《My Enemy鈥檚 Daughter》


 CHAPTER 1 PROLOGUE

    H E N R I C O


    The noise of loose springs reverberates down the long, dark corridor, some roars are louder than others ande from every cell, but that¡¯s what happens when you take lunatics who can¡¯t find a foothold to sleep and put them in the same ce. Lying on top of the bunk bed I share with one of mypanions, I look at the torn photo of the old newspaper that Guilhermino managed to bring me, the paper is worn, and the color is fading as the days go by, however, I can still see the smile of each member of the Leal family and the victorious expression on their faces. Augusto obeyed and won the election in New York, bing governor of the state with a great advantage over hispetitors.


    Something in me broke when my best friend brought me the wedding news, I didn¡¯t believe it until he brought me this photo as proof, I know that deep down he still hopes that I will move on and forget them all, erase the idea of revenge and move on in my life as if nothing had happened, but this is just another reinforcement for me to follow my n. You can¡¯t ask a man who¡¯s been tried and convicted for a crime he didn¡¯tmit, someone who¡¯s had his life stolen and his heart broken, to let it all go and move on. The woman I loved was married to another man, acting like I didn¡¯t exist anymore, but all that was about to change, I¡¯m sure your father hasn¡¯t told you the whole truth, and I¡¯ming back to take back everything that¡¯s mine for right.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Only now I don¡¯t feel anything, baby.¡± I whisper, running my fingers over her image, unable to take my eyes off her.


    ¡°No shame or pity. You¡¯re going to have to deal with me, and there¡¯s no escape.¡± I whisper, careful not to draw the attention of mypanions.


    After a few more minutes of looking at the photo, I put it under my pillow and try to sleep, closing my eyes and refusing to open them before a new day, even with all the screams and various noises during the night.


    Somepanions are running away today, and I had the option of joining them and fleeing this ce ahead of time, but Guilhermino put some reason in me and I gave up. I can¡¯t go back and beat Augustus if he¡¯s a fugitive, no, I need to have my freedom within thew, so I can move the right pieces. Just a few more months. I repeat until I fall asleep, then when I wake up the next day to a guard sshing me with water and snarling a few curse words, I just smile and say I don¡¯t know where my saddle mates have gone.


    When nightes again, I dream of the girl with the green eyes and I imagine doing the most wicked things to her in front of her lying father and fake sister, until these dreams be my obsession and I start dreaming during the day too, creating the most hateful scenes and dialogue, wondering if the sweet youngest Leal has any experience with men and would be capable of giving me pleasure, but also loving the idea of being first.


    She will hate me in the end, but she will also learn about herself and doubt her feelings. I¡¯ll break you to the core, take your body for me, and keep your soul for my delight. Anyway, my n starts and ends with her. I will be your end.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Antonio, a guard I don¡¯tpletely hate and keep on the payroll, calls out to me, pushing a printout of some digital newspaper he likes to post about the Leal family. ¡°You owe me.¡± he says and walks away, yelling at some inmates who have started an argument over who can lift the most weight.


    I shove the piece of paper inside my pants and go back to the cell, after making sure I¡¯m alone, I remove the paper from inside my pants and read the small text above the photo. I ignore the editor¡¯s fawning over Augusto and focus on the names mentioned, my eyes dropping to memorize the features of my ex-wife¡¯s new husband.


    The bitter taste of betrayal dulls my taste buds, causing an overwhelming need to y, but I don¡¯t. I hold the gaze of the man in the photo and then follow his hand, one arm around his wife¡¯s waist and the other around his little sister. It seems like a perfect family, but I have a strange feeling about the asshole, especially since his hand is touching what¡¯s mine.


    I take a deep breath, closing my eyes until I push the rage out of the dark room I keep in my head and get my actions back under control.


    Just a few more months.


    Days pass and I wallow in self-pity, seeking refuge in revenge, fights, and exercise.


    I finish my set of weightlifting with the equipment improvised by some inmates and rest on the cement bench, closing my eyes to take a deep breath and rx my muscles. Someone taps my shoulder.


    ¡°Hey pretty boy¡± I would recognize that voice anywhere by now, it was the first lesson I¡¯d learned since getting here, and even though we never exchanged a word with him, I knew it was worrying to have his attention on me right now. Shadow isn¡¯t known for making friends, no,st time I was warned I was told not to be alone with him in the dark if I didn¡¯t want to be his little doll.


    ¡°What do you want!?¡± I growl, hoping the idiot realizes he¡¯s a nuisance. He looks at me with a crooked smile that tells me he¡¯s unimpressed. I roll my eyes.


    The guy is six feet tall and covered in tattoos, including a skull on his throat, so of course I didn¡¯t intimidate him.


    ¡°I just thought you needed to rx.¡± he says with a shrug, and I eye him suspiciously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like guys.¡± I speak and her smile dies.


    ¡°And you¡¯re too skinny for my liking, idiot. I¡¯m here to offer you a cigarette, not the gun I keep between my legs.¡± I almost smile at his shittyparison, then remember I¡¯m in jail and this guy is a murderer.


    ¡°And you are offering me this?¡± He snorts.


    ¡°I¡¯m a guy like a guy, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m hitting on you, handsome.¡± I pinch my eyebrows together.


    ¡°Okay, sorry if I was judgmental.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you were.¡± he cuts me off, and I look down at the cigarette between his fingers.


    ¡°What does this offer mean then?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just cigarettes, man. That shit kills, so you don¡¯t need to get all emotional.¡± He holds out the cigarette again, and I take it, letting him light it for me. ¡°This is shit, maybe death is a better way out.¡± he says, blowing smoke upwards, his gauze lost in a group of faces a few feet away from us. I shrug, holding the smoke in longer than I should.


    ¡°What stops you, then?¡±


    ¡°My daughter¡± reveals and surprise washes over me, but considering he doesn¡¯t seem willing to say anything more about it, I swallow my curiosity.


    ¡°And you?¡± he asks after a while.


    ¡± Revenge.¡±

 CHAPTER 2

    AM¨¦LIA LEAL


    I was once taught that lying is ugly and dishonest, but I was never warned about the consequences. Well, I discovered that in addition to being painful, they can be irreversible. At ten, when all I wanted was to be epted, I lied to help a ssmate, Justine, fake a stomachache and get out of her calculus exam.


    The same day the girl sent me a ¡°Thank you¡± message full of admiration, I didn¡¯t know at the time if I should feel praised, but I liked having her gratitude. A weekter, the principal suspended me. It took some time for me to realize that the lie surrounded me, constituted everything I knew and, consequently, was part of who I was too.


    There was no escape, I kept lying not because I liked it, but because I was too good to ignore.


    I¡¯ve learned that no matter how screwed up you are inside, if a beautiful smile is forming on your lips, in the end no one wants to see tears or hear about your anguish.


    My smiles were rehearsed, dictated, as were my clothes and my life. I lied to please and make happy the woman who brought me into the world, because she did the same for me and no matter how much I said otherwise, I knew it was a lie. Being the wife of the governor of New York wasn¡¯t enough, it never was. I just had to pretend a little longer, I could even put up with the romantic arrangements she kept making me, like the talkative asshole Richard, third son of a snobbish and corrupt senator who hasn¡¯t stopped talking since we were introduced.


    ¡°How about we go somewhere more private?¡± I squint at the boy, forcing a smile as I search for something in his appearance that makes up for hisck ofmon sense.


    ¡°I¡¯mfortable here, thank you.¡± I slurp the strong-tasting yellow liquid through an aluminum straw, wishing I¡¯d added a little more vodka. The boy keeps a malicious and suggestive gleam in his eyes, I stare for a few seconds at his thin and convinced face, allowing me to lower my eyes all over his body, as he has been doing to me since he approached me.


    Broad, athletic shoulders, brown hair that looks like it¡¯s been fingerbed and not brushed. Thin, rosy lips, always ready to utter the cruelest words and pour out a lot of bullshit. Arrogant posture. Corrupted brain.


    ¡± Are you sure? I know a ce where we can talk more peacefully.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think it would be convenient, people would specte about our sudden departure in a few seconds, we are public people.¡± I try to sound convincing, pretending that¡¯s the only reason I¡¯m not going anywhere more intimate with him.


    Heughs, catching the attention of a small group of people a few steps away from us. Gasp. Impatience taking over me and I decide it¡¯s time to ruin any expectations the asshole had created.


    ¡°Listen, I don¡¯t think we have any unusual interests, and honestly¡­ I¡¯m not interested in rtionships.¡±


    Even more with you.


    The expression of surprise is quickly reced by annoyance, I see anger brush the almond color of her irises and make them brighter. Apparently I¡¯ve poked his weak spot and he won¡¯t let me go unpunished. A lump forms in my throat as I imagine the kind of trouble he can cause me at this stupid cocktail party, considering his explosive and rebellious track record. I shudder to imagine the consequences of this when I get home. Fuck it!


    ¡°Come on, kitty. Don¡¯t be difficult, let¡¯s enjoy it. Nobody will know.¡± He blinks suggestively, putting his hands on my waist, pressing my skin with his long fingers, and even though the fabric prevents direct contact, I¡¯m repulsed.


    ¡± I said no!¡± I push his body away, ignoring etiquette as I raise my voice. His hands touch me again and I¡¯m ready to mark his face with my hand when a familiar voice catches my eye.


    ¡°Is there a problem here?¡± Peter asks closer and makes Richard look up, who, when analyzing therge and imposing figure of my brother-inw, removes his hands from me. Moron.


    ¡± I was already on my way out, there¡¯s nothing here for me. ¡± The asshole speaks as he looks at me onest time, bringing a feeling of exposure to my body, which is covered by a thin¡±shouldered gray silk dress that covers me two fingers above the knee.


    ¡°Not really.¡± Peter says, determined to intimidate the boy before he turns his back and leaves us. Richard disguises his insecurity with a mockingugh, but doesn¡¯t hold his posture for long and leaves.


    ¡°Shit. I mumble under my breath, just so the man next to me hears. Heughs and stares at me with white, sample¡±lined teeth.¡± What?


    ¡°This self of yours is so much better. ¡± I dere and I end up blushing.


    ¡°You speak as if there is more than one of me.  There is, for everyone you are the demure Am¨¦lia Leal, the governor¡¯s youngest daughter, but when she¡¯s with me it¡¯s just Am¨¦lia.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re a bad influence.¡± Earring.


    ¡°Oh, he certainly is.¡± The high¡±pitched and familiar voice makes Peter stop the ss of drink he holds in the middle of the way, in a few seconds I¡¯m forgotten and he turns to face her.


    ¡°Aurora¡±. He whispers, inplete devotion, making my stomach churn at the clear love contained in his tone.


    ¡°I was looking for you.¡± my sister says, her irritating voice masked by the ambient noise. ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t arrive until tomorrow morning.¡± She pouts, twirling her painted nails around his tie.


    ¡°Well, I missed home and the people I love. I decided to surprise my wife.¡±


    I follow the conversation in silence.


    I wonder if deep down Peter knows what kind of person she is, love can be blind, but is it capable of covering up someone¡¯s character?


    ¡°Well, I hope you didn¡¯t leave anything unfinished there. she says, using a sly tone.


    ¡± All settled, I came to stay for good and make up for lost time.¡±


    Peter continues talking, totally ignoring my presence at his side, I catch my sister staring at my right hand that holds the baptized fruit drink. His gaze is that of someone who judges, his interpretation molding to the resentment he has for me.


    ¡± I need to go to the bathroom. ¡± I say, taking the first steps before I even finish the sentence.


    I head in the right direction until I¡¯m sure neither of them are looking at me, then I detour and enter a hallway, this building is one of Dad¡¯s newest acquisitions, another trophy for his career and I don¡¯t think Aurora and I differ. of it to him. Empty rooms are the only things to explore in this ce yet, so surprise invades me when I hear voicesing from the end of the hallway, a half¡±open door lets out a small sliver of light and curiosity takes me closer, high and male voices , looks like an argument between partners or something and I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything interesting going on there, so a familiar voice speaks and I freeze in ce.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°How did he get the penalty lessened?¡±   Dad speaks.


    ¡± Any goodwyer could reverse his situation, the arrest was made hastily and some points were run over, there were many paragraphs that could be revoked.¡± Who is he talking about?


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, after all this time we won¡¯t have to worry about him, I bet the boy learned not to touch a wasp nest.¡± Dad concludes, getting chuckles in agreement.

 CHAPTER 3

    HENRICO


    I take a deep breath, finally inhaling the pure air of freedom. I look with a smile at the image of Guilhermino leaning on his blue truck across the street, he¡¯s here just as he promised. Not only that, but I look back and take onest look at the penitentiary that was my home for three and a half years. I walk towards my friend, with moderate and cautious steps, I watch his eyes narrow in my direction, more precisely on the cigarette between my lips and I can¡¯t help but smile right after blowing the smoke in the air.


    This was a habit I acquired in jail, I experienced it one night, where even my revenge ns couldn¡¯t bring me peace and voil¨¤.


    Yea!


    I raise my hands in surrender as he arches his left eyebrow in disapproval, taking onest photo of my Dunhill, a gift from my cellmate inmemoration of my departure. Knowing I can¡¯t smoke in his car, I put out the cigarette and toss it into the only trash can nearby.


    Shit.


    ¡°Since when do you smoke?¡± I shrug.


    ¡°A few months ago.¡± I replied sinctly, ending the conversation. I don¡¯t want to talk about my new addiction, and he understands that.


    We got into his truck in silence, remaining that way until music started ying on the radio.


    It¡¯s weird being back in the real world, I mean sure all the shit that happened to me inside that ce was real, but I just had walls to look at all the time, there were no expectations or good times, every day was just okay. Lower the car window ss, allowing a better view of what is happening outside.


    I close my eyes for a moment and let myself go, the low car music and the gentle breezeing through the open window are enough to make the angere back. He even took it from me all these months. My jaw clenches and I try to find calm in the song¡¯s chorus. I can feel the tensioning from Guilhermino, but I keep my eyes closed a little longer. I understand your concern about my next actions and I don¡¯t me you, I¡¯ve been telling you everything I nned for Leal¡¯s gang and I scared him, I changed with prison, and I¡¯m different from the boy he knew as a brat. So I was smoking. Nicotine keeps me calm when nervousness and anxiety arise, it works as an outlet.


    ¡°Mada is making a nice roast beef in your honor.¡± he says, patting my seat to get my attention.


    I smile sincerely at the mention of the woman¡¯s name.


    ¡°Great.¡±


    He snorts.


    ¡°Excellent? Is that all you have to say? Where is your excitement for eating real food?¡±


    A crooked smile appears on my lips.


    The food wasn¡¯t that bad, in fact, it was the least of the problems one could have in that ce.


    ¡± I¡¯m not that hungry.¡± I say, justifying my reaction.


    He looks at me, frowning, and I stare at him, preempting and speaking before starting his speech.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thought I¡¯d ride a little.¡± I speak. Feeling him rx in his seat.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you lost Hercules, but we have new horses, you can choose any one of them.


    I nod, turning to face the window, not wanting to broach the subject with the only person who¡¯s been by my side and turned out to be an asshole. Hercules died some time after my arrest, we were extremely close and he was very sorry for my distance, the veterinarian thought that the reason for his death was sadness. My horse was a gift from my father when I turned eighteen, he was one of my memories of my old man and his death will also be paid for.


    The farm entrance starts to appear right ahead, my heart starts to flutter when I see all the employees at the entrance. I almost lost the only inheritance my parents left me in the midst of all this mess, I am very grateful to each man and woman who worked so hard and didn¡¯t give up on me when everything seemed to fall apart.


    ¡°Before we get out of the car, I want to ask you if you still have those thoughts in your head.¡± The eye, knowing exactly what you¡¯re talking about. Yes.


    ¡°That man is dangerous, you ended up in jailst time. I hear your words even though I already know.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I¡¯m not afraid. I can assure you that I¡¯m not the same as before.¡± Now it¡¯s your turn to look at me.


    ¡°I understand. I¡¯m here for whatever you need.¡± Speech.


    ¡°I won¡¯t involve you in this.¡± I dere.


    ¡°Henrico, your father took me in when I was still a tomboy and needed help, for me, you are like a younger brother, and I don¡¯t abandon the family.¡± I close my eyes and let out a long breath. I¡¯m not going to try to convince you otherwise right now.


    ¡°I have something to show you.¡± He holds out his phone, open to a gossip page, and I stare at him in confusion.


    ¡°Just read.¡± Speech.


    ¡°Am¨¦lia Leal will throw a party to celebrate her 18th birthday at a super trendy local disco, the young woman will be attended by her parents, older sister and closest friends. Rumors say it will be something refined and discreet like her, but everyone will be masked, and the party willst all night.¡±


    I read the entire article twice. A picture of the girl is printed at the top of the news bulletin and I blink a few times as I look at the image. Memories of the first time I saw her invade my memory.


    ¡°Ie down from the room asking myself for resilience and control, I try to forget for a moment thest information I received about my wife¡¯s family and I y a good host, but what I see when I step off thest step takes me off my axis.


    ¡°Who are you? I watch the small figure stroking the feathers of a chicken in the middle of my room.¡± I tilt my head, trying to clear my field of vision and understand what¡¯s going on. ¡°Cat got your tongue, girl? You can¡¯t break into my house, steal my chickens and then ignore me.¡±


    The girl whispers, her long brown hair covering half of her face, but I can still hear her shoulders moving as if she¡¯s saying something.


    ¡°What did you say? Speak, damn it!¡± I say impatiently.


    ¡°I said my name is Amelia and I didn¡¯t trespass on your property or n to kidnap your precious chicken, idiot.¡±


    ¡°Do you know the exact date and address of this club?¡± I ask.

 CHAPTER 4

    HENRICO


    ¡°Do you know the exact date and address of this club?¡± I ask.


    ¡°It¡¯s happening tomorrow night at Vazz nightclub, you know what it is.


    Yes, I knew. It was one of my favorite clubs when I was younger.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to need a mask.¡± to speak.


    ¡°No, we¡¯re going to need two masks. He surprises me by saying, but I decide not to question it, it¡¯ll be nice to have someone I know to manage my anger.


    My grandfather said that there is no ce warmer than America, and I loved growing up here, despite Zattani Farm being on the border of New York and Queens, upying arge green territory, there is a small vige nearby and grandma considered all the inhabitants members of our family, so when he left my parents donatednd and the vige expanded. Despite being a private man, I am happy to see everyone who saw me grow up at the farm door weing me. Still, I don¡¯t feel wee orfortable in my own home, my thoughts are far away and lost in memories. I haven¡¯t been here for a long time and the changes are visible. Everyone seems to think twice about what to say when they talk to me.


    I roll up the sleeves of my shirt and smile once more at the kind, loving woman who has worked for my family since I was very young.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go upstairs.¡± I dere, impatient with all the dy that lunch took. A few nces dart my way quickly, all the attention is suffocating, it¡¯s like it¡¯s my first day in jail all over again, and I¡¯m one hell of an attraction.


    ¡°You barely touched the food.¡±


    The older woman shrugs, giving me a sad, disappointed look. I growl low, getting up anding to stand next to him.


    ¡°It was all delicious, my Goddess.¡± I say, cing a kiss on his already gray hair.


    Not allowing time for any protest from Guilhermino, I go up the stairs and head towards my old room, the same one I shared with her and spent the best days of my life.


    I grip the doorknob hard, breathing heavily and unhurriedly. As soon as the door opens and my eyes confirm my suspicion, my heart races, nothing has been changed or added.


    It¡¯s like the past isn¡¯t so far away, like she¡¯s going to walk through the same door as me, dere that everything was a nightmare and kiss me hard.


    I close my eyes and take a deep breath, believing I can still smell her.


    My chest hurts from the memories, the damn day when everything started to fall apart, somehow I knew something would happen. It¡¯s like I can see the whole scene.


    The blonde hair spread across my pillow, the angelic and serene image, makes me let her sleep a little longer. I get into a cold, solitary shower, rx as soon as the water makes contact with my muscles, and try not to think that in a few hours I¡¯ll have to deal with the unwanted visit from my father-inw and his bastard family. My wife was tense most of the night and I had to be patient and affectionate to make her forget what I had to face today, but I myself am restless with the arrival of possible guests, these three months of marriage have given me time to hear and read many stories of the Leal family, and I am sure that all this cordiality is nothing more than a pretext for the old dog to find a way to separate me from his firstborn, I know very well that I am a thorn in his side and that his ns for her did not include a marriage to a simple farmer. Damn, I don¡¯t need him for nothing.


    ¡°Henrico?¡± Three knocks on the door and a sweet voice bring me back, I turn off the shower and push aside the divider that separates the two parts of the bathroom and head for the door, capturing on the way one of the white towels that are always avable in the cab below the sink.


    ¡°Hi, my angel.¡± I say as soon as I see her standing in front of me, looking at me with the blue andrge bs that soften my soul. Everything is serene and peaceful with her. I kiss her forehead and watch her disappointed expression.


    What happened?


    ¡°I wanted to take a shower with you.¡± She deres, making her thin lips form a small pour. I smile at his sweet way.


    ¡°Sorry, but you slept so well I didn¡¯t want to wake you up.¡±


    ¡°I should have, I feel like I need a bath with my husband¡¯s cat before this day starts. An eyebrow in her direction, tracing back the three steps I¡¯d taken away from her.


    ¡± Hey Princess. You don¡¯t have to deal with all this, I can kick your father and those two out of here if you want, just ask me. Sheughs softly, evaluating my words for a second and signaling in the negative. I would dly do that.


    ¡°You really didn¡¯t like them without even knowing it.¡± He sighs, giving me a gratifying look. I smile back, pulling his face to mine until my mouth is close to his ear. ¡°I¡¯ve heard many stories about the Leal Family, baby.¡±


    Oh yeah? She pushes me away and crosses her arms. Where exactly?


    ¡°Guilhermino showed me some gossip sites. I shrug, going back to the closet.¡±


    ¡°Two gossips is what you are, two grown men searching a gossip site.¡±


    ¡°You can say anything, but these sites have given me important information about my wife.¡± I shoot, keeping my back and little by little I put on ck underwear, the kind she says makes me extremely hot.¡± Impossible, she deres, disying the explosive temper that one of the sitesmented on.


    ¡°Yes, he deserved it.¡± I nod, bringing his attention to my lips. ¡°I want you inside me,¡± he says.


    His words pique my interest, I bare his body with my mind and I¡¯m ready to give him what he wants when someone ms the door and interrupts us. Damn!


    ¡°WHAT IS IT, BITCH?¡± I fire angrily and get a chuckle from the other side of the door. b ¡°Your father-inw is outside, honey.¡± Out of here. Idiot.


    ¡°They arrived earlier than expected.¡± Auroraments and I try to walk towards her and wrap her in my arms protectively. Although I¡¯ve never had so many women before, she knew exactly how to treat one out of bed, I¡¯m not one to lose control in the face of arousal, but Aurora managed to satisfy me with a wet, naughty kiss.


    She is married to someone else.


    This is a daily reminder of what I need to do myself. For every day I spent in prison, it was one more day I worked to get richer here, read about management and business, made friends there. I gave Guilhermino the exact instructions and he followed them, I still don¡¯t have the exquisitest name, although I¡¯m very proud of what I have, but I have the money necessary to face Augusto Leal and all his gang.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I still don¡¯t know what happened or who else is behind my arrest, but I¡¯m ready for another fight and I don¡¯t care about the consequences.


    The first round starts tomorrow night.

 CHAPTER 5

    AM¨¦LIA


    Coming of age is usually a big milestone for most teenagers, the euphoria of long-awaited independence and false freedom, but not for me. The expensive, elegant dress that someone from my father¡¯s marketing department picked out has been lying on my bed for half an hour and all I can feel is frustration. I still want to run away and give a fuck to everyone in this house, but it¡¯s not that easy and as much as I want to grab my backpack, fill it with simple clothes and disappear from the map, Augusto would find me wherever I went. I need to be patient and calm, as I have done year after year, waiting, yearning for the day when nothing could hold me back. I epted that my birthdays turned into political and social events to n.


    I sigh, smooth thece fabric of my ck dress and slide it down my arms, turning to face my reflection in the mirror when I¡¯m fully dressed. The model hugs my curves and brings out the greenish color of my eyes covered by a simple makeup, the small sweetheart neckline is discreetpared to therge opening on the side, revealing the pale skin of my thigh. My hair is messy, like I¡¯vebed it with my fingers or let it dry naturally, at least that was my choice.


    The party is loud, the DJ ys current songs and most of the guests are thrown on the floor, dancing in an euphoric way. Media is not allowed inside, not even guests will be allowed to record or photograph. At least, not while my dad is out and about. I smile at some guests, some acquaintances and others not so much.


    I take advantage of the moment of distraction that my parents find themselves and sneak away towards the bar. I adjust the ckce mask that covers half of my face, just to make sure it¡¯s in the right ce. I knock on the bar to get the barman¡¯s attention and smile at how handsome he is.


    The brte responds and smiles back, showing a charming dimple in the left corner of his mouth.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    I feel my skin heat up at the thoughts thate with his question.


    ¡± Campari, please.¡±


    He arches one of his brows, sizing me up all over, probably judging my request before nodding and holding the ss out in front of me.


    ¡°How old are you?¡± he asks with interest, leaning both hands on the counter, fixed on my face.


    ¡°Old enough to taste real liquor.¡± An unknown voice speaks. A tall man, with a mask covering only half of his face, wearing a ck dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, appears right beside me, pulling up one of the benches and taking a seat without any invitation.


    I frown, frowning. I can¡¯t see his face precisely on ount of the mask, but I have a feeling of familiarity and I squirm inside at the possibility that he¡¯s one of these half-assed politicians children, this party¡¯s bloody full of them.  ¡°I already have my drink.¡± I say, taking a sip of it.


    Out of the corner of my eye I see that it¡¯s his turn to scowl. ¡± That¡¯s cool people¡¯s drink.¡± Sibyl.


    I twist my face. Turning my attention back to him, ignoring that he¡¯d just called me cool, and trying to sound polite, considering I still don¡¯t know his identity, even though he seems to know who I am.


    ¡°Excuse.¡± I say, getting to my feet, even leaving my drink behind.


    He stands up, grabbing my arm and stopping me from proceeding, I stare at his hand and then his dark eyes. The barman has already left us to serve other people a long time ago, I look around to see if anyone is paying attention.


    ¡± Who are you?¡± I question.


    ¡°Do you know who I am. he replies, causing me to narrow my brows in confusion. He¡¯s close enough that he can smell the strong scent of her perfume. Reminds me of wet wood.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see your face.¡± I speak, justifying myself. Squinting my eyes more, trying to catch some detail that reminds me of Someone.


    ¡°I would recognize you even in a mask.¡± he speaks and I huff in response.


    ¡°She¡¯s transparent, she doesn¡¯t hide much.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re right.¡±  Do you agree with me.


    ¡°Are you going to let go of my arm now?¡± I ask, staring at his fingers that are still squeezing, not so tightly, the bare skin of my arm.


    He smiles, though he doesn¡¯t show his teeth.


    ¡°Of course, pretty girl. Will you let me show you what real drinking is?¡± Say, letting go of my arm.


    The eye with disbelief. The guy arrives with the greatest pretense, grabs my arm and still thinks I¡¯ll stay here ying the good hostess?


    ¡± Do not count on it.¡±


    His smile widens, this time showing his handsome teeth. ¡°I know you will, I will be the highlight of your birthday. The best thing that will happen to you tonight.¡±


    I open my mouth to retort, say anything that will banish his cocky pose, but the sight of Aurora and Peter at the entrance to the club makes me change my mind. Maybe I need a strong drink to keep me sane all night.


    ¡°Are you going to tell me your name?¡±  I ask, going back to sit on the bar stool.


    ¡°Two shots of tequ, please. he asks the bartender, ignoring my question.


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink tequ.¡± I talk.


    ¡± You¡¯re boring. Your life seems boring. You must drink a lot of tequ today.¡±


    ¡± Here it is.¡± Richard, the name I read on the badge of the bar man he ordered our drinks speaks. Pouring the tequ into small sses in front of us, then a small ss container of salt and a te of lime wedges. I frown, not really understanding the reason for the lemon.


    ¡± So. The unknown, as I decided to call him, speaks.¡±


    He takes some salt and puts it on the torso of his hand, licking it, then downs the ss with the tequ in one go and then bites into the lime, scowling at the end.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t look good.¡± Iment.


    ¡°It¡¯s phenomenal, Amelia.¡± he says, speaking my name for the first time, sounding strangely natural.


    ¡± Who are you?¡±  I ask again.


    ¡® Your turn.¡± Pushes the ss with the drink towards me, I do exactly what he did, following the same sequence and imitating the whole process. The drink burns when I swallow it.


    ¡± On here.¡±  It says. Bringing the lemon to my lips.


    Open your mouth and suck, you can bite if you want, I believe the effect is faster that way. ¡°I do what you say.¡± The lime softened the tequ¡¯s taste, giving the drink a new vor. Smile.


    ¡± It is not bad.¡±  I say.


    ¡°One more round.¡± He speaks.


    We had already downed more than five sses each, when everything started to spin and I burst outughing like a crazy person at everything, anything at all. He asked for a bottle of water and fanned me a little, using his bare hands, smiling. I felt happy for the first time that day, but I would probably have a hangover the next day. I narrow my eyes at the image forming in front of me, the pretty blonde looks tense staring at me from afar, whispering to the man who wraps her arms around her waist. I shift my gaze to him, his worried and affectionate eyes survey me slowly, a me ignites inside me. I stop breathing, shaking my head in denial, I thought those feelings had passed.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It must be the damn alcohol.


    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡± the stranger asks.


    ¡°My sister ising this way.¡± I speak, feeling him tense beside me. I think about asking if he¡¯s okay, but my head spins again and I have to close my eyes to get back to normal.


    ¡± I have to go.¡±  The stranger says.


    I open my eyes in time to see him dive among the people and get lost among them.


    ¡°Damn, she¡¯s drunk!¡± Aurora¡¯s shrill voice reaches my ears. I turn to face her, but when I make the sudden movement, another dizziness hits me and everything goes dark.

 CHAPTER 6

    HENRICO


    I almost blew it. I forgot for a while that I was at the damn party to watch and learn more about the enemy, but I ended up sharing sses of tequ and fraternizing, it was so natural that I didn¡¯t realize it¡¯s making it easier and rxing, in jail keeping on alert is what keeps you alive , it¡¯s not the guards who are there tupposedly watch over us and ¡°protect¡±, much less their saddle partners, the only reliable person in that environment is yourself, so I never rxed and trusted.


    Well, until yesterday.


    The idea was to get her to drink until she said what she shouldn¡¯t, let¡¯s be clear, even she¡¯s drunk enough to throw out the dirt on every member of the Leal family, including her own. The n seemed brilliant as it formed in my head as I watched him sneak into the bar.


    My eyes lit up with anticipation seeing her so vulnerable right there, the mask failing to disguise the sadness in her beautiful pale eyes. Shit, maybe it wasn¡¯t the tequ¡¯s fault.


    I believed Aurora when she told me that her stepmother was a gold digger, the one who slept with her father when her mother was gradually dying in a hospital bed. I also believed her when she told me that the brat, the bastard she refused to call her sister, had taken after her mother in that regard. Until then, I didn¡¯t know either of them, but I trusted blindly in the words of my ex-wife.


    Deep down, I knew it could just be teasing and jealousy. But gossip sites imed that Anna Maria, Am¨¦lia¡¯s mother, was Augusto Leal¡¯s lover for almost a year before his wife¡¯s death. I hate betrayals of any kind.


    My parents always maintained a happy marriage, kept the fire of desire burning and made me fantasize about having something like this one day, so I got a bit of a taste of both before it was even formally introduced. However, when the skinny one first appeared in the middle of my room, absently ying with a chicken, she didn¡¯t strike me as a sneaky and ambitious person, in fact, she looked like a scared dog who loved to show her teeth and roar. At that moment, a strange feeling urred to me, something I ignored and didn¡¯t tell anyone about, but it happened at the exact moment when the girl turned her face to me and gave me one of her cheeky answers, the ones she usually gives when she forgets to hold her tongue and keep your good girlposure.


    She gave me the same look, lifted her little nose and stole all my breath. I remember thinking that kind of beauty was surreal and I wanted to rip the sadness out of the most beautiful eyes I¡¯ve ever seen.


    ¡°So you want to talk about what we saw on the girl¡¯s birthday?¡± I look at Guilhermino¡¯s serious face, he¡¯s been trying to talk about it since we got back from the party two nights ago.


    ¡°Nothing to say.¡± I grumble. I fill the ss with the soursop juice and bring it to my mouth. Guilhermino and I were always close, the type to share everything. But I¡¯m not interested in discussing how it hurts to watch my ex kiss another in front of me, even though she didn¡¯t know I was there watching the whole time and the other was her current husband.


    The fact is, it hurts, but not as much as he¡¯s thinking.


    ¡°Fine, but I won¡¯t put up with your bad mood.¡± If you don¡¯t want to talk, then try to put a smile on that frown and let¡¯s ride. You need to rx.


    I frown at her words, disagreeing with her statement. I¡¯m not in a bad mood, just disappointed.


    He gets up from the breakfast table, dragging the chair with his sudden movement and noise.


    ¡°My horse died.¡± To remember. He gives me a sideways look, looking bored with my argument.


    ¡°Mount Lexus, he hasn¡¯t let himself be tamed by anyone until now.¡± He says, picking up his hat and cing it on his head. Leaving me without arguments and leaving the house.


    I exhale, feeling guilty for keeping secrets from him. I know this attempt to reminisce about old times and ask me out for a walk is just another attempt to get me to talk, he knows something is wrong and he believes taking me away will force me to talk.


    Well, I prefer to keep you away from that part.


    Riding a horse won¡¯t extract all the anger I have inside me, I dream of that revenge and nothing will stop me.


    I finish breakfast alone, go upstairs and lock the door securely. I pull my disposable cell phone out of my jeans pocket and dial one of my two saved contacts.


    ¡°Hello?¡± the man on the other end of the line immediately asks.


    ¡°Do you have something for me?¡± I say, skipping the introductions part.


    Heughs softly. ¡°My horse died.¡± To remember. He gives me a sideways look, looking bored with my argument.


    ¡°Mount Lexus, he hasn¡¯t let himself be tamed by anyone until now.¡± He says, picking up his hat and cing it on his head. Leaving me without arguments and leaving the house.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I exhale, feeling guilty for keeping secrets from him. I know this attempt to reminisce about old times and ask me out for a walk is just another attempt to get me to talk, he knows something is wrong and believes that taking me away will force me to talk.


    Well, I prefer to keep you away from that part.


    Riding a horse won¡¯t extract all the anger I have inside me, I dream of that revenge and nothing will stop me.


    I finish breakfast alone, go upstairs and lock the door securely. I pull my disposable cell phone out of my jeans pocket and dial one of my two saved contacts.


    ¡°Hello?¡± the man on the other end of the line immediately asks.


    ¡°Do you have something for me?¡± I say, skipping the introductions part.


    He chuckles.


    ¡°Calm down, my boy. Your men have already given me some important information, but I need more. Everything I have can be taken out in a few days.


    Iin, cursing under my breath.


    ¡°Fine, but I won¡¯t wait for you to act. I¡¯ll do it my way.


    ¡°Watch out, boy. Last time you spent three long years behind bars.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that BOY doesn¡¯t exist anymore.


    I end the call, not giving a chance for an answer. I click on the other number saved on my phone, but instead of calling, I send him a message.


    ¡°You little shit, what the hell are you doing locked in this room?¡± Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re hitting one. I think you need a woman, just think of that blonde, I don¡¯t think she¡¯s blonde anyway.


