Helena and Bruno's lives continued, each charting their own course, but always maintaining a connection through the children they shared. While Helena was immersed in the bustling life of São Paulo, Bruno remained in the tranquility of the farm, where time seemed to pass at a different pace.
Helena found in Leandro a new chance for love, an opportunity to start over after the end of her marriage with Bruno. Her relationship with Leandro strengthened over time, and together they built a life in São Paulo, surrounded by the challenges and hustle of the big city. Helena's children, Isabel, Antônio, and Emanoel, grew up before her eyes, each forging their own path in pursuit of their dreams and goals.
Meanwhile, Bruno dedicated himself entirely to the farm, finding in the quiet routine and nature the refuge he needed to heal the wounds of the past. Alongside Dante, his son, he cultivated the land and cared for the animals, finding peace and purpose in e
Bruno was seated in the passenger seat, gazing out the car window as Dante drove through the bustling streets of São Paulo towards their apartment. The night was calm, but Bruno was lost in his own thoughts. Dante broke the silence, bringing up the event that had occurred earlier that night.“The celebration dinner was great, wasn't it, Dad?” he asked, casting a quick glance at Bruno.Bruno nodded, momentarily distracted from his thoughts.“Yeah, it was,” he agreed. “It was a special night for Antônio and Emanoel.”Dante nodded, focusing on the road again. After a moment of silence, he decided to address a topic that had clearly been weighing on Bruno's mind.“About Leandro's proposal to marry Helena... it was unexpected, wasn't it?”Bruno sighed, pondering Dante's question.“It... was unexpected, for sure,” murmured Bruno, choosing his words carefully. “Bu
Helena was sitting on the living room couch, gazing at the engagement ring that sparkled on her finger. Beside her, Leandro was also lost in his own thoughts, lost in contemplation. They had been together for years, since Leandro's proposal on the emotional night of Antônio and Emanoel's graduation. However, the wedding date had not yet been set.The postponement of the wedding was not due to lack of desire or love between them, but rather due to a series of unexpected events that had arisen. First came the news that Isabel, Helena's eldest daughter, had been accepted into an MBA program at Harvard. She was ecstatic about the opportunity but also missed her family and wanted to be present at her mother's wedding. So, Helena and Leandro decided to postpone the ceremony, so Isabel could attend.Months passed, and when Isabel finally returned, she brought with her a surprise: the news that Antônio, Helena and Bruno's eldest son, was expecting a child. Helena w
Helena found herself in the comfort of the bedroom, sharing the space with Leandro, who had fallen asleep beside her while they watched television. The quietness of the room enveloped her gently, providing her with a moment of solitary reflection. Feeling restless, she decided to get up, carefully sliding out of bed so as not to disturb Leandro's peaceful sleep.With silent steps, she made her way to the office, where the soft light of the night filtered through the partially open curtains. Her phone lay on the desk, inviting her to pick it up. With a mix of nervousness and determination, Helena unlocked the device and dialed Bruno's number, her ex-husband whose memory remained etched in her mind even after so many years of separation.The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Helena's heart began to beat faster, feeling a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. Finally, Bruno's familiar voice echoed from the other end of the line.“Hello?&rd
Helena was sitting in front of the computer in her home in São Paulo, organizing the final details of Antônio and Melissa's wedding at Bruno's farm. Meanwhile, Bruno was coordinating the preparations on-site, ensuring that everything was perfect for the big day.The computer screen displayed Bruno's image, who seemed busy but excited. He was checking the arrangements of the wooden benches in the farm's garden while listening attentively to Helena's instructions.“So, Bruno, I think if we arrange the benches this way, we'll have enough space for all the guests to comfortably watch the ceremony,” said Helena, pointing to the layout she had prepared.Bruno nodded, appreciating the view on the screen. “Great idea, Helena. I'll make sure everything is exactly as you planned.”As they continued discussing the final details, the office door opened, revealing Isabel, Helena's eldest daughter, who had just arrived from New York
Leandro entered the apartment he shared with Helena, his longtime fiancée, with a faint sigh of exhaustion. He was tired after a long day of work and just wanted to relax a bit before going to bed. However, as he passed through the hallway towards the bedroom, he was interrupted by shouts coming from Isabel's room, his stepdaughter.Curious and somewhat concerned, Leandro headed towards the room and found Helena and Isabel jumping excitedly on the bed. His serious expression contrasted with the contagious energy of the two women.“What's going on here?” asked Leandro, trying to understand the situation.Helena, still excited, was the first to respond. “Isabel got proposed to by Caleb!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.Isabel, with a glow of happiness in her eyes, reached out to show the engagement ring, hoping to share her joy with Leandro.“Look, Leandro, isn't it beautiful?” she exclaimed
