OthonThe workday at the hospital was exhausting, and when I finally got home, the last thing on my mind was walking my dog. The reason was simple: I was about to receive guests. My friends were coming to see my new house, and I thought the least I could do was prepare dinner for all of us. For this reason, I had to resist Bart's insistent appeals that early evening.Colin and Noah, however, surprised me by arriving earlier than I expected. Faced with this unexpected anticipation and Bart's incessant barking, I made a quick decision: someone had to give in and take the dog for a walk. It wouldn't be me, not that night.— Noah, my friend, I think you've won the "honor" of taking Bart for a walk today. He's practically begging.Noah laughed, accepting the challenge, and I could see Bart jumping for joy at the prospect of finally going for a walk outside. As they moved away, I dove into the task of preparing something for dinner. Colin joined me, and soon we were sipping on some drinks w
KarenWhen I arrived home that evening, I was met with the hilarious sight of Camila still in front of my house, engrossed with Otávio. A spontaneous laugh escaped me, unable to believe that Camila had actually come to my house with the sole purpose of meeting the new neighbor. Our laughter echoed through the quiet neighborhood as we entered the house.My mother, always helpful, took responsibility for looking after Otávio, allowing Camila and me to head to my room. I disguised my curiosity but secretly longed to know how Camila's encounter with the new neighbor went. As I took a shower, Camila settled on the edge of the tub, remaining silent, just watching me attentively with a playful smile on her face."Tell me already, Camila! I'm dying to know how the meeting with the new neighbor went," I pleaded, trying to focus on washing my hair while eagerly awaiting her response.Camila laughed at my impatience, still sporting a mischievous smile."Well, actually, I didn't have the privileg
OthonThe routine of a hospital the size of Central Hospital always holds unwelcome surprises, but today is particularly hectic. I wouldn't be surprised if another challenge presented itself at any moment.As I try to quell the chaotic situations around me, my secretary interrupts my thoughts with information that initially bewilders me. Miss Buarque is waiting for the interview that, for some reason, I agreed to conduct this morning. A quick wave of self-criticism hits me, questioning why on earth I agreed to interview the daughter of my kind neighbors on such a chaotic day.The Buárques, Mr. Átila, and Mrs. Margareth are those people who radiate warmth. Since I moved into the house next to theirs, encountering them at the end of the day has become a kind of routine in my daily life. Additionally, I cannot ignore the sweet feeling that little Otávio's presence captivates in my heart. His complaints about how much his mother works and how little time she spends at home always tug at m
KarenI walk briskly through the bustling corridors, deliberately ignoring Othon's repeated calls. Anger boils inside me, blaming fate for putting us face to face so unpleasantly. In the distance, I spot the open elevator cabin, a momentary opportunity to escape him. I didn't want to talk; there were no words to be exchanged. I would prefer to spend the rest of my life without facing that liar's face again.I entered the elevator hastily, desperately trying to close the doors before Othon could get any closer. My aversion to any interaction with him was evident, but luck was not on my side. I wasn't fortunate enough to escape forever from the treacherous fate that brought us together. Othon, in an arrogant manner, held the elevator doors and entered the cabin against my will, provoking a snort of anger from me.
