At Nilton's Bike, life seemed to be finally falling into place for Helena and Bruno. They worked together, sharing not only their workspace but also the challenges and successes of the store. Helena was full of enthusiasm and excited about her decision to join Bruno in Paraty and give a new direction to her life.
One week after her return to Paraty, Helena was in her office, organizing some documents, when one of the employees approached, somewhat hesitantly.
“Helena, sorry to bother you, but there's someone here looking for you,” the employee said.
Helena looked up from her papers, curious, and replied, “Of course, let her in.”
She wasn't prepared for the surprise visit. As the door opened, a familiar voice echoed through the room. “Helena, my daughter.”
Helena turned around, and there was her mother, Regina, standing in the doorway with an ex
Days passed quickly as Bruno and Helena rushed through the preparations for their wedding. They had opted for something simpler and more intimate, just a ceremony at the courthouse. Helena didn't want to spend too much money on a glamorous party, and they both agreed that the most important thing was the commitment they were making to each other.Helena picked up her phone and called her brother, Marcelo. She had something important to ask him. When Marcelo answered, Helena smiled and greeted him warmly before getting to the point."Hi, Marcelo! How are you?""Hi, Helena! I'm well, thank you. How are the wedding preparations going?"Helena sighed lightly before responding. "It's about the wedding that I wanted to talk to you. I would like to know if you'd be willing to be one of the witnesses at our courthouse wedding."Marcelo was silent for a moment before replying, "Of course,
Bruno was in shock, sitting at one of the tables at Sítio Santo Antônio, next to his mother, Loreta. The surrounding scene was a joyful wedding celebration, with laughter, lively music, and guests having a great time. However, Bruno could hardly focus on the festivities. His mother's words still echoed in his mind, leaving him bewildered.Loreta looked at her son, a deep sadness in her eyes, as he struggled to formulate a coherent question. Finally, Bruno managed to gather his words and asked, his voice trembling, “Mom, are you absolutely certain about what you're saying?”Loreta seemed hesitant, as if she were struggling to understand Bruno's question. She finally replied, “Certainties, my son? What do you want to know?”Bruno took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “Mom, you said I'm twenty-four years old, not twenty-five, because my birth certificate was altered. Are you s
After their wedding, Bruno and Helena decided not to have a traditional honeymoon. With the shop and Loreta's health, Bruno's mother, requiring care, they opted for a peaceful weekend in Paraty, enjoying everything the charming town had to offer.The morning after the wedding, the sun illuminated the room where Bruno and Helena slept. The gentle morning light caressed Helena's face, causing her to wake up with a smile. She turned in bed and found Bruno still deeply asleep, with tousled hair and one arm outstretched towards her. Helena watched him for a moment, reminiscing about the previous day, filled with emotions and surprises.She decided to get up carefully so as not to wake him. After all, this was their first morning as husband and wife, and she wanted to do something special. Helena headed to the kitchen of the house, located in a small seaside village where they had rented a house for the weekend. She started preparing breakfast, kn
Bruno and Helena had built a peaceful life together in Paraty. They lived in Bruno's parents' house, Loreta and Nilton, working side by side at Nilton's Bike. Additionally, they took care of Loreta, who suffered from Alzheimer's. Loreta adored Helena, and her presence in the house was a soothing balm for her, often remembering the young woman as her own daughter.Their routine was filled with love and care, even as they dealt with the challenges Loreta's illness presented. Bruno admired Helena's patience and the unconditional love she showed for his mother. They knew their lives were busy, but they were content with the choice they had made.However, a series of unexpected events began to shake the tranquility of their lives. It all began when Helena started feeling unwell. She was tired more frequently, had morning sickness, and felt strange pains in her body. Initially, she attributed it to the stress and exhaustion of caring for Loreta, b
Helena and Bruno returned to Bruno's parents' house, Loreta and Nilton, after the exciting pregnancy news. As they walked down the hallway toward the living room, Helena felt radiant and eager to share the big news with her in-laws.Upon entering the living room, they found Loreta and Nilton sitting together, engaged in lively conversation. Helena noticed that Loreta was having one of her clearer days, making the moment even more special. Nilton, on the other hand, appeared visibly concerned, thinking that something bad might have happened to the couple.Nilton, his voice laden with concern, asked, “Where have you two been? Did something happen?”Bruno and Helena exchanged glances, sharing a smile. It was time to break the news. Bruno approached Nilton and placed his hand on his father's shoulder, saying with a twinkle in his eye, “Dad, the good news is that nothing bad has happened. On the contrary, so
Helena and Bruno were back at the doctor's office, eagerly awaiting the morphological ultrasound. It had been a few weeks since they received the news of the pregnancy, and now they were in the 12th week of gestation, a crucial moment when they would find out if they were expecting twins.As they waited, Helena held Bruno's hand, who sat beside her, providing support and reassurance. Their gazes met, exchanging smiles filled with anticipation. They were excited to learn more about their baby or babies.The room was softly lit, and the sound of the ultrasound machine filled the air. The doctor entered the room, greeted the couple, and began preparing the equipment.Helena lay down on the examination table, and Bruno remained by her side, holding her hand firmly. The doctor applied gel to Helena's belly and began moving the ultrasound probe, carefully observing the monitor.Seconds seemed like an eternity as the doctor explored Helena's belly for clues about what awaited them. Helena an
Helena and Bruno were radiant with the news that they were expecting a girl, whom they would name Isabel. From that day on, their lives took on a new meaning, and they embraced the journey of pregnancy with love and excitement.Mornings were often filled with Bruno preparing a special breakfast for Helena while she was still in bed, enjoying the kicks and gentle movements of Isabel. They would talk to her belly, telling her about all the amazing things they were looking forward to doing together when she was born.On weekends, they would take leisurely walks in the local park. Bruno enjoyed reading books about fatherhood and watching videos on how to care for newborns. Helena, on the other hand, explored maternity blogs and took online courses on breastfeeding and baby care.When it came time to decorate Isabel's room, they spent hours choosing furniture and soft colors. Helena had a special talent for interior design, and Isabel's room was becoming a magical and cozy space.“I think
Helena and Bruno returned to his parents' house, Nilton and Loreta, with their precious newborn, Isabel, in their arms. They couldn't wait to share this joy with the family that had supported them from the beginning.As they entered the house, they were greeted with warm smiles and eyes filled with emotion. Nilton and Loreta eagerly awaited the arrival of their granddaughter. Loreta picked up a small crocheted blanket that she had made herself and smiled as she saw the baby in Helena's arms.“Oh, my dear, she is so tiny and beautiful!” Loreta said, her eyes shining with happiness.Nilton approached and lovingly stroked Isabel's cheek. “Welcome, Isabel. You are the joy of our family.”Helena and Bruno exchanged a grateful look. They felt blessed to have a loving family to welcome Isabel.After the initial moments of congratulations and affection, Helena and Bruno took Isabel to the room they had prepared for her. It was delicately decorated, with soft tones and comfortable furniture. T
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