The midday sun bathed the city of Cuiabá with its characteristic warmth as Bruno eagerly awaited the arrival of his children and other relatives for Antonio's wedding. Seated on the porch of the house, Bruno watched the quiet movement of the streets, his restless mind echoing with thoughts about the imminent event.The past few days had been filled with preparations and planning to ensure that everything was perfect for the big day. However, something seemed out of place, something Bruno couldn't fully identify. Helena, his ex-wife, with whom he maintained a complex relationship of love and resentment, had changed her behavior in recent times.The usual video calls to finalize the details of Antonio's wedding had abruptly ceased, replaced by formal and distant emails. This change bothered Bruno, but he tried to attribute it to Helena's nervousness about her son's wedding. However, a part of him wondered if there was something more behind this change in behavior.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was one of excitement and familiarity, despite Helena's absence. Bruno, seated at the head of the table, looked proudly at his gathered children: Dante, Isabel, Antonio, and Emanoel. Melissa, his future daughter-in-law, held Sofia in her arms, and there was an air of anticipation for the news that would be shared.“Well, let's hear it, what's the news?” asked Bruno, casting a warm glance at each of his children.Dante, always the most outgoing, was the first to speak, with a mischievous smile on his lips. “Well, the biggest news is that Antonio is finally marrying Melissa here!”Antonio rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile at Dante's jest. “Are you jealous, then? Because you haven't found someone as wonderful as Melissa yet.”Dante chuckled, responding in the same lighthearted tone. “Oh, don't worry, brother. I have my charms too.”Emanoel, quieter, observed t
Bruno was momentarily surprised by Isabel's confession. His heart filled with a mixture of emotions — surprise, disbelief, and above all, hope. He processed his daughter's words, pondering the meaning behind them.“How do you know that your mother didn't marry Leandro because she still loves me?” Bruno asked, surprised by Isabel's assertion.Isabel looked at him earnestly. “It's easy to see, Dad. I see the way she looks at you and how much she loves,” she explained, trying to convey what she had noticed for a long time.Bruno pondered for a moment before responding. “Helena has always been affectionate with everyone, not just me,” he replied, trying to downplay Isabel's observation.However, Isabel insisted on her perception. “Besides, I overheard the argument between Leandro and Mom the other day. He accused her of stringing him along, saying that if it were you, she would have said yes right away,” s
The scorching noon sun beat against Helena's car windshield as she drove along the winding roads of Poconé towards the family farm. Every mile traveled felt like an echo of the burden she carried in her heart, a mixture of longing and melancholy that only intensified with the proximity of the place she had avoided since Bruno's departure. Helena took a deep breath as she observed the vastness of the landscape around the farm. Poconé's blazing sun reflected off the dirt roads, creating a golden atmosphere over the rural scenery. Every piece of that place evoked deep memories, some comforting, others painful. As she parked the car in front of the farmhouse, a bittersweet sensation enveloped her. This was the last thing Helena wanted to do after Bruno's loss, but Dante's summons had made it clear that there was something important to face there. Exiting the car, Helena felt a lump forming in her throat. It was as if Bruno's presence were imprinted in that place, every corner, every sh
The years had left their marks on Bruno and Helena's lives, but they had also strengthened them. On that quiet afternoon, the serenity of the backyard of their home in the upscale neighborhood of São Paulo was interrupted only by the gentle sound of chess pieces moving across the board. Portraits adorned the walls, telling the story of the family that resided there. Dante, Bruno's eldest son, smiled alongside his wife Maria and little Nilton, the grandson who filled the house with joy and laughter. Isabel, the couple's daughter, was represented beside Caleb, her husband, still childless but radiant as ever. Antônio, one of Helena's twins, proudly displayed his family, alongside Melissa and their two daughters, Sofia and Lena, whose laughter echoed through the memories of that house. Meanwhile, Emanoel, the tireless traveler, had his portraits scattered throughout the world's most remote places, testimonies of his adventures as a backpacker. At the center of it all, framed in a promi
Isabel, Antônio, and Emanoel were gathered in a corner of Ibirapuera Park, where they had improvised a small altar for their parents' wedding, Bruno and Helena. They were all anxious, waiting for their parents to appear after the conversation they were having somewhere in the park. Antônio looked at Isabel with a concerned expression. “Are you sure this plan is going to work?” he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty. Isabel held her brother's gaze confidently. “Of course it will, Antônio. Trust me,” she replied, determined. “You managed to get Leandro out of the way, didn't you?” Emanoel intervened, adding his support. “Yes, Antônio had a little help from me in that. Leandro should be far away by now, maybe even in Paris at this moment,” he said, trying to calm his brother's concerns. Melissa, Antônio's wife, watched the scene with interest. “Look, here comes Bruno,” she announced, drawing the siblings' attention. The three children turned to see Bruno approaching, his somber
