Chapter 9.— once upon a time, a dubious proposal...It was not yet noon on a Monday. However, the week had already started with big and unexpected surprises for me.Have I mentioned that I hate Mondays?When the elevator doors opened, and I entered the elegant penthouse floor of one of Miami's most luxurious buildings, I had only one conviction, both in my mind and in my heart, since I had woken up hours before: I would be fired for an unjust cause and also for saying no to a spoiled and arrogant man over thirty years old. With every step I took towards the room where the CEO of the construction company was, I felt that I would have a terrible anxiety attack once again, at the same time as the tears wanted to run freely down my face.It hurt my soul to see that the years of hard work, much study, extreme dedication, and a host of difficulties would be thrown away because I denied a marriage proposal from a guy I never loved. Because of the guilt and selfishness of that idiot! However
Chapter 10.— Once upon a time there was an untraditional grandmother…It was mid-July and, unlike in the United States, it was winter in Brazil.The sea breeze was soft and cold at the same time, causing me to shrink into the shelter of my heavy coats. However, not even the cold at its peak made me want to get up from the fluffy sand and run to the shelter of my grandparents' apartment. There, sitting alone with myself and my thoughts calmer, I felt as I had not felt for a long time. In the hustle and bustle of life in Miami, between writing in what little free time I had, working like crazy at the construction company, giving attention to my spoiled ex, and trying to always be available for my, until then, best friends, I almost always forgot myself.Now I was just being me to myself and no one else.In contrast to the calm that accompanied me, there was a dark cloud that tried to break my peace and stir my thoughts once again in an unpleasant way. The offer to be the secretary, his
Chapter 11.— once upon a time the new CEO and the new secretaryMy life has taken a 180-degree turn since I typed that “yes” and sent the positive answer to Miss Vacchiano in a last spurt of courage six months ago. At that moment, despite my fears and countless insecurities about not being good enough, not being able to masterfully execute the bomb that had fallen into my lap, that I held like a teddy bear, I had made it.I had really succeeded!As promised by Miss Vacchiano, Mrs. Wilson stood by my side and taught me everything with extreme patience, care, and mastery in one month. However, I couldn't deny that it was a bit difficult to adjust to my new position, after all, I was out of my comfort zone for the first time. I thought a few times about quitting and going back to my old position at the construction company. It would be easier to just throw it all away, ask to go back to the architecture wing, and give up on my dream of self-publishing my first physical book.‘’ — As cra
Chapter 12.— Once upon a time there was a hot situation…Dear reader, how many years in prison would I get if I put a laxative in that infernal woman's coffee? — Miss Fernandes? — she exclaimed, unnerved, snapping her fingers in front of my face, snapping me out of my dark desires. — Should I get the coffee for myself and my guest?Maybe the laxative wasn't such a bad idea. The problem is that the unfortunate woman would know on the spot that the act was mine.— Obviously not. — I hasten to rebut. — After all, it would be too much trouble for you to go to your private pantry and get two coffees. — I muttered bitterly, blinking my falsely innocent eyes.Veronica raised both eyebrows, recognizing my daily irony, and leaned across the table, her face close to mine. My God! Inevitably, I felt my breath catch in my throat, but I would never lose my balance and allow her to see how she still had the power to mess with my structures.— In fact, today I woke up wanting a traditional coffee
Chapter 13.— Once upon a time the flagrant…What would my answer be?A few seconds had passed since Miss Vacchiano had asked the fatal question. For the Goddess! In the silence that reigned in the CEO's office, it was almost possible to hear the fierce, uncontrolled beating of my heart, which had started beating again. In fact, the only sound that played there was her heavy, rapid breathing, while mine seemed to have been extinguished by her warm touch.— Carina…She sighed my name in a chilling way. I loved to see her angry, as her accent grew heavier and heavier and blended with her English. And now, hearing my name called was like being transported back to the past, more precisely to six months before, when I met her in that bar and hours later we had sex in her apartment.— No, Miss Vacchiano. — I managed to sigh a decent answer in a low voice. — Don't you dare stop, or I will not take responsibility for my next actions. — The words came out of my mouth by themselves.She let out
