MarianaI had just approached the secretary's desk of the biggest idiot I had ever met in my life, who also goes by the name Ethan Constantino when suddenly I saw a door swing open, and a man emerged from it looking quite upset.Besides the way he had just stormed out of the room, which I deduced belonged to Ethan, something else caught my attention about that man, and I stared at him intently, both at his words and his appearance.I had a distinct feeling that I knew him from somewhere..."I'm going to sell this dirty story to all the newspapers. Everyone will know that Ethan Constantino is nothing but a cheating scoundrel!" The man shouted at the top of his lungs, pointing his finger in the direction of the person behind a large mahogany desk.Even from a distance, I could clearly see that the man sitting in an imposing manner in the presidential chair was Ethan, but there was no surprise there.What made me stare at Ethan with a lot of anger, I mean a lot of anger, was the fact tha
EthanWhen Mariana took off her glasses and her eyes became visible to me, I felt a strong pain hit my chest, and the guilt for what happened last night came back in full force. I wasn't at all happy with how our disagreement ended up causing an accident, even if it wasn't serious. Just the fact that Mariana had her face like that made me feel really bad. And it became clear to me that I don't want to be a negative presence in her life."Murilo is just reaping what he sowed," I say, which should already be quite obvious to her. "You don't see it because he's your friend."Mariana smiles, and her laughter is filled with irony and, I would say, exhaustion. But I was also tired of so many injustices. Someone needs to take control."Have you ever stopped to think that things might not be as you believe?" Mariana says, and her finger now touches my chest several times as she speaks right in my face. "Have you ever thought that maybe... just maybe... Beatriz wasn't the person you idealized
MarianaI left Ethan's office fuming, as Aunt Celina would say, but that's exactly how I felt at that moment—truly boiling with anger, bubbling even. Despite my terribly swollen face, I had left my house to personally go to Ethan's company, after searching for the correct address on Google, with the sole intention of telling him face-to-face what I thought about him sending an unwanted gift to my house without my consent.Recalling the moment when they arrived at my house with a bed to deliver, on Ethan Constantino's orders, reignites all my fury. The audacity of that wretched cretin to try to control even the bed I sleep on in my own room. The room is mine, the house is mine, and he has no right to meddle in matters that have nothing to do with him. I would never accept someone who interfered in my life in that way, without any prior conversation, without any dialogue, just doing whatever they want, however, they please.But as if Ethan's actions weren't enough to completely drive me
MuriloThat was a quite busy day at the office, and I spent the whole morning in meetings with the legal team and the Marketing department, trying to find ways to minimize the damage caused by unfounded and defamatory statements from a dishonest former employee to FERZ's reputation.After reaching some consensus on the strategies to tackle this situation, it was time for me to meet with some investors from the western region of the country, and that took up my entire lunch hour.But as soon as our meeting was over, the first thing I did was notify Arlete to cancel other appointments on my schedule for the day because I wouldn't be working anymore. I intended to meet Virgínia at the mall, something I had wanted to do for hours but was only now possible.Virgínia had left me quite upset that morning when I called to check on how she was feeling, and my fiancée said she was at the store instead of resting as I had requested before leaving the apartment to go to the company early today.I
ArthurWhen the manager of my nightclub entered my office on the second floor to inform me that someone was insisting on speaking with me, she didn't need to tell me who it was. I could already perfectly imagine who it was.After asking Lucy to let this person in without even asking who it was, the woman I saw walking through the door of my office was exactly who I had imagined, confirming that my assumption was correct.Even though I anticipated the inconvenient visitor, I had to take a deep breath and summon all the patience within me to not shout at her for doing exactly what I asked her not to do: follow me. What's worse, she came to my workplace uninvited and definitely unwelcome."What are you doing here, Bruna?" I asked rudely and without a preamble. "I made it abundantly
