Melissa -Our trip was incredible. We visited so many amazing places. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza was simply beautiful, and we also learned a bit about its history.We went to the museum and the theater, which is another famous tourist attraction. We explored the Pinhão Market, which I had no idea about until now. We visited the craft fair and I even tried my hand at dancing a bit of forró.The beaches are absolutely stunning. We went to a few of them. What a wonderful week! Being here is the only way to truly understand how amazing it all is. I wasted so much time isolating myself and thinking that life was over just because I was betrayed by a jerk. I want so much more. I want to make the most of everything that life has to offer.Soon our trip will come to an end and we have to return to Rio. It's a shame that it's ending so quickly. I wish we could stay longer, but it's not possible. I promise myself that I need to come back soon and do it all over again. This place is
Melissa, I arrived home and took a shower. It's also very hot here in Rio. Since it's still early, I'm going to take advantage and prepare a surprise for Ricardo. He arrives tonight. Maybe a dinner? Yes, I've decided on an aphrodisiac dinner. I call my favorite restaurant and place an order for two: blackberry and ginger jam with toast as an appetizer, filet mignon with chef's parmesan cheese risotto as the main course, and truffled honey bread for dessert.I hope Ricardo likes it because I really enjoy this dish. I set up the coffee table with some candles and scattered pillows around. I want a relaxed dinner. I chill a bottle of wine and start getting ready because he'll be here soon. While I'm getting ready, the restaurant delivers the order, and I quickly receive it, arranging everything in the kitchen before returning to the bedroom to finish getting dressed. I finish my makeup, accentuating my eyes, and put on a tight red dress that highlights my figure. I wear black heels and l
Melissa -We had a great time throughout the weekend. We went to the movies, cuddled in the dark, held hands while strolling through the mall, just like a normal couple.Even though nothing is defined yet, I want so much more of this. We went to the park, the museum, Sugarloaf Mountain, and even to Christ the Redeemer. But now that it's coming to an end, I'm getting really worried. This week is marked by the wedding that won't happen, but still, I'm very concerned.I'm afraid that Ricardo might change his mind and decide to get married, or that something else might happen and he'll be forced to marry. I'll only travel after this wedding, so at least I can enjoy the trip without any problems or worries. When I return, we'll sit down to talk and sort things out between us and decide our future as a couple.But for now, I just want to enjoy the time while he's still here, and nothing more. Despite everything, I'm happy. I'm getting to know another side of him that I never imagined existe
Ricardo -I can't believe it's my father-in-law. He's the kind of man who commands respect with just his gaze, and he intimidates me a little. I knew I would have to face him at some point, but I didn't expect it to be so soon. I left him in the living room and went to the bedroom to let Mel know that her visitor is none other than her father. She noticed but acted naturally, seemingly unaffected.She found it strange that her father is here since he rarely comes over, so it must be something important for him to show up unannounced. She asked me to keep him company until she finishes getting ready. I can't believe she asked me to do that. I'll have to be alone with him until Mel is ready.Maybe by then, I won't be alive anymore. Just kidding, at most, he'll give me a stern talking-to, but nothing more. I take a deep breath and return to the living room, my heart racing. I feel like a kid asking his girlfriend's father for her hand in marriage. My father-in-law is one of those intimid
Melissa -My father tried to corner me, thinking I didn't know the truth, but I showed him the truth and asked him to trust me as he always has. Even though he wasn't satisfied with the situation, he listened to me and gave Ricardo an ultimatum.Ricardo will talk to him again once he resolves his own situation. I never imagined my father suspected something. I thought no one knew besides my mother and Ane, but it's good that it happened. At least I don't have to hide anymore. The people who truly matter to me now know about our situation. Yes, we are together.I see Ricardo being a bit quiet and thoughtful after my father left. I think he regrets it after the pressure from my father. Could it be that? If that's the case, I'll be so upset because I'm putting everything into this relationship. If he gives up on me because of that conversation with my father, it means he's weak and doesn't deserve to have someone like me in his life.I don't question his behavior and return to the bedroo
I arrived at work and I'm so sleepy, but today I couldn't miss it at all. The meetings I have this morning are very important. One of them is to finalize a big purchase that my company is making, and the CEO needs to be present because we'll be signing the purchase and sale contract. It's a shame the weekend went by so quickly, but it was really good and we had clarifying conversations. I hope that from now on, everything will be resolved smoothly.I entered my first meeting and coffee is a must. The meeting took longer than expected, but we finally reached a good agreement for both parties. Judging by the way things are going, I probably won't even have time for lunch today. The second meeting is about to start and I haven't even left the meeting room yet. I asked my secretary to bring me a snack because it's already 1 p.m. and I haven't been able to stop and eat anything. I have to leave by 2 p.m. at the latest, or I'll miss the appointment. I promised that I would take care of the