    I roll my eyes, ignoring his knock on the door.


    ¡°I was thinking here, you spent so much time in that prison, do you still like women? You like it, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I huff, giving up and going to open the door for him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s ride, but please shut up!¡±

 CHAPTER 7

    AMELIA


    There are two things that can make my day better, spending time with my mother and volunteering, I¡¯m going for the second option because it¡¯s been impossible to stay with my mother since she decided to enter the world of politics and participate with her father in events. wife of the year. A smile forms on my lips when I see the porch of the watercolor house, where almost twenty children of both genders and ages live, where I have been volunteering since I was sixteen. I got to know the ce when I was twelve, visiting the neighborhood where my mother grew up. It was love at first sight and I found a safe haven.


    The taxi parks in front of the institution and I say thank you, pay the fare and hurriedly jump out of the car. I miss my little ones so much. I take onest look behind me to check that Julius and Caesar, my bodyguards, are following me. I roll my eyes to see that yes, in the beginning, I could even lose and live like a normal and free girl, but they found out and started following me from afar, without much interference, but never going unnoticed.


    I turn my attention to the mansion and knock on the iron gate, catching the attention of John, the security guard. He cracks a smile when he sees me and runs towards me.


    ¡°Girl, I thought you weren¡¯ting anymore.¡± he says, opening the lock and letting me through.


    I smile gratefully.


    ¡°Good morning John. I always eat.¡± I wink at him and head to the four waiting stairs.


    My body is shaking for today, I can¡¯t help but smile when I open the door and find Vivi and Dieguinho fighting over a cookie, both are only three years old and they are at war for anything. As they are the youngest in the house, they are spoiled by everyone, but my heart sinks when I see them like this, fighting for food.


    In those moments I see how privileged I was, having all the best to eat and wear. And it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t like going into a store and not having to worry about prices, I just never cared because I think it¡¯s the most natural thing in the world to always have what you want, but here I discovered how much I lived in a world of fantasy.


    ¡°Hey, your perks.¡± I speak, catching the attention of the two beings, they scream and run towards me.


    I get down to their level and hug them tight.


    Wow!!! I missed that.


    I inhale the natural baby scent and nt a kiss on each of their heads.


    ¡°Auntie, Diiiiego wants my cookie.¡± Vivi speaks in her childish voice, a little tearful, holding my face with both little hands so that I give her all my attention.


    ¡± Lies, the cookie is mine! Vivi is a liar.¡± Diego speaks, brutally snatching the cookie from the girl¡¯s hand and stuffing it into his mouth.


    He looks angry when he does that, it¡¯s even funny for the face he makes for her.


    My girl pouts, still looking at the boy in disbelief at what he just did and screams. Crying like a desperate man, while Diego looks at her scared, almost regretting what he did.


    He covers his ears.


    ¡°You¡¯re a crybaby, Vi.¡± It says.


    ¡°It is not me!¡±


    She starts crying and I am forced to take action.


    ¡°Hey Girl. You can¡¯t cry over a piece of cookie, you¡¯re a strong girl remember? I say, wiping the tears from my round face, pushing the feeling of worthlessness to the back of my consciousness.


    She sniffles, processing my words and stopping her tears.


    ¡± I do not like him.¡± she says, pointing to a silent Diego still on the other side.


    He was always more observant, quiet.


    Just when I think about opening my mouth to intercede, my son steps forward and kisses Vivian¡¯s red hair.


    ¡°You¡¯re my friend, aren¡¯t you?¡± he asks, cupping her face in both hands, all cute, full of personality.


    A silence hangs over the two of them and I watch everything carefully. They seem to connect just by looking.


    ¡± You are bad.¡± She mumbles, low.


    ¡°I am not bad, you are my vivi.¡±


    ¡± It is not me.¡± she says sullenly.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll buy you lots of cookiester.¡±


    ¡± Same?¡± Big green eyes sparkle with anticipation.


    ¡°Really, do you still like me?¡± ¡°It makes my heart break.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    They were fighting over food.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The scene is so cute that I alternate between smiling and crying. The two embrace and then run away.


    I get up and go to the other girls who are also volunteers there, my job is to interact with the children and bring them fun activities. But Simone, who has a degree in mathematics, teaches older children three times a week.


    I spend most of my day there, intercepted on the way out by Diego who asks me to buy a bunch of chocte chip cookies. Smart kid. I smiled at him and I assure you that yes, I had already thought about that and other things too. I need to find one of those people who help financially in needy institutions, maybe one of my father¡¯s best friends.


    The corrupt swim in easy money, that money belongs to the people. I kiss her forehead, ruffle her hair, and say goodbye to the rest of the kids. I hail a cab and head home, taking off my clothes and throwing them across the room. I love these little creatures, but they tire me.


    My cell phone beeps on the bed and a message appears. I frown, as the number is unknown. An involuntary smile washes over me as I read the contents. The tequ masquerade.


    Heavens, I had to put up with an incessant rant from Mr. Augusto about how ady should behave in ces. Mom didn¡¯t say anything while he was talking, she seemed lost looking at me, only after we were alone did she start crying andughing, babbling about the size of her baby and asking about this mysterious guy. It was a strange conversation in many ways.


    ¡°I saw you there, smiling at each other as if you were close.¡± She said. My cheeks heated up and I med it on the alcohol, she smiled and nodded but kept smiling.


    When she finished a list of questions, she got serious and told me never to miss a party again, rifying that anyone should be sober enough to find their way home on their own.


    I shake my head, pushing the memories away and returning to the present.


    I frown and search my room, looking directly at the table that is where Germana ces my iing orders, sigh, surprised to see a small ck velvet box. Curious, I drop my phone on the bed and run to the box, opening it to find a pair of emerald earrings along with a handwritten note. They are small and delicate, nothing too shy as I like.


    How does he know my preferences?


    I read the note, there¡¯s only one sentence written on it.


    ¡°I only thought of you when I saw them.¡±


    I take the phone back, still taken aback by the gesture and choice of gift. It takes me a few minutes to think of a thank you response, but then I remember I don¡¯t even know his name.


    Me: ¡°So what should I call him? Mr. Masquerade is the only option in y. I hate the earrings, they entuate my eye color too much¡± PS: Hangover who? I don¡¯t even drink with strangers. smiley emoji*


    To send.

 CHAPTER 8

    HENRICO


    It¡¯s torture to see you so happy with someone else, knowing that there is someone taking the ce that is rightfully mine drives me insane, in fact, brings out the worst in me. It feels like my life has been ripped away without me having a choice and everything is out of ce.


    I clung to our love when I was arrested, I believed that she would turn against her father and support me, or even find proof of my innocence and get me out of there, but not even a visit did she deign to pay. Aurora is four years older than I am, and she had me spellbound with all her security, beauty, and independence when we first met.


    She married a country boy not caring about the gossip and criticism, but she believed the first lie she heard.


    I¡¯m not a boy anymore. I¡¯m not so naive anymore and definitely not so passionate.


    She doesn¡¯t look like my Aurora anymore.


    However, my thoughts are always guided to the times we lived together, the few months we spent loving each other on my farm were real and meaningful to me.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I refuse to believe that for her it was a lie, a hobby, it had to have meant something.


    ¡°Are you still in it?¡± Guilhermino takes the small photo I was looking at and pushes it away from me.


    I look at him in surprise, I didn¡¯t hear the sounds of his footsteps, even though we were in the stable and there was a lot of hay on the floor. I frown, now irritated at being caught in a moment of fragility and intimacy.


    I take the photograph back and put it in my wallet, ignoring his gaze.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± I grumble, stuffing the wallet back into my pants pocket.¡±You have to get over this woman, in fact you have to get over all these people.¡±


    ¡°She was my wife.¡± I speak, possessive, irritated, tired. He looks at me appraisingly, trying to absorb the full meaning of my words and expressions. His gauze hardens and I prepare for the worst.


    ¡± She¡¯s married to someone else and doesn¡¯t give a damn about you, so let it go and mind your own business, boy.¡± My fists clench. I feel my whole body tense defensively. He¡¯s testing me, I¡¯ve never been an explosive man, but the chain has also taken care to change that.


    He didn¡¯t understand that I¡¯m not the same anymore. The big-brother stance won¡¯t make me flinch or freak me out. I¡¯ve seen and done worse.


    Just give up trying to stop me.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± I still haven¡¯t finished with Aurora, I need to understand why she left me and filed for divorce without even listening to me.


    ¡°Heavens, do you still want her?¡± he asks in disbelief.


    I want many things right now, but my revenge takes off in a hurry.


    He snorts.


    ¡°Do you still love her.¡± I maintain my silence, still clenching my fists.


    ¡°Okay, do whatever you want.¡± I¡¯ll worry about the farm and let you take care of your own stuff.


    He leaves, turning his back without another word.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, while I was trapped in that ce they celebrated here.¡± My misfortune was Leal¡¯s happiness for a long time, now they have to pay.


    I release my fingers from my grip and loosen my grip.


    He stops his steps, taking a few seconds to turn his body and stare, taking a deep breath before looking deeply into my eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re still stuck, Henrico . You¡¯re still stuck here and here.¡± He points to his own head and then to his chest, right where his heart is.


    He starts walking again, turning his back to me again.


    I watch him move further and further away, feeling the bitterness his words bring. My phone vibrates in my back pocket and I push away the jumbled thoughts I don¡¯t want to deal with right now.


    I let a smile y across my lips as I read the message, replying immediately.


    I sent you a new number, guys. I discarded the previous one and saved another one to speak with Soares and his group.


    They wille in handy when the time is right, best now is to let them think they are in control.


    The game is mine.


    Here everyone is my pawn and not even the queen will get away with it.


    Amelia: Seriously, are you some psycho?


    Me: If I were, I wouldn¡¯t respond positively, Amelia.


    Amelia: You¡¯re right, I better stop answering you.


    I frown, not understanding why that possibility makes me ufortable.


    Me: You can¡¯t live without me anymore, your days are better with me.


    Amelia: Put the ball down, Mr. Masked. I have a queue of suitors.¡±


    I arch an eyebrow at his response. She looks sassy today.


    Me: Oh, yes. Tell me more about it.


    Amelia: I can¡¯t, I have an appointment now.


    Me: What could be better than talking to me?


    Damn it!   I feel like a teenager ying this little game.


    I look at my phone screen waiting for his answer. If we were chatting on some socialwork right now, I could check if she is online and saw my message.


    What am I talking about? See message. Fuck, this isn¡¯t happening.


    Amelia: Talk to someone for real?


    I don¡¯t miss the sarcasm. That was a message, right?


    Me: I am for real.


    Amelia: I¡¯m not sure about that, you could very well be a figment of my imagination, I was so drunk that day.


    A smile appears on my face. I run my fingers over the keys and hit the send button.


    Me: I thought you didn¡¯t drink with strangers. smiley emoji*


    Amelia: Only when they¡¯re figments of my imagination.


    Me: All it takes is a very fertile imagination to create me, pure perfection.


    Amelia: Your ego is suffocating me even by text, for you it¡¯s goodbye.


    Me: Seriously, what¡¯s better than talking to me?


    I look around, checking that there aren¡¯t any farm workers spying on me right now, I must look like an idiot and I don¡¯t want to get caught again.


    The bastard isn¡¯t so bad.


    I await another message from you, but the minutes drag on and I get tired of waiting. I pick up the other phone and dial one of the five saved numbers.


    ¡°Tell me you have news.¡± I speak.


    A pause ensues, the man on the other end of the line must be studying my voice for recognition as I haven¡¯t introduced myself.


    ¡°Yes, it seems that Augusto Leal¡¯s son-inw is not as loyal as he seems, it seems that a daughter is not enough for him.


    I press the phone to my face. Feeling my entire body burn at the man¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°Then?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Am¨¦lia Leal, the younger sister of his ex¡±wife, exchanges caresses with her own brother-inw.¡±


    I throw the phone away, feeling my chest rise and fall as my breathing increases.


    I should be happy with this information, but for some reason I want to chew on something.


    ¡°Am¨¦lia Leal, the younger sister of your ex-wife, is exchanging caresses with her own brother-inw.¡±


    I throw the phone away, feeling my chest rise and fall as my breathing increases.


    I should be happy with this information, but for some reason I want to chew on something.

 CHAPTER 9

    AMELIA


    ¡± It¡¯s a boy.¡± It¡¯s the first sentence Peter says as he wraps his arms around me, hugging me tightly.


    The eyes shining with enchantment make me smile and bring an inexplicable happiness to my heart, Peter is one of the few people who do me good, besides him there is only mom and the children from the orphanage. Responding to his hug and squeezing him back, allowing my body to rx next to his, even though I¡¯m confused by his speech.


    ¡°We found out about sex earlier today and I don¡¯t know why but I wanted to share it with you. I think it¡¯s because you¡¯re like my little sister and best friend.¡± He says and an ice cube prates my stomach.


    little sister.


    Oh really? Of all the words, did he have to use this one?


    ¡°I know your sister would tell you, but I couldn¡¯t help but want to be first.¡± I swallow hard, sitting back in the chair as he does the same and sits down across from me.


    My sister. I¡¯m not sure Aurora would tell me about the gender of her son, my nephew, in fact, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be happy if I wasn¡¯t a part of it. Our interaction has gotten worse over the years, but it¡¯s gotten worse since his marriage and now we they are too old to try to approach and even though he knows this, Peter just tries to pretend he doesn¡¯t see it and pushes the bar.


    ¡°Did you pick the name?¡± I ask, pushing the thoughts away and speaking, even in this I was excluded. I should know the naming options for my nephew, right? Peter smiles, showing all his teeth, and nods.


    ¡°Arthur.¡± He speaks, as if he were confessing a beautiful poem to me. My lips part in a genuine smile as I picture my nephew for the first time. Anxiety builds in my chest and suddenly I find him in my arms, rocking him and telling him bedtime stories. Take him for a walk and give him all the candy he wants, but that¡¯s not going to happen.


    Mncholy hits me and I can¡¯t hide the sadness when I realize that Aurora will never allow me near her son, not when she mes my mother and me for her mother¡¯s death.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Peter asks, touching my hand to the table.


    ¡°Anything.¡± I say, fighting back tears.


    He huffs, throwing his hands up.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t deceive me. Your eyes are sad and I know there must be a reason.¡±


    I smile, trying to change my expression and convince him I¡¯m fine.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing at all, I¡¯m happy and looking forward to Arthur¡¯s birth.¡± His eyes analyze me enigmatically, he knows me very well and he knows I¡¯m lying.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pretend I believe that. Tell me about yourself, what are you doing? Having a lot of hangovers?¡± A sly smile graces his face and I have him to thank for changing the subject.


    Hangover.


    Urgh!


    This topic immediately makes me think of the nameless guy I¡¯ve been talking to non-stop and trying not to give in with smiles.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    We¡¯ve been talking for a few days now, but I have no idea who it is and it¡¯s starting to freak me out. His reluctance to reveal his identity leads me to believe he¡¯s some psychopath looking for revenge on Dad.


    In fact, my mother made me swear to stay away from alcohol for now.


    He smirks, looking at me intensely and even funny.


    ¡°It looks like you are or will be up to no good.¡±


    snort.


    ¡°I am a saint.¡± I rest my hand on my chest, brushing aside his innuendo, avoiding his questioning eyes. A loud, infectiousughes out of his mouth and I have tough along with it.


    ¡°I know you, Amelia. Your good ¡®girl face doesn¡¯t fool me.''¡± We were silent when our gazes met and something different came between us.


    ¡°I will not do anything.¡± He looks away and shifts in his chair a little sheepishly.


    What just happened here?


    I¡¯m still looking at him when the waitress appears in front of us and we order, we order a ck coffee without sugar and a cheese bread and he orders almost the same, changing the cheese bread for a big piece of chocte ball.


    I smile at the image of you looking at the cake.


    ¡°What?¡± he asks and I shrug.


    ¡°You look like a child.¡± I talk and we talk about animosities, the story of how we need help for the orphanage and he said he¡¯s going to talk to some acquaintances to get sponsorship. I¡¯m so happy I can¡¯t help but steal a piece of the cake. He grunts, pushing the candy away.


    Sometimes I get angry because Aurora has everything, including Peter, even though she got to know him first. My sister only dated him as a teenager because she realized that the idiot here had silly, childish feelings for the guy. That was just one of his ways of punishing me.


    ¡°So, are you going to make the switch?¡± He questions after seconds of silence.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask, surprised that he knows about the trip.


    ¡°Your fathermented on his desire to go on an exchange program, he said he would send you as soon as sses were over.


    My will.


    ¡°That¡¯s his thing, not mine, I want to stay and help out at the orphanage.¡±


    ¡°I understand, but it would be a great experience for you. Leaving Brazil and getting to know other cultures is not for everyone, you have to have the opportunity and you do, don¡¯t waste it.¡± I nod, not wanting to prolong the subject. We say goodbye, I decline the invitation to take me home and insist on protesting so that I can take a taxi.


    I get home about thirty minutester, stopping halfway up the stairs when I hear Dad yelling. I decide to ignore it because it¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve seen one of their shows, but I stop in my tracks as soon as I hear Aurora¡¯s whiny voice.


    He never yells at her.


    Curious, I silently descend the steps I¡¯ve already climbed and position myself near the door to his office.


    ¡°Did you talk to him?¡± Dad¡¯s authoritative voice appears, sounding impatient.


    ¡± At the.¡± Aurora responds calmly, looking scared. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know he had given up.¡± adds.


    I furrow my brows, trying to understand what they¡¯re talking about.


    ¡°My informants guarantee that he was at your sister¡¯s party, I think you¡¯re not kidding me, you know very well what his release means for this family.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± she murmurs.


    ¡°Go back to your house, Aurora.¡± My father orders at the same time that my cell phone beeps, announcing the arrival of a new message.


    I run to hide and not get caught.


    I enter a small room, right next to Dad¡¯s and breathe a sigh of relief. I take my phone out of my purse and open the message.


    Masquerade: Let¡¯s meet today. Be ready by 7:00 pm and I¡¯ll send someone to pick you up.


    ¡°Daughter, what are you doing here?¡± I look into the face of Zilda, our oldest employee.


    ¡°Was I getting some air?¡± I answer a little uncertainly, embarrassed to be caught by the woman.


    ¡°Where do I keep the cleaning products?¡± he asks, a smile wanting to bloom on his face.


    I shrug,ughing along with the woman. Coming out of the small closet and leaving a kiss on her cheek.

 CHAPTER 10

    HENRICO


    I like the way her hair is tossed to one side, so I get an insider¡¯s view of the small star tattoo she keeps tucked behind her left ear. Which doesn¡¯t mean that I enjoy watching her or that I¡¯ve been minimally curious about the meaning of the drawing, I¡¯m also not wondering if there are others around her body. I¡¯m here to take my n one step further, today I got enough evidence to take down my ex father-inw¡¯s chief of staff and leave him with no way out. This guy Alencar is involved in moneyundering and it was easy to find out, the idiot was washing in a car wash. Amateur.


    The asshole shouldn¡¯t watch the news, if he did he would know that this type of establishment is the first to be investigated. Unfortunately I didn¡¯t get anything against Augusto Leal, however, I¡¯m still happy. First you take down all the cavalry, then the king.


    Tomorrow it will be printed in all the newspapers and media. Soares guaranteed me the preventive detention of Alencar.


    ¡°Are you going to tell me who was so important to meet today?¡± My voice is strained, affected by the anticipation of what might happen. I know she went to find Peter, but I¡¯m longing to know what they¡¯ve talked about. She bites her lips, causing them to bleed a little. She¡¯s been nervous and restless since Saul picked her up earlier and left her here,pletely at my mercy, blindfolded and helpless.


    ¡°Somebody.¡± Answer, enigmatic.


    I roll my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me. Does this being have a name, address, registry office?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your interest in that?¡± question.


    ¡± Curiosity.¡± I answer resignedly, trying not to show so much interest. She mumbles ¡°hmm¡± and my jaw clenches. Time to change tactics.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell me if I have apetitor?¡±


    She seems to tense up for a moment, then blinks and shes a smile.


    ¡°I met my sister¡¯s husband, I¡¯m going to be an aunt to a boy.¡±


    My heart misses a beat.


    A boy.


    Aurora will have a son and he¡¯s not mine.


    My hands curl into fists, feeling my eyes sting with memories of the past. This boy should be mine, that¡¯s just one more thing they stole from me.


    ¡°Are you there?¡± He asks, taking his hands straight to the fabric that blocks his view.


    ¡°Shii¡­ can¡¯t, beautiful.¡± I put my hands over his and bring them back to the table in quick action.


    She lets out a couple ofints, but seems toply and stops wanting to rip the blindfold off.


    Amelia is an interesting girl, at first I thought she would note, when I received her positive response and saw her arrive. I swore I¡¯d have to give her a couple of arguments to get her eyes covered, but contrary to my expectations she was excited, visibly excited by the experience, and bewildered me after she let the driver put on the bandana.


    ¡°Talk to me. I¡¯m starting to think I¡¯m the crazy one who gets lost in security to find her possible murderer.¡± Iugh, enjoying his humorous side.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What do you want to hear?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, congrattions on the birth of my first nephew perhaps?¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t dismiss your security guards, I could be dangerous for you.¡±


    ¡°It is not.¡± The tone of conviction makes me arch my brow and question his arrogance.


    ¡°No?¡± I say slowly, getting out of my chair to take a seat behind his back. I caress the back of her neck and lower my mouth to her ear. ¡°I have you blindfolded, within reach of my hands, I can take whatever I want right now and not even my identity will be able to tell the police.¡± I whisper next to her ear, breathing in the citrus scent that exhales from her skin.


    Her body responds to my words, strands of hair rise from the back of her neck to her arms. A motherfucking smile forms on my mouth, I want to lower my lips and have a little more effect on his skin.


    In this position I can clearly see the little star and an inexplicable urge to kiss that spot invades me, I clear my throat,ing back to reality and returning to my ce.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, you put yourself in dangering here alone. Don¡¯t ever do that again.¡± I order, really upset by his reckless attitude.


    I¡¯m being contradictory and I¡¯m aware of it, I¡¯m the one who called you and I¡¯m scolding you for acting like a silly young woman.


    snort.


    She¡¯s still a fucking girl, just out of puberty. Eighteen years means nothing.


    However, she is still one of them and her young age does not exempt her from anything. ANYTHING!


    She will have to deal with me, I chose her to be my Trojan horse. I will use it to get what I want.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t hurt me.¡± He whispers, sipping from the ss of red wine I ordered brought.


    We¡¯re in a private restaurant, I bought every table in the ce just to be alone with her and continue our game without spectators.


    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised.¡± I say, not sounding smooth, revealing far more than I should.


    So, since all she¡¯s been doing is surprising me, her loud, mockingugh doesn¡¯t shock me. Amelia doesn¡¯t seem to take my implied warnings about my intentions with her seriously, the girl is enjoying herself somehow.


    I see myself, smiling aplice. Liking how the sound of yourughter sounds, taking a lot from my ns.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Miss Loyal. You¡¯ll end up hating me, at some point I¡¯ll break your heart.¡±


    She lets out a breath of air, looking tired or bored.


    ¡± I¡¯m tired! Tell me who you are or I¡¯ll take the shit out of that sale.


    ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± I blurt out, teasing the girl and her temper.


    My intuition tells me she is reaching her limit, so I prepare myself for whatever action she may take. I should either put on the mask I brought as a precaution or just leave the room to prevent him from seeing me, since it¡¯s not the time yet.


    I want to make sure she chooses me when the timees.


    However, I am static in the chair. Studying the paths and memorizing their quirks. I could see that his actions are extremely expressive and say a lot, even when his mouth is kept closed, such as the way he runs his short nail over his index finger, tracing an invisible line down the middle of it and back to the beginning. , repeating the whole process over and over again before plucking up the courage to say anything that strays from the perfect good girl vocabry.


    If she only knew how much her cheeky answers make my day.


    ¡°Do you want to know why you won¡¯t take the blindfold off?¡±


    She doesn¡¯t respond, leaving the hint to silence and I continue¡­


    ¡°You like the danger, being here with me makes youfortable, aroused and full of life.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± He speaks, ignoring the warning in my voice.


    ¡°Someone from the past.¡±


    ¡°Be more specific.¡± ask


    ¡°Come with the earrings I gave you next time.¡±


    ¡°There will be no next time if you don¡¯t tell me who you are.¡± She says and I smile, enjoying the sh. Amelia is skittish, likes to hit back and is unlikely to submit to my wishes until she knows my identity. The problem is, I like her bluntness, so every time she takes a bite out of my patience, something inside me approves.


    I lean my elbows on the table, resting my head in a palm, as I study her face carefully. I click my tongue, teasing her even more.


    ¡°Of course it will. It won¡¯t settle down until you find out my identity, in fact, you¡¯ll put off as long as you can, just to have a little more of it.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so sure?


    I stand up, making a movement with the chair and causing a low noise, still perceptible to her as she squirms, trying to follow my movements.¡±


    I take the small package out of my pocket and ce it in front of her on the empty te.


    ¡°Your dessert¡±. I can see his face frowning under the cloth.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have dinner.¡± Says, trying to get up and stay close to me. ¡°Well, I¡¯m done for today.¡± Below, kissing the ck strands. surprising her.


    I leave the restaurant with a smile and a weird feeling in my chest.


    Focus, Henrico . Don¡¯t dive into it!


    She¡¯s just a pawn.

 CHAPTER 11

    AM¨¦LIAContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    The taste of truffled chocte, filled with cherry liqueur, floods my pte at the first bite and in a few seconds the hormones of happiness are stimted, causing little sighs of pleasure toe out of my throat.


    That was the dessert he left for me.


    I finish all the choctes in a few minutes, wondering with every bite how the son of a bitch knows my preference for chocte, right this one should


    be a candy appreciated by almost everyone, but how can he know that this one is my FAVORITE.


    I groan, guilty for having eaten the whole box and being so easily manipted.


    I agreed to be blindfolded while having dinner with a stranger, I don¡¯t even know his name and even then I went, I submitted to an act of submission just to satiate my curiosity. He was right, I was turned on by the whole situation. The mystery, its hoarse voice always pulling me towards it and the whole game involves me and instigates me to want more and more. However, I¡¯m getting tired of never getting answers. That train even knows my tastes and I don¡¯t know anything about it, but I¡¯m more and more certain that it¡¯s someone close, thisst time I had the feeling of already knowing its smell, its perfume entered my nostrils as soon as it approached and until now I haven¡¯t forgotten what I felt, not to mention that his presence is always familiar andforting.


    I throw myself on the bed, shaking my head to rid myself ofst night¡¯s thoughts.


    A knock on the door and Mom¡¯s voice make me jump, too surprised.


    ¡°Mouse, are you there?¡±


    I frown, convinced my mother is really knocking on my door when she should be arguing this afternoon.


    ¡°Mommy?¡± I ask as soon as I open the door and see her standing looking at me. A fitted and elegant white dress covers her body to five fingers below the knee, a simple yet youthful and discreet neckline covers the bust.


    ¡°Yea?¡± He smiled, already jumping into a hug.


    His arms wrap around my waist and they hold me tight. I return the hug, enjoying the exaggerated affection I missed so much.


    This woman has been so involved with Augusto¡¯s administration that we¡¯ve barely seen each other, the marketing people believe that her involvement will have a good impact on the next election campaign, not to mention that ording to them, Mom¡¯s interaction with serious matters would take her out of the view of  lover  that many voters still have, bringing respect and admiration to the ce. My first reaction when I heard this was to twist my face dissatisfied, my mother is the legitimate wife of the governor of  New York, but above all she is a woman of integrity, intelligent, loving and excellent mother.


    His image shouldn¡¯t be denigrated when Dad¡¯s came out unscathed, after all he was the big traitor. Mother was a smart young woman, but naive and in love with another when she met Dad, despite not knowing the sordid details of the story, I know that the woman who brought me into the world deserves all the respect and admiration without having to prove anything to anyone . But mother has always been a defender and has gotten it into her head that she needs to change to preserve me, although I¡¯ve never cared for the jokes and sharp eyes of the sordid middle that is the upper ss.


    Everything I do is for her.


    I pull myself out of his grip, staring at his pretty face with few wrinkles.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I ask, causing a glint of insecurity to flicker in his eyes almost as clear as mine.


    ¡°Were you eating chocte?¡± conversation.


    I move away, insinuating that she enters the roompletely, she does so in silence and I take the opportunity to close the door.


    ¡°There¡¯s something to say, I don¡¯t know how you¡¯re going to react.¡± His voice sounds strained and the room suddenly feels ufortable.


    I scan his nervous figure, refusing to settle still in one ce.


    ¡°It must be something really serious.¡± I mutter, still watching her.


    She swears a few words under her breath, making the situation even more unusual. A mocking smile threatens to break out of mine and I try to control myself, whatever the news is, it looks serious and I can¡¯tugh asical as it is to hear her curse.


    ¡°Mom?¡± I stop in front of her, holding her shoulders steady and keeping our gazes focused.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to separate from your father.¡± He lets go of it at once.


    I drop his shoulders, taking two steps back as I deal with his words. I return my gaze to his face, seeking answers in his gaze.


    There¡¯s trepidation, fear and determination in them, I don¡¯t know what happened, but I¡¯m sure it was something significant.


    I open my mouth to ask for answers, when Aurora abruptly bursts into the room screaming, not even sparing my mother.


    ¡°Ah, the two opportunists are here.¡±


    His voice is slurred, anger present in all his features.


    ¡°Aurora¡­¡± My mother starts to speak, approaching where my sister is, but is interrupted by Aurora¡¯s screams.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to, but you won¡¯t be able to separate me from my father. I lost my mother because of you, I won¡¯t lose anyone else.¡± She snarls, venting fast, ring at me.


    Her red face is covered with tears and I want to hug her, her belly already shows a small bulge and I worry about her excited state.


    ¡°Calm down, it could hurt my nephew.¡± I mean, I don¡¯t understand your attitude and usations.


    Sheughs out loud, wiping away the tears that continue to fall.


    ¡°Nephew? You don¡¯t have any nephews, I already told you I don¡¯t consider you a sister.¡±


    Your words are mean and they hit my foolish heart right through. I need to be strong not to show how shaken I was.


    ¡°Okay, so calm down for your son. You¡¯re going to be sick like this.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re so worried, stop meddling in my life and stay away from him.


    I frown, thinking about what she¡¯s saying.


    From him.


    Does she talk about Peter?


    ¡± Peter and I are friends, I will not leave your friendship.¡± I say with determination.


    She huffs, rolling her eyes in a sign of impatience.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be false, I¡¯m talking about your involvement with Henrico .¡±


    My friend saw you having dinner with him yesterday.


    I stand speechless, watching my ted sister raise a thousand usations that I have no idea where they came from.


    Who the hell is Henrico ?


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± I say.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Exin that.¡± She extends her cell phone to my field of vision, on the screen of the device is a picture of me blindfolded, at the restaurant I went to yesterday with the masked man, but in front of me is Henrico  Zattani, Aurora¡¯s ex-husband and the man that Dad put in jail.


    I let out a sound of surprise, the man¡¯s expressive face holds a mysterious smile on his mouth. And of all the possible suitors I had in mind, Henrico  Zattani was never on my mind.

 CHAPTER 12

    AM¨¦LIA


    I pull the cell phone that Aurora still holds close to my face away and I forbid myself to cry in front of her.


    I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going through his head right now, however, I can tell by his expressions that it¡¯s not the most correct thoughts. I could exin everything to my sister from the beginning, but there¡¯s not much to exin when I don¡¯t even know the name of the guy I was dating and the photo on my cell phone is pretty clear.


    Heavens, I don¡¯t even know what to exin. Nothing happened.


    Aurora seems to want to move towards me and take out all her anger. The irises that usually mirror all their elegance go from crystal clear to a darker shade of blue every second and it terrifies me. Silence sets in, making his words weigh even more on my conscience.


    I feel cheated, used in the most vile way in what appears to have been a sadistic game.


    I was only a few times with Henrico  Zattani when he was still my brother-inw, I remember that my first impression of him was not the best. His marriage to my sistersted as little as the speed at which they got married, although I still believe to this day that marrying a stranger was just Aurora¡¯s rebellious act to get our father¡¯s attention, but I don¡¯t know his feelings towards her. her and the extent to which there was truth in that marriage.


    We were having dinner when Aurora called and dropped the bomb, Dad still dreamed of being governor at the time, but he was already influential enough not to want his daughter marrying just anyone. There was a lot ofmotion that day, I would scream too much for something that should generate joy and empathy, although we didn¡¯t get along, I wished that day that Aurora was happy, but Dad already seemed to hate Henrico  with all his strength and I questioned how horrible the man was to have so much hate being generated for your person.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say anything?¡± he asks, his voice evoking clear mockery.


    ¡°Get out of my room.¡± I rage wearily, Irritation and shame burning through my entire body.


    Sheughed hysterically, not seeming to believe what she heard. I look in her direction in disbelief, stunned by the whole situation and wanting to be alone as soon as possible.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± She screams, ted, and I worry again about the effect of all this stress on my nephew.


    ¡°Just get out of my room, Aurora!¡± My head throbs, I feel like I¡¯m reaching my limit.


    I stroke my temple to ease the pain as I watch my mother approach Aurora from the corner of my eye.


    ¡°Come on, leave your sister alone. Then you talk and understand each other, you¡¯re both very nervous and it won¡¯t do the baby any good.¡± Mom¡¯s voice is calm, soothing. His left hand rests on my sister¡¯s shoulder, intending to lead her out of here and end the argument.


    However, I know that your most well¡±meaning gesture just made things worse.


    ¡°Do not touch me!¡± Aurora says altered, pushing my mother away. The blood rushes to my head and I rush towards her with hatred ring my nostrils. For a second, I forget that she¡¯s pregnant and on my chest on equal terms, holding her gaze tightly.


    Neither of them will give in.


    ¡± What¡¯s going on here?¡± Peter¡¯s worried voice makes me look towards the door, where he finds himself standing watching us with his eyebrows together.


    ¡± I¡¯m leaving.¡± I mutter, looking in Mom¡¯s direction.


    ¡°He¡¯s using you.¡± Aurora speaks, using her typical tone of indifference. I pass my brother-inw ignoring his calls, the headache seems to ease with each step I take towards the exit.


    I¡¯m acting on automatic when I grab my car keys from the table, I need to get out of this house to think and not do anything crazy. I take a deep breath as I close the door behind me.


    I don¡¯t drive like a pro yet, but I can get by. I start the car and drive off aimlessly.


    His words start to make sense.


    snort.


    Iughed every time he talked about hurting me, cheating. In a crooked way the asshole was warning me, maybe he intended to do worse.


    Fuck him.


    I want to punch your pretty face, throw back all the words we exchanged and your damn choctes.


    He said he knew me.


    I press my fingers against the steering wheel, wishing it was his neck instead.


    I imagine my father¡¯s reaction to that photo, I squirm in my seat. Finally allowing the tears to fall, so tired of always being the damsel in distress, the one who swallows frogs and epts everything.


    For my mother¡¯s happiness.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    For my father¡¯s happiness.


    For Aurora¡¯s happiness.


    Never for mine.


    Never.


    I feel the purest anger at Henrico  Zattani, I hate how he used me to obviously get to Aurora.


    Does he still love her?


    The thought makes me angrier and I elerate.


    What does he want from me?


    I gasp, half sniffling, half crying. All this for the humiliating feeling of being used.


    I look at the clock on the car, noting that it¡¯s been almost two hours since I left the house, the traffic is light so I feel more rxed for the traffic.


