RYLEE I spent practically the whole night tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep, or at least relax. I was terrified of what that man would do to us because of the belly slam we were giving him. I could see in his icy eyes that he was capable of anything, maybe even killing. When his paternity was confirmed, which would happen in a few hours, my mother and I would be in the arms of luck, at serious risk of losing our lives. How could she not see that? How was she capable of getting involved with a man as dangerous as that one? It was written in his expression that he had no soul, no heart. His attitudes towards the residents of the farm on which he built his oil pipeline also said so. If only I had not been a coward and had had the courage to have an abortion when Marina finally managed to get the abortive drugs, I would have been free of this situation. But I was stupid enough to cling to this life that was growing inside me. At first, I was determined to have an abortion.
After going through several streets and facing a small traffic jam, the car finally entered the parking lot of a building that housed the medical clinic, and we went up.On the floor where we left the elevator, the receptionist all but drooled over Athos and spread out a red carpet for him to pass, such was the flattery and undisguised interest.There I found out that the appointment was already scheduled, and I was relieved to learn that the gynecologist who would attend to me was a woman.We were taken directly to the doctor's office, a large and elegantly decorated room, where she was sitting behind a table, in front of which we sat down.She was a woman in her early fifties, with intelligent eyes behind her prescription glasses and a classic elegance. Something in her manner gave me a certain assurance, and I felt a little less afraid of Athos's proximity, convinced that he wouldn't harm me as long as we were in his presence."So, you're expecting your first child," said the woman
ATHOSAs I watched the girl devour her chicken in orange sauce like a starving woman who had not eaten anything in days, I suddenly felt a sinking conscience for having almost left her without lunch. Despite being a scammer, she was also almost a child, who most likely carried a part of me inside her womb. I could not be so inhuman as to starve them both.Looking at her, anyone who did not know her would never imagine the types of mess she was involved in, in complicity with her family. Since he had an air of innocence, an aura of sweetness and kindness that fooled anyone. In addition, she had a beauty that would never go unnoticed. The very clear blue of her eyes, they seemed to come out of a rare painting, her mouth was too sexy, molded into a doll's face, with porcelain skin. It was the perfect weapon to lure and deceive unsuspecting men.I would bet that that innocent, shy, quiet way of yours was nothing more than a disguise, a trap for idiots. She was most likely used to giving a
I woke up with my heart about to burst out of my mouth, it was so racing. A thick layer of cold sweat covered my body. The fear that gripped me was so terrifying I could feel it in my bones, consuming me, splintering me and terrifying me.On impulse, I ran to the switch and turned on the living room's bright light, looking around just to make sure I was really here, in my house and not in that terrifying stable. Realizing the reality around me, realizing that everything was just a bad dream, calmed me down a bit, although the panic was still there, making my body shake uncontrollably.Trying to calm down, I sat down on the edge of the couch and buried my face in my hands, taking deep, slow breaths over and over again, forcing my erratic heartbeat to return to normal, until my system calmed down.It had been a long time since I had a nightmare like that. They were distorted images of a past reality that tormented me for many years, which I was only able to get rid of after going to the
RYLEEHuddled in the backseat of the police car on the way home, with my mother and Scarlet sitting next to me and the tyrant in his luxury car right behind us, I was shaking from head to toe with the most intense dread. I could not believe that this was really happening, that I would be forced to live under the same roof as that demon, that my child would be taken from me as soon as it was born, to be raised by that man, evil himself.From the beginning, I knew that plan would go wrong, I just did not imagine that it would be up to me, that I would be the one to pay for those two's damn mistakes.Holy crap! I was really screwed! I would have my life ruined, my future destroyed, while they would return home unscathed from all the evil they had wrought. It was really bad luck on my part.Trying to argue would be futile, they both had complete control over me and they knew it. I would never be allowed to tell Athos the truth about how I got pregnant. If I tried, they would destroy me. B
Minutes later, Athos and I were sitting in the backseat of his chauffeur-driven luxury car, driving through the quiet, sunny streets of SaintClair City, with me perched on one end of the seat and him sprawled out on the other side.As seemed to be his habit, he fought fiercely with one of his employees over his cell phone. As he ended the call, he focused his attention on me, probing me, making me feel his weight, even though I did not turn my face to look back."Are you always this quiet?" he asked in a neutral tone of voice.“I have nothing to talk to you about,” I said as firmly as I could.— He hardly speaks, but he has a sharp tongue.“Only with people like you."People like me, how?" What do they denounce when they are sexually abused and victims of a scam?Finally, I turned to face him and felt that thud inside me that came over me whenever I met his icy gaze, fixing me with scrutiny, alerting me to how dangerous I was and, at the same time, waking me up. Something else reminde
