Homewrecker

Introduction

Cassidy Jenkins hadn’t seen her childhood friend, Daniella Thompson, since their high school days.  When she suddenly receives a call saying that she is coming for a visit, Cassidy is overjoyed.  But Daniella has learned of Cassidy’s recent marriage to Tyler Jenkins, and is jealous of Cassidy’s happiness.  When Daniella tries to come between Cassidy and Tyler by making advances towards Cassidy’s husband, Tyler.  When Cassidy discovers Daniella’s secret and the real reason Daniella is here, can Cassidy forgive her friend?

Chapter 1

“Hello?” Cassidy Jenkins answered her cell.

“Cassidy?” Daniella asked.

“Daniella?” Cassidy asked surprised to hear from her childhood friend.  “I was just wondering about you?”

“I just want to let you know that I was coming for a visit.”

“You are?  That’s great, Daniella!  You can meet my new husband, Tyler!” Cassidy exclaimed excitedly.

“Yeah, that would be nice!” Daniella replied in a somber tone.

“Well, Daniella, I hate to break off our call, but I have to be getting to work now.” Cassidy told her.

“Yeah, sure!  See you in a few days!” Daniella said, hanging up.

Cassidy hung up and began to get ready for work as a paralegal in her father’s law firm, she couldn’t believe she would see Daniella again.  It’s been so long—too long!  One thing bothered her though—their rivalry over the quarterback James Mitchell, whom both Cassidy and Daniella both had eyes for.  It had been an ugly rivalry to which Daniella won the heart of James when the two married right after they graduated high school.  Cassidy never heard from Daniella again—until now!

Daniella had packed her few belongings that James had let her have.  When Daniella and James first married, it seemed the two were inseparable.  They were the picture of happiness—that is for the first two months.  Then James changed.  He became possessive over Daniella.  He controlled her every move, from the friends she had to the family she could talk to. 

Things escalated further when James began beating Daniella and leaving bruises on her, even putting her in the hospital a few times.  Daniella thought she was a dead woman—until a month ago when Daniella finally had enough and shot and killed James when he was sleeping. 

The next morning, she woke in a daze to the news of Cassidy’s marriage to celebrity architect to the stars, Tyler Jenkins.  After Daniella’s ordeal the last 10 years, Daniella seethed with anger toward Cassidy.  How could she end up happy when she was miserable?  It wasn’t fair that Cassidy got what she wanted and she ended up in a nightmare of a marriage.  Daniella blamed Cassidy for her marriage woes.  After all, Cassidy gave up on James way to easily, and Daniella wanted Cassidy to pay.

That’s when Daniella made up her mind to ruin Cassidy’s happiness at all costs.  Daniella intended to steal Tyler away from Cassidy and make Cassidy pay for everything she went through.  Her troubled life was Cassidy’s fault.

Chapter 2

“Dani!” Cassidy shrieked with excitement when she spotted her friend in the airport while waiting for her.

“Cassi.” Dani shrieked with fake excitement as she gave her friend a hug, while secretly eyeing Cassidy’s husband, Tyler.

“Oh, Dani, it’s been so long.” Cassidy said sadly.  “How did we ever lose touch with each other?”

“I know.” Daniella lied.  “I’m sorry for everything.’

Daniella and Cassidy talked about old times while waiting for her luggage at the baggage claim.  When it finally came out, Daniella pointed it out and Tyler, like the true gentleman, picked up Daniella’s luggage and carried it to his and Cassidy’s  car.  Daniella was amazed that they had a driver.  No, more like jealous!

As Max drove Cassidy, Tyler and Daniella back to Tyler and Cassidy’s mansion, Tyler poured Cassidy and Daniella a drink from the mini bar in the limousine.  As the three enjoyed the drink, Daniella thought about her revenge on Cassidy and how to make the moves on Tyler.  He was a man Daniella could fall for with his rugged good looks and chiseled features, those gorgeous blue eyes the color of the ocean—Daniella could get lost in them forever. 

“Dani?” Cassidy spoke, breaking Daniella free of her thoughts.

“What?  I’m sorry Cassi.  I must have been lost in thought.” Daniella lied, as she continued to think about having Tyler all to herself.

“What do you want to do first when we get home?” Cassidy repeated.

“Oh, surprise me!” Daniella told her friend.

“Well, why don’t you two take a swim out in our pool while I make you two some lunch.” Tyler suggested.

“That’s sounds good, honey.” Cassidy said, giving him a kiss on the lips.

Max had just pulled into the drive of Cassidy and Tyler’s mansion.  Tyler grabbed Daniella’s bags and followed Cassidy and Daniella up the front steps to the front door as Cassidy pushed the code for the security alarm. 

Once inside, Cassidy led Daniella to her room—actually wing—that she would have all to herself.  Amazed as she was by Cassidy’s success, Daniella couldn’t wait to take all of this from Cassidy for payment for all her hurt. 

Daniella still couldn’t believe that Cassidy managed to get everything while she lost all she had. 

“I’ll wait for you out by the pool.” Cassidy said to Daniella.

“Okay.  I’ll get dressed and be out there in a few.” Daniella promised.

But first, Daniella had to put the first part of her plan into motion.

