EthanMariana continues to stare at me with her exuberant smile, which only adds to my desire for her, which totally prevents me from resisting her charm, and I wrap my arms around her body again." What do you say?" I ask, my mouth already biting into her slender neck. "I can guarantee that you will have a wonderful time by my side."" I'm not interested, Ethan. " she pushes me away, preventing my lips from touching her mouth.Her rejection annoys me, because I feel that she wants me too and that the chemistry between us could be something quite explosive, but she is determined to make things difficult for both of us, probably out of a sense of loyalty to her friends."For a girl who sold her virginity at an auction, you're pretty difficult, huh? " I speak, with the sole intent of being obnoxious.She glares at me and turns her back on me, something that always makes me very angry and I was beginning to believe that she was doing it exactly for this purpose." For such a self-assured
MarianaI looked at the visibly angry man in front of me and tried not to laugh at the angry look on Ethan's face at that moment, after all, he was not a man to be trifled with and I had understood that since I had heard about the things he had already done for Murilo.That didn't mean I couldn't have a little fun at his expense, though.When Ethan summoned me to accompany him to an important business dinner, my first reaction was to refuse to follow any of his orders; after all, I am a free woman.I went to bed extremely angry and willing to let him wait for me like a fool, because I would not even bother to give him an explanation or any satisfaction about my reasons for not going to that dinner.But of course, after a long and exhausting night, in which I could hardly sleep, I thought more calmly about the whole situation and concluded that it would not be wise of me to challenge Ethan like that and I just settled for going to that dinner with him.After talking to Virginia about t
EthanWe leave Mariana's house in silence and I choose to continue on that same way, after all, I am not in my best mood after her attempt to make a fool of me.She hadn't succeeded and now I didn't intend to continue making things easy for Mariana, considering she wasn't doing the same for me, and that night she would be in my arms, I would no longer take her apparent coldness into account.In the end, going to bed with me wouldn't be much different from what she and her little friend did when they gave their virginity to the highest bidder and she would get even more, because unlike what happened in the nightclub, Mariana wouldn't only get the bagatelle of three hundred thousand reais.Once inside the car, even without dispensing a second glance at Mariana, I felt that she was looking at me furtively, but I gave no indication that I was aware of her glances.I can be even colder than she can imagine and today I would show her that, so I continued to focus on checking my e-mails and
MarianaI cannot believe what is happening!How, in a city as big as São Paulo is, do I go to a business dinner with Ethan Constantino, completely against my will, and one of the men who will participate in the meeting is none other than the man who bought my virginity in a clandestine auction?My reaction could not have been different and I stared at him in utter horror, my hands freezing and at the same time sweating, and still unable to believe that he had lied to me even about his own name.So, the man who was greeting everyone at the table at that moment was not Jean Silva, as he had introduced himself to me, but Arthur Rodrigues, one of Ethan's partners, and now looking at me with a different gleam in his eye, as if he was really pleased to find me there.
MarianaI squeezed his shoulders, pulling him closer to me, and I felt the bulge of his member against my sex and rubbed myself shamefully against that extravagant bulge."We shouldn't..." I still tried to bring some sanity to the moment."No... we shouldn't. " He agrees but abruptly assaults my lips again.I was sure that my lips were going to be swollen from all that desire, but it was just wonderful and I wanted more and more of that mind-blowing passion.His hands went back up under the skirt of my dress, quickly reaching the triangle between my legs, and before I could stop him, something I hadn't intended to do, however, his hand was pulling my panties apart and his finger was sliding down my totally wet slit.
MarianaDinner went more smoothly after I returned from the bathroom and I avoided Ethan's gaze for the most part, to avoid thinking about what had happened between us a few minutes ago.But Ethan was all the time trying to exchange a look with me, but I didn't feel ready to face him yet and spent all the time talking to Amelia and Luciana, which managed to make the next few hours in that restaurant more bearable.And as if the tense atmosphere between Ethan and me wasn't enough, I still had my other problem, which was making me extremely uncomfortable with his insistent gaze, but I didn't intend to draw even more attention than I already had with Arthur's arrival and I held on until the end of the dinner that I considered to be the longest of my entire life.What gave me the st
EthanMariana really has no idea how much she can irritate me and even less that I am already at the limit of my patience, I thought, as I saw her get into the cab, just like that."Apparently, your girlfriend did not wish to leave with you. " Arthur still plays with the remainder of my goodwill.I glare at him and reach for the cell phone in my jacket pocket, dialing Mariana's number, even though I know she won't answer."Are you really going to call, Ethan? Arthur tries to make fun of me, but I don't care. I needed to try.Mariana doesn't answer, as expected, and after sending a text message, I turn my back on Arthur and walk towards my car. I don't want to do anything crazy, such is my stress level now that that crazy girl has left me looking like an idiot in front of the restaurant."I think you and I need to talk, my friend! "Arthur insists on robbing me of my remaining sanity.I get in the car, not bothering to answer him, but he still comes to meet me, and I end up opening the
MarianaI was about to close one more shift at the store, after all it was almost twenty-two o'clock, and while one of the employees was serving the last customer of that day, Matheus, was helping me to close the cash register and other processes before we closed.Matheus is a young man of eighteen and I hired him due to a request from his grandmother, Mrs. Josefa, an old neighbor of my aunt Celina's and of whom we are very fond, and she was increasingly pleased with the boy's commitment to the store.He chose to work the second shift precisely so that he could hitch a ride with me to come to the mall and then back to his house, and I really appreciated his company, especially since I had to go out every night."Today was quite busy, wasn't it? " the young employee asks." It has indeed " I agree " I am simply exhausted!" I didn't get a good night's sleep after dinner with Ethan and his associates and spent the entire day feeling tired and fervently looking forward to the end of the
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