RYLEE— Then call him and say he needs to authorize — I asked.“I can't do that either. But you can call. If he authorizes it, you leave.My blood boiling with rage, I pulled my cell phone out of my purse, only to realize I did not have the bastard's number. I asked security but he refused to give me one. However, the other man who was further along seemed more human and dictated the numbers to me."Thank you," I said and made the call, tense, startled. "What's this about you not letting me out?" I snapped, as soon as Athos answered the phone, his thick voice echoing on the other end of the line. “Keeping me trapped here was not part of our agreement. I want to leave. Get your security out of my way right now, or I'll call the police!" And where exactly do you want to go?" he asked, surprisingly calm.“Not that it is any of your business, but I have to work. It is almost my time and I still have to cycle to the cafeteria." You do not have to work on that muquifo anymore ." If you ne
" I-I ... it is... It is Wh-wh ..." I stumbled over the words, as if my mind was numbed by the sight of the man in front of me."Are you going to spend the whole night standing there, or are you going to tell me right away what you came to my room for?"His harsh tone roused me from my daze, and finally, the rage surged through my blood again, overriding everything I felt as I walked through that door.“I came to tell you that you are a filthy pig and you are sorely mistaken if you think you can take my job and keep me locked up in this damned house.“Oh, that's it.Calmly, as if I weren't there in front of him, breathing fire from his nostrils, he went to a hanger, from where he took another towel, and began to dry his hair."What do you mean, is that it?" The deal we made did not include you ruining my life and keeping me trapped here. I want my job back. You can call my boss and fix what you did! ’ he practically screamed.“Do not get so excited. It can harm the baby."As if a mons
ATHOSThe Christmas House was wrapped in a magical and welcoming atmosphere. Lights twinkled on the facade, creating a dazzling sight that could be seen from afar. A grand decorative arch, made of pine, golden ornaments, and red ribbons, adorned the entrance of the house, inviting everyone to come in and celebrate the festivity.Inside, the main living room was the epicenter of the celebration. A majestic Christmas tree stood in the center, decorated with a profusion of sparkling ornaments, from colorful balls to handmade decorations. Twinkling lights filled the tree, casting a soft and festive glow throughout the room.The fireplace crackled, emanating warmth and a comforting scent of burning wood. A plush, soft rug lay in front of the fireplace, inviting people to gather around and share stories and laughter. The furniture was adorned with red covers and pillows featuring Christmas motifs, creating a cozy atmosphere.The dining table was elegantly set, with red and white tablecloths
Five years later...RYLEELove, family, and a happy ending are elements that often intertwine in the stories of people's lives, creating a framework of contentment, affection, and fulfillment. This triad represents an essential part of the fabric of human relationships and is a shared goal for many.Love is the foundation that sustains the family, and, in turn, the family is where love finds a home. Love is a deep bond that can take various forms, whether between parents and children, siblings, spouses or partners, and even close friends. This feeling is the driving force that connects people, offering support, understanding, and unconditional affection.The family, in turn, is the intimate circle where love flourishes. It is the place where memories are created, where traditions are shared, and where life's challenges are faced together. The family is the sanctuary where individuals find security and a sense of belonging. It can be formed in various ways, including blood ties or conn
Forgiveness is an act of generosity and strength, but it can also be one of the most challenging tasks a human can undertake. Forgiveness involves letting go of resentments and negative feelings toward someone who has hurt us, and this is not something that can be done superficially or automatically. Instead, it is a deep and complex emotional process that requires time, understanding, and self-transformation.One of the reasons forgiveness is so difficult is the weight of the emotions we carry. When we are hurt, it is natural to feel anger, pain, sadness, and even a desire for revenge. These feelings are powerful and often keep us tied to the traumatic event. Setting aside these emotions and making room for forgiveness requires significant effort.Furthermore, forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting or excusing the actions that caused the pain. It is possible to forgive someone while still acknowledging the gravity of what was done. This can be a dilemma because it may seem