Chapter 3

Cassidy and Tyler stole a few moments kissing in their hot tub before Daniella came out to meet them by the poolside.  And a few moments was all they got when Daniella came out looking stunning in a pink bikini that barely hid anything on her body.  Cassidy couldn’t believe that Daniella would actually wear something like this.  As Daniella strutted around the pool, Cassidy got the impression that the show was all for Tyler’s benefit.

“Amazing.” Tyler said, complimenting Daniella on her gorgeous curves as Cassidy seemed to look a little jealous.

“Why thank you, Tyler.” Daniella said, flirting discreetly with him.  “You’re looking quite amazing yourself!”

Cassidy tried to get a word in, but it seemed that Daniella and Tyler were ignoring her.  Were they or was it just in her imagination?

“Dani?  Tyler?  Can I get you two a drink?” Cassidy asked them.

“Yes, babe.  Bring me a brewski.”

“Okay.  Dani?  What would you like?”

“I’ll have what Tyler is having?” Daniella said, looking straight into his eyes.

As Cassidy went to fetch the two their beers, she kept a watchful eye on Daniella.  Something was wrong with this picture.  She knew Daniella had the tendency to flirt, but she would never take her husband from her, would she? 

When Cassidy came out with the beers, she found Daniella’s leg sitting on Tyler’s; an image that deeply disturbed her.  

“Hey, guys, here are your beers.” Cassidy said, interrupting whatever was going on between them.

“OH, thanks babe.” Tyler said, as he took the beer from her and kissed her.

“Yeah, thanks Cass.”

After awhile, it seemed that all was just in Cassidy’s head as the three of them swam and played in the pool. 

Later that night, Daniella was listening at Tyler and Cassidy’s bedroom door as they were having an argument.

“Tyler, why were you flirting with Dani?” Cassidy just came out and asked him after a lovemaking session that seemed to Cassidy to be faked by Tyler.

“Babe, you know I love you.”

“But you were flirting with her.”

“No I wasn’t.” Tyler defended himself.

“She had her leg on yours?”

“She asked me to massage it.”

“That’s not what it looked like to me?”

“Oh, c’mon Cassie, you’re being stubborn.  You know I love only you?”

“I don’t think it’s such a good idea for Dani to stay here.”

“Where will she go?”

“She can go to a hotel.  I’m sure she can afford it.”

“Well, if you think it’s best.” Tyler told her.

“I will tell her in the morning.” Cassidy said before they both went to sleep.

As Daniella headed for her wing to go to sleep, she couldn’t believe that Cassidy was going to toss her out.  Well, she would regret it for doing so.  If Cassidy asked her to leave, she would make sure she paid, and paid dearly!

Chapter 4

Daniella couldn’t be happier as she listened to Cassidy and Tyler fighting. All she cared about was that her plan was working perfectly. Cassidy was making the usual assumptions she did back in high school. And Tyler didn’t believe her. Soon, Tyler would be all hers. . .and Cassidy would be left out in the cold. . .just where she belonged.
As Daniella made her way downstairs to work on the next plot in her scheme, Cassidy fumed upstairs after Tyler had marched out of their room and into one of the other rooms.
Tyler, on the other hand, decided he wasn’t going to lose any sleep over Cassidy’s paranoia. It was ridiculous that Daniella was coming on to him. She was just his wife’s friend from high school. He had no interest in her. Why couldn’t Cassidy see that?
As Tyler tried to sleep, he heard the door open and someone come in.
“Cassidy?” Tyler questioned the intruder coming in. “Come to your senses, did you?”
But there was no answer, and assuming the intruder left, Tyler tried to go back to sleep. But instead, he felt a warm hand caress his body, and assuming it was Cassidy, turned over and planted a kiss on her.
“I’m sorry, Tyler.” Daniella lied. “I had no idea there was anybody in here.”
“What are you doing in here?” Tyler said, when he realized it wasn’t Cassidy he just kissed.
“I had to find another room to sleep in.” was Daniella’s excuse. “The sheets in my bed were all wet when I went to pull down the blankets.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Dani.” Tyler apologized.
“I’ll go check out what’s wrong.” Tyler told her. “Just to make sure there’s no leak.”
“No, you don’t have to do that.” Daniella told him. “I’m sure the sheets will be dry in the morning.”
“It’s no problem, really.” Tyler offered. “I pride myself on having a leak-proof home and if you have a leak, I need to fix it.”
“Can’t you do it in the morning?” Daniella asked him, hoping to buy some time before she could get back to her room.
“Okay, I will wait until morning.” Tyler promised her.
“Thank you, Tyler. You’re such a doll.” Daniella said sweetly.
“I think I will go sleep in my own room with my wife, where I belong.” Tyler said.
As Tyler went back up to his and Cassidy’s room, Daniella made her way back to her room and crawled into the bed, knowing it wouldn’t be long before she had Tyler right where she wanted him. . .and Cassidy would be alone. . .just like her.

