daniella.”

Desmond’s heart skipped a beat. “What happened?”

“Daniella was caught on our CCTV footage placing an earring into another customer’s handbag yesterday afternoon. The customer, Anabel, was then accused of stealing.”

"Are you sure about this? There must be a mistake.” somewhere," Desmond said.

“I’m afraid, Mr. Desmond, the evidence is clear. We reviewed the footage multiple times. It was clear that your partner intentionally placed the earring in the customer's bag.”

"I'm so sorry about that. I hope it didn’t spoil anything. Is Anabel alright?” He asked, deeply concerned.

“She was understandably upset, but after reviewing the footage, we cleared her name. He made some findings about Daniella and found out she's your fiancée. So we decided not to press charges against Daniella because of your reputation and our respect for you. We wanted to inform you directly and have already sent the video to your phone.”

Desmond checked his phone. The video notification was there, waiting to be opened. “Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate your understanding.”

“You are welcome, Mr. Desmond. We hope this matter can be resolved amicably.”

Desmond ended the call and opened the video He watched as Daniella slipped the earring into Anabel’s handbag.

"This is insane. How can she do something like this to put Anabel in big trouble?" He murmured.

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Desmond got back to the house and headed straight to his room. Daniella was rubbing her cream when he stormed in. She just finished taking her bath. She stopped what she was doing and went to welcome him.

"Welcome back, love." She said but when she looked up at Desmond, she noticed that all was not well. He looked angry.

"Why is your face like that? Do you have a fight with somebody?" Daniella asked, and Desmond pushed her aside.

"Do you in any way have any trouble with Anabel?" Desmond asked and began to loosen his tie.

"What do you mean?" Daniella asked. She was a little bit confused.

“I got a call in my office today about you. They told me what happened between you and Anabel.” Desmond replied, trying to keep his voice calm.

“They said they are letting the case slide because of me. Is there something you need to tell me?”

"I don’t know what you are talking about. I haven’t done anything wrong.” She replied, and Desmond sighed, running his hand through his hair. “Daniella, why deny it? They said you put an earring in Anabel’s bag and she was accused of stealing,” Desmond said, and Daniella's mind flashed to the boutique when she put an earring in her bag. She was confused. She could remember she left the boutique without getting caught.

"Did they later find out? Who told them?" Her mind was running wild, thinking of how they managed to find out.

“No,” Daniella denied. “I didn't do that. I don’t have any issues with Anabel.” She replied, though her voice was shaking a little.

“Are you sure? Because they told me everything, and it doesn’t look good.” Desmond said, but Daniella’s expression hardened. “I didn’t put anything in her bag, Desmond. They are lying. Why will I do such a thing?”

Desmond shook his head and pulled out his phone. Enough of talking. “I can see you want to deny it. I have evidence. They sent the CCTV footage, Daniella. Here, take a look.

He played the video, and Daniella watched as the screen showed her slipping the earring into Anabel’s bag. Her face paled, but she quickly regained her composure.

"That video must be fake. You know, these days. They can edit any video."

"What is even wrong with you! I'm showing you the footage, and you are saying it's fake! Why are you so hard!" Desmond yelled at her.

“Anyway, she... she disrespected me." Daniella stated. "She called for it."

“Disrespected you? How, Daniella? By existing? Or because she was in the boutique with you? This is not how you handle things. You can’t just frame someone like that. I don't support this.” Desmond said, and Daniella crossed her arms again. “She needed to be taught a lesson.”

Desmond took a deep breath, trying to keep his temper in check. “This isn’t a game, Daniella. You could have ruined her life. It would have landed her in jail or even prison. Do you understand that?”

“I don’t care. She deserved it.”

“You need to stay away from Anabel. This behavior is unacceptable, and I won’t stand for it. Stop fighting her.” Desmond said and Daniella finally looked at him, her eyes flashing with anger. “You are taking her side? I thought you hated her.

“I never hated her. I've always loved her. I divorced her because of the pressure from my mom and my sister. I divorced her because of you. Because you are pregnant, and she couldn't give me a child. Just let her be."

"That's a lie. You hated her. You called her a slut and slandered her at every opportunity. I wonder what is going on with you this time."

"Because I was angry and Jealous. Because there were a kind of signs. There was never any evidence. I want to stop fighting her."

“You are looking for evidence when there were enough signs. Anabel was cheating on you while you were married to her, Desmond! And here you are, supporting her like she’s some innocent person.” Daniella spat out. “How can you take her side after everything she did to you?

“Daniella, this isn’t about taking sides. This is about right and wrong. What you did was wrong, regardless of what happened in the past. Besides, the fight is between me and her and not you."

“You don’t get it, do you? She hurt you, Desmond. You wasted three years with her, and now you are defending her?” Daniella asked.

"I know, and I'm trying to make my peace with it and get back on track. She might be innocent. Because ever since she left, my life has never been the same. I'm losing all the contracts! What happened in Zacklid ceremony is still confusing me. I don't know whether to believe you or her." Desmond stated.