    I read the sign that says wee to Zattani Ranch and realized that, even unconsciously, I drove to it. I drive from home to his farm, when I park my blood, the blood is like pure adrenaline in my veins. I want to confront him.


    I sigh as I visualize the green grass, the mansion is further back and I feel a tightness in my chest from the memories.


    The farm seems to have undergone some changes since my stay, but the feeling offort reassures my heart. I take a breath and get out of the car, walking with bold steps to the big house.


    My face is clean from tears, but my face is closed.


    I knock hard on the door, once, twice, three times¡­


    A tall man in a cowboy hat meets me, his familiar face scanning the clothes I¡¯m wearing and returning to my face. I¡¯m pretty sure I heard a gasp of surpriseing from her mouth, but I don¡¯t have time to question why right now.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the bastard?¡±  I sort of growl, rushing into the house without any invitation.

 CHAPTER 13

    HENRICO


    She looks like a wild mare. Pacing back and forth as if he wanted to dig a hole in the ground or in my head, almost foaming at the mouth.


    I watch her from the top of the stairs, hidden, safe, a few steps away for safety and am amused by the unusual situation. My mood was sour at not receiving any news about Alencar¡¯s arrest.


    He should be stuck at dawn, damn it!


    I don¡¯t know what the hell she¡¯s doing here, but I¡¯m enjoying the show. Guilhermino stares at her hypnotized, still shaken by the hurricane that Amelia can be.


    I smile, even though I don¡¯t understand anything. It¡¯s funny to see her so restless and angry.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± he yells breathlessly, causing my friend to take two steps away.


    ¡°Who?¡± He says, looking at her scared.


    The girl seems more impatient to hear her question as an answer. Snorting in displeasure.


    ¡°You know very well.¡± He says, pointing a finger in Guilhermino¡¯s direction.


    I find his behavior strange, his gaze scans every corner of the room looking for something and I¡¯m intrigued.


    Did she discover something?


    He scratches his head, removing his cowboy hat in the act.


    ¡°I¡¯m recognizing you.¡± Speak, irritating me with just that phrase. Secondster, he tilts his head as if to do a better analysis.


    I roll my eyes.


    Moron.


    ¡°It¡¯s the shy girl who loved to take care of the chickens.¡± He speaks, smiling at the end of the sentence.


    Her countenance changes, transmuting into something more rxed, her cheeks flushing. She lifts her small nose and looks away from his, but I manage to catch a glimpse of the mncholy in the pale irises.


    Is she sad or angry?


    ¡°They were better than a lot of people. For me, they were perfectpany.¡± He says and Guilhermino nods, pulling a smile with the girl¡¯s deration.


    ¡°You came to hunt for trouble, didn¡¯t you?¡± my friend says, the condescending smile framing his lips. He¡¯s starting to like the situation.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She doesn¡¯t answer, just continues her survey with her eyes.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± He asks again and I begin to fear the reason for his visit.


    Guilhermino¡¯s eyes shift towards me, catching me in the act. I shake my head, signaling him not to turn me in, but his eyes mirror a glint of amusement and curiosity.


    He scratches his chin, turning his attention to Amelia and freezes in ce, nervous about his next move.


    ¡°Did you drive here?¡± Amelia¡¯s eyes narrow in her direction and relief settles in my chest.


    He¡¯s distracting her.


    ¡°And what does it matter?¡± The sharp tongue brings back the image of the slight girl I knew years ago.


    ¡°Well, Queens is far and you must be tired.¡± She is silent.


    ¡°Hungry?¡± He insists on an answer, but when he doesn¡¯t get anything, he just runs a hand over his face and lets out a weakugh, muttering something under his breath that I can¡¯t hear but makes Amelia blush. ¡°I¡¯ll have the beans put more water.¡± I frown, not understanding his behavior.


    It was to send her away, not invite her to lunch.


    He¡¯s just kidding¡­


    The girl also seems confused by the apparent invitation and stares at him in disbelief.


    ¡°That¡¯s your problem, take it.¡± I freeze, seeing that his speech is directed at me. It only takes a few seconds for the green eyes to be drawn to where I am too.


    Anger flickers in her pale irises when she sees me.


    I scowl at Guilhermino, making it clear that we¡¯re going to get back togetherter and that will have some change. He smiles bitch.


    ¡°He was spying the whole time.¡± He says to Amelia before leaving, making my situation moreplicated.


    I¡¯m fulminating his back, when I feel his green eyes do the same to me, I decide to deal with her as best I can.


    ¡°Surprise!¡± I hide an expression of surprise as I stare at her.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to receive visits from the Leal family.¡± My tonees out drier than I anticipated and it makes the girl¡¯s gaze waver.


    ¡°Trust me, it¡¯s not a cordial visit.¡± I¡¯m still on the stairs, looking down at her and keeping some distance when she resolves to correct that and advance toward me.


    The crunch of his boots on the floor causes an agonizing thud, making my heart race with each step.


    ¡°And what can I expect from your visit?¡± My voice is affected by her presence, her body is close now and she looks at me toe¡±to¡±toe.


    ¡°I came to inform you that your theater has been discovered, I don¡¯t know what your ns were, but I already found out everything and I want you to stay away from my family.


    I take some time to process his words.


    So my suspicions were correct. She discovered my identity.


    Damn it.


    This conversation wasn¡¯t supposed to take ce until a few weeks from now, when she was in love with me and it was easy to manipte her actions. The wild mare in front of me won¡¯t let me close, I need to think fast and get around.


    ¡°I thought we were friends, beautiful.¡± risk.


    She huffs, rolling her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like you. I never did.¡± It deres, not passing veracity in the words.


    Taking advantage of the small discovery I try to shorten the space between us even more. I watch the movement of his chest, rising and falling with his rapid breathing. She doesn¡¯t back down, looking at me in defiance. She¡¯s affected, but she doesn¡¯t even want to give in.


    One side of me emphasizes how dangerous this approach can be for my n, but the other can¡¯t back down, loving all the tension.


    ¡± I like you.¡± I affirm, not speaking any lies.


    She swallows her own saliva, faltering in her own reactions as I approach.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± question.


    ¡°Nothing¡± I say.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you want, but you won¡¯t get it.¡± His voice is barely a whisper as I push a lock of his hair out of his eyes.


    ¡°Stay away!¡± Screams, recoiling from my touch.


    ¡°I like you.¡± I emphasize.


    ¡°I want your friendship.¡± I say, taking another step and closing the space between us for good, the sweet scent of her perfume ring my nostrils and I growl low, enjoying the musky scent.


    I can hear your heavy breathing. We are chest to chest, looking deep inside each other.


    ¡°You tricked me!¡±


    ¡°I said you knew me.¡± I affirm, tucking a lock of her ck hair behind her ear.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me who it was.¡±


    I fit my head into the crook of her neck, tracing a path with my nose until I reach her ear.


    ¡°You figured out, what¡¯s the problem here?¡± I whisper, knowing the effect I have on her.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± She huffs, pping my chest. ¡°I do not like you!¡± He responds in a shaky voice.


    ¡°All right.¡± I say, in a strategically meek tone.


    I hold her face with both my hands and without thinking I fit my mouth on hers, biting her cheeky lips, proving that they are soft and sulent. I can feel a slight taste of cherry and it makes me more desirous, curious, needy. She grabs both my hands and struggles against me, trying to push my touch away. I grip harder, trying to get my tongue in his mouth. I want your friendship. I say, taking another step and closing the space between us, the sweet scent of her perfume intes my nostrils and I growl low, enjoying the musky scent.


    I can hear your heavy breathing. We are chest to chest, looking deep inside each other.


    I¡¯m pushed hard, confused by the abrupt separation of our bodies. The look on her face is one of shock, she¡¯s confused by what just happened and to be honest, so am I. She turns her hand over my face and ps me, marking my face with her fingers.


    My skin burns.


    I re at her and advance towards her, not sure what I¡¯m going to do.


    ¡°Henrico !¡± Guilhermino¡¯s voice calls me seriously and I look at him downstairs. I don¡¯t like your expression.


    Amelia takes the opportunity to flee, descending the stairs so fast that I trip on the steps and fall. She passes my friends in silence, walking fast and not looking back.


    ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± Guilhermino rages, looking angry. I ignore him.


    I don¡¯t even know what to exin.

 CHAPTER 14

    AMELIA LEAL


    With my fist clenched, I punch the steering wheel of the car, imagining the face of Henrico Zattani, my sister¡¯s ex-husband and enemy of my family.


    He kissed me.


    The cheeky brazen had the audacity to KISS me!


    When the dark eyes finished threatening me earlier, many violent eyes formed in the head, but none of them went with our lips pressed together. So when my rationality returned to my body, I tried to wriggle out of his grip at all costs, pushing him away.


    When I finally managed to pull away and p his face, I wished with all my might that my hand would gain more weight, thus getting the five¡±finger mark on the skin of his face for several days.


    Car horns fill my ears and I force myself to focus on the road, returning my attention to the present.


    Mine is still pounding memories with the memories, instead of oxygen it¡¯s my anger that¡¯s inming my lungs and driving me back home.


    I hated your kiss. I hated it so much, it tastes like mint.


    ¡°That son of¡­¡±


    Argh!


    Never mind, it¡¯s not right to me the poor woman for her son¡¯s mistakes.


    The image of Aurora in my room this morning, using me is so vivid I can hear her voice clearly right now.


    Only this time she¡¯s not so wrong in her usations and I feel even worse.


    I huff, hearing more honking andints from other drivers, I open the vehicle¡¯s window and answer back each curse, honking to fight back, even though I should be quiet because I don¡¯t have a license and I¡¯m driving illegally. Traffic is apparently worse than it was three hours ago, with heavy traffic of cars and buses. Also being aware that the way back is taking a little longer due to the distractions that my brain causes all the time.


    A little over two hourster I¡¯m pulling into the garage at home, praying that my sister is at her house and not here. But as I enter surprise and frustration overwhelms me to find the whole family together, having an unofficial meeting and panic grips every cell of mine, I¡¯m tired of confrontations for today and I feel that this one will be even worse.


    I swallow my saliva as I look into my father¡¯s angry eyes.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s arrived, tell Dad who you were with. Aurora teases, carrying sarcasm in her tone, ring at me.


    I ignore his presence, keeping my eyes on Dad.


    ¡°Amelia, you¡¯re grounded for taking my car without a permit and driving around without a driver¡¯s license.¡± Mom intervenes, not looking as furious as I imagined she would, taking a seat next to me, drawing everyone¡¯s attention to herself.


    I nod, muttering an apology, knowing his attitude is just to distract from the main focus of the conversation.


    ¡°Did you know that Alencar was just arrested?¡± My father speaks in a calm voice, exuding hismon coldness, so far removed from the father image I idealized in childhood that my legs tremble for a second. ¡°Who?¡± I speak to no one, searching my memory for the guy¡¯s name and only remembering when Dad has already assumed his furious expression.


    ¡°My right arm and friend.¡± He says, no, he practically spits out the words, as if offended by myck of recollection of the man.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I whisper atst, not understanding his question.


    Why would I know about your chief of staff¡¯s life?


    Then understandinges to me. He thinks that Henrico  has something to do with this prison.


    I frown, unable to put the pieces together.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason for the arrest?''¡± I ask, receiving silence in response.


    Mom touches me on the shoulder, as if giving me a warning to close the issue, make up an excuse, and go up to my room. But I don¡¯t, I keep holding my parent¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Corruption. He was used of embezzling political campaign money and other things.¡±


    His tone indicates that he believes it to be a false usation, making it clear that we must all side with Alencar and act as victims.


    ¡°Things will clear up. Amelia, go upstairs and I¡¯ll talk to you in a little while.¡± Mom speaks again.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± Dad asks, indicating by his tone that he¡¯s already been manipted by Aurora.


    ¡°On the farm of Henrico  Zattani.¡± ¡°I choose to speak the truth, knowing that withholding this information would only make the situation worse for me.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He must already know anyway.


    ¡°See, I¡­¡±


    Aurora starts to speak, but Dad motions for her to shut up and in silence he walks closer to me.¡±


    ¡°Augusto, I think you better calm down.¡± Mom speaks.


    ¡°All right mother.¡± I say calm her down. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong.¡±


    My sister huffs at my speech, drawing my eyes in her direction.


    One of her hands covers her belly and the other rests on her waist, her hair is tied on top of her head and her face is full of scorn, Peter is beside her quietly, also watching me.


    ¡°Are you having an affair with him? Have you decided to act like a slut?¡±


    Dad screams, finally showing his ugly, out-of-control side.


    The first tears form when I see the disgust in her eyes.


    ¡± No¡­¡±


    ¡°I saw the photos your sister has on her cell phone, did some research, and found out he was on your birthday. He wants to destroy your family and you sleep with him?¡±


    I open my mouth to fight back but stop, realizing it would be useless.


    Augusto Leal doesn¡¯t listen to anyone.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to walk away from him!¡± I take a step back, realizing that not even Mom will be able to calm the great governor. Yes, he has just taken on the cover of authoritarian politician and leader. ¡°I did nothing!¡± His gaze narrows in my direction, and I can swear I saw the vein in his forehead throb.


    ¡°You will obey me, or I will send you to another country. By God! He was your sister¡¯s husband, don¡¯t act like a slut.¡±


    My mother grumbles beside me, cing her body in front of mine in protection.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to my daughter like that!¡± She growls, showing her protective side.¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s my daughter too, damn it!¡± Dad gets even more excited and I feel the first tears fall.


    I feel belittled, ashamed.


    I run my eyes to Peter and see him staring at me with confusion apparent in his irises.


    Oh, heavens¡­ Is he believing this?


    ¡°So, remember that and respect her. Amelia has always been a good girl and that jerk Alencar was arrested because he¡¯s a thief!¡± My mom says, puffing out her chest and eyeing Dad squarely.


    His attitude impresses all of us and leaves Dad speechless for long seconds.


    ¡°Anna¡­¡± he starts, his tone more controlled and almost tamed.


    ¡°No more, Augustus.¡± Mom doesn¡¯t allow him to finish, turning to align our eyes, cupping a hand on either side of my face.


    ¡°Go up to your room, Amelia.¡± Mom says, and I do, not looking at anyone as I walk up the stairs.


    And with every step I take, all I think about is how much Henrico has be my worst nightmare and how much I hate him.


    And¡­ damn, the bastard kissed me.


    Unfortunately, the kiss doesn¡¯t get out of my head, even though it was awful.


    I smile at Vivi and Dieguinho¡¯s smeared faces, both are eating the chocte I brought, along with the cookie they ordered, of course. I couldn¡¯t forget my boy¡¯s special request, he brought three boxes at once, so they can share with the other children. Furthermore, I know I shouldn¡¯t give so much candy to my little ones, but they already go through so many limitations that a treat won¡¯t hurt.


    My mind is still tormented by thetest events, I barely sleptst night thinking about Dad¡¯s usations, our rtionship was never the best, but my heart ached to see that he doesn¡¯t believe me. It reminded me of when I was little and listening to his friends¡¯ wives talk about me and Mom, he never explicitly defended us, pretending not to hear when they said I was a bastard.


    His eyes judged me while his words condemned me, making it clear that in his heart I already carried the title of culprit.


    I spent the whole day in my room, Mom sent all my meals there, but she never came to see me. I only left today, very early, so I wouldn¡¯t run into any of them.


    I needed affection, so I ran to my favorite ce, the watercolor home.


    ¡°Vivi, Vivi¡­ I told you I¡¯d give you a lot of kissing.¡± My boy talks full of himself, looking proudly at our little redhead.


    She gives him the biggest smile and shows her chocte¡±stained teeth.


    ¡± I love you.¡± She says, hugging Dieguinho awkwardly by the neck, identally choking him. He doesn¡¯tin and lets her hug him for several seconds.


    I can¡¯t hold back my tears at the cute and touching scene.


    My chest tightens every time I look at them and I see theirplicity, connection and affection. I¡¯m afraid of them being adopted separately, what they both have is so strong that I fear for the worst case they will be separated from each other.


    My girl is all sweet, delicate, however, she has a difficult temper and great difficulty in rting to other children. All small and shy. Diego, on the other hand, is extremelymunicative, yful, theplete opposite of her. But since Vivi arrived, he¡¯s be reclusive, protective of our girl, and turns around the redhead.


    ¡°Amelia, my girl. I was looking forward to talking to you.¡± Carmelia, the home director, speaks, showing all her teeth with the big smile she¡¯s giving me. Her curly hair with some white strands reaches her shoulder-length, she is wearing a slim green formal dress, entuating her dark skin.


    She¡¯s excited, looking at me with unusual euphoria, and it intrigues me.


    With some trepidation, I get up from the floor to greet her.


    ¡± Are you OK, darling?¡± He asks, frowning as he takes in my appearance.


    I have dark circles under my eyes, wearing loose,fortable clothes, but different from what she usually sees me, and I understand her strangeness.


    ¡°Yea.¡± I hold his gaze, showing confidence in my speech.


    She nods, though she doesn¡¯t seem convinced about my condition.


    ¡°Well, I want to thank you for taking the time to take care of our children, I know the youth of today spend their time on other things, but youe every week without getting paid for it. Thank you so much, Amelia.¡± His moved tone makes me flinch, and I let out a tear.


    I¡¯m very sensitive, crying over everything.


    Deep down, I also feel guilty and cry about it, for being so foolish and letting myself be used, discarded and neglected a lifetime.


    And then there¡¯s the damn kiss.


    THE KISS.


    My body heats at the memory, enraged.


    I can still taste her in my mouth, the scene shes through my mind when Carmelia is still talking, and I lose the thread, I end up not understanding what the woman is saying, and I nod my head to hide it.


    ¡± Your friend was very generous, I couldn¡¯t thank you as much as I¡¯d like. In fact, he went out to look for you.¡± His left finger taps his chin as his eyes roam the room, looking for someone.


    I frown, trying to understand what the woman just said.


    A generous friend.


    A friend.


    What is a Friend?


    ¡°Oh, there he is. ¡± His voicees out affected, making clear his reverence to such a guy.


    Curious, I turn in the direction she¡¯s looking and my pupils widen to see the man staring back at me, pleased with my reaction. He tries to hold back a smile, but fails terribly, and anger rises to my head and I see everything red.


    ¡± You!¡±

 CHAPTER 15

    Henrico Zattani


    My mood has improved almost one hundred percent from yesterday to today, Masonarrest has leveraged my ns and put me ahead of this game.


    Seeing his face all over the media made me rational again.


    The fact that Amelia discovered my identity withouting directly from me was a dy, the kiss a rash and inconsequential step, but one that could easily be turned to my advantage. Of course, at first I was shaken, a little bewildered to be touching a woman again after so many years, even more so for who she was. However, it passed. And so, I arrived at this address.


    When she left the farm in a hurry yesterday, I was the victim of an interrogation and Guilhermino didn¡¯t calm down until he found out the reasons why Am¨¦lia Leal had gone to our farm possessed and left with her lips swollen from kissing so much, I¡¯m not going to lie and say yourment didn¡¯t make me smile because it did. However, I avoided her questions as much as I could, blurting out in the end that she was a huge part of my revenge game. That displeased him, Guilhermino was always a straight guy and never agreed with my ns, but he promised not to interfere.


    The woman¡¯s grateful face turns towards me, Carmelia is kind and makes her profile independent, strong and pioneering. He took over the management of the watercolor house almost ten years ago and since then he has been fighting to make it a home, making each child feel integrated and special, although he continues to fight for each of them to get foster parents and have opportunities. I came here to be mean, to cheat fate and force a meeting with the youngest Leal, but I was fascinated with all the children, especially the youngest. I remembered earlier today that I had the dossier on each of the members of that family, and after much thought I realized that hers needed to be explored further and so, I discovered her involvement with this ce, however much she tried to keep it hidden from her life. .


    Am¨¦lia Leal is a surprise box.


    I signed a check on behalf of the institution, making it clear that I was influenced by Amelia so that the director would speak well of me to her. We arranged everything, but the woman insisted on showing me how the whole ce worked, I ended up surrendering for longer than I intended to and had to go to the bathroom.


    What was my surprise when I returned the same way I did with Carmelia, I decided to go back home when a short ck hair appeared in my field of vision, still distant I watched Amelia talking to the director of the home. A smug smile formed on my lips as the green eyes turned to mine.


    And, dammit!


    They look more intense and angrier thanst time, making the clear irises almost maic. It was involuntary, but my eyes dropped to her little pink mouth that pouted in disgust.


    ¡°You.¡± she says, looking at me.


    I smile even wider and look up at her, giving her my full attention and ignoring anyone else¡¯s presence in the room.


    The hair tied back in a low ponytail leaves the skin on her neck bare, the short strands barely catching on the pink stic band. An insane fantasy of wrapping my fingers around her thin neck and squeezing hard until it¡¯s branded shes through my mind, causing me to have to curl my hands into fists and take a step away frommitting the act.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Okay, what do you want?¡± She says, not looking directly at me, impatience in her voice.


    I don¡¯t respond right away, just to extend my time with her and get her to look at me.


    She has a certain power over me, always has, to be honest. As much as I tried to dislike the girl out of loyalty to my ex-wife, something in her face made me want and do otherwise.


    ¡°Your friendship.¡± I respond sinctly, trying to convey a believable picture.


    She kind of roars, throwing her arms in the air.


    I frown, holding back a smile.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask, arching an eyebrow and stifling augh.


    She looks at me seriously.


    He brings both hands to his waist and to me in disbelief, as if I have two heads.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me¡± He says, snorting a little as he finishes his sentence.


    I shake my head, leaning a little closer to her.


    ¡°I want to be your friend.¡± I speak, looking at the bottom of the greenish sapphires.


    I can feel her hesitate, it¡¯s only been a few seconds, but it¡¯s enough for me to believe I have a chance. I don¡¯t know how Am¨¦lia Leal is now, but I know exactly how she was before, and I can be everything she needs, I can be her world.


    ¡°You are very cynical, you know?¡± She pauses, drawing some air into her lungs and then letting it out. I have years of living with liars, maniptors and thieves, so stay away from me.


    I control my smile, enjoying the sharp way she¡¯s manipting me. Fuck, I¡¯m enjoying it so much, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m still just acting. She just makes my task more interesting every day.


    ¡°I know.¡± I say.


    She narrows her suspicious eyes in my direction.


    ¡°He knows?¡± Speak in a low tone. As if you didn¡¯t believe my answer. The thing is, I can also be surprising.


    I nod, taking advantage of his distraction to close the space between us.


    ¡°Yes, you are strong and not the weak sheep.¡±


    She turns her little nose even higher, still eyeing me suspiciously, but not arguing or pulling away.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t trust you.¡± he grunts, not taking his eyes off mine.


    I agree.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t either.¡± I mean it, taking advantage of her permissiveness to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, failing to move the strands that clung to the sweaty skin of her cheek.


    She is nervous?


    I do this with her?


    Why are you sweating so much?


    Taking advantage of the fact that we are on the porch of house Watercolor, I look up, identifying the absence of the sun as I had imagined. It¡¯s overcast, so she has no reason to be dripping hot like this.


    So why is she sweating?


    Amelia pulls my hand away abruptly, brushing her fingers through mine. Well, at least that¡¯s what I made it out to be.


    ¡°Do you want revenge on my sister?¡± she asks, still not taking a step back from me. I don¡¯t know if I should answer, I came here to conquer your mind and seduce your heart.


    She¡¯s the key to my ns, but I can¡¯t lie to her, I¡¯m sure of that when I feel the truth dawning.


    ¡°Also.¡± I answer.


    ¡°Do you want revenge on my father?¡± she asks again, holding my eyes with his.


    ¡°I go.¡± I speak, making sure of what I intend.


    ¡°Do you want to get back at me?¡± His voice sounds wistful, sad when he finishes speaking.


    It takes me a while to answer, my problem is not directly with her, but I wouldn¡¯t mind if I hurt her in the end. I want to make Augusto Leal suffer, the rest is a consequence.


    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Change the question when you realize I¡¯m not going to answer.


    I can¡¯t risk saying the wrong thing.


    Sigh.


    ¡°Your friendship.¡± I repeat.


    It¡¯s not entirely untrue, I enjoyed texting her, going out for dinner and even drinks together.


    I felt alive.


    As if my response burns her body, she pulls away, again avoiding direct contact with me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ask you to give up this revenge, but I want you away from me and the children. She looks back, and I follow her gauze, catching a glimpse of two little bodies holding hands and chocte-smeared mouths.


    I frown, feeling the unease wash over me.


    ¡°I would never harm a child.¡± I say offended.


    Fuck, I would definitely never do anything to any of those kids. My donation was entirely of interest, but I never thought of doing harm to this ce.


    ¡°Fine, leave and nevere back.¡± He says, transmuting a resolute, strong, almost maternal image.


    Damn yes!


    The affectionate way he looked at the children, the fear written on his face. She thinks mying here might be bad for the kids. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving. I¡¯ll keeping, get used to my presence.¡± I say irritated.


    I¡¯m not a danger to babies, dammit!


    ¡°You are like them.¡± He uses, putting his hands in his hair and pacing back and forth.


    They?


    ¡°These children are fragile and needy, they deliberately distribute affection, if they live with you daily they will associate your image with that of a father, wait for something they won¡¯t have.¡±


    His breathing isbored, his hands constantly migrate from his hair to his baggy shirt, and tears well up in his eyes. I blink. She looks desperate, holding back tears.


    What is this madness I got myself into?


    Who is this girl?


    I try to approach her, but she dismisses me with a wave of her hand.


    I scratch my head, feeling weird.


    ¡°They know I¡¯m not their father, Amelia.¡± I say, trying to get her to stop crying before she even starts.


    She huffs, turning around and stopping right in front of me, her eyes already red.


    ¡°It¡¯s very easy to think like that, take all the real responsibility and just stick with the pretty part, but when they have a problem at school or hear mum jokes at the parties you made them go to, they¡¯re scorned by their peers, where you will, you be?¡± he asks, sticking his index finger in the middle of my chest.


    She looks like a broken doll right now, and for some reason, I want to be in charge of fixing her. I suppose it¡¯s the pain in his eyes, I admit.


    ¡°Reply!¡± Starts screaming. ¡°Tell them what you¡¯re going to do when they just want a hug or aforting word? Are you going to put them to bed or ask about their day? I suppose not.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll probably have my own problems to deal with.¡± I reply, then her shoulders slump, and a sigh leaves her lips.


    The faraway look indicates there¡¯s a lot more to what she¡¯s saying.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t about the kids, is it?¡± I question, lifting her chin to face me.


    She tries to pull away, but I pull her arm back to me. ¡°Talk. Is that how you feel?¡±


    But she doesn¡¯t speak, it only increases her crying. Sobbing loudly, I hold her against my chest, kissing the top of her head.


    ¡°Shiiii¡­¡± I say, rocking her like a baby.


    What a bag!


    This girl managed to change my ns yet again. I don¡¯t want to see her crying anymore. Not because of him or me or anyone else. She¡¯s too good for us.

 CHAPTER 16

    AM¨¦LIA LEAL


    I swallow back a sob, trying to control my sobs, ashamed of my state. I don¡¯t know what came over me, this man seems to soften me up like butter.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± I mutter under my breath, escaping his grip.


    With the back of my hand, I wipe away the tears, turning onto my side to escape his watchful gaze. He doesn¡¯t say anything or move as I wipe the water from my eyes.


    ¡°You can go now.¡± I stare at the expressive face, sping my hands in front of my body, trying to hide the embarrassment creeping through my body.


    A smug smile forms at the corner of his lips and the dark irises gleam in defiance, making it clear he won¡¯t let this go unnoticed.


    ¡°You know where to find me.¡± He assures, walking towards the exit. I clench my fists against my sides. Does this bastard think I¡¯ll evere looking for him? Did he really just imply that I¡¯m going after him?


    Never.


    ¡°Don¡¯te back here anymore.¡± Iin, irritated by his insinuation.


    He doesn¡¯t turn to me, but I imagine he¡¯s smiling, being the pretentious one he is.


    After a while looking at the door he left through, Ipose myself, correct my posture and return to the children. I keep postponing my return home as long as possible, not expecting to meet any blood rtives.


    ¡°Lunch.¡± Dieguinho says, making me check the clock on my cell phone, concluding that he¡¯s right.


    What a sync! The children crowd into the big kitchen, sitting by age on the long shared benches, my two little ones sitting together, behaving like two little angels. My heart fills with love with the image, thinking about how many times I wanted to have something like this with Aurora, theplicity and care that one sister should have for the other.


    Sigh, frustrated.


    I decline the other volunteers¡¯ invitation to lunch the instant I feel my phone vibrate.


    ¡°Where are you, youngdy?¡±


    Mommy.


    I put the phone in my pocket without answering it, feeling it vibrate three more times before it stops.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I don¡¯t want to talk to anyone, that includes her.


    I leave the house, saying goodbye to everyone while they are still having lunch, once again declining the invitation to join them. I didn¡¯t expect to see Henrico Zattani today. I feel lost and iplete in so many ways I just want to forget which family I belong to. Simply forgetting good manners, beautiful dresses and appointments that I never feel like going to, but I want more than anything to forget the weight that the Leal surname carries. It may seem exaggerated or selfish, after all my parents work to give me a good life, but I never asked for any of that.


    I skip the taxi and walk through the neighborhood where I should have grown up, not knowing where I¡¯m going. I press my lips together, seeing the bar half a mile away, remembering the feeling I felt the night of my birthday.


    The warm liquid trickling down my throat and heating in my veins¡­


    Maybe I just need a little bit of it.


    I smile, thinking once more of the figure of the man. Henrico believes that I have some influence in my family, so he chose me.


    The weakest link.


    I burst outughing, nearly doubling over withughter, gaining the attention of everyone on the street.


    The only one who cares about me is currently focused on more relevant issues in the political arena. Well, I¡¯m an adult, after all. Who needs them?


    I enter the rustic room, encountering strange figures, the kind of people I would never meet at Dad¡¯s parties. No, these people seem more interesting. With firm steps, I make my way to the small balcony, fully aware that I am being watched by prying eyes. A tall man, perhaps the tallest I¡¯ve ever seen, stares at me with a raised eyebrow. I force saliva down my throat, unnerved by his inspection.


    He probably thinks I¡¯m lost, and this ce isn¡¯t for me.


    ¡°What will you want?¡± he asks, letting a small smile y at the corner of his mouth, showing a surprising dimple.


    I meditated, undecided if it was really a good idea toe here. Most of the customers are men, some with beards and id jackets, looking like truck drivers. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I decide to say.


    He shakes his head, turning to grab something from his locker. I¡¯d like to take this opportunity to do a quick check on you. He doesn¡¯t have any visible tattoos, nothing that makes him look like a bad boy, other than the piercing in his lower lip.


    ¡°Here.¡± A small ss of clear liquid is ced in front of me.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I ask suspiciously.


    The man looks at me in amusement, holding back a smile. ¡°Gin of the finest quality.¡±


    I frown, picking up the ss and bringing it to my nose, breathing in the smell of liquor.


    It¡¯s not that strong. I make a move to bring the drink to my mouth, but I¡¯m intercepted by his hand on my wrist, preventing the drink from reaching my lips. Confused eye.


    ¡°Identity.¡± he says, sounding like it makes perfect sense.


    Snort.


    What¡¯s his problem? The drink is already in my fucking hand.


    ¡°I am eighteen years old.¡±


    I say, waiting for him to release me, but instead the drink is taken from my hand and ced back on the bar.


    ¡°Identity.¡± repeat.


    Without wanting to prolong the situation any longer, I take the small bag I brought from home and remove the document, handing it to her.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I whisper, taking back my ID and the ss in my hands, without wasting any more time, I swallow the liquid in my mouth, feeling the drink burn as it goes down.


    Argh!


    ¡°Other.¡± I ask, cing the ss back on the counter, enjoying the bitter taste that gets lost on my tongue.


    He looks at me puzzled, his eyes wandering between the ss and me, in disbelief at what I¡¯ve just done.


    He is not weak!


    He picks up his ss and refills me, no longer seeming to find it amusing. We do the same procedure at least five more times before he gets tired and leaves the bottle beside me.


    Excellent!


    Within minutes, the bottle is empty and my vision blurred, but the whole world looks infinitely better now. All I feel is a great desire to live and smile. I reach over to get some more gin, but Billy, the man who was serving me who I found to be twenty¡¯eight years old and married is quicker and takes the bottle from my grasp, earning a barrage of protests from me.


    ¡°He arrives!¡± Say, authoritative.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a boring.¡± I grumble, pouting. ¡°Just a little bit more.¡±


    He looks at me seriously, pushing the ss away from me along with all the drinks nearby.


    ¡°No. Go home!¡±


    I click my tongue, raising my middle finger at him as I continue to lie on the cool wood of the bar.


    ¡°Fuck girl! You¡¯re trouble, give me your number. I¡¯ll call someone to pick you up.¡±


    Without moving the spy out of the corner of my eye, picking up my phone, cursing under my breath as I realize I have a password, I tell him the numbers needed to unlock the screen and close my eyes, feeling my eyelids heave with drowsiness.


    ¡°Tell me a number.¡± he demands, making my head throb at the booming sound of his voice.


    I think about what number to call him, remembering Mom¡¯s advice to never drink to the point where you can¡¯t make it home. Shame and guilt wash over me, dismissing her at first. My father is not an option either.


    Aurora wouldn¡¯t even bother.


    And I don¡¯t want Peter to see me like that, so I can only think of one person.

 CHAPTER 17

    Henrico  Zattani


    I breathe in the clean air, feeling for the first time since I got out of jail a sense of security and familiarity. Guilhermino points from one distance to another with a smile stered on his face,  proud to finally have the opportunity to show me the growth of the crops. All disyed like a peacock.


    ¡°You did a good job.¡± Iment, looking out over the vast rice paddy. ¡°Thank you for not abandoning me and believing in me.¡± I feel his gaze boring into my skin, concentrating on what I¡¯m saying.


    snort.


    ¡°I know your character, brat. You would never kill a snake, even if it were close to biting you.¡± I take his reference, frowning and clenching my fists as I remember that night.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t remember everything that happened.¡± Iment, seeing the blurry, jumbled images sh through my mind.


    He sighs, pulling in and out with force, almost as if something is getting in his way.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask, finally turning to face him.


    ¡°You went out that night to pick up Aurora, it was a rainy night and you were worried that she still hadn¡¯t arrived from her date with her father.¡±


    ¡°But she wasn¡¯t there.¡± Iplete his train of thought.


    ¡°Exactly, instead of her you found Augusto Leal, stuck in the mud.¡± A smile breaks out on his face at the end and I follow along.


    Yeah, I found that old man with the car sunk in the dirt.


    ¡°However, she called you.¡± He speaks again, bringing my thoughts back to the present.


    ¡± Yea.¡± I affirm.


    ¡°But she didn¡¯t.¡± I finish and raise my eyebrow.


    ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± I ask.


    He rolls his eyes and ps my shoulder, giving me his big brother look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time to look for her? Whatever happened that night, your ex-wifeshould know. Instead of worrying about revenge, you should be trying to prove your innocence.¡± Says it and I stop to reflect, he¡¯s right, but it¡¯s not just about proving my innocence. ¡°Focus on Loyal Dawn.¡± He adds and his words make me dizzy, all this time locked up and I could only think that they were taking away my freedom, usurping my right toe and go. I focused on making Augusto Leal pay, because I always knew he was the cause of my suffering, but I ignored the fact of proving my innocence.


    Guilhermino is right, it¡¯s time to visit my ex¡±wife.


    [¡­]


    I stare at the elegant, shy, futuristic¡±architected building, deciding whether to wait for her to leave or just go there and demand that she allow me in.


    Would she? Would you let me in of your own free will, smile at me and answer every one of my questions? There are many.