RicardoThe judge started talking a bunch of things, but to be honest, I wasn't paying attention. I just wanted it to end quickly so I could run away from there and go straight into the arms of my beloved, far away from here.And the ceremony continues, and it seems like it will never end. People are all smiles, and it's irritating. Those smiles make it seem like they've won the wedding jackpot. The bride's father even puffs up his chest.There's definitely more to this than just the wedding. Melissa was absolutely right. It's so much more. I notice that even from a distance, the paparazzi is still taking pictures of us. My God, what a circus this is. And the worst part is that their plan will backfire. They brought the paparazzi upon themselves.Soon, there will be gossip everywhere that a rich man's daughter was abandoned by a magnate on her wedding day. Well, they asked for it, so now they can deal with the consequences. I'm snapped out of my thoughts by my ex calling my name, and
Ricardo -I quickly stopped by home, dropped off my mother, grabbed my bags, and headed to the airport with my father. He's going to bring my car back."My son, I'm so proud of you. That scene at the registry office was marvelous.""You think so, Dad?""The old man's expression was priceless. I even recorded it in my memory. And his face will worsen even more when he finds out that I already turned myself in to the police, and he won't be able to use the evidence he has for anything.""Father, he's going to be blown away by all the bombs we dropped in his face.""That's for him to learn never to mess with our family again.""I totally agree with you." We both start laughing because what he said was hilarious.We arrived at the airport, and I said goodbye to my father. Then I headed to the check-in counter, and soon enough I was boarding the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Mel is going to be in for a big surprise when she finds out that I'll be going on this trip with her instead of Ane. She
Epilogue:Time flew by, like a gentle breeze caressing your face. Today, looking back, I see how each chapter of my life intertwined in a story of love, overcoming and growth. The journey I started with a step of faith and courage has brought me to this moment, and each challenge overcome, each laugh shared, built the solid foundation of our family.Our daughter, now a young woman full of curiosity and determination, is the embodiment of the love that Ricardo and I share. Your sparkling eyes, your contagious smile, are a reflection of the joy we find in each other. Every day is a new adventure, and I marvel at the way she teaches us to see the world with fresh eyes full of wonder.Our second daughter, fruit of the love that never stopped growing, completes our family so perfectly. It brings with it a sense of renewal, endless possibilities and unconditional love. The house is now filled with laughter, scattered toys, and an infectious energy that constantly reminds us of what a privil
Melissa -Back then, when I decided to give love a new chance, I never imagined that this path would lead me to form a new family alongside such an incredible man as Ricardo. Today, I, Mellissa, can look back and say that I am truly happy and complete. Every step of that journey has brought me here, to this moment of fulfillment and fulfillment.The road of life is full of curves and surprises, and we often find ourselves at crossroads, not knowing exactly which way to go. However, by choosing to give love another chance, I took the first step towards a profound and positive transformation. Next to Ricardo, I found a partner, a friend and a love that surpasses all barriers.Our rapidly growing daughter is living proof of the love we share. Every smile, every achievement of hers, is a constant reminder that life is a valuable gift, full of simple joys and precious moments. Motherhood brought me challenges, but also unparalleled gratification, a deep connection with another human being
Today is the launch day of my project for Ricardo's company. The celebration cocktail party brings together all the people we care about: our families, our friends and co-workers. I look around, watching everyone chatting excitedly, smiling and enjoying the event. I can't help but smile too, feeling a wave of happiness wash over me.The lounge is elegantly decorated, the soft lights creating a welcoming mood. As I make my way through the crowd, greeting guests, I feel mixed emotions. It's a mixture of fulfillment for the project I've worked so hard to bring to fruition, and also the joy of having all these beloved faces come together to celebrate this special moment.My daughter is in the arms of a caring aunt, surrounded by laughter and affection. Seeing the happiness in her eyes fills me with gratitude and reminds me that everything I do is for her, for the future we are building for her.Ricardo is beside me, proud and radiant. He takes my hand, and the contact is comforting. "You