Helena was sitting in the back seat of the black car, sent by her daughter Isabel to take her to her wedding with Leandro at the registry office. However, her surprise was immense when she realized that the driver was none other than her ex-husband, Bruno. A mixture of shock and indignation took hold of her as Bruno drove through the streets of São Paulo. Her heart began to beat faster as she tried to process the situation. What was he doing there? And why on earth was he driving the car? She stared at Bruno seriously, unable to understand what he was up to. “What on earth do you think you're doing here?” she asked, her voice overflowing with disbelief. Bruno briefly turned his face to look at Helena, displaying an enigmatic smile. “I've already said I'm doing something grand,” he replied, with a confident tone. Helena's eyes narrowed with disdain at Bruno's response. She couldn't believe he was actually kidnapping her on the day of her wedding to Leandro. “So, your 'something gr
Helena was standing in front of the mirror in her room, observing herself with a mixture of anxiety and resignation in her gaze. The light blue dress she had chosen for her registry office wedding with Leandro seemed heavier than she had imagined. She smoothed the folds of the flared fabric as she tried to convince herself that she was making the right choice. The door to the room opened gently, and Emanoel entered, wearing an expression of admiration on his face. His eyes, so much like those of his father, Bruno, conveyed a mix of pride and tenderness as he watched his mother. “You look beautiful, Mom,” Emanoel said, his voice laden with sincerity. Helena lifted her gaze to meet her son's eyes, feeling touched by his words. “Thank you, my dear,” she replied, her voice choked with emotion. “It means a lot to me to hear that from you.” Emanoel smiled, his expression radiant. “I'm glad to be a part of this moment with you,” he said, his voice brimming with joy. “And about Paris... i
Helena was lying on her bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling as a flood of thoughts swirled through her mind. She hadn't been able to sleep all night, consumed by the anguish and sadness that Leandro's news had brought. Selling the apartment and planning a sudden move to Paris, without even consulting Helena, was a betrayal that cut deep. Her feelings were a whirlwind of anger, disappointment, and confusion. How could Leandro do something like this to her, especially on the eve of their wedding? Helena felt lost, unsure of how to deal with this sudden turn in her life. It was then that Isabel, her daughter, entered the room, interrupting her thoughts. Helena tried to force a smile when she saw her, but she knew she couldn't hide her agony so easily. Isabel looked at Helena with evident concern in her eyes, asking if her mother was sick. “Are you sick, Mom?” Isabel asked, her voice filled with concern. Helena looked at Isabel and forced a smile. “No, sweetheart, I'm fine,” she replie
Helena walked through the bustling streets of São Paulo, lost in her thoughts as she searched for the perfect dress for her courthouse wedding. Although it wasn't a traditional ceremony, Helena wanted to find something special to mark the significant moment in her life. However, she was determined to avoid white, a color associated with purity and youth, something she had left behind long ago. After all, at fifty years old, Helena was no longer a young innocent, but a mature woman who knew what she wanted. Entering the tenth store on that busy street, Helena felt a mixture of hope and anxiety. She rummaged through the racks in search of the perfect dress, examining every detail carefully while trying to visualize how she would feel in each model. Finally, she found a light blue, flared, and elegant dress. As she looked at herself in the mirror, Helena imagined wearing that dress at her wedding, feeling confident and beautiful. However, her thoughts were interrupted when a young man
Helena was engrossed in her work, meticulously reviewing the details of an important case from the office, when her children, Emanoel and Isabel, walked through the door, radiating contagious energy. She lifted her eyes from the computer and greeted them with a warm smile, feeling her heart warmed by their presence. “Good to see you both!” exclaimed Helena, rising from her chair and going to meet her children. “I missed you.” Emanoel, with his warm embrace, almost lifted Helena off the ground, expressing his affection exuberantly. “Mom, we missed you yesterday!” he said with a smile. “Especially to finish eating the party food.” Helena laughed, feeling light-hearted with her son's contagious energy. “I wish I could have stayed longer,” she confessed. “But Leandro thought it's best for us to come back early to rest.” “Leandro also mentioned that you would be taking care of the wedding papers today,” she added, her tone filled with anticipation. Helena nodded, a look of agreement
The morning began to sketch its first rays of sunshine over Bruno's farm, enveloping it in a gentle luminosity. In the quiet kitchen, Bruno moved with the familiarity of one who masters the environment, preparing breakfast before his children awakened to face the new day. As Bruno finished brewing the coffee, the soft sound of footsteps approaching caught his attention. In an instant, his daughter Isabel appeared in the kitchen doorway, her presence radiating a youthful and infectious energy. Isabel regarded Bruno with a radiant smile, revealing the joy of seeing him again. “I've been missing the smell of your coffee so much,” she confessed, expressing her appreciation for the morning routine with her father. Bruno returned Isabel's smile, feeling grateful to share that moment with his daughter. He poured a mug of coffee for Isabel, his skilled hands performing the gesture with inherent tenderness. “I've been missing serving coffee to my daughter,” Bruno admitted, his eyes shinin