MarianaAfter we told Joshua about the story involving Murilo and Ethan, he seemed genuinely shocked. According to what he told us, he could never have imagined that his friend would find a scapegoat and pursue that person to the point of becoming someone unscrupulous and vengeful."We left the country after what happened to my sister," Joshua recounted. "My parents were always completely focused on work and felt guilty for not having enough time for their children, catering to all our desires. And as you can imagine, that's completely wrong.""But you don't seem to have been affected by it much," Virgínia pointed out assertively.I also agreed with my friend, as the more we talked to him, the more he showed himself to be someone with many qualities, and the biggest one s
EthanIt's been a few days since I had any news from Mariana, and it was eating away at me. I miss her, and even miss sleeping on the small and narrow mattress that was too cramped for the both of us.Recognizing this made me reflect on the irony of the situation because I was now lying in my big and comfortable bed, extremely spacious, surrounded by luxury and all the things money can buy, but I wasn't... happy.I could claim that since I lost Beatriz, I could never be happy again, but I would be lying in a shameful way. I loved Beatriz, and when she was with me, I felt fulfilled and happy, but as soon as she distanced herself, I questioned why I accepted all her flaws and tantrums.The truth is, her loss seems to have blinded me, making me only remember the good times and how happy I felt when we were together.But the big problem is that we spent very little time together because we were always in crisis, with Beatriz complaining about me working too much, not having enough time fo
MarianaEven though I felt well enough to work, I still spent a few days at home, resting. I didn't want any of my clients to see me with my face like that, and I certainly didn't want to have to explain to everyone why I had that bruise around my eye.Even worse, I didn't want anyone to assume it was due to violence and without knowing the truth, spread lies about it. Only when the bruise had completely disappeared from my face, did I return to work, where I was already missing a lot. And when I found Virginia much earlier than we used to do our shift change, because I couldn't stand being cooped up at home anymore, thinking nonsense.But the first thing my friend asked was something completely different from what I expected. "I thought you'd ask if I was better," I protested, annoyed. "And you're asking me about that jerk?"Virginia doesn't care at all that I'm irritated and even laughs at my angry face. "Calm down, friend," she asks, smiling. "I'm just curious if Ethan looked for y
Kael Coming home and finding Sarah was truly a special moment, something I deeply missed during the months we were apart. I was foolish and arrogant, and I prefer to forget about that time. However, today the situation wasn't as pleasant due to Bianchi's inconvenient presence, who came from London to visit my wife. It bothered me quite a bit, although I knew I had no right to forbid this meeting. I love Sarah deeply, but I'm not her owner. She is free to receive whoever she desires, and it's not up to me to impose rules. Nonetheless, I can't deny that I didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone with Bianchi, and I wonder what they were talking about downstairs. Where are my mom and Maira when I need them the most? They could be keeping this annoying pilot company instead of wandering around. Initially, I thought about waiting for Sarah in her room, but I wanted to avoid putting any pressure on her. So, albeit reluctantly, I headed to my own room. After a long, hot shower, I wrapped
SarahThe trip to Seattle is exhausting, despite the comfort of Kael's private jet. However, upon arriving at the mansion, everything becomes more comfortable and easier. Kael has hired a team of professionals to closely monitor my recovery process.Ryan and I had a long conversation. Despite the difficulties after everything that happened, he is still my brother, and we have a lot in common. With Maira, the connection was immediate, and I became fond of her, as well as of our other brother, even before knowing about our blood ties.Mary is a lovely person, and her presence has been crucial in my adjustment. Sharing the same roof with her strengthens our bond, and her help is valuable in all aspects of my daily life.Rachel, on the other hand, remained absent, not giving news or showing interest in visiting me. I feel like everyone avoids mentioning her name, including Maira, who is known for her kindness and gentleness.Hillary is always calling me, and we talk about various topics.