Ricardo got home and, when he opened the door, he found Ane and I talking animatedly. His eyes lit up upon seeing the scene, and he smiled warmly. "Looks like I'm missing quite a conversation."Ane and I laughed, and I got up to greet him with a kiss. "Welcome back darling. You have no idea the deep conversations you're missing out on."Ricardo joked, feigning indignation. "Looks like I'm being left out of the women's secrets here."Ane intervened, laughing. "Nothing like that, Ricardo. We were just sharing deep thoughts about life, motherhood and the importance of having a great friend around."He winked at me and then at Ane. "Well, then I guess I have a lot to learn."We decided that instead of getting buried in deep thought, it was time to get together and enjoy a nice dinner together. As we sat at the table, I felt grateful to have these two amazing people in my life.During dinner, conversations flowed naturally. Ane and Ricardo had a special chemistry, a unique blend of friends
And here comes the most clueless godmother on the face of the earth, Ane hasn't changed a thing, year in and year out she's still the same clueless, but I love her anyway._ Where is the most beautiful baby in this world? Ane asked as my baby plopped down on her lap.I keep admiring the interaction between the two, my daughter loves her godmother, who in turn does whatever she wants, now the two are rolling around on the living room floor._Who is the godmother's chubby girl?The baby laughs as Ane tickles her tummy._And I don't even get a hi? Ask approaching the two._ Are you jealous friend?_You're welcome?Of course I'm not jealous, it's just that all the attention used to be mine, now it seems like I don't exist.But that's normal, everyone gets here at home asking about the baby, they find me on the street and ask about the baby, no one asks how Ricardo and I are doing anymore._A friend, I'm here. Ane says coming to hug me._Two hours later you remembered that I exist?_And no
MelissaNow that everything is resolved, Ricardo and I decided to take a vacation and enjoy our daughter, who with all this running around ended up being left behind, she was at my mother's house and I need to pay attention to her.I was looking forward to getting home and seeing my daughter. I missed her and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.Ricardo and I took the plane and arrived in Rio de Janeiro the next day. My mother received us in her house with great joy.She told us that my daughter was fine and that she was looking forward to seeing us.Ricardo and I went to my daughter's room. She was sleeping in her crib, beautiful and peaceful.I approached her and hugged her very affectionately. She opened her eyes and smiled at me.I was so happy to see her. I kissed her and told her I loved her very much.Ricardo also hugged his daughter and said he missed her.We spend the whole day with our daughter. We played with her, bathed her and fed her.She was so happy to be
I was sitting in Ricardo's car, with him beside me, as Ricardo's investigators drove us home. I was relieved that it was all over, but I was still confused about why Ana had done what she had done."Are you still thinking about it?" Richard asked."Yes," I said. "I don't understand why she did that.""Maybe she was in love with me," Ricardo said."But she never showed anything," I said. "She was always professional with me.""Perhaps she was hiding her feelings," Ricardo said. "Or maybe she was pressured by someone.""But who?" I asked."I don't know," Ricardo said. "But I'll find out."**The next day, Ricardo took me to his company. He wanted to show me something."What is that?" I asked, seeing an open laptop on his desk."It's the video," Ricardo said.He showed me the video. I saw the moment when Ana placed the camera in Ricardo's room."See," Richard said. "Someone is accompanying her."I saw a shadowy figure move in the background of the video."Who is it?" I asked."I don't kn
I got up running with my cell phone in my hand and went straight to Ricardo's office, who was startled when I burst in. "Are you crazy honey? What a scare you gave me walking in like that." "Sorry." "The house is on fire, for you to come in like that?" "No, but it will if we don't do something about it soon. Look at this." I said and while I stretched out my hand with the cell phone for him to watch the new video." Ricardo took the cell phone from my hand and watched the excerpt that was sent, he had no expression on his face and he didn't even seem nervous about that situation, while I'm desperate about it all. I can't imagine this video going around the Internet, what our families will imagine of us, my parents would be very disappointed in me, even though they know their daughter well. "Ricardo says something." "What do you want me to say? That we had good sex that day?" Ricardo jokes even at a time like this. "I'm so angry with you, you know? You can be serious at least on
I was afraid. I did not know what to do. I had just received a call from an unknown number. The person on the phone said they had intimate videos of me and Ricardo. They wanted a million dollars or they would release the videos.I didn't have a million dollars. I did not know what to do. I was scared and ashamed. I needed to talk to Ricardo, but I didn't know how.I decided to go to his company. I knew he was busy, but I needed to talk to him.I arrived at the company and went to his office. He was busy, but he saw me and called me in."What's up Melissa?" he asked.I took a deep breath and told her everything that had happened. I told him about the phone call and the videos and the money.Richard was shocked. He didn't know what to say. He just sat there, looking at me, for a long time."I don't know what to do," he finally said. "I don't have a million dollars.""Me neither," I said. "But we have to do something.""I don't know what to do," he repeated.I was starting to lose hope.