Chapter 5

Cassidy woke to find Tyler sleeping next to her, snoring as loudly as ever.  It kept Cassidy awake and she couldn’t sleep ever since Tyler came back into the room.  Not wanting to give into Tyler, Cassidy got up and put on her bathrobe to prepare breakfast.  Cooking always managed to make Cassidy feel better.
But when she got downstairs to the kitchen, Daniella was already there dressed in a sexy black dress, cooking breakfast. 
“Daniella, what are you doing in my kitchen?” Cassidy demanded.
“Well, I saw how busy you and Tyler were, so I wanted to help out a little.”Daniella told her sweetly.
“Well, I don’t need your help.” Cassidy spat out.  “Especially with you looking like that!”
“What’s wrong with how I look?” Daniella asked innocently.
“That dress?!” Cassidy raged.  “How many people cook in a sexy black dress?!”
“Well, I had a prior commitment so I got ready and thought I would make you and Tyler dinner before I left.” Daniella explained in her sugar-sweet voice.
“Yeah, I bet!” Cassidy screamed at her.  “Why don’t you admit you’re trying to take Tyler away from me!”
As Cassidy threw out accusations, Daniella continued cooking, remaining calm.  Cassidy’s ranting woke Tyler, who was still asleep upstairs, came downstairs to see what all the commotion was. 
“What is going on down here?!” Tyler exploded.
“I was just making you two some breakfast and Cassie just flew off the handle?” Daniella said in her sugary sweet voice.  “And she flew into a rage.”
“Cassie, what is wrong with you?” Tyler asked.  “She’s just making breakfast.”
“Dressed like that!”
“I told your wife that I had somewhere to go, but thought I would make you two some breakfast before I go.” Daniella explained as sweetly as possible.
“There, Cassie, she’s just making breakfast for us.” Tyler tried to get Cassie to be rational.
“She’s trying to take you away!  Who makes breakfast in that attire!”
“Cassie, she just told us she had somewhere to be after making breakfast.” Tyler continued to reason with Cassie.
“You know what, Tyler, I’m leaving.” Cassie yelled.  “If you’re going to take her side, you can have her!”
Cassidy stormed out of the house and to her car and drove off.  She had to get out.  Drive somewhere—anywhere, but at home.  Daniella was ruining their life and Tyler couldn’t see it.
Meanwhile, Daniella had breakfast ready and on the table when Tyler came back.  She was sitting at the table waiting for Tyler and Cassidy to join her.
“Breakfast is served.” Daniella told Tyler when he came back to the kitchen after failing to reason with Cassidy.
“Thanks, Daniella.” Tyler told her as he sat down to eat.
“Where’s Cassie?” Daniella asked him, secretly happy inside.
“She left.” Was all Tyler said.
“I’m sorry, Tyler.” Daniella said as she squeezed his hand.
“It’s not your fault.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“No.”
With Cassidy gone, it was time to make her move.  Daniella soothed Tyler’s hand, as she inched her hand further up his arm, rubbing it soothingly.  Enjoying the touch, Tyler let Daniella caress him, as he was hurting from Cassidy’s tirade.
Still hurting from Cassidy leaving so angrily and her irrational behavior, Tyler kissed Daniella.  Daniella had Tyler right where she wanted him.  Tyler grabbed Daniella and kissed her, as the two ended up in a passionate kiss. 
While Daniella and Tyler were getting passionate, Cassidy was driving so fast as thoughts of her argument came back to her, making her more angry that Tyler would side with Daniella.  The past was coming back to haunt her. 
Daniella was coming between her and Tyler just like when they were in high school when Daniella came between her and any guy she was interested in.
Cassidy, seeing the oncoming car through her angry tears, swerved to the side of the road and went off into a ditch.

Chapter 6

As Daniela was busy seducing an unsuspecting Tyler, Cassidy lay unconscious in her car in the ditch with her head on the steering wheel.
A passerby who was making his usual jog, found Cassidy’s car and called 9-1-1 to get the paramedics on the scene.
Then he checked Cassidy’s wrist for a pulse and found one, although very faint.
The paramedics arrived on scene within 10 minutes and rushed to see how Cassidy was.  They check her vitals: Temp—98.9, Pulse—110, Respirations—24, Blood Pressure—190/99, O2 sats—70 and falling fast.
The paramedics put an oxygen mask on Cassidy to help get more oxygen to Cassidy’s brain.  They reported Cassidy’s condition to the hospital via radio before putting her in the ambulance for transport to the hospital.
“Do you know this lady?” the paramedic asked the jogger.
“No.  I found her car while out on a jog.” The jogger asked.
“Well, does she have any identification?”
“I saw a purse in the car.” The jogger told the paramedic.  “It said Cassidy Jenkins.”
“Thank you sir.” The paramedic said.  “We will give her husband a call.”
As Cassidy was on her way to the hospital, the paramedic riding in the ambulance gave Tyler a call.
Back at Tyler’s home, Daniela was about to unbutton her blouse to give Tyler a show after kissing him passionately when the phone near the bed began ringing.
“I’m sorry, Daniela, but I must get this.  It could be my employer.” Tyler said, feeling guilty about what he was about to do with his wife’s friend.
“Hello?” Tyler said, after picking up the phone by the bed.
“Mr. Jenkins?” the paramedic said.
“Yes, this Tyler Jenkins.”
“I’m afraid to tell you, but your wife is being taken to the hospital.”
“The hospital?  What happened?” Tyler asked the paramedic.
“There’s been an accident.  Your wife is holding her own, but is unconscious.”
“I’m on my way!” Tyler said, hanging up and pushing Daniela off the bed and putting his pants and shirt back on, making Daniela a little ticked off.
“Can’t you forget about Cassidy?” Daniela said selfishly.
“Who the hell are you?” Tyler accused.  “I thought you were her best friend?”
“Oh fine.  Have it your way.” Daniela said with irritation.
As Tyler left Daniela alone on the bed, Daniela felt hurt that Cassidy always seemed to win. 
“Damn you, Cassidy!” Daniela said.  “You won’t win this!”