    ¡°Sir, can we end the game?¡± the middle¡±aged man asks, looking at me through the rearview mirror.


    ¡°Just let the meter roll, I¡¯ll pay every minute of your time with interest.¡± I reply, focusing on the slender blonde exiting the elegant building.


    I feel my pulse quicken, my eyes drop straight to the bulging abdomen, evidencing the development of pregnancy.


    ¡± On here.¡± I toss three hundred¡±dor bills to the taxi driver, believing it to be more than enough for the race.


    I jump out of the car, hurrying across the busy avenue, ignoring the horns.


    ¡°Love.¡± I say, taking her by surprise by whispering close to her ear, when she was already signaling for a ck car. Her hand drops to her rounded belly, while the other starts squeezing the strap of her purse.


    I feel the tension emanating from her body and I swear I can hear her heartbeat.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I knew you woulde at some point.¡± She says, still on his back.


    ¡°Did you miss it?¡± I use my cool tone, even though, deep down, I¡¯m seething with mixed feelings.


    ¡°I¡¯m Pregnant.¡± She says, as if that would keep me away.


    I almostugh.


    ¡°Believe me, everyone can see it. Turn around.¡± I demand, feeling her body shake.


    She hesitates, but does as I ask secondster, staring at me with clear eyes, indifferent to any memory of the two of us.


    Right now we are just a man and a woman, not two lovers or friends. But I still want answers.


    ¡°Why did you never visit me?¡± The words spring to my lips, making me ufortable to realize that of all the questions, this is the one that stands out.


    She seems to analyze me, her eyes darting around us, avoiding direct contact for more than two seconds. I frown, wondering at his behavior.


    Aurora Leal doesn¡¯t lower her head and doesn¡¯t look away, simply because she was raised by a fucking narcissist.


    And then, Guilhermino¡¯s words begin to weigh and make sense. She¡¯s hiding something, I can pinpoint the guilt in the pale irises with precision.


    ¡°What happened that night?¡± I press, further shortening the space between us.


    ¡°My husband is waiting for me.¡± His eyes finally meet mine, not remembering at all the way he looked at me before.


    A knot forms in my stomach. Feeling reality hit me.


    She is no longer my wife. This Aurora in front of me looks like someonepletely different.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about your fucking husband, I just want you to tell me what happened that night. I went to meet you, but it was your father on that road.¡± I scream, catching the attention of some pedestrians who pass by.


    ¡°Do you know what happened.¡± He spits back, sticking up his little nose.


    I crack a smile.


    ¡°No, honey. I don¡¯t remember anything other than what I¡¯m telling you. I went over there to get you, but to my surprise your father was buried in the mud and I had to stop to help him, I didn¡¯t question what he was doing there. as you had met earlier that day. We started the car but it was raining and your father asked me to help guide him to the farm and I did so but it was dark and I ended up crashing. After that I was being arrested for drug dealing. I was arrested for drug dealing!¡±


    ¡°You had drugs in your car.¡± She dares to speak, wearing out my patience.


    Fuck!


    ¡°You know very well that they set me up!¡±


    My breathing is fast, my fists are clenched, and I¡¯m forcing myself to remind myself that she¡¯s female and pregnant.


    Damn, I really fell in love with her. I idealized a family.


    ¡± I do not know anything.¡± He says, almost in a whisper, shattering any hope I had that ancient Aurora still exists.


    The sparkle in the eyes of a girl with true dreams.


    The simple, easy smile.


    Did her dad do that or was she always like this?


    I¡¯m ready to push a little more when my cell phone rings, cursing I pick it up, considering it might be an important call, but I¡¯m surprised to see that the call is being made to my personal number and the name  Amelia  appears on my disy.


    What the hell!


    I answer the call on the fourth ring, frowning at the male voice on the other end of the line.


    ¡°Hello?¡± The voice repeats due to my silence.


    ¡± Where is she?¡± I ask, ignoring a formal introduction.


    ¡°Henrico ?¡± the man asks.


    I frown further, not liking that he ignored my question.


    ¡°Yeah, where is she?¡± I ask again.


    ¡°Man, she was almost asleep. This girl is trouble and she¡¯s dancing on my counter. Come get it NOW! ¡°Says it all at once.


    ¡°Message the location, I¡¯m on my way.¡± I mean, already hanging up.


    ¡°Where do you¡­¡± Aurora starts to speak, but I cut her off with a sign of silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take care of something important, but I¡¯m not done with you yet.


    Having said that, I leave. Waving for a cab, feeling my phone vibrate with what I believe is Amelia¡¯s location message.


    Gods, I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see you again so soon. This girl is a mess.

 CHAPTER 18

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    Her serene and rxed expression makes it difficult for the girl to reconcile with the show for adults she was putting on at that bar when I arrived. Why does she have to look like a harmless sleeping angel? Is it on purpose? A n designed to drive the man in me crazy? Screw this! The Bartender is right, this girl is trouble and she¡¯s going to get in the way of my ns.


    She mutters, making low, iprehensible sounds with her eyes still closed. Turning over on the bed I¡¯d given her for the night, causing the sheet to rise up to reveal her bare legs, revealing a piece of my shirt wrapped around her hip, while one of my underwear covered her small, round ass. I curse, cursing the brat for causing me confused thoughts. I¡¯m between taking care of her and doing not ¡°so¡± innocent things.


    I pull back the sheet her stupid movements have pulled and cover her body again, leaving only her head visible.


    I take her cell phone, d she gave me the password earlier when I created a fake message to her mom. I check to see if the woman has already viewed and left a response.


    Mom: What do you mean sleeping outside? The woman types back. Mother: You haven¡¯t slept outside since you were ten.


    The woman then orders.


    I grumble, thinking of something clever to type.


    Amelia: I¡¯m at a friend¡¯s house from school. Talk to youter.


    I write back, hoping the woman will believe it, after all, it¡¯s only been a few months since her daughter finished high school.


    It will stick.


    Mom: ¡°Amelia Leal, you hate all these girls. Tell the truth or I will track your phone!¡±


    I despair, trying to think of a convincing answer.


    Damn, doesn¡¯t this girl have any friends?


    Amelia: That¡¯s not bad, I actually sympathize with her. I need to distract myself, you need to understand.


    Shipping.


    A few secondster the phone vibrates again and I smile at what I read.


    ¡°Ok,e home tomorrow morning. We have to talk. I love you, little mouse. Never forget that your mother loves you and everything I do is for your happiness.¡±


    I don¡¯t understand the content of the message, but I¡¯m d it won¡¯t track the girl¡¯s cell phone. It would be very bad right now if Augusto Leal found out that his youngest daughter is sleeping in my bed, or not. I smile, looking down at the piece of forbidden meat wrapped like a goddamn gift on my mattress.


    The thought of making him wonder what his daughter and I are doing alone in a room makes me smile.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I push the idea out of my head and go to the bathroom, which is connected to the bedroom, and take a quick shower, just to wash off the grime of a hard day. When I feel clean enough, I step out of the shower and grab the white towel I always have here, wrap the piece of cloth around my hips and walk out of the bathroom. The feeling of cleanliness is wonderful, even more so when all thates to mind at that moment is the brief encounter I had with Aurora, and for some reason that memory makes me feel dirty.


    I can¡¯t lie to myself and say that my body didn¡¯t react to hers, along with the anger it was also long. She reminded me of Roast, how good my life was. Aurora is still stunning in her pose as an independent woman, in fact, the opposite of Amelia.


    The girl is a mess despite her tight gauze. The youngest Leal has a natural sensuality and emotion in her light irises, capable of bending anyone and, however, does not transmit confidence.


    I grab a pair of sweatpants from the closet, peeking over my shoulder to see if the imp is still sleeping. A spontaneous smile spreads across my face when I see yes, in one swift motion I remove the towel and pull on one of my boxer briefs, quickly pulling up my sweatpants.


    If, two months ago, I had been told that I would change clothes in the presence of a member of the Leal family, even if unconsciously and a little tempted, I would haveughed. I had ns, yes, ns for Amelia and changing clothes was included, but that involved the naked, wide-awake brat.


    I turn to her, imagining her reaction when she wakes up and finds me right beside her.


    I make my way to the bed, naked from the waist up, and lie down, putting one arm up to support my head while the other rests on my abdomen. Guilhermino will not like that I slept here, he is extremely correct and would judge me disrespectful, but fuck it.


    This is my house, my room and my bed. She can share with me.


    I don¡¯t sleep for the first few minutes, but I stay in bed because I¡¯m used to the insomnia that apanies my prison days. I don¡¯t realize the moment sleep overtakes me, but I feel my eyelids grow heavy with time and I wake up to someone pinching my arm.


    ¡°What the hell!¡± I exim, opening my eyes as I capture the girl¡¯s hand. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± I rage, feeling the area she pinched burn.


    She yelps in fright, blinking her eyes several times as she stares at me in disbelief.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, it¡¯s not a dream.¡± she speaks in a voice slurred with sleep, indicating that she has just woken up.


    ¡°You pinched me.¡± Iin, massaging the red skin.


    She shifts her gaze to where I¡¯m getting the massage and shrugs, irritating me with the gesture.


    ¡°I needed to know if it was a dream or a nightmare.¡± speaks with a mischievous smile on his lips.


    I grumble, affected by the look she¡¯s giving me. I watch the lighting through the window, passing through the thick curtains and showing that it¡¯s already morning, I can¡¯t contain the surprise that hits me, I turn my gaze to her, hiding my difort when I realize that for the first time in three years I managed to sleep one night . entire, simply because he had hispany.


    ¡°Test it on you! No use testing it on me girl.¡± I stand up, yanking the sheet from my body abruptly.


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t want to be in pain and I got my answer¡­ wait, what are you doing here?¡± His expression suddenly changes and I have to bite the corner of my mouth to keep fromughing at the face he¡¯s making.


    ¡°This is my room, honey.¡± I spread my arms, signaling to the walls and furniture.


    She lets out a curse before falling intoplete despair.


    ¡°What? How? Did you kidnap me?¡± She goes over her own questions, looking under the covers.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t touch you, I asked Marisa, one of the girls who help with the housework, to help you with the clothes.¡± I say, quashing whatever disturbing thoughts she¡¯s having.


    Amelia turns up her little nose, ying the arrogant girl.


    ¡°Great.¡±


    smile.


    ¡°You could have woken me up with kisses instead of pinches.¡± I change my tone, enjoying the effect my words have on her. I advance toward her, spilling my body over hers, leaving her pinned against the bed.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have slept here.¡± He speaks harshly, avoiding my gauze.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you enjoy mypany, dear?¡± I whisper in her ear, watching the hairs near the area stand on end.


    ¡°Do not call me like that.¡± He looks at me.


    I lie further down on top of her, resting my hand on the side of her head and preventing my body from falling over hers.


    ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t ignore your beauty. She affects me, as does her contradictory personality.¡± I say, getting back to my feet.


    Her breathing is ragged, her gauze is fuzzy, and an overwhelming urge to hold her safe in my arms hits me. I shake my head and back away, taking four steps from safe space beforemitting another thoughtless act because of this girl.


    ¡°See you at breakfast, I¡¯ll make sure your clothes are clean and dry for someone to bring. Don¡¯t bete, I have a to-do list for you.¡± I blink, running out of the room.

 CHAPTER 19

    AMELIA LEAL


    He¡¯s insolent. Arrogant and extremely underhanded.


    And, I shouldn¡¯t have given Bar Man his phone number, let alonee with him to do it. Argh! Henrico  Zattani wants to destroy my father, his hatred for my family has dragged on for years and I¡¯m certainly not getting away with his revenge, I¡¯m fully convinced that the man won¡¯t free me from his clutches and rancor. Still, I¡¯m in his room, waking up after a night of many dreams and a horrible hangover. No one in my family can know about this.


    I clench my fists, mming them against the mattress a few times, beyond infuriated at the effects the bastard is having on me. I look back down at my body, running my fingers over her shirt, I¡¯m not wearing a bra underneath and scenes of me fromst night are shbacks in my head. I was pretty drunk when he picked me up from the bar and brought me down to the farm, I vaguely remember a young woman helping me shower and then change into these clothes, probably the Marisa he mentioned. My cheeks heat up and I can tell they¡¯re red even without seeing them, I have to remember to find the woman and say thank you, I also can¡¯t go unnoticed that the idiot was kind when he could have taken advantage, but I can¡¯t congratte a guy for not be abusive.


    I get out of bed, still with that thought creeping through my head and walk slowly to the big window, pull back the thick curtains and peer outside, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips at the stunning image of the green woods. Thendscape of this ce always made me dizzy, even when I was still just a girl and I felt like an intruder in my own sister¡¯s house, this ce always stole my attention and made it worth every sharp look Aurora gave me. It wasn¡¯t like I wanted herpany anyway, either, back then Dad still forced us to deal with each other¡¯s presence and force some approximation, well, it never worked. Aurora hates me and will always be that way.


    I turn away from the window when I hear a knock on the door.


    ¡± Who is it?¡± I ask, smoothing down the shirt and wishing its length was longer.


    ¡°Marisa, the boss sent me. I brought your clothes.¡± A female voice speaks, making me sigh in relief.


    I run towards the door, realizing it has been open all this time. Of course, he left just now.


    ¡°Hi?¡± I say, using a low tone.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    The girl enters, wishing you a good morning with sympathy. As she moves to the table next to the bed to put my clothes on, I take in her small figure, a little pale for someone who lives on a sunny farm with so many ces to explore. She turns around, giving me a simple but true smile. The thin, well-designed face carries sophisticated but sad features. She is pretty. Very beautiful.


    ¡°Need something else?¡± Question.


    I shake my head, feeling shy about being almost naked at my stepsister¡¯s ex-husband¡¯s house. After all, I¡¯m in his room and wearing his clothes, not to mention he slept here. Suddenly it sinks in and for the first time I think about what the whole scene looks like.


    He and I in the same room!


    Heavens! What must everyone be thinking about me¡­


    ¡°Nothing happened.¡± I hasten to speak when the girl makes a move to leave the room.


    She stops, looking at me with confused eyes, which I only now realize are almond, contrasting with her long, light brown hair. Then she reverts to an understanding expression.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to exin it to me, you¡¯re not doing anything wrong either. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Her speech makes me even more ufortable, terrified of what she imagines I¡¯ve done to her boss, making me realize I¡¯m exining myself too much to a victim. I should rx like she indicated and act like nothing happened, but I care. I correct my posture, tucking my hair behind my ears.


    ¡°Just to rify, he and I have nothing.¡± I say, staring at the girl still standing.


    She nods, forcing herself to swallow the smile that threatens to break out on her thin lips.


    ¡°Fine, but he seems to care about you. I don¡¯t work here, but my parents make so much sense to understand me, since Henrico  for his people and helping and helping for our people. Yesterday he was a waste of seeing you in that situation, I know it¡¯s none of my business, but I think he likes to read from you.¡± She says, taking her way back to the exit, leaving me bewildered by several.


    ¡°Marisa, it¡¯s¡­ hmm¡± She stops again, looking over her shoulder at me, gripping the knob with her hand.


    ¡°Yes? ¡±


    Thanks for yesterday,¡± I say, remembering Henrico  saying that she was the one who helped me change my clothes.


    She smiles, this time showing all her teeth and nods. ¡°Your tattoo, what does the bird mean?¡± question and my cheeks flush, saliva leaving my mouth. She¡¯s talking about the tattoo on my hip, a little bird I got ndestinely at seventeen. Nobody but me and the tattoo artist saw it, I¡¯m careful to keep it hidden from the eyes of Mom and the photographers, which was easy since I rarely go to the beach or pools.


    ¡°Freedom.¡± I answer and she doesn¡¯t ask for more exnations.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡± She says, a different glint appears in her eyes and I feel like she has a secret passion for tattoos. ¡°When I turn 21, I¡¯ll make a phoenix on my back. I nodded, letting myself be swayed by the conviction and emotion in his voice. I didn¡¯t question why she would wait until twenty¡±one or why she chose the phoenix, but I could visualize the big bird on her pale skin, an image so meaningful and strong, for some reason I knew it was a perfect choice and would suit her. Marina seems to have a lot of story to tell.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to my tattoo artist, just let me know when you¡¯re ready. It will be my gift of gratitude.¡± I speak, more excited than usual.


    Your eyes shine.


    ¡°Truth?¡± Question.


    ¡°Yea.¡± I affirm.


    And then, she leaves the room. Smiling from ear to ear like Vivi and Dieguinho do when eating chocte.


    I run to the door, passing the key and making sure it¡¯s locked. I go to the bathroom and take a long shower, taking the opportunity to spy on what Henrico  has in his bathroom, I open all the bottles within my reach, from shampoo to colognes, soaps and body lotion.


    Body moisturizer.


    Hmm¡­ So, he¡¯s a vain man.


    When I¡¯m satisfied and smelling like him, I step outside wrapped in a clean towel I found and get dressed, smelling the light scent of clean clothes on my shirt and pants. I even find my panties and mentally thank Marisa once more.


    Ready, I look for my cell phone, remembering that I saw it only yesterday, when I gave it to Henrico . The idea that the phone is still with himes up and I leave the room smoking, feeling that the man has even taken over my cell phone.


    I ignore the chuckles and stares as I walk down the stairs and position myself beside him. Henrico  looks rxed and rxed, chuckling at the other man who is now watching me curiously. The bountiful table, full of goodies and assorted fruits, looks perfectly like a scene from a movie and makes my stomach growl, making me feel like I need to get something in my stomach fast.


    ¡°My phone.¡± I hold out my hand, leaving my palm open for him to understand that I¡¯m wanting him back.


    ¡°Sit down¡± He says, without even looking at me.


    snort.


    ¡°I¡¯m going home, but I need you to return my cell phone first. He continues to ignore me, pouring more passion fruit juice into his ss.


    ¡°You¡¯re not leaving here until you¡¯ve eaten something, so be a little grateful and sit your ass on the chair. NOW. His voicees out impatient, as if he¡¯s been on edge for a while.


    I roll my eyes.


    Wasn¡¯t heughing seconds ago?


    Gratefully, he made a point of dragging his tone when he mentioned that word, reminding me that if it weren¡¯t for him I¡¯d be in trouble right now.


    Idiot.


    You can¡¯t do a favor and then rub it in the person¡¯s face.


    ¡°Fuck, I¡¯ming. I say, knocking my parents out, but their arms intercept me before I take more than a step.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a child, eat something. All you put in yesterday was shots and shots of alcohol. He growls, making his disapproval clear.


    I let go of his grip, sitting in a chair far away from his.


    ¡± This cornmeal cake is to be prayed for. Stop fighting, girl, it looks wonderful. ¡± Another man at the table speaks My attention to him.


    Your mouth is full of cake, but your te doesn¡¯t even have an assortment of breads.


    ¡°You already know Guilhermino.¡± Henrico  says, nodding at the man.


    Guilhermino. Yes, the name is familiar. Analyzing the man better, I remember him when I visited this farm for the time, he was also here when the unfortunate man next door kissed me forcefully.


    ¡± I¡¯m not hungry.¡± I mean, tantly lying.


    The man snorts, looking at me as if I¡¯ve just said some bullshit.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly, girl. This food is too good and don¡¯t expect to be spoiled to eat it, you grumpy sir won¡¯t try to convince you, go for me. Sit down and eat.¡±


    When I think about retorting and repeating that I¡¯m not hungry, my stomach growls loudly and ruins everything. I end up giving in and pulling out a chair.


    ¡± Just a little.¡± I say, breaking a piece of carrot cake with chocte syrup, feeling my mouth water.


    The men don¡¯t say anything, but the man doesn¡¯t say anything, but Henrico ¡®s smile and images of my side by my side invade, but he¡¯s in a corner of my eye made of fine fabric the color of sand, his pants are ck and I deduce it¡¯s out of the corner of my eye of fine sand¡±colored fabric, his pants are ck and I assume they are but I see he¡¯s wearing a pair of quirky brown boots with gold trim on the sides. And I find myself thinking about how handsome he is.

 CHAPTER 20

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    ¡°Do you still know how to ride?¡± I ask, petting Lexus. She nods and I smile, noticing that her expression has changed from annoyed to curious.


    ¡°This is Lexus, unfortunately my old horse died while I was in captivity.¡±


    I say, feeling the regret in my tone. ¡± By luck or fate, Guilhermino bought it and we fit perfectly.¡± I continue, smiling at the horse.


    ¡°He is handsome.¡± He says, testing out a light caress, I¡¯m surprised to find he epts his touch without protest.


    ¡°Like me, he also had a difficult past. He went crazy to defend himself, you are the first person besides me he can touch. Be honored, darling. I say, happy with the smile that she tries in vain to hide .


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s pick one for you.¡± In fact, there¡¯s someone I think you¡¯d like to see again.


    I say, leaving the Lexus tent convinced she¡¯s going to melt at my surprise.


    Arriving at bay twelve I notice the white hair, as well as the rest of the body. The mare whinnies when she sees us, seeming to recognize Amelia when she sees her.


    The girl stops, looking in disbelief at the mare in front of her, not seeming to believe what her eyes are showing her.


    ¡°Is that Crystal?¡± he murmurs, walking slowly to my side. I smile.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°God, she¡¯s huge.¡± Speak and I make a face.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s been a few years. I point and she nods, agreeing with my reasoning. She kisses, caresses and talks to the mare without minding my presence and scenes simr to those of a few years ago invade my mind. Consciousness, a fifteen-year-old Amelia, with long hair and a still-childlike voice, yed with the little mare that was born at night. In the past, in fact, the girl practically participated in the birthy with the vet ¡°You chose the name.¡± I whisper still next to him.


    ¡°I thought you would deny me.¡± He answers without really looking at me, using the same tone as me.


    ¡°I could not.¡± She was his, no one else could name her. I say, somehow getting his attention back to me.


    Green eyes studying me, focused on mine.


    ¡°What was it like there?¡± he asks and I have to frown at not understanding.


    ¡°There?¡± I emphasize.


    ¡°In jail. How was it there?¡± Exin. My body tenses. I study her question and then her face, realizing she¡¯s genuinely curious about this phase of my life.


    ¡°Bad.¡± It¡¯s the only thing I answer him, not being able to think of anything else.


    ¡°I will ride with you if you give me my cell.¡± he says, changing the subject when he senses my difort.


    I smile, grateful I haven¡¯t started an interrogation, though I feel like she could get any information about my time as a prisoner from me if she wanted to.


    ¡°Done.¡± I nod, taking my cell phone out of the jacket I¡¯d put on when we got to the corral and cing it in her hand. She runs her fingers across the screen.


    device and starts reading the messages your mom and I exchangedst night, lips pursed.


    I readied my horse and then hers, realizing that this is the first time Cristal and Lexus have been side by side. We mount and go, she follows behind me down a certain path, seeming to familiarize herself with her mare before passing me, bringing out mypetitive side.


    We run a little.


    ¡°Pick me up.¡± Speech, galloping faster. I growl, encouraging my horse to run faster. ¡°It¡¯s no use, honey. You can¡¯t run away from me.¡± I smile, stepping past Cristal.


    ¡°Argh! Cheater.¡± use her when she has to force a stop.


    ¡°I understood.¡± I say, looking at her flushed face. She nibbles her lips, drawing my attention to them.


    ¡°You¡¯re still there and I¡¯m still here.¡± ¡± She says boldly. Her phone rings when I make a move to get off the horse.


    I try to read her face as she talks into the phone, her terrified expression making me worried.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask.


    ¡°My sister¡­¡± He stutters and my heart races.


    Aurora.


    Was she on the phone?


    ¡°What happened, Amelia?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s at the hospital.¡± Her words make me dizzy and guilt rips through me, I was with her yesterday and today she¡¯s in the hospital.


    Damn!


    Without thinking, I grab my horse¡¯s reins and gallop back, yelling for her to follow.


    I don¡¯t look back when I hear the sound of her horse following me, but I go to her when we reach the farm.


    ¡°What are you doing? You can¡¯t take me there.¡± she groans as I help her off her mount.


    ¡°She¡¯s right¡± Guilhermino mutters next to me, and only then do I notice his presence.


    Frowning, I grab both sides of her face.


    ¡± I need to go.¡± I say and the green of his eyes darkens, making them dark and mncholy.


    I watch his shoulders slump and his breathing change.


    ¡± You need to see her. ¡± she says, looking sad.


    I nod, thinking of the right words so she doesn¡¯t get it wrong.


    ¡°Yes, but not for the reasons you think.¡±


    Amelia takes my hands away from her face.


    ¡°You were once married, I understand.¡±


    ¡°No, baby. This isn¡¯t about me and Aurora.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need exnations, Henrico, but going to the hospital is a bad idea considering you hate my father.¡±


    ¡°Of course you need exnations, you¡¯re my girl, the only one I want.¡±


    She huffs, taking more steps away from me.


    ¡°Just drive me to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­I don¡¯t wish your sister harm. We both have a past, and even though it means nothing to me anymore, I feel like part of what she¡¯s going through is my fault.¡±


    ¡°Your fault? How is that possible? What are you talking about, Henrico?¡±


    I let out a long breath, then reim the space between us and grab her waist.


    ¡°My back could have done that.¡± I confess.


    A crease appears between her brows.


    ¡°Did you look for her?¡±


    ¡± I¡­ ¡±


    ¡± This conversation can be saved for the trip.¡± Guilhermino speaks, calling our attention. He looks at me and then at the girl in my arms. ¡°Amelia, if you want to find your sister fast, we¡¯d better leave now.¡±


    She seems to reflect for a second, giving me a long look before nodding and walking away.


    Guilhermino points to the truck itself and it follows the silentmand.


    ¡°What the hell was that!?¡± I ask when I¡¯m sure she can¡¯t hear me.


    ¡°Me? Tell me about yourself.¡± he growls.


    ¡± I?¡±


    ¡± You were about to give the girl more reasons to hate you. ¡± he says.


    I open and close my mouth, searching for answers.


    ¡± You are wee.¡± he mutters, pushing past me and heading in the same direction as the truck.


    I run my hands through my hair, frustrated as hell with the whole situation. However, I recover in time to reach Guilhermino and get his keys.


    I know he wants to avoid a tragedy, but this is my battle and I need to win this fight to ovee the past and have my revenge sated.


    Guilhermino rages, curses and threatens to kill me if I crash his car.


    ¡± You are crazy.¡± Amelia whispers as I slide into the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°That¡¯s your effect baby.¡± I shoot back at her and she hides a smile.


    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s not talk about your thing with my sister right now, okay?¡±


    ¡°There is no bid.¡±


    ¡°Okay, whatever, let¡¯s focus on how to make sure you and my dad don¡¯t kill each other in the hospital.¡±


    ¡°No promise, honey.¡± I say, turning the key and starting the car.


    ¡°As if my life wasn¡¯tplicated enough already.¡± I hear her mumble under her breath.


    ¡± What did you say?¡± I ask, biting back a smile.


    ¡°Drive.¡±


    I bite back a smile and do as she asks.


    I drive to the hospital, but when I meet the devil and his secretary my blood boils.


    ¡°That bastard.¡± I speak reaching Pedro¡¯s profile before anyone else.

 CHAPTER 21

    AMELIA LEAL


    The first face I see when I arrive at the hospital is Peter¡¯s, his expression is serious, filled with something somber and mocking that I¡¯ve never seen in his face, which is exactly why I walk right past him and follow my mother, sitting in a the seats in front of you. She was the one who called and informed me about Aurora¡¯s situation. In any case, no one else has had the courtesy to inform me of my sister¡¯s health, although I understand that as a husband he is too overwhelmed to think about anything other than her well-being. his wife and child.


    ¡°How is she?¡± I ask as soon as I¡¯m close enough. Mom lifts her head and meets my eyes, her arms go around my neck without warning and I hold her tightly around the waist, responding to her hug.


    We still don¡¯t have news, your father went to try to talk to the doctor in charge. Her voice is shaky and I can see the tears in her eyes.


    ¡°How dare you bring him?¡± Peter¡¯s using voice cuts me off as it sends shivers through my body, taking me by surprise. I look in her direction, finding outrage and anger in her eyes.


    He¡¯s never looked at me like that before. As if I wasn¡¯t worthy enough, as if I had somehow betrayed him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t own this fucking hospital.¡± Henrico yells, grabbing my waist and putting himself in front of me, almost as if he¡¯s trying to hide me from my brother-inw¡¯s sight.


    Peter chuckled sarcastically, shaking his head from side to side.


    ¡°Who do you think you are?¡± Peter asks the wind, but addressing Henrico.


    ¡°You know who I am. The man in front of me jokes, still hiding me behind his back.


    Damn. What he is doing?


    I look for Mom, looking for help in some way, and find her looking at the two men struggling for words.


    Shaking my head, I stepped out from behind Henrico to position myself between the two men.


    ¡°To stop!¡± I say harshly, gaining their attention. I don¡¯t know if this is their first date, but I¡¯m sick of all the fuss and the only reason we¡¯re here is for Aurora and my nephew, so they can save the hormones forter.


    ¡°Did you sleep with him?¡± Peter asks, looking over at me. I shudder, feeling the distaste in his words.


    I wrinkle my nose, dismissing his question and the horrible feeling it caused me and I look at him as an equal, wondering in my heart what kind of question that was.


    My sister. His wife is risking her life with their son and he¡¯s here questioning me


    who I slept with.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Henrico confirms, grabbing my waist with one hand and pulling me against his body.


    I moan softly, ufortable with the pressure he puts on my hand, and try to break free.


    Peter snorts, looking at Henrico¡¯s hand squeezing me.


    ¡°Your sister was arguing with your dad about you when he got sick while you were having sex with her ex-husband. The man who hates his family. he spits, giving me a look of superiority and disappointment.


    I don¡¯t understand why he is so mad at me.


    I feel small with his usations, the revtion that my sister was defending me shocks me as much as him believing that I spent the night with Henrico, he didn¡¯t even consider it a lie, he judged me as if he didn¡¯t know my character. A tear falls against my will and runs down my face until itnds on my shirt. I clench my fists and prepare to fight back when Henrico¡¯s grip loosens.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t owe you any satisfaction and don¡¯t me her for an ident, Amelia was miles away when Aurora got sick and I¡¯m sure no one in this family was defending her at all.¡± Henrico growls, hinting at an attack on Peter, but I¡¯m faster and back in front of him, pleading with my eyes for him to go away.


    Please just go.


    Peter smiled, showing a coldness I had never seen before.


    ¡°No, she doesn¡¯t owe me any satisfaction.¡± he says, looking at me.


    I hold my breath, not liking his tone or appearance, he¡¯s unrecognizable and I wonder how serious my sister was when he brought her into the hospital.


    ¡°But she owes her father an exnation, and I¡¯m sure of it.¡± He points his finger at me and Henrico. ¡°It is notsomething old Augusto Leal will tolerate.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t need his permission.¡± Henrico growls again, clenching his fists, hinting that there¡¯s something more between us, making the situation worse. Heavens, where is my mother?


    I scan the room, locating her four paces from where we are, talking to what I believe to be Aurora¡¯s doctor. My heart races when I see my dad approaching from the other side.


    ¡°Please, Henrico.¡± I tug on his jacket sleeve, forcing him to look away from Peter and bring them to me. ¡°Go away please.¡± I whisper, dreading my father¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°No.¡± he growls, looking pissed at me.


    I bite my lip, looking in the direction my dad ising from. ¡°I¡¯ll keep you posted, I promise. I just need you to go, now!¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He grabs my chin, trapping my pale irises with his dark ones, and strokes the skin of my cheek with his fingertips in an affectionate gesture.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you,¡± he says, making my heart race against my will.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t go, I¡¯ll be in even bigger trouble.¡± I murmur, pleading with my eyes.


    He shakes his head, pulling his gauze away from mine.


    ¡°I also need to know how your sister is doing.¡± he asserts, making every colorful fantasy that my foolish heart had begun to crumble.


    I lower my eyes to hide the disappointment I can¡¯t hide at the moment. Of course he¡¯s here for her, they got married and Henrico probably still loves her. I¡¯m just the annoying little sister.


    In the end, he will always choose for her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send word. I¡¯ll let you know as soon as the doctor tells us anything about your condition.¡± My voicees out more stilted than I¡¯d like and I have to hide it. ¡°Amelia¡­¡± he starts, but I cut him off, not wanting to hear any more.


    ¡°Just go, Henrico.¡± I say, catching Mom¡¯s effort to hold Dad for a few more minutes out of the corner of my eye.


    ¡°Fine, but if you don¡¯t text me, I¡¯lle after you.¡± he says firmly, sounding really smug in his statement and if I didn¡¯t know that this is all just because he wants information about Aurora, I might even kid myself.


    ¡°Nobody wants you here. Get out.¡± Peter grumbles.


    Henrico pulls away from me, cing a kiss in my hair as he walks up to Peter and faces him, whispering something softly just for him to hear and then walks away, stopping two steps to look back.


    ¡°SHE IS MINE!¡± He speaks, looking directly at Peter who looks furious.


    My stomach hurts, wanting to bring back all the breakfast food, and all I can think about is that they¡¯re talking about my sister. She is Peter¡¯s wife, but Henrico still wants her and he has made that very clear. She is mine.


    ¡°Amelia Leal, we¡¯ll talk as soon as we get home and you exin exactly what this guy was doing here.¡± Dad says, giving me a hard look.


    ¡°How are you, my dear. Don¡¯t worry about your father.¡± Mom whispers, wrapping her arms around my shoulder, causing me to rest my head on hers.


    ¡°How is she?¡± I ask quietly, ignoring the res from the two men in my family.


    ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t know. The doctor hasn¡¯te to speak yet and Augusto hasn¡¯t been able to find him.¡±


    I frown, remembering I saw her talking to a doctor just now.


    ¡°I saw you talking to a doctor, I thought it was Aurora¡¯s. I say, taking advantage of her stroking my hair to close my eyes and imagine myself in a peaceful ce.


    ¡°Oh no. That¡¯s my doctor, Dr. Soares.¡±


    Your doctor?


    I pull away from her to look into her face, worried about this new information.


    Mom has been hiding information from me for as long as I¡¯ve known myself, but she¡¯s never been able to cheat if we¡¯re looking each other in the eye.


    ¡°Your doctor?¡±


    She gives me a ¡°keep it down, I¡¯ll exin¡± look just as Aurora¡¯s doctor appears to give us the news.

 CHAPTER 22

    AURORA LEAL


    A few hours before¡­.


    I knew this day woulde sooner orter. ¡°Fate alwayses back to collect its debts,¡± my mother used to say. I avoided going to prison when I asked for a divorce, at the time of his arrest the media tortured me so much that I was depressed for two weeks, I never went to see him, not even to understand the whole situation, but I knew he woulde after me when out and honestly it took longer than I expected.


    I stare at the pill like it¡¯s my lifeline, unsure whether or not to take the strong sedative to calm my nerves. Anxiety medications started to be part of my life in adolescence, when my mother¡¯s absence became almost unbearable and crises came along with sleepless nights. Something lighter at first, but over time just a ck streak could have an effect.


    ¡°Damn!¡± I yell, throwing the medicine into the trash can.


    I ce a hand on my stomach, convincing myself that this is the right thing to do.


    I grab my bag, walking to the exit of my apartment, not forgetting to visualize my profile in therge mirror in the room and notice the bulge in my abdomen. I shake my head, expelling the thread of guilt that threatens


    to appear.


    He wanted a child.


    Henrico always made his intentions clear, a great and perfect family, just like it was with their parents. But unfortunately that wasn¡¯t my dream, nor was I thinking about having children, so every time he suggested something I changed the course of the conversation. I didn¡¯t love him. I couldn¡¯t have your kids.