SarahI feel a profound relief when Kael's hand wraps around mine, as if that simple gesture could push away some of the burden I carry. However, the feeling is bittersweet because I'm hiding a truth that eats away at me from the inside, but it also shows me that we're not as different as I thought."I've made mistakes too, by letting myself be influenced by everything Rachel said."I confess because it's the truth. I look into his eyes, seeking transparency, even though I myself am hiding something important. Kael gazes at me attentively, his eyes filled with emotion, and he makes a proposal that catches me by surprise:"How about we write a new story for us, Sarah?" He asks sincerely, and I can see that his words come from the heart. "I'm just asking for a second chance, to do things differently and prove that I'm telling the truth."My feelings are in turmoil, but Kael's sincere and vulnerable gaze moves me. I look at this strong and determined man, who holds my hand so gently, as
KaelThe scheduled time for work appointments went unnoticed because my mind was a tangle of worries. I knew Ryan would have to deal with my absence, but at that moment, I had no capacity to focus on business. I wasn't in a state to think about business, and Ryan would have to handle things without me. After all, the company is also his asset, as he is my brother, and half of the shares belong to our mother.I called Ryan with the intention of explaining my absence and my troubled mind."I already suspected that you wouldn't be able to attend the meeting today," Ryan's voice sounded understanding, as if he were reading my thoughts. "I tried to get in touch with Sarah, now that the diagnosis is confirmed, but she doesn't want to talk to me."The mention of a confirmed diagnosis caught me off guard. Confused, I questioned, "Confirmed diagnosis? What are you talking about?""I managed to briefly talk to Maira on the phone a few minutes ago. She told me about the medical evaluation."The
SarahAfter Kael made his promise to prove his love for me through actions, even though I found it ridiculous, my feelings were in complete turmoil. Without even thinking about what I was about to do, I grabbed the nearest object and threw it against the door.It was my cell phone, and I ended up damaging it, which only increased my agitation. I had never thrown objects around before, let alone with the intent of releasing my frustration."What happened?" Maira asked, entering the room.I glanced at the floor where the phone lay, still intact but probably no longer functioning. She followed my gaze and realized what I had done, picking up the device from the floor. As expected, the screen was cracked in several places."I im
KaelEntering that hospital room and finding Sarah lying in the bed, aware of the real possibility that she might never walk again, made me feel like the worst human being in the world. Deep down, I knew my responsibility in all of this was significant, and the weight of guilt hit me like an avalanche.I decided at that moment that, regardless of what she might say now, I would do everything in my power to help her. Even if she no longer wanted me around, I was determined to continue taking care of her, even from a distance."Leave us alone, Maira," Sarah's voice didn't sound like a request, but rather like a firm order. Just from that short sentence, I could sense how the accident had transformed her personality, and not in a positive way."You can call me if you need anything," Maira says before leaving the room. Although her words were directed at Sarah, I knew it was a message for me."What do you hope to achieve by approaching me? Do you think you'll gain sympathy from everyone b
SarahAlthough no one had the courage, or perhaps it's more appropriate to say "integrity," to inform me about the significant probability of facing paraplegia, this concern had been lingering in my thoughts. Even though I tried to ignore it, I knew it wasn't normal to feel nothing and be unable to move my legs when the rest of my body was functioning fine. However, accepting this reality and confronting the inevitable conclusion was no simple task. Apparently, I had also chosen to deceive myself, preferring to believe in the inappropriate actions of those around me. But after the conversation with Lorenzo, I could no longer delay accepting the truth.I needed to accept that this was happening and learn to deal with all the difficulties that people in the same situation of paraplegia face, something I likely developed due to the accident."It's still not definitive, Sarah," Maira repeated her motivational speech. "The final diagnosis hasn't been given yet, and the doctor said we'll on
KaelDespite Enrico making it clear that he doesn't agree with my past choices, I don't regret sharing this story with him. What matters right now is Sarah's well-being. While I want her back and he's my rival in the competition for her heart, it's crucial that everything is transparent. Honesty is now paramount.No more hiding secrets or telling lies. It was precisely this lack of clarity that led to all this confusion and the situation Sarah finds herself in, lying in a hospital bed with a real possibility of not walking again."Did you manage to talk to Rachel?" Maira asks when we're back in the waiting room."I was informed that she's still in Monaco. But she's not answering our calls, and honestly? Sarah is better off without her toxic presence," I clarify. "Has she been asking for her sister?""Not really. Sarah hasn't been asking for anyone, really. She's been very introspective and bitter since she woke up, and that's not a good sign, considering everything that's coming," Mai
KaelI listened carefully to Maira's words and felt my heart tighten with sadness. I wanted to be by Sarah's side at that moment, offering the support that, out of pride and being a complete fool, I hadn't given before – the love I felt for her."I don't understand why the doctor doesn't just tell Sarah the truth!" I vented, genuinely outraged. "I don't see any reason to keep her in the dark like this."Maira had just informed me that Sarah had already noticed the lack of movement and sensation in her legs, and now I had many questions, especially after the doctor's visit in the morning."Something else happened today," Maira said, looking somewhat apprehensive."What?""She agreed to see Enrico.""I can't believe she agreed to see him, but can't even stand to hear my name!" I said, irritated."Her relationship with Enrico is very different from what you both had, Kael," Maira tried to calm me down. "From what I understand, considering both of their reports, you made a serious mistake