Chapter 7

Daniela was left to sulk after Tyler fled to the hospital to see Cassidy.  When he got there Cassidy was admitted to her room where she was resting peacefully.  Or so the doctors and nurses thought.  But Cassidy was having anything but a peaceful sleep.  Despite being in a coma, Cassidy was wracked with nightmares that Tyler had left her for Daniela. 
When Tyler held Cassidy’s hand, Cassidy’s eyes twitched.  She wanted to wake up but something was preventing her from doing so. 
Suddenly, Cassidy’s monitor started beeping and Cassidy was in cardiac arrest as doctors and nurses entered Cassidy’s room with a crash cart to begin CPR  on Cassidy.
A nurse’s aide shuffled Tyler out of Cassidy’s room, despite Tyler’s objection to remain in the room.
Several minutes later—it seemed like an eternity to Tyler—the doctor came out to give Tyler the news:
“Cassidy was poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” Tyler asked in surprise.  “Who would do that?”  Then he thought of Daniela.  Could she have done this?
“We have given your wife the antidote and are waiting to see if she responds to the treatment.” The doctor informed Tyler, just as Daniela arrived to check on her friend.
“Is Cassidy alright?” Daniela asked sweetly, almost too sweetly it made Tyler suspicious.
“Mr, Jenkins will give you the details.” The doctor told Daniela before walking away.
“Doctor, can I go see her?” Tyler asked the departing doctor.
Tyler felt a hand on his shoulder as Daniela tried to comfort him, but he pulled away from her.
“Leave me alone.”
“I just want to help.”
“After trying to seduce me?”
“I couldn’t help myself.” Daniela defended herself.
“I love my wife.”
“I know.  And I’m sorry.”
“Well, if you’re so sorry then you’ll pack your things and leave our home.” Tyler lashed out at her.
“Okay.  If that’s how you feel.”
Tyler didn’t say a word.  He just left her standing there as he walked on to see Cassidy.
“Fine.  Have it your way, Tyler!  For now!” Daniela whispered to herself, as she went back to Tyler and Cassidy’s home and packed her things and then headed for a motel.

Chapter 8

Daniela didn’t feel the least bit sorry for her seduction attempt on Tyler.  Cassidy deserved to lose Tyler and Daniela was determined to sleep with him and destroy Cassidy’s marriage, the way she destroyed her marriage. 
Daniela flashed to the night before her husband, Stefan, and her fight the night before he died when he confronted her over what Cassidy had told him about cheating on him.  It was a bitter fight between them that led to a heart attack that ultimately killed him. 
It was from that moment on, that Daniela vowed revenge on Cassidy by seducing Tyler.  She couldn’t believe that her best friend would rat her out about her one-night stand with an office worker.  She told that secret to Cassidy in confidence.  But little did Daniela know, it wasn’t Cassidy who told the secret to Daniela’s husband—the person who told Stefan not to tell Daniela who told him.  That’s when Stefan lied and said it was Cassidy.
In an undisclosed location, a mystery figure was calculating his revenge as Daniela was driving to the hospital to visit Cassidy.
Daniela parked her car and checked in with the front desk at the hospital.  Heading to Cassidy’s room, Daniela attempted to gain Cassidy’s forgiveness before Tyler could spill the beans about her seduction attempt.
And it was a good thing Tyler had to go to the office to meet with clients about their plans for the house he was designing for them.
“Cassidy.” Daniela said, knocking on Cassidy’s door.
“Daniela?” a groggy Cassidy said upon waking from a deep-drug –induced sleep.
“Hey, I’m sorry I haven’t visited.  Been busy.”
“That’s okay.”
“So, how you been feeling.” Daniela said, breaking the ice between them.
“Lonely.  I miss Tyler.” Cassidy said depressed.
“Well, I’m sure he’ll be by shortly.” Daniela encouraged her.
“Yeah.” Cassidy said unenthused after her and Tyler’s argument.
“Hey, he loves you.”
“Yeah.  You think so?” Cassidy’s spirits perked up.
“Yeah.  He told me so after a long discussion.”
Cassidy felt a little better after Daniela told her about Tyler. 
“So, I just wanted to apologize for any inconvenience I may have cause you and Tyler?” Daniela told her.
“That’s okay.  I forgive you.” Cassidy told her, as she fell for Daniela’s story.
“Friends?” Daniela said with crossed fingers behind her back.
“Friends.” Cassidy said as the two besties hugged each other.
“So when do you get to break this pop stand?”
“I don’t know.  The doctor is due any time.”
“Well, when you do get out, what you say, we go for a burger and fries?” Daniela offered.
“Sounds good.” Cassidy agreed.
“Well, I’ll let you get some rest.” Daniela said as she headed for the door.
“Thanks, Dani.” Cassidy said before Daniela disappeared.
Daniela smiled knowing she had duped Cassidy into forgiving her.  Cassidy was always a sucker for forgiveness.  As Daniela got into her car and turned on the ignition, she was unaware that she was being followed.

