chap:2

CHAPTER 2: THE WEIGHT OF BEING

She thought something serious might be happening with her parents, but it turned out to be nothing too concerning. They were simply unhappy after she had kept quiet about her decision to move to a new city and purchase a new building where her entire company would be relocated. While others might think the change was to help her business grow even more and make her more powerful, Lavínia was worried about far more serious issues that kept her awake at night.

The visit to her parents didn’t last long. Bayer stood firm through the complaints she received from them. It was a constant—whether from her parents or others—everything felt like an infinite weight on her shoulders, overburdening her.

"Did I hear you’re moving the company to a new building closer to the city center? When were you going to tell us?" her mother asked, annoyed.

"I was already planning to do that."

"When? Once you had already moved? Your father works at that company, you know he can’t go so far from me! You’ve always been such a considerate girl. Ever since you started that law firm in that location, it was so we could stay close. But now it seems you only care about the money you can make!" her mother shouted, hysterically.

"Mom... Dad doesn’t need to work! Besides, I said you would move with me!" she tried to explain with a firm voice, but her discomfort seemed to grow. Her hands trembled, and she felt as if she wouldn’t be able to stay on her feet.

"You think you can do everything? You’re not Superman, and you shouldn’t do it all just for money. Don’t you already have enough? Is that all you care about now? We barely see you—is this all worth it?"

"Yes! It is! If you think it’s all about the money, then it is!" she affirmed, feeling even weaker. Holding back tears, she retreated, leaving the scene.

She got into her car and drove, turning the corner before feeling even weaker. She took a painkiller and rested her head against the seat, with the air conditioning running while tears slid down her face and her hand rested on her belly.

She returned home after a period of turbulence, finding comfort and solace at her work desk. It was there, among papers and books, that she felt a comforting peace. Every time she felt overwhelmed by other things, her compulsion for work provided an escape.

In two months, one of the largest law firms would move to the city center, occupying one of the most imposing corporate buildings.

The move brought with it a mix of anxiety and hope. She had never thought of relocating, but the situation was pushing her to the limit, and she needed distance.

She was already tired of the constant threats and unpleasant gifts. The last one still sat in the corner of the room: a terrifying mask and a note that read, “This is what you look like. Sign the agreement, or you will have no peace.”

But the intense routine and demands of the new business consumed all her time and energy. Despite the difficulties, she found joy in every accomplishment.

Still, things didn’t feel complete until she was dragged to the party her friend organized—against her will.

"Tonight, there’s going to be a private party just for the women of the company, with top models next door to your new apartment. All you need is a party like this to cheer up. Let’s break this boring routine—you need to step out of the law for a bit."

"Is she insane?" Lavínia almost shouted, sitting at her desk, immediately feeling embarrassed. Just then, one of her employees entered with some reports.

"Ms. Bayer, here are the reports. The law firm is receiving yet another bad review about... about your father. He lost another case. That’s five cases now, and it’s starting to affect our firm. You need to do something."

"What do you mean, do something?" she asked, standing up and glaring at the young woman, who shrank back, fearful. Lavínia had a commanding aura, befitting her authority.

"We’re moving to the new office soon, and this could affect Alpha Corp Attorneys’ reputation. All the other lawyers agree that your father is too old and too tired for this job. You know how difficult it is to fight for labor rights and workplace harassment cases. The five victims ended up losing. We are a fair company that handles cases like this and always wins, but your father..."

"Don’t say another word! Just leave!" Lavínia ordered resolutely, and within seconds, the reports were on her desk, and her office was empty.

She reviewed each document with concern. Afterward, she sat back down, returning to her work. She ignored her friend’s invitation, still thinking about the interviews for new employees scheduled for the following afternoon.

Her strategy was to stay in her office and avoid the party, but when her friend wanted something, she simply made it happen. And that’s how Lavínia was dragged from her office to the party in the luxury suite next to her apartment, which looked more like a grand ballroom.

"I’m not going in there!" she insisted, trying to back away, but before she could take a step back, she was dragged by two more women who had come to help Zara.