I couldn't sleep well that night and when the sun rose in the sky I was already awake, with an almost terrible headache. I couldn't stop thinking about my mother and the state she was in. It took me a while to get out of bed, I couldn't see her or take care of her. I couldn't do anything without being able to help save my mother's life. Still with my eyes closed, I felt the vibrated of my cell phone on the bed.Luke calling…A smile forms on my face.Before the third ring, I answer.“Hi, Aurora” says, he seems to be in one place, with a lot of noise “How is your mother?”“Hi”, I say this smiling, but that soon disappears as soon as I remember Desiree, “She is in the ICU, her condition is serious.”I swallow the cry.“I'm sorry,” there's silence on the other end, “If you need anything, you can call me.”“I know, and I appreciate it”Another silence, maybe for the moment I'm living, maybe for the day before. There is a strange air between us."Promise you'll call?" he insists, "I don't
Luke and AuroraI got a call from Naldo. It was a Saturday, and the night was already revealing itself, but there were no stars. The only glow that could be seen in the sky was the lightning, indicating that a storm was approaching. I answered the call with Sandro glued to my neck. Every time my cell phone rang, I had to put it on speakerphone.“Hi,” I answered, hoping he wouldn't bring up the subject we'd discussed.“Aurora's mother passed away” his voice was choked, as if he was sorry.“When was that?” It was a shock for me.“A few hours ago” he said, “She asked me to let you know.“Thank you, Naldo” I swallowed hard.“It would be nice for her to have a visit from you,” he concluded.“Clear. I'm going there right now”.The call ended. It took me a while to assimilate what was happening. I had my own problems to solve, but when it came to Aurora I forgot a little about myself and turned all my strength to her. I got up ready to go towards her, when Sandro came right behind me.— Oh n
Desiree is goneThere were still two days left before I said goodbye to my mother. Everything seemed like an endless nightmare. Maybe the penny hadn't dropped yet, even hugging her warm but lifeless body, I still didn't accept her departure. Geane tried to talk to me the day before, but I didn't answer. After that, she sent me several messages saying she was sorry and whatever else that didn't matter to me. Now it was easy to say I was sorry, that you cared, but as long as my mother was alive, no one cared about her.I confess that a revolt totally took hold of me. I felt angry at the hospital for neglecting her, angry at Claudio, who worked so hard but couldn't afford good treatment for her, angry at Geane who always claimed to be my friend, but never was.Furthermore, I woke up this morning and the first person that came to my mind was her, my mother. Even though I had kissed Luke the night before, my sadness kept my thoughts from anything other than Desiree's death. How would I liv
Luke and Naldo were at the door waiting for my return.— She left – Naldo says, assuring me, and I believe.— What happened there? Luke asks.— I don't want to talk about it right now.I shut up again and went inside. I filled a glass with water and drank. Likewise, I needed to calm down. Not only that, but I had to deal with one thing at a time. First bury my mother, and then return to the nightmare called Rebeca.I leaned against her coffin again, and the memories came and went all the time, like darts. God at least gave me the privilege of saying goodbye to my mother. How many people couldn't have that chance? I remembered her cooking for me, my favorite food. The two of us watching movies together, the happiness on her face reading my book for the first time.Oh mother, how you will be missed. The truth was, I never got used to it, and as I caressed her still swollen hands, I saw the cemetery men approaching, saying they needed to close the coffin.The time for goodbye had arrived
Luke is GonzaloAfter Aurora's mother's funeral, I was thinking about how bad her life was. There was so much chaos between the two of us that we didn't have time to talk about the kiss. But sometimes I was even grateful that this conversation didn't actually happen, I couldn't stay with Aurora, not while I was at war with my father.That day I kissed her, Sandro arrived saying that Gonzalo urgently needed to talk to me. He hadn't lied, but that conversation didn't happen that day.Gonzalo said he was busy, but would call me right away. And when I woke up this morning, the first voice I heard was his.Sandro shook my body and woke me up from the good dream I was having, but when I woke up, I didn't remember almost anything, just that Aurora was there.— Gonzalo on the phone – Sandro directed the device to me.I hadn't opened my eyes properly, I was still sleepy and didn't feel like talking to my dad, but it was a video call.“Pack your things, because you are going back to Rio de Jane
to farewellI didn't want Sandro following me that day, especially on what I was going to do. My apartment was on the second floor. I looked out the window, towards the street below, to make sure that if I fell, I would come out unharmed. It was too risky. There was no escaping through the window. But I knew that Sandro was interested in the neighbor who lived next door to me. So I made up a lie, so he could go there, and I could leave without him seeing me.— I need a favor – I stretched my neck out, looking at him, who, sitting on the floor in the hall, didn't look me in the eye – I need to go to the bathroom and there's no toilet paper.—I'm not going out to buy you toilet paper,– he growled.— I'm not going to ask you to do this – he said – ask the neighbor next door, and say it's for me.Sandro got up so fast that I even got scared.— Do you really want me to pass this shame? - he asked. — There won't be time to go there – I made a face – I'm too tight.— Do you swear? - he wide
The change of lifeAfter Luke left, I spent the entire afternoon thinking about him and everything he had said to me. In the painful farewell and the feeling I had that I wouldn't see him anytime soon. I thought about the secrets he was hiding and how dark his life could be, for him to act weird all the time.The next day, the hell of my life began.There was no marriage at all. That morning, that vixen was already packed and was waiting at the door of my house. I witnessed her enter the house which was my mother's through the front door and with a wide smile on her face, unable to say a single word. She would sleep in Desiree's bedroom, eat from the dishes Desiree held so dear, and live the life that was my mother's. I didn't know if I could endure this hell for long.Claudio continued in that work euphoria, while Rebeca, who was his boss, spent most of her time with her ass tucked into the couch at our house. How did my father get along with that kind of person? Every day I spent wi
Luke returns to Rio de Janeiro It was six o'clock in the morning that day. I'd barely slept the night before, replaying the entire escape plan in my head. I knew that my ticket to Rio de Janeiro would be quick. Not only that, but I would see my mother and then Gonzalo would ship me back immediately. Helena's state of health also worried me. I couldn't even bear to think of her dying of disgust for the evil things that Gonzalo put her through. And for her, I would risk my life if I had to. Sandro took the bags and ordered me to go downstairs. There was a car waiting for us and the driver was the same one who had brought me here when I arrived. The plane was the same, the pilot was the same. And I was still treated like a prisoner. I got on that plane and memories flooded me. I remember anguish exploding in my chest. From the fear I felt, the hatred and the desire for revenge that burned inside my heart. Now I was leaving, leaving behind friends, a lover, and other bad memories. I wo
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