Chapter 9

Daniela was driving back to Cassidy and Tyler’s home when she looked in the rearview mirror and noticed a police car with flashing red and blue lights.  Pulling over to the side of the road, hoping the cop would pass her by, Daniela waited on the shoulder, since she wasn’t doing anything illegal.
But the car didn’t pass her by but pulled up behind her car.  The officer got out of the car and walked up to Daniela’s window, tapping on it as Daniela rolled it down.
“Is anything wr----“ Daniela started to say but was shocked when she realized who it was.  “James?”
“Daniela, darling!”
“You’re dead?”
“No, Daniela, I’m not!”
“But how did you survive the fire?”
“I got out before the smoke and flames consumed me.”
“But, they found a body?”
“Well, obviously, it wasn’t mine!”
“I got to get going, James.  I’m expected at a friend’s home.”
“Well, it was nice seeing you, Daniela.”
Daniela drove off creeped out that James was alive after she was sure he had died in the fire.  Daniela got back to Cassidy and Tyler’s where Cassidy was recuperating from being in the hospital.  She sensed Daniela was in a frantic mood when she came in to the living room.
“Dani, are you okay?  You look as if you’ve seen a ghost?”
“I have.”
“What?”
“My husband?!  He’s alive!”
“What?  James is alive?  But you never said he died?”
“It was too hard to talk about, Cassie.” Daniela said, covering for her lie.
“How did you find out?”
“A cop pulled me over and when he walked to my car window, it was James.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Cassidy comforted Daniela, who was distraught at James’ sudden resurrection.
Meanwhile, back at a motel room, James stood in front of the bathroom mirror, laughing as he pulled off his mask, revealing  an old classmate of Daniela and Cassidy’s, Jeremiah Tompkins, who was in town to seek revenge on Daniela for dissing him back in high school.

Chapter 10

Cassidy felt for Daniela.  She never knew James had died.  But to have Daniela think that he was somehow alive—it didn’t make sense?  But Cassidy would find out that a lot of things wouldn’t be making sense.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah began to put the second part of his scheme into play.  It was time to reveal the not-so-dead husband!
“Hello?” the mystery voice said, picking up their cell.
“It’s time.” Jeremiah informed the person.
The mystery person did as they were told and got into their car, driving to town to put the Jeremiah’s scheme in place.
Daniela waited for Cassidy, who agreed to meet her for coffee.  The mystery person watched the two girls from a distance—as Jeremiah instructed them to do.
But Cassidy couldn’t shake the feeling of her and Daniela being followed.  She looked behind them to spy someone sitting at the table behind them.
“Dani, I think that guy is following us?” Cassidy said.
“Oh, don’t be crazy, Cassie.  Why would they follow us?” Dani told her friend.
“It’s just funny how he sat down immediately after we did?” Cassidy said.
“It’s probably just a coincidence.  I wouldn’t think too much of it.”
“Maybe.” Cassidy said, but she still couldn’t shake the feeling he was following them.
But Daniela got a sly smile on her face.  Cassidy was slowly slipping away.  Now, she thinks someone is following them?  It wouldn’t be long before Tyler caught on and had her committed……
….Paving the way for her to be with Tyler Jenkins—the man she’s wanted since high school!

Chapter 11

Tyler went to the mental institution to check on Cassidy’s progress, hoping to bring her home.  But when he saw her, she appeared to be worse, claiming that she was being followed.  With Cassidy’s state of mind, Tyler made the uncomfortable decision to leave her at the institution, despite Cassidy’s claims that she was sane.
As Tyler drove home, he didn’t see the car behind him and when he stopped for a traffic light, the car behind him pulled up beside him and narrowly ran off the side of the road. 
Tyler thought nothing of the incident, but it was just the first in his nightmare that was about to come.  He pulled into the driveway, where Daniela had just finished putting the finishing touches on her surprise romantic dinner for Tyler. 
“There!” Daniela said to herself.  “Now I just have to wait until Tyler gets here!  I hope he likes it!”
But Daniela didn’t see the hidden intruder in the window watching her.  All Daniela cared about was seducing Tyler so he would forget about Cassidy. 
Tyler came in the front door thinking only about getting some sleep.  It had been a long day, but when he saw Daniela’s dinner, he put the thought of sleep out of his mind. 
“I’m touched you went to all the trouble to make dinner.” Tyler gratefully thanked her, oblivious to the candles and romantic decorations.
“Well, it’s the least I could do!” Daniela replied.
“Let’s eat!” Tyler said as he dug into the pot roast Daniela had made.
As Tyler loaded his plate with the food Daniela made, they heard a noise outside, but the two of them ignored it as they enjoyed the dinner.
Daniela was getting impatient that Tyler hadn’t made a move on her after she sent numerous passes his way, so she decided it was up to her to start the flirtations, as she touched Tyler’s foot. 
“What was that?” Tyler asked, feeling Daniela’s foot graze his.
“I’m sorry.” Daniela said.
“it’s okay.”
Daniela did it again, only more seductively, that so Tyler would get the hint.  But Tyler continued to reject Daniela’s advances.   As he got up to put his dirty dishes in the sink, Daniela made a last-ditch effort and planted a kiss on Tyler’s lips.
Not having had that kind of intimacy with his wife for months, a hungry Tyler gave in to Daniela’s advances and kissed her back.
After the kiss, the two decided to head upstairs to the bedroom for a little alone time.  But as soon as they got in the bedroom, Daniela let out a blood-curdling scream.
“Aaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!”