OthonI remain stagnant and incredulous.After years of trying, I finally encounter her again, but she simply doesn't recognize me. Karen leaves, and I stay there, unable to react. Various conflicting emotions hit me as I stand near the hospital reception, where I hold the position of director. Some people pass by me, looking at me curiously. I don't care that they must be wondering what I'm doing standing in the middle of that corridor. It's as if my feet are rooted to the ground, and I can't fully process what just happened.Still holding the phone after the abrupt end of the call with Colin, I notice the device vibrating again. I answer automatically and find Colin on the other end of the line."Is everything okay? I noticed something happened, but I did
KarenI hear Othon's question with contained fury. Is he trying to drive me crazy? Doesn't he know that Otávio is my son? But of course, he knows and he's just pretending otherwise. Incredulity washes over me, but I maintain my composure and respond firmly:"Yes, Otávio is my son. And I don't want you getting close to him."I'm not going to stand there, in the midst of a conversation with that liar. I grab my son's hand and prepare to walk towards my house when my father approaches, sensing the tension."What's going on here?" he asks, noticing the charged atmosphere.I look at my father with some irritation, especially when I see that he's accompanied by a huge dog. So, my father was out walking s
OthonThe revelation that Otávio is Karen's son hits me like a punch. Before I can articulate a response, she pulls Otávio away with her, ignoring my presence. I stand there, stunned, processing the information that the little friend I've come to appreciate so much is, in fact, the son of the same woman I've been searching for for years is mind-boggling.I watch with surprise as Karen leads Otávio into the house, his hand firmly held by hers, while my brain still tries to process what I just witnessed. "Surprise" is the word that best describes my reaction to the scene."I want to apologize, Dr. Arraes," Mr. Atila interrupts, bringing me back to reality. "This is not typical behavior for my daughter, believe me. Karen is usually kind, polite, and respectful."
KarenThe day didn't start well for me, and encountering Othon as soon as I leave home doesn't make it any more promising. I take a deep breath, trying to control the anger bubbling inside me at all the twists and turns fate is throwing my way. My car wouldn't start, my dad woke up with a bad flu, which prevents him from helping in any way, and my mom needs to take care of him. I'm running late to drop Otávio off at school, and trying to get to work on time seems like an impossible mission.I'm having a hard time calling a ride-sharing car, and it seems like the universe is conspiring against me. Othon's offer would be perfect under normal circumstances, but nothing is normal when it comes to him. I would never get into a car with him and Otávio, no matter how convenient it might be.I fe
ColinThe moment of meeting with Letícia came quicker than I expected. As I sat in the car, staring at Letícia's front door, a knot formed in my stomach. I had spent the last few days trying to sort things out with my family, but nothing compared to the nervousness that now consumed me. Taking a deep breath, and trying to gather my courage, I finally got out of the car.I walked up to Letícia's door, and before ringing the doorbell, I hesitated for a second. Would she believe me after everything? Could I prove to her that I was here to stay? Without further delay, I rang the doorbell and waited.The door opened, revealing Letícia with a look of apprehension mixed with determination. Even in her simplicity, she looked radiant, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words.
LetíciaThe week passed without any news from Colin. At first, I believed in his intention to truly take responsibility. I even discussed with my mother the possibility of not allowing Colin to be part of our lives. She, with her wisdom and calmness, made me see that it wouldn't be fair to deny our child the right to know his father, as long as he was willing to be a positive presence."Daughter, we all make mistakes. If Colin truly wants to be present, you should give him that chance," my mom pointed out.But as the days passed in silence, I began to think that everything he had said was nothing but lies and deceit. Cynically, I thought he must be just like his twin brother, a liar. However, this realization didn't stop the sadness from settling in. I attributed these feelings to pregnancy horm
ColinI returned to São Paulo with a heavy heart. The memory of the pain in Letícia's eyes haunted me. She accused me of things I would never do. The shock of discovering Patrick's involvement gave everything a new perspective. How could he? Despite our disagreements, I never imagined he would stoop so low. I need to sort this out. Clarify everything and somehow try to correct the wrong that has been done to Letícia.But the desire to do things right this time, coupled with the fear of causing more damage to our relationship, left me confused and unsure of what to do next. Patrick's revelation once again meddling in my life was like a punch to the gut. He crossed all boundaries this time, meddling in something as serious and intimate as Letícia's decision about her pregnancy.Letícia... her name echoed in my mind, bringing back memories of that one unforgettable night we spent together. A night that changed everything. I knew I shouldn't let myself be affected so much by someone I bar