Chapter 14.— Once upon a time there was a wounded heart…— I thought you quit smoking, Bella. — I whispered, after sitting down in the empty space beside her on a small bench that stood on the balcony of the living room. — The night is beautiful. — I completed with a whisper, losing myself in the sky.When Arabella's parents had given her the apartment as a graduation present from high school and also for the 100% free scholarship she had won to attend medical school, my friend had chosen a quieter, more familiar neighborhood, far enough away from the countless Miami skyscrapers. At the time, she told me that she would like to see the night sky painted with the stars and the moon whenever possible. And that night, the scene above our heads was exactly as she liked it so much.— And I stopped… I just need to relax a little… — Her voice sounded low and thoughtful, after a few seconds of silence between us. — And Catharina? Is she still awake?I laughed softly. Finally, Arabella put out
Chapter 15. — Once upon a time, the unsweet side of cliché… | Currently | I once heard Grandma Manu say something like: since you are in hell, hug the devil. Well, I literally did just that and still had my back pressed against the metal wall by the demon, while my legs were wrapped around his waist and his soft hands were gripping my buttocks extremely tightly. However, my particular demon was not horned, red and with a horrible face. On the contrary, the demon had a beautiful, arrogant smile, eyes as blue as the cloudless sky, locks as golden as gold, and an accent that, countless times, made the hairs on my body stand on end. — You really are a devil, Miss Vacchiano! — I gasped, as her wide, dirty smile became more pronounced. | previously | In 2010, I had just turned 14, and it was also the first time I was introduced to the magical and fantastic world of reading and writing. At that time, I already had my nose stuck in books, although they were only related to school and it
Chapter 16. — Once upon a time, there was a feeling that could not be called jealousy… If there was one thing that was moving me at that moment, it was anger. Ah, My Lady of the Unlucky! There was another feeling lurking around, but I vehemently refused to give in and accept that I was jealous. Rebecca Turner and the demon in high heels had not yet left the office of the being who paid my salary. And the fact that it was almost five o'clock in the afternoon further increased my hatred for myself and half the world. No, obviously it was not jealousy, but the beginning of a heart attack or something. 16: 45. Seeing the time stamp in the bottom corner of the computer was as if something had lit up inside me, at the same time making me almost bury my fingertips in the keyboard as I furiously typed the last report of the day. No, I was not biting with hatred for that tall, blond, hot pest who has fingers and a tongue that should be considered world heritage! I was just curious to know
Chapter 50.Bonus 8.By Lora Miller.| When she said yes to me. |— Love, since the kids are asleep, shall we watch a horror movie? — asked my girlfriend in a low, very low tone, lying next to me. — Please, Lo? Yes, let's, shall we? — Alicia even had the courage to give us a cute pout.Although the room was dimly lit, I could see how Alicia had an expectant expression as she waited for my answer. I hated this genre, and she knew it.— Ok… — I rolled my eyes, giggling. She let out an excited shout and stole a kiss. — But we need more popcorn, Ali. — I held out the empty container.She took it and stood up, before murmuring:— My love, with this miracle of you agreeing to watch horror movies with me, I can plant a cornfield to make as many pots of popcorn as you want. — She winked and walked away
Chapter 49.Bonus 7.By Lora Miller.| When the past came back for the last time. |— See you tomorrow, Miss Miller! — The security guard at the entrance of the P. & G. Vacchiano Construction Company building said goodbye to me as soon as I passed him. — Have a good evening! — He continued in the same kind tone.I smiled slightly in the direction of the man who looked more like a human closet, for he was very tall and muscular, and stopped walking so that I could answer him better.— Likewise, Jonnas! — I wished, flashing a huge smile. — And it's Lora, not Miss Miller. It doesn't even seem like we're friends. — I rolled my eyes, in good humor.Although he could have an intimidating appearance, Jonnas was a good-hearted man and a great joker outside his security posture. His wife, Ingrid, had babysat for Ashley as a
Chapter 48.Bonus 6.By Lora Miller.| When Love Touched Me Once Again. |Throughout my almost 37 years, I have deeply loved three people. The first was Ian, my ex-husband and the father of my two children. Our marriage came to an end, although our companionship, friendship, and respect only increased with the passage of time. Currently, he, his current wife, and I have become great friends. On the other hand, my second love experience was not very good, and I was still left with a broken heart and some traumas as consequences of Arabella's selfish and irresponsible attitudes. I could never force her to reciprocate my feelings, nor to continue her relationship with me while desiring and loving someone else. On the other hand, much suffering and tears shed could have been avoided if she had been sincere from the beginning. About three years after the near-event of the wedding of the centu