Chapter 12

“Hello, Daniela!” the intruder said, surprising Daniela.
“James!”
“What’s wrong, Daniela?  Cat got your tongue?” James taunted her.
“I-I-I don’t understand?”
“You’re probably asking if it’s really me…or my ghost?”
“Uh, yeah.  I thought I killed you?”
“Let me give you a tip…always check to make sure there’s no pulse before you assume someone’s dead.” James warned Daniela.
“But, you were just lying there?”
“Hello, you couldn’t check to see if I was still breathing!” James said angrily.
“So you’re alive?  What do you want?”
“I want you to come back home and stop your shenanigans with this guy!”
“And just how did you find me?”
While Daniela was trying to make a break from James, Tyler was beside himself as he listened to the two of them bicker.
“It wasn’t that hard.” James told her.  “All I had to do was look in your drawer.”
Daniela knew she put her journal in there…the one with her plan to steal Cassidy’s husband from her. 
“So you know…big deal!” Dani said, trying not to cave to James’ threats.
“Well, what would Tyler here think of your plan?” James asked.  “Think he’d be happy with you?”
“So, you were trying to gaslight my wife?” Tyler asked angrily.  “Cassidy was right all along and I didn’t listen to her?”
Tyler sat down thinking about how he just left Cassidy at the mental institution.  He believed Daniela over his own wife?
“Look, I don’t know what kind of game you thought you could play on me on my wife, but I want you out now!” Tyler told Daniela.
Tyler left Daniela alone with James as he went to get his keys to see if he could rectify the situation with Cassidy.
James and Daniela went back home where life went back the same way they had been living…but this time, Daniela was plotting to rid the world of James  once and for all. 

Chapter 13

Tyler brought Cassidy home after learning of Daniela’s plot when her not-so-dead husband showed up, ruining Daniela’s scheme to get Tyler into bed.  Tyler couldn’t believe he nearly went to bed with Daniela.  And what’s more, he couldn’t believe he let Daniela think Cassidy was crazy and put her in an institution.  Luckily for Tyler, he had the most forgiving woman for wife. 
Cassidy was just glad it was all over and they could forget about Daniela and her plot to come between them. 
Tyler and Cassidy enjoyed the next 6 months happy and free from Daniela’s drama and schemes.  Cassidy had a surprise for Tyler and made a special dinner when he got home from work to announce her news.
“What’s the big celebration?” Tyler asked as soon as he walked in the door.
On Tyler’s plate was a baby rattle, “Cassidy, are you suggesting…..” Tyler said, unable to finish his sentence.
“Yes, baby.  We’re having a baby!” Cassidy announced, the glee in her voice as Tyler kissed her.
Meanwhile, life wasn’t going so well for Daniela.  She had to endure parties with James and play the dutiful wife.  It made her more envious of Cassidy’s life and she vowed to come up with a plan to get out from under James’ thumb.  But first, she had to find a way to have James murdered.
Daniela saw her chance when a charming young man came up to her and started talking to her while James was schlepping it up with his business colleagues.
“Hello.” The young man said to Daniela.
“Hello.” Daniela replied back.
“I’m Ronny.”
“Daniela. But you can call me Dani.”
“What’s a pretty lady doing all alone?”
“My date left to schmooze with the guests.” Daniela said, more bitter than she wanted to sound.
“I’m sorry.  What a creep!” Ronny said.
“Yea.  Tell him that?”
“If you were my date, I’d never leave you alone.”
Daniela saw her chance and spirited Ronny off to have a talk with him, and Ronny was more than willing to go along.
“What?!  You want me to kill your date?!” Ronny said, appalled that Daniela would ask him.
“Hey, if you do, you can have me all to yourself!” Daniela explained, knowing she was lying.  As soon as Ronny agreed to do what she wanted, she would be out of the city and on her own again.

Chapter 14

7 months later, Cassidy went into early labor and delivered a baby girl.  Overjoyed with their daughter, Tyler and Cassidy named her Terlyn Rose Jenkins.  It was a happy time for the three of them when Tyler and Cassidy brought Terlyn home to her nursery. 
Tyler took some time off work to spend some time with Cassidy and Terlyn after he was advised at how fast children grow up.  Tyler decided he didn’t want to miss a moment of Terlyn’s life.
While Tyler and Cassidy were adjusting to parenthood, Daniela was working a scheme to weasel her way into Cassidy’s life again when she came upon a birth announcement announcing the birth of Baby Girl Jenkins.  Seething with envy, Daniela knew how to get back into Cassidy’s life.
Cassidy wanted to go back to work part time starting her own catering business.  So she applied with caterers to get a feel for the business.  When she got accepted for a job, Cassidy needed a nanny for the times she would be away at work.
Cassidy interviewed a few people for the job of being a nanny to Terlyn, but none seemed right for the job…until she interviewed Jane, a Mary-Poppins-type who enjoyed being around children.  After checking on Jane’s references, Cassidy gave Jane a call….
“Is Jane Cummings there?” Cassidy asked when she heard a voice answer.
“I’m her.” the voice said.
“I went over your references and I would like to hire you as a nanny to look after my daughter?”
“That’s great!” Jane said excited.  “You won’t regret hiring me!”
“I’d like you to be here tomorrow by 8:00 a.m.” Cassidy told Jane.
“I’ll be there with bells on.” Jane said happily.
“Good.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” Jane said.
As Jane got off the phone, she smiled into the mirror as she pulled off her wig…as Daniela said to herself, “I’ll be the best damn nanny for your new daughter!”

