Mariana
Apparently, the impact had been stronger than I had imagined, as my head was throbbing with pain. After a thorough examination, the doctor had ordered several tests, but being in a private hospital, one of the most expensive in São Paulo, if not in Brazil, everything was done quickly and efficiently.
The computed tomography showed no signs of trauma, and the blood tests came back normal. So, after receiving medication, I was discharged to go home, with the promise to return in a few days for further tests, as it was possible that the damage wouldn't be evident in the initial examination.
Ethan stayed by my side the whole time, and when the doctor allowed me to leave, he held my hand once again. But this time, there was no audience to justify his gesture, and I must admit, I felt more at ease having him with m
EthanWe arrived at Mariana's house around one in the morning, and when she opened the living room door, the first thing we noticed was Matheus, her neighbor and the store employee, sitting casually on the couch, watching TV.I had asked for the young man's number to get in touch with him and ask him to keep Aunt Celina company, as I had no idea when we would leave that hospital, and I was very concerned about Mariana when I saw the severe swelling on her face, along with her eye that was already completely bruised.Matheus quickly stood up when he saw us enter the room, but the expression on Mariana's face revealed that she had already perfectly understood the reason why Matheus was in her living room. Nevertheless, I decided to clarify."I was afraid that we would take a long time at the hospital, so I preferred to make sure Aunt Celina wasn't alone at home."Mariana didn't make any comments, but she held my hand as a way of thanking me."How are you, Mariana?" Matheus asked, and it
ArtemisMy cousin didn't seem very pleased that everyone did exactly the opposite of what he wanted, but I knew Murilo well enough to know that he wasn't an arrogant man or someone who gets angry at others for such trivial matters, so everything was fine.But if there was one thing I couldn't miss, it was the opportunity to talk to Joshua and be in the same car as him. I wouldn't be foolish enough to let that pass, no way!I rarely found myself interested in someone, but that happened the moment I laid eyes on Joshua, and now I was accompanying him to the hospital parking lot to get his car and leave, with Murilo and Virginia walking alongside us, sharing the same goal."I need to talk to you real quick, Artemis," Virginia called me, holding onto my arm and letting the men walk ahead of us, making me stop a bit further away from them. "I know exactly what your intentions are with the kind gentleman...Virginia was whispering, and the men were already reaching their respective cars, wh
ArtémisHe picked up his phone from the car's dashboard, and I eagerly waited for him to ask for my number, which I promptly provided."I think it's best for you to go inside, after all, it's very late for us to be out here in the middle of the street," Joshua said, as always using his common sense.But I don't have as much common sense as he does, and I couldn't resist asking something I needed to know right now."Do you have someone?""Someone? I don't understand the question," he seemed genuinely confused."If you're married, have a girlfriend or fiancée... or someone you're seeing, whatever it may be!" I explained, a little impatiently."Is this how you ask that nowadays in Brazil?""You're not Brazilian?""I've been out of the country for the past six years, but in response to your other question... I don't have anyone," he said, despite his playful tone, his expression was serious."When we ask a man if he's single, he says yes..." I clarify his question. "But if he has a girlfr
MarianaEthan had put the mattress on the bed since he couldn't fit on it, and we had to resort to the floor again and rearrange the sheets. But he wasn't there anymore."Idiot!" I muttered to the walls. "Not even a 'goodbye' from that rude guy."I changed my clothes and put on a light, loose dress. After combing my wet hair, I decided to let it dry naturally, since I didn't need to leave the house, or rather, there was no chance of me doing that on that day with my face practically disfigured from the bruise.I looked at the clock and saw that it was a little past seven in the morning. My aunt probably hadn't gotten up yet, so I would prepare our breakfast. I walked towards our kitchen, already smelling coffee in the air.Perhaps Aunt Celina had woken up earlier that morning and was already cooking for us. However, it wasn't going very well that day, as I also caught a whiff of something burning when I reached the door.I stopped in disbelief, unable to believe the scene before me."
ArtémisMy already heated body was now on fire as Joshua's hands freely roamed over it, groping and rubbing, driving me extremely wild."I think I'm in love," came the unexpected declaration, followed by a gentle bite on my earlobe."Don't do this to me, Joshua," I pleaded, immediately realizing how tormented my voice sounded.The truth was, I was trying to keep my feet firmly on the ground and not let myself get confused by the strong chemistry between us, but Joshua wasn't cooperating.My request was met with a hearty laugh."Don't laugh, Joshua," I reprimanded him with a serious tone. "I don't want my feelings to be played with."Upon hearing my words, Joshua holds me in a way that we spin on the bed, leaving me lying on my back on the mattress while he now lay on top of me.His eyes seemed to scrutinize me attentively, and his expression was now completely serious, with no trace of the previous amusement."There's something important I need to know?"The way Joshua took what I sai
EthanI smiled at the observation but disagreed with her perspective. I then proceeded to tell Liz everything that had happened the previous night. We were friends at that level of intimacy, but I didn't go into details about the initial blackmail I had done with Mariana because she certainly wouldn't approve of such an action, and I would receive long lectures from that point on."Why don't you just buy a bed for Mariana?" she jokingly suggested. "I believe given the whole situation, it would be easier for her to accept that rather than taking her to your apartment, especially with Aunt Celina there."Why didn't I have this brilliant idea before? It could have avoided all the discomfort from the previous night!"I need you to arrange for a King-size bed and have it delivered to this address," I instructed, writing down the address on a piece of paper and handing it to her. "Today, if possible."Liz looked at me with a half-smile, but I didn't mind her displaying a self-satisfied smil
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
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