AuroraThe next day, as soon as I left Natalia at the airport, I called the same number that Luke had called me, but it went to voicemail. That was a clear sign that he didn’t want to talk to me or because he thought the distance would make me safe. I understood that Luke had lied to protect me. I also understood how much he was suffering and fighting for his freedom, but the fear of losing him was greater than any rationality I could have at that moment.Leave the airport straight to the ice cream shop. He couldn’t fail again, risk losing his job. The ice cream parlor was calm that day. It wasn’t too hot, and I liked it when I didn’t have many customers to serve. Many people were rude and grouchy, and as an excellent employee, I had to swallow my wounded pride and pretend that nothing happened. When I saw those creepy shoes. I knew that poor taste in shoes. I knew those ugly feet and those thin legs. Even worse was the fake smile she threw at me as soon as our eyes met.— Darling, Au
— Is Gonzalo having an affair with a mobster’s wife? – I still couldn’t digest what I saw with my own eyes.— Heloise Caliento – he said – is this the same woman your father saw the day he sent you to Brasília?— Absolutely,– I replied, swallowing hard.— from the information I have, she took money from her own husband and offered it to Gonzalo so that he could save beta gonsales from bankruptcy.— In exchange for what? – I asked, but I was afraid of the answer.— Of love, company,– he replied dryly, as if it didn’t matter.— Or with the condition that Gonzalo separates from my mother – I affirmed – as she couldn’t, she sent that letter telling everything.— So your mother knows about the betrayals?— Even before me, – I whispered. – Two women submitting themselves to humiliation for what? Love?— The world of women is too complicated for my head, Luke – he said – the question is not why, but what the consequences will be. Because if Gonzalo was able to subject you to that punishment
AuroraI didn’t go home right away. I stopped at the square where I met Luke. Sitting on a bench already worn with time, I sat under the shade of a mango tree, feeling the wind hit my face and wiping away my tears. I asked God when the suffering of my life would end. As if losing my mother wasn’t bad enough, I had lost |Luke, Geane and now my job as well. I risked losing my home, my dignity. I had no one to help me, and I felt that I no longer had the strength to go on.Likewise, I got home two hours later than usual, and Claudio was already there. Not only that, but I knew it was useless to tell him what Rebeca had done, because Claudio would defend her. But I said it anyway.— Rebeca went to the ice cream parlor today. – he looked at me and I felt that his attention was focused on what I would say next – he made a scene, and I was fired.— Were you fired? – it was clear that he would question my actions and not hers – for what reason?— You don’t listen to what I say, do you, father
Luke x GonzaloMy heart was pounding so hard in my chest that I thought I might have a heart attack at any moment. Gonzalo took longer than expected to open his mouth and say something to me. Everyone watched the father and son reunion scene with great expectations, but there was no happiness, hugs, or anything else.— I need to talk to you. – I walked towards him, looking into his eyes. walked past him and into the room.— We need – said that, already closing the door behind him. The environment was dark, even though the sun was shining outside, and the sky was blue. The air conditioning on and the smell of feminine perfume made the atmosphere calmer. There was a framed picture of me on top of his desk. That really startled me. I was never the type of son to hang out in his father’s office. I’ve always hated that place and had been there a few times, which I didn’t even remember anymore.— You are very brave for coming here. – he took a bottle of whiskey and filled two glasses, offer
I stayed in the hospital for three days after the episode of the panties with pepper. Jobless, sick and unable to buy food. Lourdes said that she would be willing to help me and that I could trust her with any matter. The problem was that people around me advised me to leave my home for my own safety. Leaving Desiree’s house for Rebeca to enjoy was not right, much less fair. My mother had died without knowing about my father’s betrayals. She died without dignity, and I wouldn’t give her that grief after death.I returned home and found it strange that my father was present at that moment. His appearance was not good at all.— Are you all right? – it was as if there was no blood on his face, as if there was no life.—I’ve been feeling sick since yesterday, – he said, placing a hand on his stomach and making a pained expression.—You need to go to the hospital, – I said, because I was really worried about him.— I hate hospitals, – he muttered. – I don’t want to die like your mother, in
Luke came homeI walk out of the gonsales beta so happy I could walk home. I went to the bus stop. What an irony in life. Soon I, a man who wouldn’t go to the corner if it wasn’t driving the imported cars that I bought with Gonzalo’s fortune. Who lived a life of luxury and tranquility? I didn’t know what it was like to work to support a family, or to sleep worried that I wouldn’t have enough money to pay all the bills. There I was, returning home by bus, because after everything I’ve lived and the things I’ve seen my father do for money, I’ve learned to value simple things. I didn't want to touch Gonzalo's money anymore because it was stained with my suffering.I went down right in front of the condominium where I lived my whole life. The security guard was surprised and happy to see me.— How long have you not been here, Luke? - shook my hand – a year ago?It had really been a long time. Almost a year in prison, living things I never imagined and returning home with a full luggage, e