    But¡­


    I gasp, pulling the air out of my lungs as the elevator threatens to open. Thank God I don¡¯t have neighbors around me asking me about my dad or how the pregnancy is going.


    Daddy.


    The great Augusto Leal.


    The only man who could convince me to do anything, even lie to the judge.


    I step out of the elevator, ignoring the greetings of a few acquaintances in the Hall and heading straight out of the building, hailing the first taxi thates along, grateful that it is empty.


    I¡¯m not thinking when I give the address of the first house I lived in, where Dad and the imposters now live. I shift in my chair, ufortable with all the thoughts running through my head right now.


    He wanted to know about that night.


    The night I should have gone to see my dad, but it was actually Peter who was waiting for me.


    ¡°Faster Please.¡± I ask the driver.


    I bite the corner of my lip, picturing the night perfectly in my head. The night was cold and gloomy, although the rain was just starting when I left, I knew a storm was about to break out, I just didn¡¯t think it would happen turned out to be a perfect analogy yearster.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I say to the taxi driver, driving him much further than the ride and heading straight for the huge luxury home.


    The house my mother chose!


    I walk right in, without knocking or making any noise to attract attention. I know Dad is home, I know because I know his schedule, so I go straight to his office.


    He lifts his head and raises an eyebrow as soon as he sees me, his mouth twisting in distaste and I conclude that my presence is not wee.


    ¡°Aurora.¡± he says, much less kind than he used to be when the other wasn¡¯t in his life.


    ¡°Father.¡± My voicees out shaky, almost like a small groan of pain.


    ¡°Your husband is arriving, is there anything you want to talk about before he arrives?¡± I skip the part that Peter has a meeting with him without my knowledge.


    I walk over to his desk and ce my bag on one of the chairs, working up the courage to spill what I¡¯ve been holding back for years.


    ¡°Henrico came looking for me.¡± I decide to speak immediately.


    His expression changes from detached to furious, causing me to take two steps back.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± he asks,ing out from behind the table and heading towards me.


    ¡°Nothing but¡­¡± I trail off, pondering my words.


    ¡°But? There¡¯s nothing to say, girl. This man is our enemy thanks to you!¡± he yells, taking advantage of my insecurity.


    Thanks to me.


    ¡°What are you talking?¡± I ask, not understanding her usations.


    He huffs, going to the bar and pouring himself some whiskey.


    ¡°Well, you were the one who married him in secret, weren¡¯t you?¡± Your little head nned this to piss me off.¡± he says wryly, drinking the amber liquid to the end.


    I straighten my shoulders, knowing he¡¯s right about that, but not exactly.


    I married Henrico in an act of rebellion, the man I loved had just left the country, choosing to prioritize his career over me. My life was in chaos, I hated sharing the same roof as daddy¡¯s new wife and I hated hearing the bastard call me sister, every time I looked at her I was reminded that the woman who gave me life was lifeless and I was alone in the world.


    I wanted to get back at Peter, rub it in his face that I didn¡¯t need him and that there were other options for me. I also wanted to challenge Dad, to show him that if he could marry anyone and rece Mom, I could do whatever I wanted too. And I did. I married a country man, simple and honest,pletely different from the men I was used to. But Augusto Leal doesn¡¯t know that I ended up liking that life, that deep down I wanted to be happy with Henrico.


    ¡°That night¡­¡±


    ¡°That night is in the past. Dad concludes, giving me an impatient look.


    ¡°You brought Peter back.¡± I use.


    ¡°And now you¡¯re married and expecting a beautiful baby, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡± He says wryly, pulling a smile at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°You made me lie to the judge!¡± He manipted me into saying that Henrico received strange visitors, when in fact he never did.


    ¡°Not that you¡¯ve seen.¡± He corrects her, pouring her another ss of


    Iughed.


    ¡°You are unbelievable.¡± I say, shaking my head in disbelief.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re a fool. Don¡¯t tell me that meeting the ex-convict made you have any conscience, don¡¯t tell me you still have feelings for him.


    snort.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go dear.¡± Say what you want at once! He yells, anger taking over his face.


    A pain in the bottom of my belly starts to bother me and I have to put my hand in and hide it.


    ¡°I want to speak the truth. I never saw Henrico talking to any drug dealer.


    Dad snorts again.


    ¡°You saw your truck yourself.¡± I conclude.


    I shake my head.


    ¡°You nted this.¡± I say, feeling the pain intensify.


    He raises his eyebrow.


    ¡°This is a very serious charge, especially as you were the sole beneficiary of your arrest.


    I frown at his suggestion.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Well, you got married not long after, never visited him, and were the main witness to have him arrested.¡± He uses, maintaining a firm and cold stance.


    ¡°You guided me. I was shaken and confused, that night I was going back to get my things at home and leave with Peter, I was d I didn¡¯t find Henrico at home, but I didn¡¯t know about his arrest until I got his call!


    He smiled.


    ¡°And you were free, I took the little opportunist out of our lives and got elected.


    ¡°You set all of this up.


    ¡°Yes, but don¡¯t think I¡¯m the only one to me for all this.¡± Your words suggest that there is someone behind the whole setup and when I think about questioning it my pain increases due to nervousness and tension and I can¡¯t hide it.


    ¡®I am your daughter!¡¯ I cry out, feeling the liquid wet my legs.


    ¡°Yes, and that¡¯s why you¡¯re going to keep your mouth shut.¡± Say, impersonal.


    My vision blurs and I feel my temperature drop, leaving my hands sweaty and cold.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Dad asks, looking fatherly for the first time.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I am not feeling well.¡± Is all I can say before I hit the ground, feeling my consciousness slip away and all I hear before passing out is Peter¡¯s voice screaming in rm.

 CHAPTER 23

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    I kept my distance for an entire month, waited patiently for Aurora to recover, and watched Amelia walk away in the meantime, as if she had a choice. I thought and thought, devoted all my time to making a deep assessment of my revenge n and realized, with some reluctance, that I had deviated from the objective by bringing the newest Leal into the game.


    She is not a predator, but a dangerous distraction. And I need to put it all back together.


    ¡°Captain?¡± I say, hearing the man on the other end of the line chuckle excitedly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you miss me.¡± he teases, causing me to pull my lips together in a tight smile. No, I was not. Leaving prison was like being reborn and given a second chance and I definitely, without a doubt, miss that ce. However, I made contacts in jail that are needed here, like the Captain, for example. Juan Fernandez is a Peruvian, naturalized Brazilian and with a great sense of humor for someone who had a difficult childhood and the misfortune of having been adopted by abusers, nowadays he is a well-known drug dealer in the criminal underworld, but extremely respected and that¡¯s why that I need your help.


    ¡°I want you to find out something for me.¡± I speak bluntly. Hearing him blow what I believe is the smoke from his Cuban cigar.


    ¡°You know I respect you and I owe you one, just tell me. His voice is slurred.


    ¡°I would like to know which is the biggest dealer in New York, who circtes the drug. In fact, I¡¯m going to give you a name and I want to know if he has any ties to drug trafficking in the state.¡± I say, figuring that if my theory is right, I¡¯ll not only get revenge but also get justice.


    ¡°Who is the guy? Question, I don¡¯t give him all the details, just a summary of everything he doesn¡¯t already know.


    ¡°What are you going to do if you find out about his involvement?¡± he asks again, making me go silent for the first time during our conversation.


    What I¡¯ll do?


    ¡°Regain my freedom.¡± I say without hesitation.


    For many, freedom meansing and going whenever you want, but for me, it¡¯s different. Freedom means resting in my bed in peace, knowing that my name and that of my family are not harmed.


    ¡°Right.¡± He says, seeming to understand my few words without asking for a prolonged exnation, after all I¡¯m already out of jail. He could say that I am free already, but no, the word freedom also has another meaning for him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch when I find out what you want.¡± He says.


    I nod that he can¡¯t see me.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Whisper.


    He snorts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask for thanks, Henrico. I¡¯m repaying your help, but remember¡­¡± He said, pausing. ¡°I¡¯m a drug dealer and in this business there are no favors, only debt payments. When I give you what you¡¯re looking for, don¡¯t call back, freedom is harder to get on this side and you almost fell over once.


    I nod again, dismissive that he can¡¯t see me nodding, and hang up the phone. Remembering the exact moment I almost fell.


    I had been imprisoned for a year and my hope dwindled as the anger grew, each day trapped in that cage increased my indignation and resentment.


    I hated every second of the day, but one afternoon Saul was put in the same cell as me, a man in his forties and looking so out of ce I thought he was like me and had taken a beating too. We approached and I let my guard down, let him into mine.


    Mind and manipte my actions, all because I thought we were equals, wronged by the system. Saul knew how to persuade me and without realizing it, I did everything he said, until one day I was influenced to take Juan to his death, Saul wanted to finish off thepetitor and was using me to get his wish. Luckily, I noticed the trap in time and managed to avoid the worst, I would be an aplice to an unintentional murder.


    Unfortunately or fortunately Saul was killed hourster, and despite suspecting who ordered it, it was a death without me.


    My fingers take on a life of their own and I type Augusto Leal¡¯s name on the keyboard of my notebook, look up and check that the door is locked, as if I was going to do something wrong. I feel my brow furrow and my face pucker as I read the news.


    ¡°Governor Augusto Leal informs that the eldest daughter and her first grandchild are in good health. The businessman visited his daughter several times during the short interval in which she was hospitalized. He informs that the family alwayses first.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Fuck none!


    This old man is a first-ss liar and is taking advantage of his daughter¡¯s difort to regain his prestige, but I¡¯m not surprised. the head of the Leal family always prioritized power above all else, as his favoritism had waned in the polls and he was no longer being such a well-spoken governor, due to his rtionship with Alencar, he used Aurora to create an image of a loving father and helpful, so he came back. be seen as a man of integrity and dear. The poption buys everything, as if a man was good just for being a father. Shitty conservatives, shitty sperm doesn¡¯t make you worthy, a mediocre pension doesn¡¯t make you any better and certainly a picture smiling next to your kids means nothing.


    I close theptop screen, irritated, at risk of breaking the device, and jump out of my chair, feeling my skin heat up with anger.


    I run my fingers through the strands of my hair, messing up the fucking hairstyle I didn¡¯t even do. I walk restless, knowing that my enemy has regained his strength and is at his peak.


    Okay, taking down Alencar wasn¡¯t enough. So let¡¯s get to your Achilles heel.


    Family.


    A smile forms on my face and I pull my cell phone out of my left pocket, dialing the detective I hired directly.


    ¡°Tell me there¡¯s something for me.¡± I speak, right after he answers.


    ¡°Nothing concrete. Just suspects.¡± He says, enigmatic.


    I press the phone to my face, feeling my chest tighten and my breathing hitch. damn it! Here is hot.


    ¡°I don¡¯t pay you to be suspicious, I want real information on my desk. I growl, having to unbutton the top buttons of my shirt with my free hand.


    A few seconds of silence pass.


    ¡°Henrico ¡­ listen. I¡¯m having a good hunch, something big. However, I need time.¡±


    ¡°How long are we talking?¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m right, I¡¯ll have something for you Monday morning.


    I look at the calendar on my desk, next to the closed notebook, and see that today is Thursday.


    I sigh and without much choice I agree with the deadline.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to be something great. I indicate, sounding menacing. Heughs, as if he knows something I don¡¯t.


    ¡°Go for me, my friend. You will want to kiss me on the mouth.


    ¡°Do not let me down.¡± I say, hanging up the phone and tossing it onto the small dark leather couch I keep in the office.


    [???]


    The strong wind whips against my face, making Lexus appreciate our ride even more and elerate. I suspect that the horse was a savage and that is why it is just aloof. We understand each other well in this regard, we both like the feeling of freedom.


    I abandon the animal as soon as we make the way back to the farm and take it to the stall, surprised to find Amelia distracted caressing Cristal, the mare she rode thest time we were here. I cough, getting his attention.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Say, shy. I follow Lexus to them, unsure about their visit. She kept me informed about her sister during the days that Aurora was hospitalized, but stopped responding to me two days after the woman was sent home.


    ¡°I leave my horse in its stall and approach the girl.¡± I liked the hairstyle.


    I hold the small ck braid and rock it, feeling the soft texture of its strands. I control the urge to bring my nose to her hair and breathe in her scent.


    ¡°Did you go horseback riding?¡± he says, pulling away from my touch and refusing to look me in the eye.


    Sigh.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I say, ignoring her question. Annoyed that she left.


    His fists clench at my question, drawing some wrong conclusion from my tone.


    Damn.


    The green eyes shine brightly, warming me to the core.


    ¡°Anything.¡± She stomps her foot, turning to leave. My heart races, suddenly desperate at the thought of losing her.


    Lose.


    Fuck, I didn¡¯t see the girl¡¯s shadow for a month and I didn¡¯t die, I lived as if her presence didn¡¯t make the slightest difference, but now I¡¯m thinking of tying her arms and leaving her trapped in my room just so I can look a little closer. in those eyes.


    I rush in and step in front of him, blocking his path.


    ¡°Get out of the way.¡± he growls angrily, trying to get around me and getting frustrated every time I change position and stop in front of him.


    Anyone looking in from the outside will believe we¡¯re ying a silly, childish game, but I know that¡¯s just giving me away.


    ¡°I lost.¡± I say, not controlling my own fucking tongue, watching her eyes change to an even lighter shade and grow in size.


    We¡¯re close, looking into each other¡¯s faces. His chest rises and falls in rapid breaths. I bring my hand up to her bare left arm and touch her skin, feeling my entire body tingle with an electric current, stroking her skin with my fingertips. She shudders and gasps, but doesn¡¯t falter. I shudder and sigh, but continue.


    ¡°Shall we ride?¡± His voice is low and needy, almost pleading.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± I say without leaving the ce. Looking deep into her eyes.

 CHAPTER 24

    AMELIA LEAL


    I blink over and over, trying to digest what Mom just said. Her eyes stare at me warily and I need to take a few steps away to deal with the full load of the revtions she¡¯s just made.


    ¡°How long have you been together?¡± Her eyes fill with tears and her head starts to shake from side to side in denial.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t look at me like that. I don¡¯t deserve that judgmental look, Amelia. His words are tainted by tears, almost making them inaudible.


    I lower my head, unable to look into his eyes for more than three seconds.


    I didn¡¯t want to judge. I love her with all my strength, mom is my heroine and my mirror, but I can¡¯t deny that I¡¯m stunned, full of prejudices.


    ¡°Just answer me, please.¡± She sobs, no longer holding back the tears and my body shudders with guilt.


    ¡°It was at a conference a few months ago, you know how engaged I am in the social services that your father¡¯s party provides, but I do it out of love, because I feel like a better person helping others, I guarantee I have no ulterior motives. However, your father¡¯s marketing uses my image to promote Augusto¡¯s reelection and this has saturated me, the media has been specting about the veracity of my actions and this has made me sad, but your father doesn¡¯t care.¡± It says. I lift my head and meet her red eyes, showing her words are true.


    But, she¡¯s stalling and I need to know.


    I take a deep breath, sitting on my bed and feeling my stomach turn. I draw air into my lungs, struggling to maintain direct contact with her.


    ¡°Please, Mom. Go straight to the point.¡± My voicees out cold, very different from what I¡¯d like to go through and she performs. I can see the disappointment on your face.


    ¡°I need to tell you how it all happened, you need to see the whole context to understand and forgive me.


    I nod, wishing deep inside I didn¡¯t hear anything else.


    ¡°Well, I decided to ignore everything and everyone and drown myself in these humanitarian actions with body and soul.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯ve been spending so much time away from home?¡± I ask, feeling my eyes sting as I realize that she¡¯s included me in her statistic, I¡¯m part of everything and everyone.


    She looks away and rubs her hands on her dark dress pants, letting out a breath as she turns back to face me.


    ¡°Yea.¡± I feel my mouth go dry as I try to swallow some saliva, doing my best not to leave the room. Run away from what she still has to talk about. She hasn¡¯t cared about me all this time either.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s not easy for you to hear that, despite everything, Augusto is your father and no son wants to hear that his mothermitted treason.¡± His words be sharp knives and cause pain throughout my body.


    ¡°Please mother.¡± I beg, unable to stay still in one ce.


    ¡°The conference was about theck of investment in public health, your father was supposed to be there, but he sent me. I didn¡¯t know that Ezequiel had be a doctor and I never imagined meeting him after so many years.¡± I frown at the way she talks about her lover.


    ¡°Did you already know each other?¡± I ask.


    She hesitates for a moment, but nods when she realizes it¡¯s time to tell me everything.


    ¡°We were engaged when I went to work at your father¡¯spany, he wasn¡¯t studying medicine at the time, but he had a huge heart and plenty of intelligence to conquer a prosperous future, but he didn¡¯t have ambition, unlike mine.¡± Her voice drops at the end of the sentence, like she¡¯s embarrassed.


    Groom?


    I knew my mother came from humble beginnings and I met Dad through his work as a secretary and I know that her heart belonged to someone else at the time. However, I didn¡¯t know she was engaged when she met my father. Then a thought pops into my head and I can¡¯t help the desire that fills me.


    ¡°Were you engaged to him when you started dating Dad?¡±


    She wipes a tear that runs down her face and corrects her posture.


    ¡°Your father was a handsome and powerful man, I was blown away. He was always surrounding me with gifts and dinner invitations, my reality waspletely different and gradually gave in. I figured there would be nothing wrong with going to dinner with my boss or epting a pair of earrings, after all I should look presentable to work alongside a powerful man. However, Ezekiel didn¡¯t see it that way when he found out about the expensive gifts and broke up, leaving me devastated. Your father noticed my fragility and invested heavily, I ended up giving in with time. I know I was no saint and I ept my guilt, I was greedy and wanted the best of both worlds.¡± She confesses, having her eyes fill with tears again.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I grimace, remembering every joke Aurora has made throughout my life about Mom.


    ¡°She was right.¡± I mumble, feeling the tears run down my face. And suddenly I feel extremely suffocated.


    ¡°Who?¡± Mom asks, trying to get closer.


    I reach out, informing him that I need space.


    ¡°All this time.¡± Aurora was right. You slept with Augusto while her mother was sick on a bed. The words burn in my mouth.


    Mom shakes her head, looking at me in disbelief. But I¡¯m numb and I can¡¯t feel anything, neither repudiation nor empathy.


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t go to bed with your father until a month after Magdalena died. I would never do that.¡±


    Snort,ughing bitterly. Unable to believe your words.


    ¡°Amelia, I demand respect! He snarls, using a tone three¡±eighths higher than the previous one.¡± Shaping his posture to something rigid, his eyes looking at me serious, filled with regret.


    However, I can¡¯t stopughing or crying. I dedicated my life to making her happy, I fought so many times for her and nothing was real, all this time¡­


    All those people were right.


    ¡°They were right, you¡¯re a bitch. The wordse out as a single thought, reverberating throughout the room until it has its effect. The shock of his hand on my facees secondster, not causing as much as his revtions.

 CHAPTER 25

    AMELIA LEAL


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to talk to me like that, do you understand?¡± Screams.


    I don¡¯t say anything, just keep my face turned away, avoiding looking at his face.


    ¡°I was a silly girl, I let myself be carried away by a luxurious world. I¡¯m not denying my mistake, but I¡¯m a different woman now and I demand your respect. I was a girl, Amelia. A young woman full of dreams and with a desire to have the best, I took the easy way out, however a lot of my decisions came from ack of maturity. I want to be happy, daughter¡­¡± He stops, lowering the pitch of his voice. Sounding more appealing. ¡°Please don¡¯t hate me. Ezequiel and I are going to give each other another chance, but I need you and you seem to be happy. Without my beautiful girl I won¡¯t beplete. He says, stroking my hair.


    I pull away from his touch, heading straight for the door.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve already decided everything on your own, don¡¯t start pretending you care.¡± I say, looking at her onest time before walking out and leaving her alone.


    I cry out loud as I close the door behind me, making my way down the stairs as fast as I can. Ignoring Peter¡¯s call as I pass him.


    ¡°Amelia, wait!¡± Peter yells, trying to keep up with my steps.


    I grab Mom¡¯s car keys from their usual spot and head for the front door, knowing her car will be parked in the garage, ready for any emergencies.


    I unlock the car and get in, locking it again. Peter knocks on the window, but I don¡¯t pay attention to him, I start the car and go to the same ce I¡¯ve been going every day this week, the same ce I made refuge, Zattani farm.


    [¡­]


    It was almost impossible to maintain my concentration in traffic when my head was being bombarded with bad thoughts every second.


    I run into the mansion, feeling the curious gazes of the staff following me every step I take.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± I ask, as soon as I find Guilhermino talking to another man.


    He arches an eyebrow and looks at me hesitantly, carefully examining my condition.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen this movie before.¡± murmurs.


    ¡°No, this time I just want¡­¡± I trail off, not really knowing why I came here, maybe seeking refuge with him? ¡°Just tell me where he is.¡± I speak.


    He sits up first, but then sighs and gives me a hard look, pointing toward the stairs.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°He went to take a shower, you know the way.


    I nod, heading straight for his room.


    I don¡¯t knock on the door and luckily find it unlocked, I bite the corner of my mouth, listening to the shower run as soon as I enter the room.


    I bite the bottom corner of my lips, feeling nervous and guilty. I take in the decor of the ce, noticing the small details for the first time. The pale, stout, old-fashioned curtains. looking at the wide, Victorian armoire, I see therge picture of a ck horse next to the bed.


    Heavens! What was I thinkinging here?


    I move to the door ready to leave, it was a mistake. We¡¯ve been spending a lot of time together, but we¡¯re not friends. He confessed that he hates my family, he won¡¯t let go of his revenge and I certainly shouldn¡¯t have anything to do with him.


    And who are you going to look for? My conscience uses me, reminding me that I¡¯ve cut off every possible friend, excluding any chance that I now have a shoulder to lean on.


    Does not matter. He¡¯s not my friend either. I grip the door handle, determined to get out. Yes, this one is right.


    ¡°Amelia?¡± The male voice locks me in ce and I¡¯m forced to turn to face him, embarrassed at being caught before my escape.


    ¡°I was going to wait outside.


    No, you weren¡¯t. My conscience marks.


    He gives me a tight-lipped smile, showing that he knows exactly what I intended to do.


    ¡°No need to wait any longer. He says, holding my gauze with his. Causing an unknown heat in my body.


    I lower my eyes, embarrassed, sliding down to his bare, wet chest. Realizing then that he¡¯s just wrapped in a sandy towel, I involuntarily take inventory of the uncovered part of his body.


    Noticing for the first time the cross tattoo he has on his forearm.


    ¡°Did youe visit Cristal?¡± he asks, holding a smug smile to his lips. I shake my head, trying not to let my eyes fall on his defined abs. Carved out.


    I shake my head, trying to rationalize and not give in to my urge to look at her exposed skin.


    ¡°Can you get dressed?¡± I ask, making sure I¡¯m blushing this very moment. He smiles more, this time showing his straight teeth and looks down over his own naked body.


    ¡°I¡¯m in a towel.¡± He teases, indicating the terry cloth with his index finger.


    ¡°Something decent.¡± I say.


    His smile is different, wider and lecherous.


    ¡°I like nasty, maybe you don¡¯t want to get back in the shower with me.¡±


    He arches an eyebrow and gives me a seductive look.


    ¡°Wh-what?¡± I stutter, ttening my back against the wood of the door.


    ¡°Joke¡± says, but I don¡¯t believe it.


    He tilts his head, eyeing me as if I¡¯m his possible prey.


    ¡°I desire the indecent, Amelia. However, I want to know, what do you want?¡± he says, wetting his lips, dangerously closing the space between us.


    I walk out the door, dodging him and putting some space between us.


    ¡°I want you to get dressed.¡± Say, looking anywhere but at him.


    I hear his mockingugh and turn to face the expression on his face. My blood boils, realizing he was kidding the whole time. I press my lips together, holding back the barrage of profanities that see me mind.


    ¡°Idiot.¡± I say.


    ¡°Okay, sorry. However, the invitation was genuine. I wrinkle my nose in a frown and he throws his hands up.


    ¡°But before we go to the shower, you¡¯re going to tell me why your eyes are red and puffy.¡± He says seriously, reminding me of the real reason I came here.


    He almost sade me lose focus, but his remark brought back all the hurt and anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting dressed now, so if you don¡¯t want a private show, just turn your back,¡± he says, winking at me.


    I immediately turn around, feeling my body heat up again.

 CHAPTER 26

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    The girl is crying in my arms, keeping her lips closed and shivering like she¡¯s freezing cold. I pull her closer to my chest, keeping her warm and safe. I don¡¯t like the feeling I¡¯m feeling right now, it refers to a protective instinct. I want to take care of her and dry her tears, when not so long ago I decided to keep my distance from her.


    ¡°Shhh¡­it¡¯s okay. No need to cry, honey.¡± I kiss her ck strands and run my hands down her back in a gentle caress, trying to soothe her.


    I don¡¯t know what were the reasons that brought her here, straight to the wolf¡¯s den. But I know she¡¯s not well and I want an exnation.


    ¡°You do not understand.¡± he says, pulling away from me.


    I groan, hating the emptiness I feel when she leaves my arms.


    I change my expression quickly, adhering to an indifferent posture, and tilt my head to get a better look at her.


    ¡°Then exin it to me.¡± I murmur. Her eyes stare at me with a different glow, they are red and puffy from crying and my chest tightens to see her like this.


    Damn.


    What is this girl doing to me?


    ¡°My life is a lie, that¡¯s all. He throws his arms up, letting out a weak, snarkyugh. I raise an eyebrow, starting to worry about his condition.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. What exactly is a lie in your life?¡± She huffs, wiping away her tears and looking me straight in the eyes.


    ¡°That.¡± He points to the clothes on his back, holding the thin fabric of the silk shirt, adopting a strange expression as he stares at the shirt.


    I squint at where she looks, trying to make sense of her words.


    She looks like a mess. I mean, she looks like a much bigger mess today than usual. ¡°And, what¡¯s the damn problem with your shirt, anyway?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you.¡± I confess, still staring at the fucking fabric.


    He lets out a sigh, shaking his head from side to side, looking at me like I¡¯m a fool.


    ¡°I hate gray. It¡¯s lifeless and ugly.¡± He grimaces.


    I massage my temple, seeking the patience to understand.


    ¡°So why are you wearing it?¡± I ask calmly.


    ¡°That¡¯s the point, it was set aside for me to wear today to the perfect family photo shoot, like most clothes. This color conveys seriousness,mitment and makes me the reference daughter, different from the other young people.


    ¡°Do you hate the blouse?¡± She shakes her head, pouting like a spoiled child.


    ¡°Yea.¡±


    ¡°Take it off. I order, staring at the green irises flooded with tears. His pupils increase in size, his face being covered in tomato red.


    ¡°What?¡± Stutters.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, then you shouldn¡¯t use it. You¡¯ll never have to do what you don¡¯t want to do when you¡¯re with me. Never. ¡± I say that holding his gauze. She swallows hard, looking undecided about her next action, but she¡¯s not running away yet.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t, I¡¯lle over and do this chore for you, beautiful.¡± I blink, crossing my arms for a sober image. I follow with an eagle gauze the movements of her fingers to the hem of her shirt, Amelia stares at me hypnotized, uncertainty shining in her expression seconds before giving in, then my heart lurches as the garment starts to rise and reveal details of the skin. white and smooth.


    ¡°Do not stop.¡± I growl when she makes a move to give up midway.


    I follow his movements like a fucking spectator, looking forward to the scenes of the next few chapters like an addict. With each piece of skin revealed, my anxiety increases and my heart elerates in its beats. Fuck!


    The shirt is now piled on the floor, discarded as useless, and it has just awakened the demon in me. The girl bites her lips in nervousness and looks away my, I can¡¯t contain the wicked smile that forms on my lips at her coy attitude. I drink her in with my eyes, running up and down her body, taking in her t stomach and finally settling on the two mounds, covered in a ckce bra and satin straps, so fucking sexy I have to look away. I clear my throat. I sit on the small sofa that I keep in my room, I caress myself.


    ¡°Sit here and tell me what the hell happened. The truth.¡± I speak in an usatory tone, making sure there¡¯s a lot more to it than just a boring shirt. She sniffs at me, looking incredulously at myp and huffs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me orders!¡± he exims, quickly changing expression. I smile, enjoying the tension in the room. She walks over to where I am, sits down next to me, frowning, and I almost let out another smile. I turn to face him, lying on my side on the small sofa.


    ¡°Do not look at me like that.¡± It says.


    ¡± Just?¡± He rolls his eyes, turning to me, adopting the same position as me.


    ¡°Like I¡¯m easy prey.¡± My smile widens at his words.


    ¡°Stop stalling, Amelia. Throw out what¡¯s repressing you from the inside out at once.¡± She crosses her arms, making her breasts stand out more, and I drop my gauze, wondering what color her pout is.


    Damn, focus!


    She is the daughter of the enemy. It must be a card out of the deck. She is his ex-wife¡¯s younger sister andst but not least, she is eighteen years old.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I resolve to cut to the chase and avert my eyes from temptation. His face turns into a disgusted frown, but he¡¯s still looking at me.


    ¡°Please Amelia. You came here for a reason, don¡¯t be a coward.¡± I tease, not resisting and touching her pink lips.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I came looking for you.¡± He says in a shaky voice. I keep stroking her mouth, enjoying hearing the little gasps she tries to suppress.


    ¡°You know, sweet girl. You came here because you know you can tell me anything.¡± I slowly move my hand down to reach her slim waist and squeeze, marking her skin with my fingers, iming her as mine. She sighs, breathing hard and fast. I bring my other hand to his leg, smoothing it over the dark denim of his pants. ¡°Come on, honey. Tell me what torments you.¡±


    I pull her onto myp in an act, preventing her from having any chance to protest. His hands grab my shoulders immediately and we¡¯re level with each other.


    ¡°What are you doing, Henrico?¡±


    ¡°Listening to you. Now stopining.¡± I lower my hands to her round ass and squeeze her, making her climb a little higher in myp and sit on my cock. Fuck! Bad idea.


    ¡°Argh¡­ you idiot, get your hands off me.¡± Heins, restless not realizing that his movements only make the situation worse.


    I hold her above me, preventing her from continuing her dance.


    ¡°Stop being silly, damn it!¡± Who put the damn tears in your eyes, Amelia?¡± I growl, a hand on her chin and force her to face me.


    She remains silent for a few seconds before lowering her shoulders and therefore her guard.


    ¡°My mother is going to separate from my father.¡± He says, his eyes flooding with salty drops again.


    I frown and loosen my grip on her chin, giving it a gentler squeeze.


    ¡°Exin it straight, beautiful. Is your mother going to get rid of Augusto¡¯s shit? It¡¯s your turn to frown and look at me.


    ¡°You hate him, but please respect my pain. They are my parents.


    My heart squeezes when I realize the fragility contained in his words, there is suffering in them. The girl may be eighteen or older, but that doesn¡¯t mean she isn¡¯t suffering from the whole situation. I force myself to be impartial and listen without sarcasticments.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡¯ I murmur ¡°Go ahead,¡± I plead, touching her neck and shoulders.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t know my marriage to them wasn¡¯t going well. My father always prioritized work, power for him is as fundamental as air, however, I never believed that my mother would jump into the sea.¡±


    I nod, listening to his speech.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°She has someone.¡± I finish and the girl looks at me scared.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± Suspicious question. I shrug. Easy.


    ¡°Your mother doesn¡¯t seem like the half-hearted type, and I don¡¯t think she would have left her father if she didn¡¯t have someone by her side to support her.


    ¡°Yes, an ex-boyfriend. She met the first man and loved him, the guy who was her fiance when she dated my dad. And guess what?¡± Says sarcastic. I don¡¯t say anything, understanding that she just needs me to listen.


    ¡°He came back for it. The guy¡¯s a doctor, I only know him by name. After all, the idiot wanted it back. Stupid.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t judge your mother. If she¡¯s not happy in the rtionship, support her.¡± No one is forced to live an unhappy life to please others.


    ¡°She lied to me! She was in a rtionship all this time without consulting me. She didn¡¯t think about her own daughter when all I do is please her.¡± He confesses, using an angry tone. And I don¡¯t know why I do what I¡¯m about to do, but I get close to his face and kiss his forehead.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a boring brat, you¡¯re of age. Your mother waited until now to get out of your father¡¯s shackles, try to understand her. She¡¯ll be tough enough to deal with that motherfucker and the media, she needs your support and not your scorn.


    ¡°You are on her side for hating my father, but what you cannot understand is that my tears are for me. I am her only child, I deserve the truth. Augusto is my father, despite all his faults, not the person deserves to be betrayed.


    I suppress the urge to roll my eyes, Amelia doesn¡¯t know her father. He probably has a dozen mistresses lying around, after all, wasn¡¯t his mother one of them?


    ¡°I understand your side, but this isn¡¯t about you. It¡¯s their life, let them figure it out.¡±


    ¡°I yed a role, Henrico, destined to be someone I¡¯m not, while she lived her own fantasy and kept me out. She trapped me and let go of her wings.¡± She whispers, as if talking to herself, wiping away a stray tear. Right now, I hate your mother as much as I hate your father. I lift her chin and look at her, diving deep into the green irises.


    ¡°Do you want to break free, Amelia?¡± I ask, feeling my chest heave.


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t want to care what they say anymore.¡± I can¡¯t contain my smile as I analyze the girl¡¯s figure, shirtless and sitting on myp.


    ¡°You¡¯re already doing it, honey. Look where you are sitting. Your ass is nted in thep of the guy who hates your dad.¡± She looks down.


    ¡°Damn it.¡± I groan when she decides to get up and gives up in the process, sitting down hard on my most sensitive spot.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± she says, wiping away her tears.


    ¡°No?¡± I question her, finding the sudden firmness in her green eyes amusing. They are so beautiful when they are full of tears.


    ¡°No. I want this, teach me how to be a bad girl, Henrico.¡±


    I let out a weakugh, really liking the seriousness with which she asked.


    She taps my shoulder and I groan.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡± she growls at me. I throw my hands up in surrender and she huffs, already annoyed. Cute. I grab her by the chin and force her to face me.


    ¡°You¡¯re already a bad girl, Amelia. You have no idea how cruel you are being to me in this position.¡± I say, looking down at his shameless body on top of mine.


    I lick my lips, looking down at her breasts near my mouth.


    ¡°A very bad girl.¡±

 CHAPTER 27

    AM¨¦LIA LEAL


    His face carries an expression of lust, the big dark eyes urging me to wrong thoughts so intensely they stare at me. Inded in herp minutes ago and there was no escape, I revealed what my mother said earlier today. I told him about her betrayal, but his reaction, contrary to what I imagined, was appeasing, he went to his mother¡¯s defense without hesitation.


    I should be running away from his touch, jumping away from his body and giving myself some dignity. He is my sister¡¯s fucking ex-husband after all. However, contrary to what my brain tells me to do, I move my hand to her face and slowly lower it to her bare back, finding the warm, soft skin.


    You are a bad girl. he had said.


    I don¡¯t agree with that, but I like to imagine that I can be one if I want to.


    I¡¯ve always yed by the rules, although I¡¯m not entirely saintly and havemitted some transgressions throughout my teens, however, I¡¯ve never done anything too serious that would shock Daddy¡¯s voters. I always did it for her, my mother. I wanted to show the world that, despite all the rumors, Dona Anna Maria was a realdy and could raise an excellent daughter, but what did I get in return?


    Lies and more lies.


    I spent my life walking on eggshells, taking care of the way I behaved in public, spoke and even dressed. I was shaped to be the best of the best, no one could question my mother about my upbringing. I speak perfect English, I was at the top of my ss and finished high school a few months before my eighteenth birthday.