Chapter 47.Bonus 5.By Lora Miller.| When the past returned for a brief moment. | Part 2.I wanted to laugh at Sofia Grace's irritated and furious expression. Arabella's face was still livid, and I could almost see her begging me not to tell her wife that she was still looking for me.— Well, didn't you tell her, Arabella? — I asked, looking directly at her. Arabella remained silent. I let out a falsely disappointed sigh and turned to Sofia Grace. — Your wife kept calling and texting me, until I had to change my number three times. Nowadays, can you believe that she still has the nerve to keep creating fake profiles and harassing me on my social networks? — I nodded my head in denial, although I wanted to laugh. The scammer looked like she was going to have a stroke at any moment, which I was loving. Finally, I continued in a deba
Chapter 46.Bonus 4.By Lora Miller.| When the past returned for a brief moment. |Part 1.It had been almost two weeks since I had met Alicia again at the restaurant and found out that she was the youngest daughter of the couple who owned the restaurant. Almost every day I faithfully went there for lunch, even if it took a few minutes because I was swamped with construction work, to see her and exchange a word or two with her. When I felt more comfortable, I apologized for leaving her sleeping alone in the motel and left with a single goodbye note. She just smiled and affirmed that everything was fine, which encouraged me to ask for her phone number.I couldn't hide the huge smile on my face, which was due to the fact that Alicia Reese had just agreed to go out with me. We would meet on Friday night of the same week in a quieter and more private bar, diff
Chapter 45.Bonus 3.By Lora Miller.| When she became unforgettable. | Is it possible to fall in love with a person in a single night of living together without the slightest emotional attachment?Since the night I met that girl, Alicia, at the bar, and we went to the nearest motel, it has been a little more than a year. I had a hot, wonderful, amazing night with the stranger, whose name I only knew, just as she knew mine. Although there was a strange desire to really get to know her, a whole new desire burning in my chest, I just left a goodbye note and went home, leaving her sleeping like a beautiful angel on the luxurious red sheets. It was a night without promises or unnecessary questions between us. Never again would our destinies intertwine. Miami was too big, and the United States, even bigger.On the other hand, just over 365 days after a night of casual sex, I ha
Chapter 44.Bonus 2.By Lora Miller.| When she gave signs of life and the pain returned to my chest. |In the blink of an eye, days turned into weeks and soon more than six months had passed. During this period, soon after being comforted by my daughter, I had a frank conversation with Carina, who advised me to seek help with weekly therapies. At first, I was a little hesitant, as it never crossed my mind to seek help from a psychologist because of a pair of horns and a kick in the butt. Fortunately, I listened to the new Mrs. Vacchiano and am now going to Dr. Catrine Smiths.All in all, it was a great choice.I was doing well. Always attending the weekly therapy sessions, opening up more, focusing on the big project that had become the construction of the French heir's outdoor mall, smiling, feeling my heart keeping a rhythm of its own, happy with myself, my children and
'' She had her heart broken and hurt by Arabella Kwon, her ex-girlfriend, in the past. On the other hand, Lora Miller found in Alicia, a girl 15 years younger, the true meaning of what love was: respect, fidelity, companionship, and the expectation of a happy ending.’’Chapter 43.Bonus 1.By Lora Miller.| When it hurts me the most, your attitudes… |My bedroom was plunged into a deep, agonizing darkness. The silence, which had surrounded me and kept me company like a best friend for decades, was becoming almost claustrophobic. It was interrupted only by my low cry and a few sobs that escaped from deep inside my chest without any permission. I pressed my lips together and closed my eyes more tightly, shrinking further into a fetal position under the thin sheet I was using to cover me completely. I struggled to hold back the hot, constant tears, as well
Chapter 42.Epilogue.— Once upon a time, happily ever after.| two years later. |The little blue eyes of the over-three-year-old girl almost sparkled, just like in her beloved cartoons, when she came out of her bedroom and stopped in front of her two mommies' room. Soon, a wide smile drew on her childish lips, and she squeezed the one-eyed bunny tighter in her short arms. Tiptoeing, like the good little pest she was, she grabbed the doorknob with her free hand, turned it, and the door opened with a slight creak.— Mom? — whispered the blue-eyed brunette, in Portuguese, because that was her favorite language for communicating, with her small body partially inside the dimly lit room. — Are my mommies still sleeping? — she asked, curious.Although she was less than four years old, little Paola was a very intelligent girl and could speak and express herse