AuroraI still didn’t understand what was happening when I woke up in the hospital bed. I had an IV drip and my head was spinning. Lourdes was at my side, regulating the medication. I woke up wanting this to be a nightmare, but it wasn’t.I watched Naldo approach.— What a scare you gave me, Aurora. – He really had a worried look on his face. – Are you okay?— I am – I lied – what happened?— After the doctor said that your father is in the ICU, you fainted.— Will I need to stay here too? – I asked.— No, – replied Lourdes, – it’s just while you take the medication.I closed my eyes and felt my phone vibrate silently. I didn’t want to answer it, but it could be important. Not only that, but I looked at the screen and my heart almost stopped for the second time that night. It was Luke.“Luke?”, my voice came out loud, and I watched Naldo’s eyes widen in surprise.“Hi, Aurora”, he said, and a smile of relief came to my lips, but I didn’t even notice that I had fallen silent.“I’m fine”
LukeI stayed with the cell phone in my hands, trying to understand why the call had ended so quickly. Naldo just said he needed to hang up. While I celebrated my freedom, Aurora continued to face her own chaos. I wished I was there to help her, but there wasn’t much I could do right now. I still needed to put my life in order, and the first step was to declare my financial independence and not depend on Gonzalo for absolutely anything anymore.The lunch that Helena would have to celebrate my return turned into a dinner, because she insisted on Gonzalo’s presence. Something told me this wasn’t going to end well.I went downstairs. Natalia was still sitting on the sofa with a book in her hands.— What’s today’s reading? – I sat next to her and spied on what she read so much.— History of Brazil, – he replied without taking his attention off the book. – I have exams this week, I need to prepare.— That’s great, – he said thoughtfully. – I’m thinking of going to college too.It was at th
FinalPOV: LukeToday is the thirty-seventh day since Aurora was shot and nearly perished. Every day I come here and spend most of the time with her, telling her about how things in her life have changed, even if she is not awake, they are happening. I read books; I convert. The most important fact was when Rebeca was arrested, still in the hospital. She finally got the punishment she deserved. He spent the rest of his life in severe pain, even though he was free. We know Brazilian laws well.It was already late at night. I should have gone to Luke’s house to rest, but for some reason I couldn’t explain, I decided to sleep there, in the hospital with her. Sitting in the armchair, I read a book and ended up falling asleep. That’s when I heard a cry of “Mom” and when I opened my eyes, Aurora was sitting wide-eyed, panting. My eyes widened too, in surprise, but most of all, happiness. Aurora is back. I got up in a hurry and sat next to her. I don’t remember what I said or if I said anythi
Luke— They set Aurora’s house on fire. – I was leaning against a hospital counter, waiting for the receptionist to come back with information about empty ICU beds, when Naldo dropped that bombshell on me.— That’s not possible! – I exclaimed, completely dumbfounded. But I knew it was possible.— I spoke with Claudio, – he continued. – He was desperate on the phone, saying that Rebeca entered the house and set fire to it, until she left with severe burns.— Does that woman have no limits? - really the nightmare that Aurora lived, it seemed to never end – and how is Claudio doing? I asked him to go home.— He said he’s fine - Naldo, he was completely ecstatic, but he forgot to give me more information – I need to go back. Claudio needs my help.I agreed with Naldo and let him go towards Aurora’s house, if there was still a house, without knowing the rest of the story. For a moment, I wished she would die, for all the harm she was causing me and Aurora. The thought of her in a hospital
POV: third person written by the authorClaudioClaudio watched Luke carrying Aurora in his arms, under a heavy rain, still unable to believe that it was actually happening. The tears mixed with the raindrops, and no one could tell if her face was soaked by the weather or the pain.The distant voice, at least he had this impression, that Rebeca was running away, generated a great doubt in him: catch the woman who tried to murder his daughter, or stay at Aurora’s side, begging God not to take her only one. Daughter. It was at that time that the maternal feeling, which had been hidden for a long time, surfaced within him. The police had an obligation to capture Rebeca, so he would stay there, holding Aurora’s hand until the last moment.They took her, unconscious, in the police car. Speeding through the empty city streets, Luke watched his heartbeat every ten seconds. By a miracle, Aurora made it to the hospital alive. They took her straight to the operating room, and Claudio almost col