    Anything.


    Nothing I did was enough to stop her from cheating on me. Fuck it, I don¡¯t care anymore. I will live my life my way from this moment on. Without thinking about the consequences.


    ¡°What is on your mind?¡± the man says, studying my face minutely.


    I sigh, enveloped in his warm, dark gaze.


    This is the moment I should be running, running from whatever is going on between us, but I can¡¯t look away.


    He hates my father.


    He hates my family.


    Heavens, maybe he even hates me.


    ¡°I want to kiss you.¡± I confess what I didn¡¯t even think I wanted, and boldly and impulsively I wrap my hands around your neck, holding the back of your neck with one hand and plunging the other through your dark hair. He looks surprised and doesn¡¯t react at first, eyeing me suspiciously before bursting intoughter.


    I close my expression and look at him seriously.


    ¡°Idiot.¡± I growl, pulling me to my feet, ready to leave not only the room but his farm as well. He pulls me roughly back onto hisp before I have a chance to take a step and Ind awkwardly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave here!¡± He orders, staring at me with a hot as hell stare and without realizing it, I groan, feeling his tight grip on my waist.


    ¡°Ride me, one leg on each side, let¡¯s go.¡± He speaks again, sounding desperate in his tone.


    I swallow hard, feeling my skin heat up.


    ¡°At the.¡± I say firmly, still in hisp. He huffs and growls at the same time, not seeming to like my answer. My breath starts to waver.


    ¡°I¡¯m not kidding, Amelia.¡±


    ¡°Neither do I, Henrico.¡± I say his first andst name formally, setting off the intimate moment we¡¯re having.


    A crooked, slightly smug smile forms on his mouth and I have to control my breathing to keep from giving in.


    ¡°Is that right, sweetie?¡± Are you sure you don¡¯t want to ride me? He says, a smile spreading across his face.


    I shake my head, afraid I won¡¯t be able to do it out loud. His hand leaves my waist and moves down my thigh, still covered by my jeans. I press my lips together nervously.


    ¡°Because I think you do.¡± He whispers close to my ear, making the hairs nearby stand on end.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. I growl, but ites out more as a sly growl and I give up.¡±


    Damn it! Heughs softly, running his hand up and down my thigh.


    ¡°Henrico¡­¡±


    ¡°Amelia.¡± He says my name in a strained, husky voice and pulls me by my legs, cing one on either side of his body. I cry out at the unexpected movement and he smiles again, enjoying himself at my expense.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± I cry out, trying to get out of his grip.


    ¡°Never.¡± he says, cing both hands on my ass and pulling me closer to him.


    The forced movement makes me brush against her intimacy and feel the volume, already very evident for a first contact.


    ¡°Please tell me you have a cell phone in your pocket.¡± I say, feeling something hard underneath me.


    ¡°No honey. My cell phone is on the bed.¡± Confess with a in face. I bite my bottom lip, feeling my face flush.


    It is not right. Iment, averting my gaze down. He lifts my chin, forcing me to face him.


    ¡°What¡¯s not right, Amelia?¡± he asks, feigning innocence and I have to huff.


    ¡°You are my sister¡¯s ex -husband¡±  I say.


    He nods, shaking his head.


    ¡°Yes I am.¡±


    ¡°I hate my father.¡±


    ¡°Very.¡± Admit it.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be intimate.¡± I emphasize thest word, trying to say but between the lines that I am not just referring to our possible friendship.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t, but I don¡¯t want to let you go.¡± he begs, leaving my chin to caress my cheeks.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t havee.¡±


    ¡°You needed to talk, Amelia. Don¡¯t be so critical of yourself, we¡¯re both adults here.¡± He says thest words with a smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°Do not look at me like that.¡± I ask, unable to look away from those ck eyes. He smiles and tilts his head to the side, squinting in my direction.


    ¡°And what happens if I don¡¯t stop?¡± challenge.


    What could happen? I think, still spellbound by the intense dark orbs.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± I ask, giving him a pointed look.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Amelia. The only thing I know for sure is that I want you right here, sitting on myp and shirtless, offering me those beautiful breasts. Your gauze bes even more intense, hungry and wild as the wordse out of your mouth , its gauze falling onto my covered breasts.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 CHAPTER 28

    My core throbs between my legs, remembering how wrapped up I am in the situation and gasping, feeling his fingers y with thece of my bra, ying with the thin fabric.


    ¡°You needed to talk, Amelia. Don¡¯t be so critical of yourself, we¡¯re both adults here.¡± He says thest words with a smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°Do not look at me like that.¡± I ask, unable to look away from those ck eyes. He smiles and tilts his head to the side, squinting in my direction.


    ¡°And what happens if I don¡¯t stop?¡± challenge.


    What could happen? I think, still spellbound by the intense dark orbs.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± I ask, giving him a pointed look.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Amelia. The only certainty I have is that I want you right here, sitting on myp, shirtless, offering me those beautiful breasts.¡± His voice bes even more intense, hungry and wild as the wordse out of his mouth, his lips move down to my covered breasts and he bites down.


    My core throbs between my legs, remembering how wrapped up I am in the situation and gasping, feeling his fingers y with thece of my bra, ying with the thin fabric.


    Sex.


    What am I thinking? I can¡¯t have sex with Henrico.


    ¡°You should run now, beautiful.¡± he says, not really looking at me. I sigh loudly, feeling his hands cup my breasts, and


    Damn! I moan in pleasure.


    ¡°I want see them.¡± he demands, looking down at the ckce like he wants to rip it to shreds.


    ¡°Henrico!¡± I call.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me to stop, honey. You started this.¡± he hints, lifting his eyes to mine, smirking. I sigh, knowing this to be the truth. I came here and said I wanted to kiss you, but that doesn¡¯t mean I still want to.


    Urgh!


    I want to kiss you.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I open my mouth to protest, but he pulls my bra straps and yanks my panties off my body before I can say a word. I gasp in surprise. I bring my hands forward and cup both my breasts, hiding them from their gauze.


    ¡°Idiot!¡± I snarl, looking down at the mangledce fabric on the floor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cover up. He demands with a growl, but I don¡¯t intimidate. I still have both hands on my breasts, hiding them from his view.


    ¡°Do not be ridiculous.¡± Shout out.


    He growls and pulls my arms away, exposing me.


    ¡°They¡¯re exactly how I pictured them,¡± he says, licking his lips in a gesture that makes me feel embarrassed as well as needy.


    The volume in your pants increases and I feel my intimacy wet my panties.


    ¡°Henrico.¡±


    ¡°You know what, honey?¡± Thest breasts I saw were your sister¡¯s. he confesses, lifting his gauze to mine, giving me a devilish smile. A bad feeling takes over me, suddenly memories of Aurora and him together in this house invade my mind. I want to yell at him, tell him I hate him, call him an idiot and a thousand other things, but I can¡¯t. I really want. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Amelia. The only certainty I have is that I want you right here, sitting on myp, shirtless, offering me those beautiful breasts. His gauze bes even more intense, hungry and wild as the words tumble out of his mouth, his gauze falling onto hers. my breasts covered.¡± He bites my cheek, down my neck, moving the hand that was there to my left breast and squeezing, pulling the nipple with his fingertips.


    ¡°You know what, honey?¡± Thest breasts I saw were your sister¡¯s. he confesses, lifting his gauze to mine, giving me a devilish grin. A bad feeling takes over me, suddenly memories of Aurora and him together in this house invade my mind. I want to yell at him, tell him I hate him, call him an idiot and a thousand other things, but I can¡¯t. I really want. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Amelia. The only certainty I have is that I want you right here, sitting on myp, shirtless, offering me those beautiful breasts.


    His voice grows even more hungry and wild, his touch turns possessive as he explores my body. He bites my left cheek, down my neck, passing the hand that was there to my breast and squeezing, pulling the nipple with his fingertips and ying with it. The tightness between my legs increases, showing how wet and involved I am in the situation, I feel wanton feeling his fingers gently touch the hard tip of my breast and move to the other, ying like he owns me. I¡¯m not a prude, I¡¯ve had sex before, only once to be exact, it wasn¡¯t bad, but it wasn¡¯t memorable. It hurt a lot at first, but I don¡¯t know, I¡¯ll go to the end with Henrico before a real conversation. I¡¯m startled by the idea, almost covering my mouth so I don¡¯t expose myself.


    ¡°H-Henrico¡± I groan, arching my back impulsively.


    ¡°Do you still want to kiss me?¡± he whispers, leaving wet kisses on my shoulders, nipping and then licking the same area.


    ¡°No.¡± I lie, copsing into his arms.


    ¡°Um¡­are you sure dear?¡± He speaks, moving his mouth to my left breast, pulling the nipple between his teeth and stuffing it into his mouth. He sucks on the mound, letting out a long groan.


    ¡°Oh dear!¡± I cry out, not containing my pleasure.


    ¡°I want to kiss you, Amelia, can I?¡± he asks, circling my breast nipple with his tongue, giving me an indecent look. I should back off now, run away.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I moan, grabbing the strands of her hair and pulling her mouth down to mine. His lips collide with mine and his tongue asks for space, circling my mouth before entering it. We moan together, savoring the taste of each other. His hands shamelessly run down my body, squeezing and caressing every inch of exposed skin, moving down and teasing my ass, making our sexes meet in delicious friction.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°We will. ¡±


    ¡°I need to go home.¡±


    ¡°Toote to give up, honey.¡± he says, lowering his mouth back to my neck and sinking his teeth there, a no-return warning, he¡¯s marked me. I belong to him now.


    ¡°Henrico.¡± I call him, feeling my panties get even wetter.


    ¡°Shii¡­ I¡¯m going to make youe and then put you to sleep, girl.¡±

 CHAPTER 29

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    I wake up, stretch my arms out to ward off theziness, and turn to find the youngest Leal curled up in my sheet with a satisfied expression on her face. A smile ys across my lips and my body lights up at the scene, images of us fromst night coloring my thoughts.


    I curse under my breath, controlling myself not to touch her and reinstate her in a cruder way thanst night.


    Unfortunately, we didn¡¯t get much further than kissing or biting, though my hunger for her was as great as what her gauze showed me. Fuck, the bruise on her shoulder indicates that I bit, sucked, and sucked her white skin with all my might.


    A huge desire.


    I could have gone further with her, we could have explored the limits of each other¡¯s sanity together, but no, Guilhermino had to be on time and be a fucking empath. At least it came on my fingers before the asshole arrived, and good, that was the prettiest train I¡¯d ever seen. Amelia Leal horny and rocking wildly in myp was sexy as fuck, but the girl climbing up and moaning my name fucked my head on a level I haven¡¯t yet measured. The memory is so vivid in my memory that it¡¯s like going back to that moment.


    ¡°Henrico¡­¡± He moans my name, arching his back more and offering himself to me.


    I suck on her breasts, taking turns, unable to choose just one to pamper. Tasty papaya, discounting all the time I spent in jail and couldn¡¯t enjoy the pleasures of the flesh.


    ¡°Delicious.¡± I affirm, licking her sensitive pout and pulling it with my teeth, feeling her skin be more sensitive under my touch. Iugh, knowing she¡¯s enjoying my treatment.


    She rolls over in myp in response, groaning naughty for me to continue.


    ¡°We can¡¯t¡­¡± He tries to pull away, suffering a crisis of conscience.


    I growl, smacking her ass, still covered by her jeans.


    ¡°We can do anything, honey. Be the bad girl you want to be,e on, show me what you¡¯ve got and stop talking nonsense.¡± I bite his chin in punishment, dragging my hand from his ass forward, brushing my fingers over the button of his pants, pulling them open.


    I growl at the feel of the softcy fabric all wet with her arousal.


    ¡°Fuck honey.¡± Released, maddened by the indecency of the moment. The feeling of being forbidden makes everything more exciting. We both moan, filled with pleasure and lust. The clear eyes attentive to mine,pletely surrendered. Mine. She keeps moving, over and over, even as my hand slips inside her panties and my finger finds her swollen mound. Amelia gasps and screams and digs her nails into my bare shoulders in response.


    ¡± Fuck, you¡¯re dripping on me. All soft and wet, just for me.¡± I kiss her mouth again, massaging her clit with my fingers.


    ¡°Oh my God!¡± she cries out, moaning loudly as I pull up her little mound and massage it.


    Iugh slyly, licking her cheek and leaving a bite there.


    ¡°Did you like it, dear?¡± I ask, holding her throat as she makes low, needy sounds.


    ¡°Yes.¡± she says with difficulty, her eyes taking on a new shade of green.


    I smile again, liking his answer. I hint that I¡¯m going to stick a finger in her channel to test her reaction, the girl bites her lip and tilts her head back, but I catch her pained expression. I stop the pration and y with her clit, kissing her neck, shoulders and mouth softly, finding the courage to ask what I¡¯ve suspected for some time.


    ¡°Do not stop.¡± she says, rolling against my finger, trying to force pration.


    I frown, confused by their opposing reactions but controlling my own desire.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a virgin.¡± confess, putting an end to my doubt.


    I feel a bitter taste in my mouth knowing that she once belonged to someone else.


    ¡°Who?¡± I growl, not controlling the possessiveness in my tone.


    She bats her eyshes seductively, rocking her hips toward my hand. I pull away, but I ce both hands on the side of her head and pin her to the bed.


    ¡°What?¡± she asks confused.


    ¡°How many men have you been with?¡± I demand an answer.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± responds.


    I lower my mouth to her neck and bite.


    ¡°That many?¡± I growl, curling my hands into fists. She stops moving.


    ¡°What are these questions?¡±


    I shrug.


    ¡°You know what? I don¡¯t care, I¡¯ll make you forget about them all.¡± I push aside the feelings of anger and possession and focus on the beautiful emeralds that are her eyes. They stare at me expectantly, and I kiss her furiously on the mouth, experiencing something slow and romantic when she protests.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡± she says and I raise an eyebrow.


    ¡°It was with a ssmate, we weren¡¯t even dating, but it happened. It wasn¡¯t bad, but it wasn¡¯t the best experience of my life either. We fucked and that was it.¡± She says, looking at me fearfully, expecting me to judge her at some point.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I smile and she doesn¡¯t understand me.


    ¡°Only one then?¡± I ask smugly.


    She bites her lip and affirms positively.


    ¡°Let¡¯s erase the asshole from your memory, honey. I¡¯ll make it up to you for the bad fuck he gave you.¡±


    I kiss her softly on the mouth to seal the promise and she smiles.


    ¡°I want your worst.¡± she murmurs mid-kiss, trapping my hips between her legs.


    I nod, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Was it just him?¡± I say the only question that crosses my mind.


    ¡°You do not believe me?¡±


    ¡°Only once?¡± I ask and she confirms yes again.


    A predatory, possessive smile takes over my mouth, exposing all my teeth. I speed up the circr motions against her mound of pleasure and step


    suck her neck.


    ¡°You¡¯re my darling. Forget about that brat, I¡¯ll give you real pleasure. Only me.¡± I growl, taking her mouth in mine and kissing her sincerely. We both moan and I push my index finger into her pussy, pushing it inch by inch.


    ¡°Fuck, do you know how tight it is? ¡± I growl at her, pulling my finger out and pushing it back in, getting good back and forth.


    Her breasts bounce as she tries to match my finger.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, Amelia. Let me fuck you with my hot finger, beautiful. Soon it¡¯ll be my cock in that tight little pussy.  ¡± She licks her lips, speaking inaudible words in response to my dirty verbiage.

 CHAPTER 30

    HENRICO ZATTANIText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Iugh, gripping her thin neck and biting her pretty face.


    ¡°Ahh¡­ I¡¯m going toe, idiot.¡± He speaks, cing both hands on my shoulders and ripping my skin with his sharp nails.


    Ind on her firm breasts and bite them one at a time. I keep pushing into her tight channel, opening mybia majora for better ess to her g-spot.


    ¡°Enjoy, beautiful. I want you handed to me,e on. Enjoy.¡± I order, licking the nipples of her breasts as I look deep into her eyes.


    ¡°Fuck, Henrico. I¡¯m going to¡­ ahhh!¡± Your body trembles against mine, your lips


    she broke away letting out herst moan of pleasure, her vaginal wall squeezing my finger even harder, spilling her lubricating liquid all over my pants. I growl, enthralled by his expression.


    ¡°Mine.¡± I murmur, taking her mouth in a hungry kiss.


    I push the memory away and lean my elbow on the bed, turning my body to the side to see her better, forgetting the memories to focus on the present. My eyes scan the exposed skin, looking for all the marks my desire has left on her body. If Guilhermino hadn¡¯t arrived, I wouldn¡¯t have stopped. Damn it! I just left her half naked in my room and went with him because we had a meeting scheduled with a potential client for a long time, a Croatian millionaire and a self-confessed admirer of agribusiness. It so happens that Guilhermino and I are betting on a new rice crop.


    Although Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil, is one of thergest states, if not thergest in the country in terms of cereal cultivation in hectares, there are studies that show that this state and others that also nt and export rice have been reducing their nted areas and buying from other countries, so with my business acumen and my friend¡¯s passion for thend, I felt I should put my hand in the fire and invest. I bought a few miles ofnd in the country and I¡¯m going to send my best friend soon to start the ntations and put everything in order. Something tells me that in the near future Brazilians will thank me for nting rice, that seed will be worth gold, but the fucking meeting, which should havested 40 minutes at most, took three boring hours.


    My dick was hurting inside my pants and all. At that moment, the image of the girl arriving came into my mind and my despair increased.


    When it was past two o¡¯clock for the meeting and the Croatian couldn¡¯t stop bragging about Brazil, I decided to ask one of the maids to take something straight to the room and serve it to Amelia there. When we managed to close a deal and I was able to return to the room, Guilhermino still held me for a long twenty minutes about how excited he was to finally close a big deal, saying he was proud of my effort, touch my parents name to soften my heart and give you a few more minutes of conversation.


    My patience wore thin when he finally released me and said he needed to share the information with someone. I thought it strange and almost thought about asking who he was talking about, but my anxiety to go back to the room and see Amelia was greater, so I just shook my head and let him out of the big house without asking questions. However, the only thing I felt when I entered the room was frustration, as the reason for my most indecent desires was to sleep soundly, wearing only one of the shorts I wear to sleep. My mouth watered when I saw her bare stomach and hard breasts, exposed to torture me. I almost stepped on her and woke her up, but I reconsidered remembering the state she was in and how exhausted she must have been after our not ¡°so¡± innocent romp, so I showered and joined her, snuggling into her slender, body. tempting.


    I only realized that I fell asleep when I woke up this morning.


    I trace her mouth with my fingertips, smiling at the grimace that forms on her face. She raises her hand and tries to shoo me away, as if I¡¯m a mosquito disturbing her sleep. the nose, eyebrows and back to the mouth.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I say when she opens her eyes. A sympathetic smile tugs at her lips when she notices me, her lids half-closed, still heavy with sleep, and I kiss her right on her pointy nose, feeling extremely sentimental.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Whisper.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    I caress her face, drinking in her beauty like a fool, barely recognizing myself.


    Damn.


    What did this girl just out of her teens do to me?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see youe.¡± He mumbles, sniffing at the end of the sentence. I let out a low chuckle.


    ¡°You were already asleep and I didn¡¯t want to wake you up.¡± I rify, biting her chin. Sheughs at my action, trying to pull her face away from my teeth.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± He mutters, referring to the fact that he sleeps before he sees me.


    ¡°No problem. How are you feeling today?¡± I mean, really interested in your state of mind.


    ¡°Fine. I study his eyes, checking that he isn¡¯t lying to me.¡± I nod when I realize that yes, she¡¯s telling the truth.


    ¡°Excellent. Spend the day with me.¡± I ask, sounding sweeter than I¡¯d like. She looks at me suspiciously, but her eyes glint with some thought I can¡¯t read.


    ¡°Fine, but I need a shower before breakfast. Turn your face over there.¡± He points to the wall. I arch an eyebrow, silently asking if what he says is serious.


    ¡°Your breasts are scarred by my teeth, honey. Don¡¯t be ashamed of it.¡± I say, smirking.


    Her face pales before flushing red and I widen my smile, happy to aplish my goal of embarrassing her.


    ¡°Turn your face away now, Henrico Zattani. Hemands and raises my arms in surrender.


    ¡°You won, Am¨¦lia Leal.¡± I turn to the wall, watching out of the corner of my eye as she runs to the bathroom and locks herself inside.


    Iugh at her premature shyness and lie on my stomach, ovee with suddenziness.


    My cell phone rings on the table and I have to reach out to answer it, the name on the screen, Detective, makes me wonder whether or not I should answer it. I peek at the bathroom door and check that it¡¯s really closed, but it¡¯s the sound of the water falling from the shower that makes me answer the call.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I speak in a harsh tone, feeling grumpy..


    ¡°I have good news for you boy, you¡¯ll still want to pay me extra for that news.¡± He says, showing that it¡¯s just another bird of prey.


    I clench my jaw, irritated by the man¡¯s voice.


    ¡°You already earn enough and I¡¯m not in the mood. What¡¯s the big news?¡±


    The man snorts on the other end of the line.


    ¡°You need to fuck my friend.¡± The man speaks, increasing my anger. I look at the bathroom door.


    ¡°We are not intimate forments of that level, don¡¯t worry about my sex life. I¡¯m fine. Say what you have to say.¡± I growl, losing patience.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do better, I¡¯ll send it to you.¡± he says, his cocky tone pissing me off.


    Guilt washes over me, whatever he has to send me is about her family, we are having fun and it will be spoiled if she finds something she shouldn¡¯t on my phone.


    ¡°No.¡± I almost scream. ¡°I trust your ability. If you think it¡¯s something big, send it to the press and spread it to all the media. I don¡¯t want my name linked, just do more of this work and you¡¯ll earn your extra.¡± I hang up just as Amelia emerges from the bathroom, her hair wet and wrapped in a white towel.


    ¡± All good?¡± she asks, eyeing me as she dries her hair.


    I put my cell phone in the back pocket of my pants and tilt my head toward it.


    ¡± All good.¡±


    She narrows her eyes like she doesn¡¯t believe my answer, then when I think she¡¯s going to say something about it her expression changes and she smiles.


    ¡°I¡¯m starving.¡± she says, biting her pink lips, drawing my attention to her body.


    ¡°Me too, baby girl. You don¡¯t know how hungry I am.¡±

 CHAPTER 31

    AM¨¦LIA LEAL


    Exists a fickleness in this man¡¯s mood which only God can exin, is not possible. One hour we¡¯re fine and the next he seems to want to rip my head off, I can¡¯t handle it. Okay, fine, I¡¯m not a sweetie either. Except we were fine until breakfast,ughing and talking like he wasn¡¯t an avowed enemy of my family, and then everything changed, all of a sudden.


    Heavens, he sucked my pussyst night like it was his favorite dessert and now he has this frown, worthy of who ate and didn¡¯t like it. But in this case, he didn¡¯t even eat, he just tasted it.


    ¡°What?¡±  I say, throwing my arms up and facing him.


    He snorts, as if my question is silly, and pisses me off even more, knocking all the patience out of my body.


    ¡°My blouse looks really good on you.¡± Comment, trying to divert my attention, since he offered me one of his blouses after thement I made about mine yesterday.


    ¡± Spit out what¡¯s bothering you, Henrico . Just speak.¡± I say sharply, cing both my hands on my hips.


    The man looks at me but remains silent, his eyes moving down my body and straying to a spot behind me.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± He shrugs, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a ck lighter next to a pack of cigarettes.


    I frown, looking down at the cigarette in his left hand.


    ¡°You smoke?¡± I ask in disbelief.


    He shrugs again, bringing one of his cigarettes to his lips and lighting it.


    ¡°Only when I want to rx.¡± he murmurs, blowing smoke into the air.


    ¡± Smoking is bad for your health.¡± I blurt out the only rational thought in my head, since the others were about how sexy he looks smoking, dragging on his cigarette and blowing the smoke into the air.


    He smirks, looking at me more closely.


    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s not like we know how long we have on earth anyway.¡±


    I arch an eyebrow, ¡°Is this serious? Is this the argument you are going to use?¡±  I ask and heughs low, showing his amusement with my face of surprise and annoyance.


    ¡± Yea.¡±


    I huff, stroking my temple to keep from starting a rant about how he¡¯s fucking up his life by smoking and¡­ h h h. Oh, forget it.


    ¡± Right.¡± I whisper, sping my two hands in front of me and forcing a smile.


    The man takes two more puffs on his cigarette, walking towards me with deliberate steps, causing my body to itch.


    ¡°Experient.¡± Pushes the legally marketed drug on my lips, making me frown.


    ¡°Suck like air.¡± she whispers in a strategically seductive voice, licking her lips as she keeps her eyes locked on my mouth.


    I suck, mimicking the gesture he made seconds ago with the cigarette, spellbound by his voice.


    I hold the smoke in longer than I should and it gets stuck in my mouth, down my throat and choking on it. Cough, all clumsy.


    Heughs but smacks my back.


    I pull his hands away, walking two steps away from him still coughing, my expression closing.


    ¡°I hate this thing. ¡± Vent, pointing to the cigarette with his head.


    He stares at his fingers, studying the cigarette in my mouth as if it were a work of art.


    ¡°Smoking is like ying chess, you think you¡¯re in control, you have the power, but it¡¯s all an illusion. The game owns you. I listen carefully to his speech, sensing that there are many more words that are not being said.


    ¡°Then why do you smoke?¡±


    He shrugs, a grim smile on his lips.


    ¡°Smoking helped me in jail, I thought it would be a good habit out here.¡± Nicotine keeps me on track and helps me think. he confesses, refusing to look at me. Looking fragile.


    I bite my bottom lip, feeling my hands itch to touch him, hold his face close to mine and offer me as a recement for his addiction.


    Kiss me instead of the cigarette. Touch me.


    But all thates out of my mouth is, ¡°Thanks for sharing this with me, Henrico . But, I don¡¯t think your life out here should bepared to what you had in there. Are you free.


    His gaze lifts to mine, even more ck and intense than usual, and my breath catches. Feeling my legs wobble.


    ¡°Not yet, Amelia. Not yet. he deres, approaching dangerously, implying that he still feels trapped.


    ¡°You still want to hurt my family.


    ¡°I want justice, only then will I be free.¡±


    I nod, unable to dodge the shadowy ck pupils.


    Justice.


    The word reappears in my thoughts when he closes the space between us and puts a hand on my waist, breathing very close to my face, stealing my breath. And suddenly, everything bes clear to me, my body¡¯s reactions when he¡¯s close, our involvement in such a short time. I¡¯m liking Henrico  Zattani, falling in love with his contradictory personality and the way he sees and treats me. He sees who I am, pushes me to be who I want and doesn¡¯t charge anything in return. He wants to prove his innocence and now, looking into his eyes, I can identify that I want the same thing, I want justice for him.


    ¡°Kiss Me.¡± I ask, not controlling the thought that takes me.


    He smirks, softening his gaze and looks to the side, tightening his grip on my waist.


    ¡°You make me want to fire all my employees. ¡® he says, leaving me confused.


    ¡°Hey!?¡± He roars, turning to look at me.


    ¡°You let him touch you.¡±  He rages, looking away to the side, where there are two men of the same age as his and it finally dawns on me.


    A smug little smile spreads across my face and I can¡¯t help but chuckle, realizing he¡¯s been jealous all this time that I¡¯ve asked one of the men to help me mount one of the horses that just arrived.


    ¡°Not for fuckingughs!¡± I¡¯m serious. ¡°The guy grabbed her ass.¡±  Says in the form of a roar, all serious.


    I roll my eyes at his exaggeration.


    ¡°The man didn¡¯t grab my ass, he just respectfully helped me mount the spotted one, there.¡±  I point in the direction of the horse with small white spots on the body.


    Henrico  snorts.


    ¡°He took. he says, pouting and I want tough again, but this time in his spoiled way.


    Typical only child.


    ¡± Kiss Me.¡±  I ask again, throwing away the shame.


    The man stares at me in surprise, but approval mixed with desire flickers in his irises.


    ¡°Of course, miss.¡±  He says, but I don¡¯t give him time to amend another line and I attack him, sliding my lips on his gently at first, but changing ording to my desire.


    His free hand grabs my hair from behind, drowning in the nape of my neck and pulls my strands hard, making me moan into his mouth. I do the same with her hair and we both moan.


    A dry cough makes us part, embarrassment hitting me when I find Guilhermino¡¯s face loaded with a big smile of aplice.


    ¡°Fuck, man. You love to dy my life.¡±  Henrico  lets go, staring at his friend with a frown. I agree with him, although I prefer to remain silent so as not to draw more attention than I already have. However, it was Guilhermino¡¯s fault that Henrico  and I didn¡¯t advance to the next base, I don¡¯t know whether to thank or kick the man.


    ¡°You were about to swallow the girl, bro. I had to intervene. ¡± Speaks with aughing voice, taking our face.


    And I¡¯m even more embarrassed, looking around and noticing the presence of many employees nearby.


    Damn it.


    ¡°What you want?¡±  Henrico  asks,ssoing my waist and bringing me close to him.


    Guilhermino assumes a serious posture, changing his expression to worried as he stares at us.


    ¡°I need you to see something.¡± he says, looking right at his friend.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Henrico  squeezes my waist, tensing at the tone the man used.


    ¡± What happened?¡±  He asks, but Guilhermino shakes his head.


    ¡°I need you toe with me and see for yourself.¡±


    He looks away at me and sighs heavily, scratching the back of his neck nervously.


    ¡°Amelia, your mother called and asked you toe home. Something seems to have happened.¡± he says, looking fearful as he divides his gaze between me and Henrico .


    The mention of her makes realitye flooding back, as if I¡¯ve been in a fantasy this whole time, I think about opening my mouth to question how the hell my mom knows where I am, but I remember I have his car and he has GPS. Not to mention I¡¯m focusing on the fact that he said something happened and only one thoughtes to mind.


    Dad found out about the betrayal.


    My chest tightens, thinking I¡¯ve left her alone to deal with him and Aurora, because surely my stepsister won¡¯t pass up an opportunity to humiliate Mom.


    ¡°Need to go.¡± I say, going back to the big house to capture the car keys.


    ¡± Wait. Henrico  takes my arm.¡±  I can go with you? he asks, sounding worried.


    I shake my head, imagining the possible scenario I will encounter.


    His presence will only make matters worse.


    ¡°Better not, I¡¯ll let you know when I arrive.¡± I ce a quick kiss on his lips and leave the two men behind. I grab the key that was on the table next to the bed I shared with himst night and head straight for the car, not seeing him on the way.


    Of all I imagined, it never crossed my mind that I would find my father kneeling at my mother¡¯s feet, weeping in dismay and begging her not to leave him.


    ¡°What is happening?¡± I say, closing the door behind me, staring at the unbelievable scene.

 CHAPTER 32

    AM¨¦LIA LEAL


    ¡± You Didn¡¯t you see the pictures on the gossip sites?¡± Aurora¡¯s mocking voice reverberates through the wide space of the room and reaches me, making me turn my face towards her, noticing for the first time since I entered the house her presence next to her husband.


    ¡± Aurora¡­¡±  Peter intervenes, holding the woman¡¯s arm, but looking at me.


    I look between them, confused by my stepsister¡¯s words and the strange scene that is still ying out.


    ¡°What should I have seen?¡±  I speak, not directing my speech to anyone in particr, but wanting a usible answer.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°Oh, please.¡± Aurora says, breaking free of her husband¡¯s grip and throwing both arms up in a dramatic, theatrical gesture, then adopting her typical superior expression. ¡°Your bitch mother betrayed my father and now the entire, you know. This happened. he growls, looking in the direction where my parents are.


    My brain takes time to process the information, but everything falls into ce when I observe them better. Augusto Leal is kneeling at my mother¡¯s feet, like in one of those foreign films full of drama that I tend to watch from time to time and it is the most bizarre situation I have ever witnessed in my entire life, firstly because the great Mr. Leal is not one to apologize, second, he is on his knees and begging. My eyes widen and it all makes sense.


    He found out!


    ¡°Get up, Augustus!¡± Stop this acting. Mom snaps, looking embarrassed and irritated at the same time.


    ¡°I love you, Anna. We can start over, give us that chance.¡± Dad asks, sounding sincere in his words.


    I¡¯m mesmerized by the scene, avoiding even blinking.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this¡­¡±  Aurora murmurs, looking in the same direction as me. Her face is twisted into a frown of disbelief and annoyance, but I also notice the confusion in her pale irises.


    ¡± I better go, Augustus. I¡¯m not giving any interviews, don¡¯t worry. I just need some time.¡±


    ¡°Not! You¡¯re meeting that guy and I can¡¯t ept that, we¡¯re still married and I have an image to preserve. If you leave the house after these rumours, my rivals wille all over me.¡± He stands up, his expression changing to something wild, angry.


    Mom recoils, just as surprised and scared by Dad¡¯s change in behavior as I am.


    ¡°What photos are these?¡± I look at Aurora.


    She snorts, pacing back and forth in low heels and a tight dress that highlights her baby bump, which is bigger than thest time we saw each other, her shape has gained more curves too and her face is rounded, making her even prettier.


    ¡°What pictures, Aurora?¡± I rephrase the question, holding my stepsister¡¯s blue eyes.


    Peter stands beside her, trying to get her to stop in her tracks and calm down, I can see the spark of concern in his eyes every time he looks at his wife and I know he is remembering her in a hospital bed, running the risk of losing her son, just like thest time she took part in an argument in this house.


    I don¡¯t me him, I¡¯m thinking the same thing.


    ¡°These photos.¡± Dad holds the phone up to my face and a picture of Mom with a man appears, along with sensational text and headline.


    Mom is on her back, being kissed and caressed by a man with long brown hair, her face is hidden due to her position, but it is possible to see the man¡¯s profile. I lower my eyes to the text and slowly read the headline, words full of innuendo and offensive make up the text, I clench my hands into fists and set my jaw.


    Vultures.


    Birds of Prey.


    How did they get these photos?


    ¡°My name is in the mud, Amelia. I¡¯m the fucking governor of this state and I¡¯m ying a joke on my constituents! ¡± Dad explodes, roaring the words and showing an anger that was hidden until then.


    I turn my eyes to Dona Anna Maria, she has slumped shoulders and a defeated expression that hurts my soul, I remember our argument yesterday and the feeling of guilt hits me, she is my mother after all.


    ¡°Mommy.¡± I say, walking over to her. Her eyes meet mine and there¡¯s regret in them, shame and something else I can¡¯t ce.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, daughter.¡± she says, touching my face.


    I shake my head, denying her apology.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t apologize, they owe you that.¡±  I speak, referring to the journalists of the gossip site.


    She hugs me and I return the gesture, squeezing her tightly against me.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± Ask softly and frown, strange your question.


    ¡°At Henrico , you called the farm asking me toe.¡± I say, pulling my face away from her shoulder to face her.


    She looks confused by my speech, knitting her eyebrows together.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t call there, I spent the night trying to track my car and I couldn¡¯t. You left your cell phone at home too, I was about to call the police when my phone went crazy with so many calls from journalists, that¡¯s when I saw the photos and the confusion was already established.¡±He speaks.


    she didn¡¯t call.


    Now I¡¯m the one who¡¯s confused.


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t call, then¡­¡± I think aloud, stopping to look at each member of my family, finally realizing what happened.


    It was a setup.


    Idiot.


    Idiot.


    Idiot.


    He¡¯s the only person I¡¯ve told about Mom¡¯s betrayal, he¡¯s also the only person I can think of who would be happy for this information to leak out so he could directly target my father and get his damned revenge, humiliating the whole world. my family.


    But¡­ How did he get the pictures so fast?