Continuation - Four months agoLetíciaYears passed, and I tried to move on. My mother was my rock through it all. She worked hard so that I could study and become a doctor. She did everything to make up for my father's absence, but that absence was a wound that was hard to heal.However, fate has its twists and turns. One day, without warning, someone rang the doorbell of our house, and when I opened the door, there he was, Osvaldo, the man I hadn't seen in years.My father, the stranger who had abandoned me. He looked older, and tired, but he still had that smile I remembered from childhood."Letícia, I...," he began, but couldn't finish the sentence.The shock left me paralyzed for a few seconds. I wanted to scream, cry, and ask why, but I just stood there, looking at him. Finally, I managed to say something."What are you doing here?" My voice came out colder than I intended, but I couldn't hide the pain and anger.He sighed, seeming to search for the right words."I heard you gra
LetíciaI spent a long time awake that night, tossing and turning in bed, thinking about the past and my ghosts. Hearing about the crazy story involving not only Colin and his twin brother but also Othon's sister made me reflect not only on what was haunting him that night we met at the bar but also on what led me there.All of that stirred up a still-open wound in me. It was hard to simply forgive Colin and involve him in my child's pregnancy after so much hurt. Finding out that he didn't cause it didn't seem to change much within me.I've always dreamed of having a child to give all the love in the world to. I love children; that's why I chose to be a pediatrician. But I wasn't prepared to have a child by a stranger, whom I only remembered the name of. He introduced himself as Colin Salles as soon as we toasted and
LetíciaThe meeting with Colin was very different from what I expected. When I decided to look for him, I imagined he might use all sorts of excuses to justify his rude behavior when I told him about the pregnancy. But it never crossed my mind that he would use the excuse that his twin brother had impersonated him.As I walked back home, trying to process everything he had told me, I found myself torn between believing or not believing this story. I didn't doubt that he had a twin brother; after all, that wasn't so extraordinary. What left me incredulous was that this brother could be so despicable as to impersonate Colin and mistreat the woman who was pregnant with his brother's child. But, as Colin himself had said, it wouldn't be difficult to find out if he was telling the truth about something so serious.When I
ColinThe first thing that caught my attention when Letícia entered the café was her protruding belly. It was subtle but a few months into pregnancy. She looked radiant and beautiful, but the coldness with which she treated me quickly refocused my attention on what truly mattered at that moment.As we sat down, I still felt somewhat incredulous that Letícia had agreed to meet me. Even more shocking was that she had reached out to me, and set up the meeting. Now we could talk more calmly and clarify things between us."Thank you for coming, Letícia," I began, trying to find a friendly tone.She only nodded in agreement, her eyes not meeting mine directly. I noticed her gaze shifting to the table next to us, where the waiter had just left some doughnuts
LetíciaI woke up that Saturday with a sense of excitement I hadn't felt in a while. The idea of starting to buy things for my baby was thrilling, even though I still didn't know their gender. As I had my breakfast, my mind was filled with thoughts of baby clothes, toys, and everything else I could buy. I had the day free and wanted to make the most of it.I mentioned to my mom about my desire to start shopping, but also about Karen being on her honeymoon and not wanting to go alone. My mom then suggested that I invite Camila."You and Camila have been getting along so well, Letícia. Why don't you invite her to go with you? I'm sure she'd love to."She was right. Camila had been a great friend, always there and willing to help. I grabbed my phone and called her.
ColinBack in São Paulo, I can't stop thinking about Letícia and all the confusion this story has become. Her image is always present, disturbing me with every moment of silence. While I try to focus on the new project for an important client, I feel restless and uninspired. Normally, my work as an architect flows easily; I have a well-established company in the market and have always been recognized for my creativity and efficiency. However, days have passed since Othon's wedding and I still haven't been able to regain my rhythm.If I were honest with myself, I couldn't attribute my lack of concentration to the time I spent in a coma in the hospital. I was already physically and mentally recovered before the weekend wedding. No, this restlessness had a name: Letícia.My phone vibrates on the table, interrupting my thoughts. Othon's name appears on the screen, and I answer with a sigh."Colin, my friend, how are you? I heard you already knew Letícia," he says, and I can almost hear th