POV: third person written by the authorNataliaIt’s been more than six hours since Luke had left for Brasília, putting the responsibility of foreseeing the beta gonsales on Natalia’s shoulders. She knew how almost impossible that mission would be, in a company where male command predominated. Gonzalo never considered handing over the management of his company to a woman, much less one so inexperienced.Natalia thought about it a lot, so much so that she even lost her appetite. The problem was that outside; it was already dark and if she wanted to save the family company, she would have less than twelve hours to decide.She got up from the sofa once more, because anxiety was on the point of driving her crazy, when she saw that man enter the mansion. Watched the slow steps walk towards her. Hector Fagundes, her grandfather, Gonzalo’s father, hadn’t been to that house to visit her for many years. When he looked at her, the man gave her a smile and his eyes filled with tears. Despite the
Luke— We should separate, – Naldo suggested, but I didn’t like the idea. – that way they would cover a larger area.— I don’t agree. – Claudio expanded the same thought I had on that subject.— Any suggestion where Rebeca would take Aurora? – I looked at Claudio, and for the first time, he was being clear in the accusation against Rebeca.— I have no idea – he confessed, and a sadness expanded even more on his features – it’s strange to say that, but I lived so long with this woman and I don’t know her favorite places.I looked at Naldo, as if we were talking through signs. We understood, just looking at each other, that silence was the best answer.—I shouldn’t have put that woman in our house,– he whispered, lamenting.What I had also noticed was that he no longer pronounced Rebeca’s name, as if he couldn’t, or it was too difficult for him.— Guilt won’t help you find Aurora, – I said, looking at him. – You need to concentrate now.During that entire afternoon, we walked around the
Aurora.The smell of wet grass, mixed with the wind that hit my exfoliated skin, gave me a feeling of peace and despair. As I slowly opened my eyes, I felt a throbbing pain in my head. I looked up at the sky, which felt really weird. I was tied up in the open air. The shades of gray and black blended together perfectly, and I had this perception because lightning streaked across the sky, indicating an approaching storm.I observed the surrounding environment. Even though it was already getting dark, I realized that I was surrounded by woods. I had no idea where I was. Until I heard footsteps towards me and saw those hideous shoes. She loved to wear so much.Rebeca crouched down to look into my eyes. Sitting on the cold floor, hair disheveled in my face and clothes completely dirty, I looked up at her, panting.— Hi, Aurora, – she said, with an ironic smile on her lips. – Do you know why you’re here?I did not answer.— I heard that you have a relationship with the son of a man who die
LukeI drove like crazy through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Next to me, on the passenger seat, my cell phone kept ringing. The screen indicated that it was Dionysus. It was clear to me that he wasn’t going to accept my decision that easily, but I didn’t care. I was giving up on Gonzalo’s plans, and they would have to accept Natalia in my place. I parked the car outside the mansion and ran into the house, scaring Helena and Natalia who had gathered in the garden. — What happened? – Natalia was right behind me, going up the stairs. — I’m going to Brasília – I informed as soon as I entered my room and took the dusty suitcase off the top of the wardrobe – I need you to assume the presidency of beta gonsales. — You must be going crazy. – The second piece of information made her forget the importance of the first one. — Aurora disappeared. – I widened my eyes when I looked at her – I can’t stay here, managing a company while the woman I love is at risk of life. — I agree with you, –
Aurora There was no sun outside. The thick drops of rain fell steadily and ferociously on the roof, causing a loud noise that made me wake up. I was having a nightmare where huge hands grabbed me and pulled me into a puddle of black mud. I could feel the air escaping my lungs, and when I was close to dying, the rain came and saved me. Likewise, I sighed in relief when I realized it had been a dream. But I was drenched in sweat. In addition to the rain, another sound came from outside. A woman’s voice mingled with Claudio’s laughter. I knew that timbre; it was Lourdes. I looked at the clock, which was hanging on the wall, it was about to strike nine o’clock in the morning. Not only that, but I changed clothes and went to meet them two. — Good morning, Aurora – Lourdes held a cup in one hand and smiled when she saw me. – are you okay? I didn’t understand the reason for the question, or why I was so concerned about my appearance that it could show that I had had a nightmare. In fact,
Luke I pulled away almost immediately. The sweet taste of coffee coming off her lips reminded me of Aurora. For doing this, I felt like a traitor. I walked around the table, headed down and walked towards the window. Julie was behind me when I heard her footsteps. — I’m sorry, – she didn’t seem sorry – I was sad and ended up mixing things up. I looked at her and realized how embarrassed I was at that moment. Then I, Luke Fagundes, whose favorite hobby was making out with beautiful women, awkwardly because he had kissed one. — Julie, – I took a deep breath – I… But the words stopped right in the middle of my throat. I didn’t know how to say it. — You have a girlfriend, – he stated with almost certainty. – I shouldn’t have done that. — It shouldn’t,– I said finally. – I hope our relationship is just professional.” — Clear! – he let out a dull smile. – Gonzalo spoke so highly of you, that I thought… — Was it in Gonzalo’s plans for you to conquer me, too? She looked at me, startl