Virginia
Nausea followed me from the moment I entered the movie theater and smelled the popcorn all around, but I held it back. I didn't want to ruin my outing with Artemis.
But with each passing minute, my resolve grew weaker. So, when we were only halfway through the movie we had come to watch, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I excused myself to my sister-in-law and hurriedly made my way to the aisle, searching for the nearest restroom.
After emptying everything I had eaten from my stomach, I left the restroom stall and found Artemis waiting for me in front of the sink counter.
I tried to compose myself as much as possible, but I felt weak and dizzy, something that hadn't happened in the past few days but was now coming back with full force.
ArtemisEveryone is in suspense as they understand what was happening in that moment, and it becomes quite evident to all of us that Murilo is speechless, pale, and voiceless, as he stands in front of Beatriz's brother, the girl who has become a milestone in his life and the life of his declared enemy, Ethan Constantino.The handsome man with green eyes and a stern expression, who despite appearing extremely dissatisfied with my cousin's misguided behavior, still had the courtesy to introduce himself and treat everyone well, as one would expect from someone with common sense, waited attentively for the tense response."Yes," comes Murilo's confirmation. "I knew Beatriz."Virginia embraces my cousin as a form of support, and I admire the sensible and supportive woman that Murilo's fiancée has become, after the many trials they have been through in recent weeks."I understand," was the monosyllabic response from the man.I believe he was able to perceive the tense atmosphere that formed
MarianaApparently, 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