I let Marina convince me that going out and having fun was the best way to get Athos out of my head. So, for the next few days, she would drag me wherever there was something interesting to do. Because of the pregnancy, we always went out during the day and I never drank alcohol. We went to the shopping center in Belize a lot, but also to a recreational club there, where we enjoyed playing sports and swimming in the waterslide. From time to time we camped and practiced other outdoor activities, such as fishing and picnics. The options weren't many. Young people in the city used to have fun in bars and clubs, but I could not sleep or drink.Matheus was always with us and from time to time Fernando showed up too. Marina's idea was that I would get to know Fernando better and end up getting involved with him, but the boy was unlucky. Almost every time we arranged to meet, something happened and he could not go. When it was not his car in trouble, it was someone in his family in trouble,
"We are not criminals who need to be sought out by the police!" I snapped, watching him with my peripheral vision.I entered the house fast as lightning and up the stairs as quickly as possible, seeking refuge in my room, but he was on my heels, following close behind, glaring at me with a face contorted with a frightening rage.I was really screwed!- It is not about this! You know that your mother still poses a great risk to this child and to you! You can't go out there without security protection!“I was not without protection. There were two adult men with us. They weren't going to let my mother get close.I entered the room in a hurry and tried to close the door from the inside, but Athos was too close and ended up getting inside.Damn it!"And who were these men?" Who was that kid you were making out with? he yelled this time, stoking the rage inside me.My nerves on edge, I turned to face him. Looking directly into his face, I felt a thud inside, a mixture of passion and longin
After examining me, he discharged me and I went back to Athos 's house , accommodated in the back seat of the car with Marina, while he drove it. Arriving there, that scoundrel had the audacity to take me in his arms and start carrying me up the stairs, in order to prevent me from going up alone."Would you please put me down?" I am not an invalid who can't get around on her own! I roared, pummeling his chest with my clenched fists, struggling in a feeble attempt to break free."Will you stop hitting me?" I am so much stronger, it is useless to try to break free.Defeated, I crossed my arms over my chest and turned my face away as I let the rascal take me."I am disgusted with you," I muttered through clenched teeth, not looking her in the face.“You hate me and I understand. Disgust is something else.- Everything that is bad, is what I feel for you.— Be careful that all this radiation does not affect the baby.The fact that he did not get upset, like he did not care how I felt, onl
The feeling of being betrayed is one of the most painful experiences one can go through. It's a blow to the heart that shatters trust and leaves deep emotional scars. Betrayal is like a shadow that looms over a relationship, leaving a sense of deceit and helplessness.Betrayal can take various forms, whether in the context of a romantic relationship, friendship, work, or family. Regardless of the context, the feeling of being betrayed is overwhelming. It triggers a whirlwind of emotions, including anger, pain, distrust, and sadness.The sense of betrayal is often accompanied by questioning one's trust in people and their ability to judge the character of others. The victim of betrayal may feel helpless, as if they have been thrown into an abyss of uncertainty and disappointment.Overcoming the feeling of betrayal is a lengthy and arduous process. It requires forgiveness, both for the person who betrayed and for oneself. It also involves rebuilding trust, which is a complex challenge.
“No, Rylee . What I want is for you not to run away with my son!”- I do not need it, thank you. I am fine. Just leave me alone.Clearly disappointed, she swept her gaze across the table, as if suspiciously checking to see if I was really involved with the work, or just avoiding her.- Clear. Sorry to bother.With that said, she left the office, head down, while I continued to sit behind the desk, overcome by that myriad of love and hate that burned in my veins, threatening to drive me crazy.I never left the office that night. After a few shots of whiskey, I ended up falling asleep right there, in an armchair, which made me wake up the next morning with a bad backache. Upon realizing that I was awakened by the insistent ringing of the cell phone, I answered the call, still sleepy. It was from the hospital, a nurse calling to say that Arnaldo had woken up, a miracle, according to her. In my opinion it was just the confirmation of that saying that a bad vase does not break.I analyzed
When the ambulance arrived, I was still in shock but a little calmer. Hastily, two nurses put Arnaldo on a stretcher and carried him towards the vehicle. For some unknown reason, I wanted to go with him, back there, with the security guards following us in another car. Ryleea also wanted to accompany us, but I asked her to stay at home, as the hospital where her mother had worked for several years was not a safe environment.At the hospital, I waited in a room for several hours until the only doctor in town came to see me.— Are you Arnaldo Brandao's companion? he asked, as if he did not know that I was the man's son and the only relative outside of jail.- Yes. How is he?- Not good. I managed to extract the bullet, but I am not a neurosurgeon. I won't know the extent of the damage done until after he wakes up. That if you wake up.I could put that damned old man in the helicopter and take him to a renowned neurosurgeon in São Paulo, if only to assuage my guilt in the slightest."Is