    Of course! by the way he reacted, he should have already been aware of the extramarital rtionship that Mom was having and had possession of those photos, so he didn¡¯t present such a surprise. He manipted me with his appeasing words, encouraging me to forgive my mother because she should have been nning to leak the photos, everything was part of her n, the theater, the kisses. He tricked me right.


    My chest tightens, the shame at letting myself be deceived by someone who so openly deres his hatred for my family is overwhelming.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± I whisper, looking at the floor.


    The fault is mine.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Aurora¡¯s voice makes me wake up and look towards her, her eyes are sharp, suspicious and study me intently.


    I open my mouth to speak, but I can¡¯t.


    ¡°The photos are true, I found someone from my past and I¡¯m separating from your father.¡± Mom deres, gaining everyone¡¯s attention again.


    An agonizing silence sets in, making everyone¡¯s breathing the only audible sounds, and I try not to look in Dad¡¯s direction.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t surprise me. You were Dad¡¯s lover when my mom was alive, now she¡¯s cheated on him with someone else. Being a whore without character is what you are.¡± Aurora attacks, ripping all the patience out of my body.


    I advance towards her, not thinking straight and shout, very close to her face: ¡± Shut the damn mouth, I will not allow you to talk to my mother like that. She finished raising you, gave affection and always strived to please you, swallow your arrogance and be more grateful.


    Aurora snorts, giving me the same death re I¡¯m dealing her with.


    ¡°I don¡¯t owe your mother or you anything, I never asked you to do anything for me. Because of her my mother died of heartbreak, for me, let her go away with her lover and nevere back.¡± He arrives.


    Peter yells, taking up the space between his wife and me. ¡°Amelia, please.¡± He asks, begging me with his eyes for me to be the first to give in.


    She is pregnant, his eyes say.


    I breathe in, giving my sister onest look, and pull away, returning to Mom¡¯s side.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Aurora. I¡¯m leaving right now.¡± Mom says, grabbing my hand and turning toward the stairs.


    I don¡¯t question her, following her in precise steps.


    ¡°You can not go.¡± Dad speaks again.


    ¡°Augusto¡­¡± Mom turns her back to face him.


    ¡°There are journalists out there, Anna. Give me some time so I can pack things up.


    Mom shakes her head.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to fix, you better than anyone know that our marriage has not been going well for a long time, separation is our only choice.¡±


    ¡± I disagree, we can regain the feeling you think you lost. Forget everything, let¡¯s start over.¡± Dad tries, using a soft, almost seductive voice.


    Mom sighs, taking the hand not holding mine to wipe away a stray tear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make this difficult, Augustus.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t make it easy for you, Anna. I don¡¯t usually lose.¡± Dad¡¯s menacing voice puts me on alert.


    ¡°I never expected it to be.¡± The woman who gave me life speaks, in a confident and challenging tone.


    I watch Dad narrow his eyes and change his expression once more, opting for a softer, friendlier, almost kind look.


    Strange the change in his behavior.


    ¡°Give me at least a week so I can approach our split with the media more smoothly, I¡¯m not asking too much of you. Think about my career and how much I fought to get to where I am.¡± Papa embodies the great Augusto Leal and uses his CEO tone, cold and calcting.


    Mom sighs, looking at the man who¡¯s been married for eighteen years and nodding, surprising everyone in the room.


    ¡°A week.¡±  Murmurs.


    My progenitor smiles widely, a dark glint in his eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I need. Do not speak or confirm anything with the media until then, I will ask you not to meet with this guy until the end of this week too.¡± He asks and she nods.


    Strange the coldness and contentment in Dad¡¯s speech, he doesn¡¯t even seem like the same man who was huffing and screaming minutes ago.


    Something is wrong.


    Augusto Leal doesn¡¯t like to lose.


    ¡°That goes for you too.¡± He directs a nce at me, then at Aurora and Peter. ¡°No word of what happened by the end of this week.¡±


    Everyone confirms it, except Aurora, but I doubt that she would dare to contradict Dad in any case.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sort out the ruckus outside.¡±  Dad says, pulling his cell phone out of his suit and heading to his office.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go.¡± Mom says directly to me, nodding toward the stairs.


    I nod and we start walking up the steps, leaving my stepsister and her husband behind.


    ¡°Nice shirt, little sister.¡± Aurora teases, hinting to me that she knows who the blouse belongs to.


    My body tenses, remembering what I let him dost night. Your mouth, your tongue and your hands marking me. I clench my fists, forcing myself not to cry. He used me, but he will never touch me again.


    A bloody traitor!


    Damn liar.


    He leaked the pictures and acted for me, but I know it was him.


    I will not forgive you, Henrico  Zattani. I am not going.

 CHAPTER 33

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    ¡°I did not do it!¡± I say, looking at theputer screen in disbelief.


    ¡± He is sure?¡± Guilhermino questions, shooting me one of his older brother looks.


    I snort, rolling my eyes at the damn asshole.


    ¡± I have. I didn¡¯t give orders to anyone¡­¡± I trail off, remembering the call I got earlier and how excited my private investigator was about his discovery.


    Damn!


    ¡°You really have no connection to this?¡± Guilhermino speaks again with my silence, nodding at theputer screen, referring to the article about Amelia¡¯s mother. I lower my head, averting my gaze from his, keeping my mouth shut, and throw myself into the chair beside me, sitting down awkwardly, struck by an intense pain above my temple.


    Damn! This couldn¡¯t have happened. Could not.


    Not now, when we¡¯re getting alone.


    He touches my shoulder, but I refuse to meet his eyes, because if I do, he¡¯ll know the truth and I¡¯m not willing to deal with his lectures right now. Because yes, I have a hand in publicizing the photos, even if indirectly, after all I was the one who hired the person to take them, but I didn¡¯t want to hurt my girl with that. When my detective saidst week that he had something for me, something really big I was in anticipation, but when he called me earlier today I had Amelia just a few feet away, in my bathroom to be exact and nothing else mattered. The information he had for me no longer aroused much interest and I ended the call quickly, as I didn¡¯t want to risk being caught by her plotting against his family, so I gave him carte nche to do what he thought best. In any case,


    Only¡­Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Fuck!


    I had no idea that the photos were about Amelia¡¯s mother, if I had known I would have had them deleted.


    ¡°Henrico ¡­¡± Guilhermino starts to speak, but is interrupted when I stand up abruptly and face him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not my father, Guilhermino.¡± Stop acting like it is. I snarl, impatient with your treatment since I got out of prison.


    He holds my gaze, clenching his jaw. We were both silent, waiting for the other to give in first, but I¡¯m stubborn as fuck and even wrong I don¡¯t usually back down, so he gave in, even contradicted.


    ¡°You do, don¡¯t you?¡± Question, looking at me disappointed.


    I don¡¯t need to speak, my silence is the confession he needs, but I speak anyway.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know the pictures were about her mother.¡± I defend myself, but he huffs, shaking his head from side to side.


    ¡°Jesus¡­ Henrico . I¡¯m starting to get worried about you, do you have any idea what you just confessed?¡± he says, removing his cowboy hat from his head and running his hands through his hair.


    ¡°I need to see her.¡± I say, grabbing her truck keys off the table. Her hand grips my shoulder, preventing me from leaving.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t driven since that night. ¡± Punctuates, referring to the night of my arrest, bringing up bad memories.


    I growl, hating the memories now crowding my head.


    ¡°Screw this.¡± I say, letting go of his grip, even though I know he¡¯s right.


    I haven¡¯t been renewing my driver¡¯s license since I got out of jail, nearly sixty days ago. Thest time I was driving a car was also the worst night of my life.


    ¡°You need to clear your head.¡± He says, taking the front of me and passing the key in the office door.


    I growl.


    ¡°Open the fucking door! I don¡¯t have a patient to y with, Guilhermino.¡± Scream, furious.


    ¡± I¡¯m not kidding, Henrico .¡± I cannot allow you to leave in this state. he says, tucking the key into the front pocket of his pants.


    I growl again, kicking the chair to vent my anger and I turn to face him.


    ¡± Get out.¡± I order.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to step over me.¡±He says, crossing his arms and giving me one of his serious and restrained expressions.


    My lips pull back into a smirk, and I look him up and down.


    ¡°No problem, brother.¡± I speak cynically, practically spitting out thest word, ready to advance on him.


    ¡°You really like her, don¡¯t you?¡± She squints at me, trying to see something in me that isn¡¯t clear.


    snort.


    ¡± What you mean?¡±


    He smile.


    Smiling like you¡¯ve just discovered something no one else knows.


    ¡± Yes you like. That¡¯s why you¡¯re so out of your mind, you¡¯re afraid she¡¯ll find out it was you and dump you.¡± I growl again, advancing towards her, curling my hands into fists anding face to face with him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to say anything to her, understand?¡±  I scream the words, feeling my heartbeat elerate with the effect of his words, a feeling of fear and possession taking over my body and thought at the memory of her.


    Heughs low, not bowing to me.


    ¡°I won¡¯t say anything, bro. You are my heart brother, your happiness is my happiness.¡± Says, smiling with a softer and more yful tone.


    I pull away, not liking his reaction to my order.


    ¡°Stopughing and get out of my way, bastard¡±  I say, also using a softer tone.


    ¡°If you like her, you¡¯ll need to give up your revenge.¡± He says, leaving the front of the door anding towards me, squeezing my shoulder with his hand. I pull away from his touch, averting my gaze back to theputer screen.


    I didn¡¯t want to expose her mother¡¯s ndestine romance, on the contrary, for me the woman who put a lot of horn on that unfortunate Augusto¡¯s head, but I saw how much Am¨¦lia was shaken by her mother¡¯s rtionship with the other man and it wouldn¡¯t cause the she more pain. But would I be able to drop my revenge for her? Would I choose her if I had to make a choice?


    I sigh, turning my attention back to my longtime friend and sigh, knowing the answer.


    No, I couldn¡¯t give up on something I¡¯ve been nning for years for a girl I¡¯ve be more intimate with recently.


    My revenge is more important to me.


    ¡± I can¡¯t.¡± I finish, looking deep into his eyes.


    His face bes serious, losing the fun of seconds ago.


    ¡°Then let her go.¡±


    I frown at his words.


    ¡°Then let her go.¡±


    So easy.


    However, I can¡¯t let her go either.


    Am¨¦lia Leal is mine and I will not give her up.


    ¡°Not.¡± Is all I answer him.


    He sighs, a look of concern that hasn¡¯t been on his face before.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have both, Henrico . In the end, you¡¯ll have to give up one, you know.¡± I don¡¯t answer him, I just keep my attention back to theputer screen, feeling my chest tighten without any exnation.


    The noise of the doorknob being turned makes me turn my eye to the door and find it open, unlocked.


    I squeeze the truck key in the palm of my hand and it doesn¡¯t take me more than a second to make my decision, before anything I need to see her and talk to her, I need to assure her that I¡¯m not guilty.


    I¡¯m a great driver, always have been, but it¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve been behind the wheel, so I¡¯m dreading driving again, but the fear melts away as soon as I¡¯m in the car. I put the key in the ignition and hear the engine roar, the nostalgic feeling of independence from when I was first in a car overwhelms me and I want to speed up.


    Okay, I¡¯m going to do this.


    My personal cell phone rings before I start the engine and the number on my screen is strange, it is unknown and I consider it before answering it, deciding to slide the button to ept the call.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I say, curious about the other end of the line.


    ¡± Henrico  Zattani?¡± The male voice pronounces my name in a questioning tone, making me even more intrigued.


    He wasn¡¯t sure that was my number when he called me?


    ¡± Who are you?¡± I ask directly.


    ¡± You know me, I¡¯m your ex¡±wife¡¯s husband. We need to talk.¡±  I clench my jaw, deciding whether to hang up now or tell him to go fuck himself first.


    ¡°We have nothing to talk about.¡±  Growl.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Amelia.¡± He says, surprising me by mentioning my girl¡¯s name and not Aurora, his wife. Since I thought the reason for your call was to talk about the visit I made to my ex-wifeon the same day she fell ill.


    I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing my fingers against the steering wheel.


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak her name.¡±  I snarl, hating him even more now.


    I remember the way he looked at her in the hospital, it wasn¡¯t the look of a brother-inw, much less brotherly or pure. He looked at her with possession, desire and anger.


    I didn¡¯t like it, I wanted to punch his face and tell him to stay away and take care of his pregnant wife.


    ¡°She wants you to stay away. he says, making me press the phone against my face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hear it from her.¡±  I growl at him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve caused us enough trouble, Amelia knows you¡¯re responsible for leaking her mother¡¯s photos and doesn¡¯t want to see you again. Get out of our lives, stay away from my family or you¡¯ll have to deal with me. ¡±  Threat.


    snort.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m afraid of you?¡± Stay out of my way, I won¡¯t mind running over you.  Growl.


    He is silent.


    ¡± This is my first andst warning, HENRIC. Stay away from my family, that includes Amelia. She doesn¡¯t want you, but don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take good care of her.¡±  She says, hanging up soon after.


    I m against the steering wheel, feeling my blood boil in my veins and arteries.


    ¡°Fucking hell!¡±

 CHAPTER 34

    AM¨¦LIA LEALThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Contradicting the sun earlier today, the weather closed and the sky is full of heavy clouds, dark and ready to release liters and liters of water. The rain has always fascinated me, when I was little the rainy days were the best for me, simply because I had mornings so I didn¡¯t even have to go to school and deal with all the childish jokes about being a mistress¡¯s daughter, a bastard who didn¡¯t deserve to be here. in the same ce with them, the legitimate children of their good and worthy families. I grimace at the memory and shift my gaze to the framed picture I keep on the table with my notebook, a picture of me and Mom, when I had just turned five and was starting to lose my teeth. She¡¯s smiling like she¡¯s really happy, theplete opposite of the woman I saw today. I left her in her room when we went up earlier today and until now I haven¡¯t seen her again, she dismissed me with a few words, saying she needed to be alone and mmed the door in my face. I didn¡¯t question her either and stayed in my room ever since, needing to be alone too. I asked Ros¨¢ria, our boss, to prepare something light for lunch and send it straight to the rooms.


    The first drop of rain falls and hits my window, slowly making its way down the ss, as if waiting for the others. The second falls, then the third until I lose count and observe only the heavy rain in all its magnitude. I lose track of time, trying not to think about recent events, my resentment that Mom has withheld her rtionship with another man is still strong, but it is no greater than the love and admiration I feel for her, so I put myself in her ce and just threw all that shit into oblivion. However, Dad won¡¯t forget a betrayal and I fear the retaliation that wille.


    If there¡¯s one thing I¡¯ve learned from Dad during all these it¡¯s that honor is precious to him and his reaction earlier today was beyond strange, he seemed out of his mind at certain times and extremely controlled at others, as if he was fighting a battle. with myself and that put me on alert. Butas time went by, i understood, he was betrayed and didn¡¯t know how to deal. The great Lord Loyal was tripped and that left him destabilized. I inhale, pulling air into my lungs, still looking at the rain through the window, pushing away the images of the man who divulged such private information and traded my trust for his idea of ??revenge. I shake my head, pushing his image from my mind.


    Focus on the real, Amelia. You have more important matters to deal with. Forget the damn bastard.


    I stare at my phone, realizing it¡¯s after 6:00 pm and my stomach is growling,ining about theck of food. I move away from the window and slip on my flip flops, grabbing a moss green sweatshirt and pulling it on over the in dress I¡¯m wearing. I can¡¯t contain the groan of disgust when I step in front of the mirror and visualize the purple mark on my neck. Damn you.


    Has that stain been here this whole time?


    I inspect my neck, looking for more marks, and find two more small purple dots. I snarl, wanting to p myself for being so stupid and falling for his maniption game.


    He used me, stole privileged information and didn¡¯t think twice about leaking it to the media.


    Asshole.


    I just can¡¯t understand how he got those pictures so fast. snort.


    He really should have known about the extramarital affair my mom was having by now and he yed it up for me.


    Asshole.


    Asshole.


    Asshole.


    But, it sucks so well.


    What? Damn no. What am I thinking.


    Focus, Amelia.


    I twist my face at my reflection in the mirror, disgusted to have his marks on my body. Screw it, he doesn¡¯t matter to me anymore.


    I leave the room and head towards the stairs, pondering when I take five steps and I see the door to Mom¡¯s room. Maybe I should knock on the door and ask if she wants something to eat, or¡­ If she¡¯s okay.


    Come on, Amelia. Ask your mother if she is okay. Go and talk to her. I shout in my thoughts, urging myself to take the first step since we haven¡¯t had a real conversation since ourst fight.


    ¡°Okay, I can do this.¡±  I mutter in a low tone, just to myself and head to her door, determined to knock and call for her.


    ¡±  She left.¡±  Someone speaks and I turn my face to identify Peter a few steps away from me.


    I arch an eyebrow.


    ¡±  What are you doing here?¡±  I question and heughs, fun.


    He shrugs when he realizes he¡¯s the only one smiling.


    God, I don¡¯t even know why he¡¯s smiling in the face of so much tension.


    ¡°Aurora decided to stay and support your father¡± she says like it¡¯s obvious and I nod, realizing this is just like her.


    ¡±Right.¡± I say, still not understanding why he is in this corridor, since Aurora¡¯s room is before this one.


    His expression is unreadable as we look at each other in silence and I feel ufortable in his presence, something I never thought could happen. But something has changed since the hospital, we¡¯ve spoken a lot less and a wall seems to have been built between us.


    ¡± I¡¯ll eat something. ¡± I say, using my hunger as an excuse.


    ¡±  Wait.¡±  he says, holding my hand as I pass him.


    My body freezes and the ufortable feeling increases now that I have his touch on me. I try to let go discreetly, taking a step away from him without seeming purposeful and I face him, giving him the cue to speak.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this awkward atmosphere between us. ¡±  He reaches out and caresses my cheek, pushing back a loose strand of my hair.


    I frown, wondering at his gesture.


    What¡¯s up with it?


    ¡±  We are well.¡±  I dere, even though it is not true.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look at me the way you used to.¡±  he says, bringing the hand that was in my hair back to my cheek.


    I frown again, not understanding what he¡¯s getting at.


    ¡°Is it because of him?¡± He says, making me wonder what he¡¯s talking about Henrico .


    I don¡¯t answer him, not because I don¡¯t want to answer, but because I don¡¯t know what to say.


    What does he mean, I don¡¯t look at him the same way anymore?


    ¡°I¡­¡± I stammer, confused by the way he¡¯s looking and touching me.


    ¡°Did he leave those marks on you?¡± he asks, running his fingertips over the bruises on my neck.


    My body locks in ce, my mind trying to formte the answers to his questions.


    ¡°I can do this for you, Amelia. I can give you pleasure, a lot of pleasure and no one needs to know. she says, her mouth edging dangerously towards mine.


    Then the penny drops.


    Peter is saying that he wants me, implying that I can be his in secret.


    As a¡­


    Lover.


    My eyes fill with tears and I bite my bottom lip to stop them from falling, but Peter takes the gesture as permission and attacks me, sticking his lips to mine roughly. My stomach turns and I spread my hands on his chest, pulling him away from me and cupping his face with my hand.


    ¡±  What the fuck? ¡± I growl, wiping my mouth with the sleeves of my sweatshirt.


    His eyes are lost for a second before looking at me again.


    ¡± Sorry.¡±  he whispers, sounding sincere, reaching out to touch me.


    ¡±  Not.¡±  I say, taking another step back.


    ¡±  Amelia, I¡­ ¡±  He starts to speak, but I ignore him, running hurriedly to my room, feeling even hungry pass.


    I¡¯m breathing fast as I walk through the door and lock myself in my room.


    ¡±   Are you okay?¡±   She looks like she¡¯s seen a ghost, she¡¯s paler than usual. I move my head in the direction of the voice, jumping back when I see Henrico ¡®s wet, shirtless figure sitting on my bed.


    ¡±  Jesus!¡±  I scream due to fright, putting a hand on my chest to check my heartbeat


    ¡±  No, it¡¯s me, Henrico  Zattani. The love of your life.¡±  Says, smiling in a witty way.


    I squint my eyes at him, massaging my eyelids with my fingertips to make sure I¡¯m not seeing any mirages.


    I just might be going crazy, this day just gets worse.


    ¡°Is it you?¡±  I ask suspiciously.


    He smiles wider and stands up, showing off the defined physique of his belly.


    ¡°Flesh and blood, heart. All for you.¡±  Blink an eye, believing I¡¯m going to melt at your feet.


    I frown, looking at him and then at the slightly open window.


    ¡°I should lock it from the inside.¡±  She speaks again.


    ¡°Did you jump out my window?¡± I say, still incredulous with your presence in my room.


    ¡± I almost broke all over, so cherish me¡±  He blinks again, ying charm and my patience goes to space.


    ¡°Fuck no, you cretin! ¡± I lunge at him, pping the first part of his body I reach.

 CHAPTER 35

    HENRICO ZATTANIUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I rub my palm over the skin damaged by his ps, massaging the spot to quell the sting. Amelia isn¡¯t that short, but she still can¡¯t get past my shoulders in height and at this point I¡¯m extremely grateful that she couldn¡¯t reach my face the first time. This girl has a heavy hand as fuck.


    ¡± Oh, fuck!¡±  I grind my teeth, feeling the power in his hands again.


    ¡±  What are you doing here?¡±  Screams, looking at me with the big green irises. Not hiding the anger you¡¯re feeling.


    I grab her hands and stop her from hitting me again.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Amelia. I snarl, locking his gaze with mine and making it clear I¡¯m serious.


    I got tired of picking up.


    ¡°Go away, you cretin. he says, pulling his hands from my grip and pushing me back.


    I growl, pulling her back to me, pressing her body against mine.


    ¡± We need to talk.¡±  I say close to his face. I watch her pupils dte with our approach, her eyes fighting not to go down on my naked back and I smile, cynical, knowing that I affect her as much as she does me.


    ¡± For what? I¡¯m just another piece in your revenge n, I get it, no need to waste your time here.¡±


    I press my lips together, irritated by her statement, knowing she¡¯s right.


    ¡°Don¡¯t jump to conclusions, girl.¡± Growl, closing the space between us even more, squeezing her tight.


    She huffs, pulling out of my grip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me girl. She points her finger at my face, furious.¡± Don¡¯t judge me as a fool, Henrico . ¡°I know very well that you were the one who leaked those pictures to the media.¡±Scream, out of your mind.


    I avert my eyes to the door, afraid her screams will draw someone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to defend yourself?¡±  He shouts again, leaving me stunned by the bitter tone he is using.


    I take a step towards him, splitting my gaze between his eyes and the door. I run my fingers through my wet hair, not knowing what to say. She¡¯s right, I¡¯m to me for her mother appearing as a traitor on the main gossip sites, but I can¡¯t admit that because I don¡¯t want to lose her.


    I can¡¯t.


    The great truth is that I was lost all this time, blinded by revenge and I believed that the only thing moving me was the idea of ??soon having Augusto Leal crawling and asking for mercy, making the Leal family suffer and pay was all I wanted , but now. ?? ?? Damn it, I can¡¯t even think about the idea of ??hurting her.


    ¡°Go away! ¡± He shouts, using a higher tone than the previous one.


    ¡°Damn it, Amelia. Keep it down, motherfucker!¡±I look at the door again, feeling that at any moment someone will walk in and I won¡¯t have a chance to make things right with her.


    Her eyes narrow in my direction and she corrects her posture, bing more rigid and distant.


    ¡°Go away.¡± She speaks again, this time using a more restrained tone.


    A sense of loss invades my chest as I stare into her unresponsive eyes, my girl maintains a cold, hardened posture and it shakes my confidence.


    ¡°Amelia¡­¡± I say, taking a step towards her, but she dodges, backing away even further.


    I sigh, diverting my path and heading straight for the door, I feel her gaze following me and I hear her gasp in surprise when I turn the key and lock us instead of leaving the room.


    ¡°What are you doing? ¡°Whisper, low.


    I turn my face and stare at her for long seconds in silence, I look down at her figure and examine the loose dress she wears, it has thin straps and is wide on her body, not marking any of her curves, but the color is the same of her eyes and that makes the piece the most beautiful I¡¯ve seen her wearing, she also has a sweatshirt covering her bust that goes down to her hips.


    ¡°You are hungry?¡± I change the strategy, indicating with my head the bag of goodies I brought from the bakery. She narrows her eyes at me.


    I scratch the back of my neck, moving away from the door and picking up the bag of food.


    ¡°I hope so, it was pretty hard climbing your window with a busy hand. ¡± I take a sweet bread and bite, sitting in the chair where the bag was.


    She arches an eyebrow, looking impatient, but nces at the bag curiously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you.¡± sheins, pressing her lips together after running her tongue between them.


    I growl, feeling my body respond to her unconscious gesture. Amelia doesn¡¯t realize it, but she¡¯s a natural tease.


    I stand up and walk over to her, wrapping my left hand around her waist and pulling her hair with my right. She moans, affected by my rough grip and I smile, biting her chin and then licking.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t, I didn¡¯t send your mother¡¯s pictures to any newspaper or website, Amelia. It would be down and dirty, I have my revenge ns and I won¡¯t deny it to you, but exposing your mother¡¯s extramarital affair was not among them.


    ¡°You knew the publication would hit my father directly.¡± he points out, locking his gaze with mine. Backed by my words.


    I smile smugly, enjoying her quick train of thought.


    Yes, I know that the image of a cuckold was thest one that the great Augusto Leal would have liked, I won¡¯t deny that I had fun with the jokes that some inte users made. People can be very creative behind a screen.


    ¡°Yes, but I didn¡¯t.¡± I say, striving to be sincere, because, deep down, is the truth. I may have given my private investigator carte nche and even paid a portion of his work up front, but I didn¡¯t know the content of the photos and gave my assentpletely blindly. Deep down, I¡¯m innocent. I brush my lips over hers, pulling her bottom lip between my teeth. ¡°Believe me.¡± Whisper.


    ¡°Nobody else knew.¡± Speaks, almost in a murmur.


    ¡°You have no way of knowing, your parents are public figures. There must be journalists scattered around following their every step, waiting for a fork.¡± I say, knowing I made a good point.


    ¡°I¡±¡± She starts, but I cut her off with a kiss, soft.


    ¡°Believe me, Amelia. I wouldn¡¯t do anything to hurt you.¡± And that¡¯s true, this girl got under my skin at some point and diverted my main focus.


    I still want to make her father pay, but I want her first.


    ¡± I like you¡±  I say, still kissing her mouth, biting her mouth to give me passage to enter and take her tongue. Her body softens under my touch and I take the opportunity to deepen the kiss.


    ¡± Henrico .¡±  Moans, when I start to suck his tongue.


    Damn yes!


    I tighten my hand around her waist and pull her hair back further, leaving her neck exposed to me. I growl, possessive as I visualize the marks I¡¯ve left on her white skin.


    ¡°So beautiful.¡± I groan, nibbling the soft, scented skin. I pull away, holding her face with my two hands and stare at the clear irises, melting by the raw desire I see.


    Damn.


    ¡°You¡¯re perfect, baby.¡± I attack her mouth again, demanding everything from her until we lose the air and have to pull away to breathe.


    ¡°Heavens!¡±  Says, still panting from the indecent kiss we gave.


    We stare at each other in silence, drinking in each other when I feel his hands glide over my bare chest. She runs her slender fingers over the raindrops still present on the uncovered part and licks her lips, making my cock stir in my pants.


    ¡°I¡¯m all yours, honey. You can y as you like.¡± She looks up to mine and blushes, shy of my words, but she doesn¡¯t let go of my touch.


    I take the cue and start touching her too, stroking the exposed marks I left on her neck. I grab the hem of her sweatshirt and she pulls away, giving me permission to pull it up, I throw it to the floor, bringing my hands back to her body, sliding the straps of her dress over her shoulders, I look for the green irises to identify if there is any regret that makes me brake, but no. All I find in those clear eyes is desire and permission.


    ¡± I¡­¡±


    ¡± Shii¡­ No need to worry, we won¡¯t do anything you don¡¯t want.¡± I kiss your mouth lightly, then each side of your face and finally on your forehead.


    She gasps, breathing faster.


    I run my hands down the side of her body, stroking in repetitive motions, down and up.


    ¡± Please¡­¡± She whispers, almost desperate and Iugh low, enjoying having her begging, full of need.


    I pull her dress off without further dy, leaving her in just her panties. Her round, firm breasts are exposed to me, I drool over her body, carving every part of it into my memory.


    Her hands search for the belt of my pants desperately, she fumbles with the buckle and Iugh, having to help her in the process. I open the button myself and start to pull the garment down, but the rain has made the fabric heavy and I have trouble getting it down my legs. Amelia gasps, looking startled when I strip down to my underwear.


    ¡± Do not worry, dear. You can take it.¡± I say bastard, winking smugly at her.


    My girl looks scared but surprises me by licking her lips.


    I growl.


    ¡± I¡¯ll remember that when I¡¯m eating you, beautiful.¡± I speak, grabbing the ck strands and pulling them back, making her arch her back and offer herself to me.

 CHAPTER 36

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    I bite her neck, massaging the spot with my tongue afterwards. She moans and squirms and tries to pretend she¡¯s unaffected, enjoying my grip. Iugh, mean, pulling her hair harder. I didn¡¯t used to like rough sex, I¡¯ve always been one to make light and tasty love, but there¡¯s something about this girl that makes me insane, hungry. It must be that fucking look she gives me without realizing it, practically begging me to bury my dick in her little pussy, but it could also be the color of the pale irises, that green kills, it drives me wild, it makes me want to act like a man. caves and throw her on my shoulders, leaving her at my mercy.


    I move my mouth down to her breasts, nibbling on one and then the other. Kneading the soft flesh with my hands, mistreating her white skin to the point of turning it red. All marked by me. A feeling of possession rises in my chest as I watch his expression of pure lust and satisfaction.


    ¡± Henrico  ¡­ Beloved father!¡± He moans, when I suck his left breast and put it all in my mouth. I bite my beak, pulling it between my teeth.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, dear. Moan my name, motherfucker. Let the whole house hear who your man is. ¡± Growl, reaching down to grab her other breast, doing the same job I did with the first. I run my hand down her t belly, not stopping sucking for a second and I find my destiny, I squeeze her pussy even over hercy panties. He groans again, throwing his head back in disarray.


    I smile and bring my mouth back to hers, kiss her possessively and hungrily, biting and tugging at her bottom lip. I suck her tongue and we engage in a nasty battle, teasing each other. ¡°Fucking hot¡­¡±


    I slide my fingers into her panties, feeling her need wet my hand. I circle her swollen mound, teasing her.


    ¡°Heavens¡­ Please, Henrico.¡± His voice is just a thin, almost pleading whisper. She starts to rub against my fingers, following my movements in a hurry.


    ¡± Calm down, sweetheart. I¡¯ll make you feel really good.¡± I murmur into his ear, biting his earlobe teasingly. She moans wantonly, moving faster against my hand. I take the hand that was holding her hair to her neck, squeezing it around it and make her look at me. Her breathing isbored and her pupils are dted, but there¡¯s a hint of anger in her eyes and I can tell she¡¯s pondering whether to continue with what we¡¯re having or not.


    ¡°I like you, Amelia. This isn¡¯t for revenge, my cock is going to enter you because it¡¯s surrendered to your charms and can no longer lower itself in your presence.¡± I say, trying to regain ground and make her see that I¡¯m telling the truth. Please feel my words.


    His eyes travel down my back and focus on his number one fan. I¡¯m hard, dripping for her and looking at her only makes it worse, her eyes widen and the thug licks her lips staring at him.


    ¡°Fuck, girl. Those eyes of yours are going to kill me yet. They are the most beautiful I have ever seen in my life.¡± I say, bringing his attention back to my face, making my cock throb wistfully. She opens her mouth, looking uncertain about my words.


    ¡°Aurora¡¯s eyes are blue.¡± I frown, not understanding her fuckingment.


    Who the fuck said Aurora here?


    have holy patience


    I grit my teeth and smack her on the bottom, causing her to give a hysterical squeal and an awkward little jump.


    ¡°Amelia, my heart. If you bring up ghosts again, I¡¯ll have to punish you.¡± My mouth forms a wicked smile and I lower my eyes over her body, stepping back to enjoy her youthful curves and loud snarl, finally realizing the immoral all¡±white panties that litter my path to heaven.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡± I say, looking back into her eyes, she gasps and I advance without further dy on top of her. I lift her by her legs and she wraps them around my waist, I walk to her bed andy her down carefully, attacking her mouth again. We¡¯re rubbing each other sinfully and shamelessly, I dip my line tongue into her mouth and suck on hers.


    My cock cries out, harder than a rock.


    We are bothrunning out of breath, so I pull away and suck some air into my lungs. Her lips are swollen and red, battered by my ravenous onught. Her short strands are spread across the pale coverlet of her bed and her breasts stick out right in my face.


    I ampletely naked, as I took off my shirt and boots as soon as I entered her room because they were soaked from the rain and as my girl is in a hurry, we removed my pants along with my underwear within the first few minutes of our making out. My dick is poking its little flower, serving as an arrow for me. She squirms, gliding saucily across my rod, as she beneath me I can¡¯t feel her full slit, but I know she¡¯s soaking wet and her little daring movements are enough to push me over the edge.


    ¡°You want my dick, don¡¯t you?¡± Little Amelia is actually a naughty, greedy little cock bitch. I grind my teeth, affected by the little devils¡¯ strategic moves. I hold her hands above her head, making her more in control.


    ¡°I¡¯m in charge here, beautiful.¡± I bite my bottom lip, pulling it in.


    ¡°Are you going to keep stalling or are you going to keep your promises?¡± he asks, giving me a sassy cat look. Sexy as fuck.


    Her face is clean of makeup, the freckled feathers that cover her nose and cheeks are more prominent due to the redness caused by my bites and kisses. And, dammit, she had never looked so beautiful.


    I smile tight¡±lipped, locking my gaze with his.


    ¡± Oh yes. I¡¯ll keep my promises, your pussy will be as red and swollen as that pretty mouth.¡± I lick the nipple of your breast in a sensual way and lower one of my hands that holds your wrists to my cock, massaging my thickness, performing a kind of masturbation.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­ Please don¡¯t be a goddamn asshole.¡± he growls, pushing his slit towards my cock and tits into my mouth.


    River of your despair.


    ¡°Naughty. My little bitch, beautiful. You want buckshot, don¡¯t you? I¡¯ll give you.¡± I let go of her wrists and pull her panties down in one stroke, ripping the delicate fabric with my roughness.


    I fit mypanion¡¯s thick head into his entrance and capturing his terrified expression, clench my jaw, resting one of my hands at his side with a serious eye.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Have you actually had sex with anyone before?¡±  She already confessed to me that it was from someone else, but her expression just left me in doubt and I need to be sure and I won¡¯t deny it, in my intimate desire to be her first now. Her pale irises appraised me for long seconds and I swallowed hard when her hand touched my face, in a caress so gentle that my heart fluttered.


    ¡°I had someone before you, but it was only once and it didn¡¯t matter that much.¡± A honeyed smile formed on my lips and this time I kissed her gently, grateful that she trusted and gave herself to me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful, I promise.¡± I whispered against her lips at the same time that I sank inside her,pletely naked. Condoms make me itch, agony. They are too tight and I only used them when I was single, during my adolescence. I¡¯m clean, I¡¯ve been tested in jail, and since thest woman I was with was Aurora, there¡¯s nothing to worry about.


    ¡± Oh, fuck! ¡­ Ow, ow¡­ ¡± She screams, digging her nails into my back.


    ¡°Fuck, Amelia!¡± Fucking hell, girl. ¡± I clench my fists, seeking control so I don¡¯te. Her channel is tight and her juices warm my cock, leaving me to the point of passing out with so much horny. ¡°Her pussy is so tight, beautiful. ¡± Am I going to use birth control?¡± I ask, getting back in control and already all inside her.