Chapter 15

The next morning, Cassidy was up bright and early to fix breakfast for Tyler, who had to be to work, leaving Cassidy alone with Terlyn.  Kissing Cassidy and Terlyn good bye, Tyler left the house in good spirits.  Life was good since their daughter was born, especially since it looked like they were finally free of Daniela.  In fact, last they heard, Daniela was in a mental institution.

Back home, Cassidy was tending to a fussy Terlyn when the doorbell rang. 

“Darn!  Who could that be?” Cassidy said, nearly forgetting she had an interview for a potential nanny for Terlyn.

Cassidy picked up Terlyn as she answered the door to a pretty 30-something lady standing on her door step, unaware it was Daniela in disguise.

“Can I help you?” Cassidy asked the woman.

“I’m Jane Cummings, you called me to interview for the nanny position?”

“Ms. Cummings, I’m so sorry.  it’s been a hectic morning.” Cassidy apologized.

“It’s quite all right.  I guess that’s why you need a nanny?”

“Yes.  I am going back to work part time.  Please, come in…have a seat and I’ll get us some tea and cookies.” Cassidy motioned to Jane as she put Terlyn in her swing.

As Cassidy headed into the kitchen for refreshments, Terlyn began crying for her mother.

“Oh, it’s okay baby girl.” Jane said softly, soothing Terlyn’s cries, as Cassidy came out to witness the interaction.

“What are you doing with my daughter?” Cassidy said, worried for some odd reason but couldn’t put her finger on it.

“Oh, I’m sorry.  Your daughter was crying and I was just trying to quiet her.” Jane said.  “I didn’t mean to overstep my bounds.”

“No, I’m sorry.  I don’t know where that came from.” Cassidy apologized again. 

“It’s okay.”

“Shall we sit and discuss the nanny position?” Cassidy said, as Jane took a seat in a chair while Cassidy set the tea and cookies on the coffee table and sat on the davenport.

The interview went well as Jane gave all the right answers that Cassidy wanted to hear, as well as excellent credentials that Cassidy called about before the interview.  The interview went so well compared to the last few interviews, Cassidy was ready to give Jane her decision about whether she was hiring her as Terlyn’s nanny. 

“Well, I think you’re exactly what I’m looking for as my daughter’s nanny, if you’d like to accept the position?” Cassidy said, offering Jane the position.

“That’s great, Ms. Jenkins.  I’d be honored to accept the position.”

“Great!  The position is live-in, so if you’d like, I can show you to your room you’ll be staying in?”

“Show me the way!” Jane said enthusiastically.

As Cassidy showed Jane her room, Jane took mental notes of the room she’d be sleeping in before Cassidy showed Jane Terlyn’s nursery. 

“Wow!  The nursery is really awesome!” Jane said, at the unicorn-themed nursery that was Terlyn’s room.  “I would’ve never thought to use unicorns.”

“Unicorns are my favorite and wanted my daughter’s nursery to every girl’s dream.” Cassidy said.

“Well, it’s lovely.” Jane said.  “So when do you want me to move in?”

“As soon as possible.”

“Great.  I’ll go home and pack and be here in the morning?”

“That’d be good.” Cassidy said as she picked up Terlyn on their way down stairs before showing Jane the way out.

As Jane got into the car, she took off the wig as she smiled slyly into the rear view mirror, “Great!  Cassidy didn’t suspect who I was!  Still trusting as ever!”

Then Jane/Daniela drove off to her motel and packed her things so she move in and start her job as Cassidy Jenkins nanny to her daughter.  But first, Daniela had to take care of one thing before she headed over to Cassidy’s.

Chapter 16

Daniela stopped into the nursing facility where her mother was living.  It pained her to see her mother in such a frail condition.  The lively woman she remembered growing up, reduced to this?  It was a cruel joke on humanity! 

That is why Daniela needed revenge on Cassidy so bad!  She blamed Cassidy for everything!  The accident—unintentionally—caused by Cassidy (Daniela didn’t see it that way) that put her mother in the hospital. 

Daniela spent years harboring revenge against Cassidy for the hell she went through taking care of her ill mother while Cassidy moved on with her life so easily and without any guilt.  She got away with everything!   Well, one way or another, Cassidy was going to pay!

But, Daniela didn’t know it, but Daniela’s mother was harboring a secret of her own….

“Hey, mother, I’ here!” Daniela spoke to her mother as she opened up the blinds to let the sunshine in.  “It’s a gorgeous day out!  Why don’t we go for a walk!”

Daniela pushed her mother’s wheelchair out of her mother’s room and to the front entrance of the nursing home and stopped at the front desk to sign her mother out.

As Daniela pushed her mother, the warm sunshine perked her mother up to point that she said her first words in years.

“Daniela!”

“Mother, you spoke!” Daniela said gleefully.

“Dani, don’t be angry at her.” Daniela’s mother said, sensing her daughter’s tension with her friend.

“Mother, whatever are you talking about?” Daniela asked her mother, shrugging off her mother’s response as part of her illness.

But Daniela’s mother confessed a long-held secret, “She’s your sister!”

“Whoever are you talking about, mother?” Daniela asked.  “I have no sister?”

“Cassidy.  She’s your sister!” her mother confessed, as Daniela’s face went white with shock.

“I think we need to get you back, mother.” Daniela told her mother, as she wheeled her mother back to the nursing home.

After Daniela dropped her mother off, she thought about what her mother blurted out.  Was it true?  Was Cassidy really her sister?  Or just the ramblings of a sick woman?  All these years, she thought of herself as an only child?  It was always her and her mother.  Now, it appears she has a sister, and that sister is Cassidy?!  The woman she’s been intent on getting revenge?!

She had to find out the truth…and the only person she knew she could get the answer from was her father. 

Chapter 17

Cassidy was waiting at home for Jane, who said she was coming back soon.  It was her first day on the job and Jane was already late.  And she would be late for her first day back to work.  She dialed the number Jane gave her, but it went straight to voicemail.

Cassidy wondered what was taking Jane so long to arrive so she could head to her first day at her catering job.  Terlyn was fussy as Cassidy picked her up to soothe her.

“Hey, sweetheart.  What’s wrong with my little pumpkin?” Cassidy said as she felt Terlyn’s forehead to discover a fever.

Getting the thermometer, Cassidy took Terlyn’s temperature to discover it was 101.3˚F.  It wasn’t too high, but high enough to keep a watch on it.

Cassidy was just laying Terlyn down after finally getting her to sleep when the doorbell rang.

Cassidy went downstairs to answer it, “Oh, Jane, I was beginning to wonder if you were going to get here?”

“I’m sorry, I’m late, I had something do before I got here.” Jane/Daniela explained.  “I really didn’t think it would take so long.”

“Oh, that’s okay.  luckily, I know the boss, so all is good.” Cassidy told her.

“Well, I guess you’ll be off?” Jane/Daniela asked, trying to hide her enthusiasm.

“Yes, but one thing, Terlyn has a slight fever, so if you could give me a ring if it gets worse, that would be great.  Other than that, I just laid her down for a nap, so you should have a quiet couple hours.”

“Okay,  thanks.  I will let you know if Terlyn gets worse.” Jane/Daniela assured Cassidy as she got into her car and drove off to work.

Daniela sat down and got down to business after Cassidy left.  Cassidy’s naivete was one thing that Daniela liked about her friend.  Cassidy always did forgive a little too easy.  But anyway, now to get down to business now that she was in good graces with Cassidy again.

“Hello, I need your services?” Daniela told the gentleman on the other end.

“What can I do for you?”

As Daniela gave instructions to the gentleman, she hung up smiling at her handiwork.  Soon, Cassidy would be gone and she would be a mother to that sweet little girl.

Chapter 18

Cassidy arrived at work a few minutes late and her boss was a little peeved.

“I thought I told you to be here on time!” Cassidy’s boss said ired.

“I’m sorry, my nanny didn’t get home in time.” Cassidy explained.

“Well, one more time, and I’ll have to let you go.  I have no time for my staff who can’t show up on time!” Cassidy’s boss explained.

“It won’t happen again.” Cassidy said.

“If you’ll just get started washing those dishes…” her boss told her.

“But….” Cassidy began, but her boss just shook her head at her and motioned her to get to work.

Cassidy couldn’t believe her luck?  She thought she would be helping with the cooking and prep…not dishwashing?

“Oh well, guess I better just do as I’m told before I lose this job?” Cassidy said under her breath so her boss wouldn’t hear her.  it was the last thing Cassidy needed was her boss jumping down her throat again!

Back at the Jenkins’ home, Jane/Daniela was cradling a fussy Terlyn when Tyler came home hoping Cassidy would be home.

“Oh, it’s you?” Tyler said a little sad.

“I’m sorry, Cassidy hasn’t gotten home yet.” Jane/Daniela told him.

“it’s a little late?  Cassidy should have gotten home by now?” Tyler mused at Cassidy being late getting home.

Just then, the TV sent a special news report about a shooting at the catering business where Cassidy worked.  Tyler was glued to the TV wondering if Cassidy was alright, and Jane/Daniela secretly kept her fingers crossed.

Chapter 19

When Tyler got word that his wife was being taken to the hospital, he left Jane/Daniela home to look after Terlyn to go see Cassidy.  When he arrived, the doctors gave a grim report on Cassidy’s condition. 

Tyler sat down in a chair in the waiting room until he was given word that he could see Cassidy.  Tyler’s cell rang and it was Jane/Daniela.

“Hello?” Tyler answered crying.

“Tyler, is Cassidy alright?” Jane/Daniela asked with mock concern.

“Cassidy is unconscious and the doctors don’t know if she will wake up?” Tyler informed Jane/Daniela.

“Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry!”

“This can’t be happening?  We just had a baby and were getting our lives back on track after…” Tyler ranted at Jane/Daniela before ending the call.

That’s all Jane/Daniela needed to know…that Cassidy was on her way out.  Soon!  Cassidy would be gone and no one would be wiser that she was the mastermind behind it all!

Life was good once again!