    She nods, eyes still closed, shivering from my intrusion. I¡¯m big and thick, I have to admit it shouldn¡¯t be ufortable for her. I kiss her cheek, then her forehead and wait until she gets used to me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll move.¡± I say against his neck. I pull out halfway and put it all back in, she screams, rips my skin with her sharp nails, but she opens up even more to me. I growl, maddened by the feeling of being inside a woman again, let alone being her.


    I push and pull, starting to stick up to the handle at one point. We both moan and scream and roar like animals. This woman is very hot.


    ¡± Stronger, Henrico . I need you all over me.¡± She says, pulling me into a kiss and I give what she asks, I put it without pity, hitting my balls against her ass. I lift one of her legs and manage to go deeper.


    ¡± Ride me, delicious. ¡± I turn our bodies, leaving her on top. She doesn¡¯t know what to do at first and looks at me scared, but she starts moving when I put my hands on her hips. ¡°Ah, fuck¡­ So beautiful.¡± Get down on my dick like that, go. I p her butt and she rides faster, keeping her hands on my chest and her head back. I grab her neck and pull her to me, bringing her chest straight to my mouth.


    I reverse positions again and she hugs me with her legs, forcing me to bury myself inside her.


    ¡°What a hot, pretty pussy.¡± Give it all to me, like this, like this. You take me so well.


    ¡± Oh¡­ Henrico . I can not take it anymore¡­¡±


    ¡± Enjoy, girl. Bathe my cock in all your wonderful nectar, I¡¯ll cum inside you too, I don¡¯t care.¡± I snarl, taking my hand back to his neck and increasing thrusts.


    She screams and shudders beneath me, squeezing my bun like a steamroller and I howl loudly,ing with her. I spill myself inside her like I¡¯ve never cum before, my chest rises and falls fast and I close my eyes to control myself, when I open them I find the green immensity and I suffer a thud, I don¡¯t know how, but I¡¯m connecting with her in that moment, bing something very intimate of what I was in those minutes that was pushing me inside her.


    She smiles, calm and serene.


    It¡¯s the cutest fucking smile I¡¯ve ever seen in my life and I can¡¯t help but smile back, like a tamed animal.


    My chest aches and I pull out of her guiltily, feeling like a goddamn traitor, sliding down beside her on the bed. Ameliays her head on my chest and hooks one leg between mine.


    ¡°I believe in you, Henrico .¡± he says, closing his eyes drowsily.

 CHAPTER 37

    AM¨¦LIA LEAL


    The rity wakes me up as soon as I lift my eyelids and movezily on the bed, stretching my arms up and stretching my legs, a smile graces my lips when I feel my whole body aching, remembering that the culprit of this is beside me. I roll onto the opposite side of the bed from me still grinning and look for him, doing a quick scan of the room when I don¡¯t find him sleeping.


    I frown.


    What the hell.


    Where he is?


    I look from side to side, going so far as to peek under the bed.


    ¡± Henrico ?¡± I call, knocking on the bathroom door that is inside the room.


    Nothing.


    No answer.


    I snort, looking towards the window and realizing that it is open, when it was closed yesterday when we cked outpletely. He closed it himself.


    Idiot.


    I return to bed frustrated, imagining that he must have left the same way he came in yesterday when I was still napping, and I huff again, frustrated by his selfish decision. He could have warned, said goodbye, left a little note, at least. I pull up the pillow he¡¯s been lying on all night and smell his scent, inhaling the scent that has had me so fascinated for nearly two months.


    Henrico  Zattani.


    I smile, remembering the piercing, intense gaze that is his trademark. The ck hairbed most of the time and the cocky little smile he always keeps in the corner of his mouth. I sigh involuntarily, something that also becamemonce after the man entered my life. I never imagined that I would look at my sister¡¯s ex husband in this way, although I always found him handsome and felt affected by his presence, I ran away from him when we were in the same environment whenever possible, although I admired him from afar and epted your help to learn to ride.


    I frown, being invaded by memories of that time, I was only fifteen and had just been left to spend the holidays with a sister who did not want or ept me as part of her family. I was just a naive girl, but I knew I was being neglected and pushed aside even by Mom. At that time Dad was still a state senator and only aiming for the governor¡¯s position, so he put all his attention on his campaign. When I arrived at the Zattani farm, I was surprised to discover that that beautiful ce belonged to Aurora¡¯s husband, but I bravely got out of the car, despite everything.


    I lifted my nose and entered the big house with pride, pretending to be strong when in fact I just wanted to cry and kick, dial my mother¡¯s number and beg for mercy, but two chickens caught my attention and made me rx immediately, it was the first time I saw the animal up close, I took one in my arms and the other escaped out of the house. I yed with the painful one for long minutes until I was interrupted by him. The scowl on her face wasn¡¯t lost on me and I realized in that moment that I wasn¡¯t wee on her farm, Aurora had already poisoned her husband against me. It was always like this.


    I shake my head, shaking it from side to side, and get up from the bed again.


    Do not. That¡¯s the past and what we have now is what matters to me.


    That¡¯s it, Amelia. Focus on the present!


    I am important to him, I know I am, despite the short time of involvement, we have a history and a past.


    I look back to the window, feeling my chest tighten in anguish.


    Where did you go, Henrico ?


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I say to Ophelia, one of our new employees and she smiles in a restrained way, nodding her head in response.


    I lick my lips at the breakfast they made me, my stomach responds hungrily. I haven¡¯t eaten anything since lunch yesterday and honestly, I don¡¯t know how I got through the sex session with the arrogant asshole, but it was so good I didn¡¯t care if I was weak, I gave it up willingly and I would this morning if the asshole hadn¡¯t had me dropped without any exnation, I frown, ARROGANT ASSHOLE.


    Screw this.


    I break off a piece of chocte carrot cake and help myself, pouring in some melon juice as a side. Fortunately there is no one else at the table to apany me, I was afraid to deal with Peter and Aurora at breakfast, even more so because of what happened yesterday between him and me, and I had already decided to make my breakfast in the kitchen, but to my relief Of¨¦lia informed that both left early today and I was able to rx.


    My parents haven¡¯t shown any signs of life since yesterday either and I¡¯m getting pretty worried about Mom, ording to Peter she left yesterday and in the state she was in, I wonder who she must have gone after, which makes me wonder if this has something to do with it. rted to Dad¡¯s disappearance. I sigh, weary from all thetest events, worried to the core.


    Suddenly I feel the hunger pass and give way to a lurch, a horrible feeling in my stomach that makes me groan.


    ¡°Argh!¡± he blurts out, feeling the twinge linger.


    ¡°Girl, are you okay?¡± asks Ofelia, who I didn¡¯t realize was nearby, concern glinting in her brown irises.


    ¡°Just a bad feeling.¡± I whisper, barely able to hide my pained grimace.


    She clicks her tongue and puts both hands on her hips, like I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m talking about.


    ¡± That¡¯s hunger, the girl hasn¡¯t put anything in her stomach since yesterday. Empty bag doesn¡¯t stand up, her parents are adults and they can sort it out. ¡± she says, making a very serious expression, as if she is giving me a hard time.


    I open my mouth to retort, but the woman takes advantage, cuts a piece off my slice of cake and shoves it down my throat. I don¡¯t have time to react, because she takes advantage once more and shoves another fork in my mouth.


    The cake melts on my tongue and the chocte taste makes me moan, but this time with satisfaction.


    ¡± Good?¡± Question.


    I nod, unable to speak with so much cake in my mouth.


    ¡± Great, eat!¡± He makes a serious expression again and points with his index finger at the rest of the cake.


    I don¡¯t answer her, just keep nodding and chewing.


    She leaves me alone secondster and I start eating, slowly realizing the pain is gone.


    Okay, maybe I was just hungry anyway. Crazy train.


    I take one bite after another, taking advantage of the fact that I¡¯m alone and escaping the etiquette protocol.


    I¡¯m on the second piece when the m of the door makes me jump out of my chair, startled, I put my hand on my chest, startled by the unexpected noise.


    ¡± The mistress ¡± Of¨¦lia kind of shouts, looking at me with wide eyes and I get up quickly, running to the entrance of the house.


    Mom is in tears, crying clutching Dad¡¯s arms as if he were her refuge, the scene makes me stop walking, my pulse quickens and worry invades me.


    ¡°What happened?¡± The question leaves my lips before I reach them and Dad¡¯s eyes catch me.


    His countenance is downcast, but he still maintains his mistress of the world posture. Her hands squeeze Mom even tighter against him.


    ¡°Your mother is not well, dear.¡± Her voicees out sweeter than usual.


    I walk over to them and tap her on the shoulder, searching her eyes.


    ¡± What happened?¡± I repeat the question, but this time directing it directly at her.


    ¡± Him. .. ¡± he starts, but gets lost in sobs and crying.


    I frown, looking up at my parent, looking for answers on his bigot face.


    ¡± She found her friend dead, luckily I got there in time and got her out.¡± Her tonees out a quarter thicker, hoarse, her mouth twisted in displeasure when she quoted that friend no matter how much she tried to sound natural, I noticed.


    My eyes fall again to my progenitor, she is destroyed, her countenance lost and her eyes wet with unshed tears.


    ¡°He wasn¡¯t my friend!¡±  Screams in a burst, getting rid of dad.


    He lets out a low breath, almost losing control at her statement, but manages to stop himself in time and shoots me a look.


    Then it dawns on her, her incessant crying and the disgust visible on Dad¡¯s face. They¡¯re talking about the other one, Mom¡¯s ex¡±fiance.


    ¡°Take care of your mother, I need to go back to the crime scene and give a statement.¡± He massages his temple, visibly tired and sighs heavily. ¡°Damn it, the media will be all over it.¡± He mutters. Speaking to yourself.


    My eyes go back to Mom and I hug her tightly, wrapping her in my arms.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°My love¡­ Amelia, he¡¯s soooorto.¡± He cries again, screaming out of control as I continue to hold her.


    Dad in the eyes, straightens his suit and leaves, mming the door hard.


    Heavens!


    Is Ezekiel really dead?


    Like?


    Does Henrico  have any connection with this?


    cover Mom¡¯s body still dressed in the same clothes she got to her neck, I slide my fingers through the soft strands of her hair and kiss her on the cheek. Her breathing is in between gasps and her eyes are finally closed, indicating that she has entered a deep sleep. I sigh, watching her rxed face.


    I brought her to her room after Dad mmed the door and left us alone, she was out of control, crying and screaming the name of the man I never got to know. Her desperation disturbed me, I had never seen her lose control before and I didn¡¯t know how to act, I had to give her a sleeping pill against her will and now I¡¯m here, watching over her sleep. The more I look at him, the more images of the mane to my mind, I couldn¡¯t contain my curiosity and I searched for his name on google, using only the information I had and after some frustrations, I finally found a report made with him some time ago , apparently the man was charitable and dedicated his career in medicine to helping those less fortunate, however, putting a face to the man didn¡¯t feel good.


    Do not.


    All I can think of at this point is that he¡¯s dead.


    Dead.


    I feel my arm hairs stand on end at the same time that a cold current attacks me, I hug myself looking to the sides, checking if the door and windows are closed, I frown when I realize that yes.


    I shake my head, realizing the nonsense I¡¯m starting to formte in my head.


    Do not.


    It¡¯s just the air conditioning, Amelia. Don¡¯t think nonsense, the man is dead. I say to myself, getting up from the chair I¡¯ve been sitting in all this time.

 CHAPTER 38

    AMELIA LEAL


    I look at my sleeping mother, still not believing in thetest events. I check if she¡¯s really sleeping, kiss the top of her head and leave the room with a heavy mind. I close my eyes, drawing air into my lungs and then letting it out. An escape, that¡¯s all I need.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I open my eyes, facing Peter very close, he is serious and his gaze is hard.


    I close my expression, ignore his presence and walk straight in, not caring about his protest as I turn my back on him.


    ¡± We need to talk.¡± He says, holding my arm, forcing me to stop the steps.


    ¡°We have nothing to talk about. I growl harshly, fighting her grip. He doesn¡¯t release me, on the contrary, he squeezes harder.


    ¡°We do, you know we do. Please Amelia. She says in a softer tone. His free hand touches my waist and pulls us closer.


    I turn up my nose and lock my gaze with his, not letting myself be intimidated.


    ¡°Spit out what you want.¡± I say, hating having him touch me. He sighs, lowers his gaze to the ground, and loosens his grip. He remains steady, still staring down at him.


    He fucked up, not me. I have nothing to be ashamed of.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± he whispers, looking embarrassed at the same time as frustrated. I remain silent and he looks back at me.


    He scratches the back of his neck, disconcerted.


    ¡°Good heavens, Amelia. I don¡¯t even know what came over me, okay? You need to understand.¡±  Snort, still not saying anything.


    What does he want? For me to say it¡¯s okay that he tried to kiss me?


    That we can act normally as if nothing happened? No, definitely not.


    In another time I would have loved to have your mouth on mine, feel your touch and have your caresses. But something has changed, my sister is pregnant and now she has¡­


    I let out a frustrated sigh, realizing that my subconscious had put him in the situation without my realizing it.


    Now there¡¯s Henrico .


    ¡°You tried to kiss me even though my sister was pregnant.¡±  I snarl, not sympathizing with her contrite expression.


    I liked him when Aurora and him started a rtionship, everyone knew that. I was a silly teenager, but I was sure of my feelings and now, observing with more maturity, Peter also knew what I felt and always acted naturally, never gave me hope, butit never scared me away either, as if seeing him with my sister on a daily basis didn¡¯t hurt me.


    I epted, learned to deal with and live with the fact that he wasn¡¯t mine, so why the hell is he trying to relive it now?


    ¡°I thought you did.¡± he says, sounding more like a loose thought than a confession.


    I click my tongue, feeling my blood suddenly boil.


    ¡°Did you think I wanted to kiss my sister¡¯s husband?¡± Did you think that after all these years of chasing you around like a little bitch I was finally ready to receive my award? snort, looking disgustedly at him.


    His expression changes to something somber and he smirks at me, his gaze moving down and up my body.


    ¡°No use pretending, we¡¯re both adults now and I know you¡¯ve always wanted to.¡± He takes a step towards me, ending the distance between us, I put a hand between us, preventing his chest from touching mine.


    ¡°I want you to stay away from me.¡± A smile shapes his lips and he runs his tongue across his bottom lip, bringing his left hand to my face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you want that.¡± she says, using a sensual, velvety, lust¡±filled tone.


    My stomach turns and my skin burns where he touches it.


    ¡°Oh, there you are.¡± My sister¡¯s high¡±pitched voice makes him pull away abruptly.


    ¡°Has your father arrived?¡± Say, cynical. Walking up to Aurora in firm steps and hugging her round waist from pregnancy.


    My stepsister¡¯s eyes stray from her husband to me, she squints and holds them steady.


    ¡± He wants to talk to you.¡± He says, returning Peter¡¯s hug without taking his eyes off mine.


    The whole scene makes me want to throw up, so I turn away and assume she¡¯s talking to her husband.


    ¡°With you too, little sister.¡± The cutting and mocking tone does not go unnoticed, I sigh and turn back to them.


    Okay, I can handle it.


    I walk past them without saying anything, even though I feel their gazes burning into me.


    Okay, if Augusto Leal wants to talk to me it means there¡¯s another bomb about to explode and there¡¯s no way to avoid it. I arrive at his office in a few minutes and I don¡¯t knock or wait for him to tell me toe in, I just open the door and settle in the armchair.


    ¡± Daddy¡± I say, watching him pour himself a ss of whiskey.


    He¡¯s been drinking a lottely.


    ¡°Is your mother sleeping?¡±  Ask, still on your back.


    ¡°Yes, she took some tranquilizers.¡± I dere, wondering at the tranquility in her tone.


    ¡± Good.¡± That¡¯s all he says, before Aurora and Peter enter the office smiling and holding hands.


    I brace myself for some retaliation from Aurora, assuming a rigid posture as I try to ignore them both. No one says anything, although I¡¯m using a lot of self¡±control not to throw up all my breakfast.


    ¡± Well, I gathered the family to inform them of thetest news, since in a few hours we will be targets of gossip. Today, Ezequiel was found dead next to the body of a young woman, everything indicates that she is a corner prostitute, but your mother was the first to arrive at the scene and we will need to support her.¡±


    ¡± She is not my mom.¡± Aurora protests.


    I frown.


    ¡± Woman? What woman? You hadn¡¯t mentioned a woman earlier today¡±  I get excited, taking Mom¡¯s pains by instinct.


    Dad looks at me sternly and arches one of his eyebrows. back off a little


    ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t have time to give you a full report, Amelia. She was busy trying to get her mother out of a crime scene.


    ¡°Getting Mom off¡­¡± Pause, parsing her words. ¡°I¡¯m confused.¡± I confess.


    ¡°Ezequielmitted suicide, but the woman had a bullet in the middle of her chest, indicating that she was murdered. Both hadrge amounts of drugs in their bodies, not just one type.¡± My head is throbbing processing the information Peter, not my father, is giving me right now.


    I turn my face to him and look confused.


    How could he know so much information if I didn¡¯t even know?


    ¡°I can¡¯t understand, him and my mother¡­¡± I start to speak, but I¡¯m interrupted by the crash of Dad¡¯s fist hitting the wood of the table.


    ¡°His mother and he didn¡¯t have anything, Amelia understand?¡± They framed her, forged photos and forced an involvement that did not exist.


    What? Do not.


    I stare at him in disbelief.


    ¡°She loved him, you know. She was going to ask for a divorce and be with him¡± I say, remembering the conversation we had about Ezequiel.


    ¡± Not. The woman they found dead with him was the same one in the photos, someone who knew about his mother¡¯s past with that guy wanted to force a situation to harm me, to end our marriage.¡± I frown, not understanding what he¡¯s getting at.


    Mom and Ezequiel did have an affair, the photos weren¡¯t forged, she herself admitted.


    ¡°This is the best way, Amelia. It is not yet known who killed the girl, it could have been Ezequiel himself or someone else, the best thing is that neither the police nor the media know that her mother was the first at the scene of the crime.¡± Peter speaks, bringing chills to my body.


    ¡±  I ¡­¡±


    ¡°You have to ept that version of the story, Amelia. Your mother had a past with Ezequiel, but it ended before she married me and when the media found out, she forged a whole scenario to affect me. This could even have been done by an enemy, don¡¯t you think? Can you think of anyone, hmm? The innuendo in his voice makes it clear who he is talking to and my chest tightens.¡±


    Henrico .


    ¡°Someone could have killed that woman to harm your mother and, to top it off, harm me.¡± Just imagine the news, the governor¡¯s wife catches a lover with another woman and kills them both.


    ¡°You said hemitted suicide.¡± I feel my head throbbing.


    ¡°You know how the media is, darling.¡± He shrugs,ing to stand beside me and taking my hand.


    ¡°Someone wants to harm us, Amelia. I need her help to convince her mother to adopt this version of the story, let¡¯s act like the tight¡±knit family we are, I¡¯ll be d she was with me all night and everything will be fine.


    ¡°She won¡¯t ept it, if someone killed Ezequiel, my mother will be the first to want to find out who¡¯s guilty.¡±  He snorts irritably and lets go of my hand.


    ¡°You don¡¯t see the gravity of this, do you?¡±  Yell. ¡± We are public people, the media is sensationalist and makes sess based on the misfortune of others, they will destroy your mother and end my career, is this what you want?¡± Her voicees out hard, cutting. I force saliva down my throat and it rips down, having trouble getting down.


    ¡°Perhaps they will. Mom didn¡¯t do anything, she always shows up doing volunteer work and if Ezequiel and this girl were really a drug user couple, who murdered the girl was probably a drug dealer.¡± I try to persuade Dad, presenting a point of view that I believe is convincing.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°The media has pictures, one way or another your mother will be summoned to the police station and be a suspect, but you can save her if you want.¡±


    He says,ing back to my side, lifting my chin to face him.


    I frown.


    ¡°Like?¡± I murmur.


    ¡± Convince her to say exactly what Dad tells her, order her to deny her involvement with that Ezequiel. She has not given any response so far about the photos, so convince her to deny the alleged involvement. Dad will be the perfect alibi. ¡± Author intervenes, taking the speech.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m going to send you both out of the country, just until things cool down. Your mother needs you, honey. Can I count on your help?¡± His wordse out sweet, but I feel the bitter in my mouth. He notices my indecision, so hees over and kisses my hair in a fatherly gesture.


    ¡± We have many enemies, they will try in every way to attack us, princess. Make no mistake, my enemies are your enemies.¡±  she says, implying once again that Henrico  is behind this whole thing, that he¡¯s using me.


    Tears fill my eyes, but I fight not to let them fall. I feel alone once again, deceived, left out.


    Would he use me? It makes no sense. I felt it in the touch, in the words, in the look. But, someone did, Mom could be arrested and charged for a crime she didn¡¯tmit.


    ¡± Yea.¡±  It¡¯s all I can say, thinking not about me, but her, the person I love most in life.

 CHAPTER 39

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    ¡°What are you going to do with it?¡±I stare at the photos on my desk, ignoring my best friend¡¯s question.


    What am I going to do with it, he wants to know. Well, I¡¯m fucked, because I have no idea. Not anymore, at least.


    ¡°You can put him in jail and finally get your revenge.¡± Guilhermino points out, showing a euphoria that is not enough for me.


    I close my eyes, throwing my head back. Sigh.


    ¡°She messed with you.¡± She Affirms and I open my eyes, facing her appraisers. I curse, going back to staring at the paperwork on the table.


    There are photos, some papers with my ex father-inw¡¯s signature and a video. Juan the Captain called me earlier today and said that one of his henchmen left everything I needed in my house on my bed. I didn¡¯t need to ask what he was talking about, Juan was handing me the evidence that would put Augusto Leal in jail.


    ¡°He¡¯s one of ours.¡±


    he said in a chuckling tone before hanging up.


    I left Am¨¦lia in bed still sleeping and I slipped out of the house, sneaking out the window and almost getting caught by my ex¡±wife¡¯s idiot husband, Peter. The unfortunate man was arriving just as I was crossing the main gate and I had to hide again, my desire was to go to him and let him know that I¡¯m in the area and I don¡¯t like him near Amelia. The way he looks at her¡­


    snort.


    Do not. I don¡¯t like his eyes on her. God, I don¡¯t like that guy around my girl anyway. She will have to ept this and keep her distance from said whose.


    ¡°Stop looking at me like that, bitch.¡±  Iin, getting up from the chair to pour myself a ss of whiskey.


    Guilhermino snorts behind me, demonstrating that he is already impatient.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you, before you wouldn¡¯t shut up talking about this revenge and how you would make the Leal pay, but now, you act like it.¡± He holds up one of the photos and dangles it in front of me. ¡°It was nothing.¡± He says, full of indignation.


    I take a sip of my drink, coldly analyzing his words. He¡¯s irritated by my nonchnt behavior, I¡¯m not showing enough enthusiasm to put the cause of all my misery behind bars, and he¡¯s failing to understand my change.


    Well, I don¡¯t understand either.


    I look again at the photo he¡¯s holding and study it, Augusto is shaking hands with a drug dealer known to the media, in fact, the man didn¡¯t appear on TV just for trafficking, he¡¯s already murdered, ording to what was disclosed, about 5 people. But it¡¯s no use, in my head now only a pair of emerald eyes appears.


    I don¡¯t want to hurt her, not anymore. Because of my fault, her mother was humiliated before society, taking her father to trial is condemning her to have a marked life.


    WHAT THE FUCK!


    I throw the ss away, it hits the wall in front of me and shatters into different pieces.


    ¡°Damn it, Henrico . You nearly cracked my head open, you bastard!¡± Guilhermino growls, runs his fingers over his forehead and sees the damage I caused with the ss.


    I shrug, looking in the same direction as him.


    ¡± What¡¯s the matter with you?¡± he asks, this time giving me his look of concern. I open my mouth to say some shit, but my phone saves me.


    I frown, staring at the phone¡¯s screen.


    Owhat does this little fellow still want? I fired him.


    I slide the answer button, intrigued to know what he wants.


    ¡°I fired you.¡± I growl to understand that I¡¯m in a bad mood.


    ¡°I want more money.''¡± It¡¯s his answer and I close my face, rolling my eyes afterwards.


    ¡°Of course you do. ¡± I say mockingly, already pulling the phone away to hang up.


    ¡°They murdered the man, imagine what they¡¯ll do to me.¡± His voicees out scared and it captures my attention.


    Killed?


    What man?.


    ¡± What are you talking about?¡± I ask.


    He pauses and lets out a dramatic sigh.


    ¡°The lover of the governor¡¯s wife, Ezequiel. The same man I¡¯ve been keeping an eye on for thest few weeks.¡± My heart races and I can¡¯t contain my surprise.


    ¡°What? When?¡± I ask excitedly, returning to sit in the chair.


    Guilhermino looks at me in rm.


    ¡°Yesterday morning, just over an hour before sunrise.¡± I run my fingers through my hair, feeling the thump of the news.


    ¡± Who killed?¡±


    ¡± I have no idea, don¡¯t ask me to find out either, because I don¡¯t mess with those people anymore. I¡¯m gone. ¡±  He says in a hurry.


    I stare at my best friend who keeps his eyes narrowed on me, he has a serious expression on his face. ¡°What happened?¡± He whispers, but I shake my head asking him for a minute.


    ¡°I¡¯ll deposit the rest of your pay and a bonus into the same ount as before, but if you¡¯re really going to disappear, forget about me. ¡® I say, hanging up the phone.


    I don¡¯t say anything for the first few minutes and Guilhermino doesn¡¯t take his eyes off me, studying my behavior with eagle eyes.


    ¡± He is dead. I let out in a whisper.¡±


    ¡°Augustus?¡± he asks, confused. I shake my head.


    ¡°Ezequiel, Amelia¡¯s mother¡¯s ex¡±fianc¨¦ and lover.¡±


    ¡°Jesus!¡± he exhales, removing his cowboy hat and rubbing a hand through his hair.


    ¡°Murder?¡± Question.


    ¡°Apparently so.¡±


    ¡± Do you think it was the¡­¡±I don¡¯t let him finish, I get up from the chair and leave the office as quickly as possible, hees after me.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going where I¡¯m thinking, are you? He mutters, beside me now.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    The eye, giving a look that says yes, I¡¯m going to get my wife.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you near him.¡± I say, unlocking the truck.


    ¡°It¡¯s her father.


    ¡°A murderer, drug dealer, and God knows what else.¡±


    ¡°This train is getting worse and worse.¡± he says, climbing in alongside, taking the passenger seat.


    I arch an eyebrow at him.


    ¡°I won¡¯t leave you alone.¡± He says, putting on his belt.


    I nod, starting the car.


    ¡± Toote.¡± I clench my jaw and face the middle¡±aged man, he carries a dark smile on his lips and I want to punch his face, but Guilhermino stops me, resting a hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fall for that.¡± My friend whispers next to my ear and I try to rx.


    ¡± Augusto Leal.¡± I straighten my posture, forging a smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re still a thorn in my side, boy.¡± My smile widens.


    ¡°Soon I will be more than a stone, dear father-inw.¡± I make a point of saying father-inw, not ex¡±father-inw, just to leave you fuming with rage. ¡°And, I¡¯m definitely not a boy anymore.¡± I finish, taking a step closer to him.


    Watching his jaw clench, I clench my fists ready forbat.


    ¡°Are you threatening me? Finally created balls, boy.¡± He struts, not taking any steps away.


    ¡°Do you think I have cause for revenge?¡± Drop it back.


    The old man doesn¡¯t back down, he keeps looking at me attentively, menacingly, like a bird of prey.


    ¡°I imagine you did not get over the fact that my daughter married someone else.¡±


    I clench my fists tighter, hating the victorious look on his face.


    ¡°I expected more from Aurora, but I can¡¯t say I¡¯m unhappy with my current arrangement. I mean, your other daughter doesn¡¯t disappoint at all. My tonees out suggestive, full of innuendo and the man falls.


    ¡°Damn you, she¡¯s just a kid!¡±  She Exims her, leaving on top of me.


    I dodge his punch, pushing Guilhermino away and returning the punch.


    ¡°Stop!¡±  Someone screams, diverting my attention and Augusto hits me.

 CHAPTER 40

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    It seems that fate wants to y with my face, making my father-inw and my ex-wife line up right in front of me, just like in the past. Aurora keeps a hand on her stomach protectively, her blue eyes are startled and dart from me to her dad. She got in between us, preventing me from returning the punch the traitorous bastard threw at me.


    ¡°Fuck, woman! Get out of my way! I startle, clenching my fists until my palms turn white.


    ¡°Get out, I¡¯m going to finish this bastard off.¡± Augusto growls, pushing his daughter to the side. She loses her bnce and almost falls.


    Guilhermino curses behind me, and I tighten my fists even more.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have respect, do you?¡± Nothing is more important to you than yourself. His eyes narrow and for a second, I see a flicker of regret as he stares at his daughter.


    ¡°You better go, Henrico.¡± Aurora says, sounding tired.


    I narrow my eyes at her, studying her image, her hair is tied in a ponytail on top of her head, light makeup adorns her face and contrary to what she usually wears, she wears long soft fabric pants and a white shirt, her belly round is noticeable and marks the fabric of the t¡±shirt.


    ¡°I didn¡¯te to talk to you.¡± I speak harshly, controlling as much of my explosive temper as possible.


    ¡°No, you came to cause a riot.¡± He counters, staring at my mouth, where I feel a trickle of blood dripping.


    snort.


    ¡°Cut the good girl posture and change that worried expression, darling.¡± I no longer believe in their actions, I have enough reason to cause any harm to this family.


    Her posture bes more rigid, haughty, and she presses her thin lips together, in a nervous gesture, I can see.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So that¡¯s what you came for?¡± Are you going to go out hitting everyone in the house?


    ¡°First, I didn¡¯t have time to hit anyone, you arrived and stopped me at party time. Second, I was the only one attacked. ¡± I point to my mouth.


    ¡°Please go away.¡± She asks, almost BEGGING.


    I look at Guilhermino who stares back at me, his expression is serious, and his jaw is set.


    He carries the same hatred that I do for this family, despite not carrying the desire for revenge with him, he wants the ruin of Augusto Leal in the same way.


    ¡°Where are you, Amelia?¡± I ask.


    Augusto snorts, crossing his arms. Giving me a smug look.


    ¡°Like I said earlier, you¡¯rete. She left a few seconds before you arrived, she left the country with her mother.¡± I feel a bitter in my mouth, a bad feeling takes over my body and all I can do is deny with my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡± I state, hating the victorious smile he keeps on his face.


    ¡± It¡¯s true, Amelia decided to apany her mother on a trip for cultural purposes.¡± My sister is finally going to do the exchange program she¡¯s been putting off for so long and Anna has decided to go with her daughter.


    I stare in disbelief at the face of the woman I thought I loved, not believing any of her words, despite her soft tone and convincing speech, I know something is wrong.


    Sister?


    Oh, please.


    Since when does she call Amelia her sister?


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe anything you say.¡± Growl, impatient.


    She lets out a muffled cry, startled by my reaction, and puts her hand back on her stomach, as if to remind me that she¡¯s pregnant.


    Sigh, frustrated.


    ¡± She¡¯s gone, she doesn¡¯t want to see him or have any connections with him anymore, she¡¯s chosen her family as she should be. Now, get off my property, or I¡¯ll call the police. ¡± The damn loyal speaks, ripping out myst bit of patience, and I advance on him, pull him by the cor and punch him in the face.


    Aurora screams in rm and Guilherminoes to pull me off the man.


    ¡± Good job. ¡± My friend says, patting his shoulder.


    My breathing is ragged, and I can¡¯t take my eyes off my enemy,pletely surrendered to the ground. He res at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to pay for this, boy.¡± Threat.


    Aurora crouches on her father¡¯s side and checks the man¡¯s nose, out of the corner of her eye I can see security guards running towards us and I know it¡¯s time to back off.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go. Guilhermino calls, hitting my arm.¡± He probably saw the security guards too.


    ¡°She left, she was in the car that passed you at the gate.¡± Aurora exins, her voice trembling due to the nervousness that the situation must have caused her.


    I remember the car she talks about, it was leaving the residence when we arrived, and it was precisely because of it that we managed to pass through the gate.


    Did she really leave? After the night we had?


    Do not.


    She wouldn¡¯t leave me after all, they must have done something.


    This cannot be true.


    Guilhermino pulls me out and puts me in the car, taking the wheel. I hear my ex-wife screaming for them to open the gate, but it could just be mind making as I¡¯m lost in my thoughts.


    ¡°Dude, are you okay?¡± I look at his face, kind ofing out of a trance and frown, realizing from thendscape that we are no longer on the Leal property.


    I don¡¯t answer it, though.


    I pull out my phone and search for his name, swiping my fingers across the screen when I find it.


    She¡¯s different, I didn¡¯t feel all those things alone. Amelia gave herself to me like no other woman, she¡¯s mine now.


    I won¡¯t let her go that fucking easy!


    ¡± Let¡¯s go to the airport. ¡± I say determined.


    I feel Guilhermino¡¯s gaze on me, but he does as I ask, taking the path to the nearest airport.


    ¡°This is crazy.¡± she whispers, making a dangerous overtake.


    My cell phone beeps at the same time he stops at a red light, I growl, ordering him to continue.


    ¡°Not at all, man. Just speak your mouth and wait. She says, keeping her eyes locked on the traffic light.


    I stare at the phone, feeling my heart race when I see my girl¡¯s name appear.


    ¡± It¡¯s her.¡± I speak only for myself.


    I put it in the message a little desperate.


    I¡¯m leaving indefinitely, please don¡¯t look for me or call me during this time. You hate my family and there¡¯s no way we can work out, I choose them over you. Forget about us and live your life away from us.


    I read and reread the message ten times in disbelief.


    What the hell is that?


    Do not. She can¡¯t be serious.


    I press the call button and it goes straight to voicemail, she must have already boarded. I m my cell phone against the car radio, irritated by the repetitive melodying out of the speaker.


    ¡°What the fuck! What got into you? I¡¯m going as fast as I can. ¡± William protests.


    I fix my posture, returning to serious and nonchnt.


    ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s go home.¡± It¡¯s time to getback to the original n and forget about distractions.

 CHAPTER 41

    AMELIA LEAL


    Das, Texas.


    I read the fate of the passage again, squinting at the woman who brought me into the world, she is sleepy, has a lost look and has been silent since we left the house. There was no argument when Dad informed them that the two of us would be traveling to another countryter today, all there was a long exchange of looks between them. No protest or battle, just eptance. She looks devastated, actually broken in the poetic sense of the word. Lost in her own thoughts, unable toment on our trip or anything minimally relevant. This is driving me crazy.


    ¡°Here, thank you very much.¡± I turn my face in Peter¡¯s direction, taking back my cell phone. He borrowed it when he realized his was unloaded and kind of ended up forcing a dialogue.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right?¡± I bring up the subject, trying to soften the dense atmosphere that formed between us and divert my attention from Mom. He smiles and sits down next to me, looking like the guy I knew as a little girl, and I almost feel rxed. Almost.


    He sighs and runs his hands through the ruffled strands, making them even more ruffled. His appearance has changed during this short period we¡¯ve been apart, his hair is longer and his beard is not clean.


    ¡± Yea. Aurora, she¡¯s still at her house, and she¡¯s going to wait for me to pick her up on my way back.¡± he says, looking ufortable in her seat. I nod, turning my gaze to the only person I care about right now.


    ¡°How is she?¡± he asks and sighs.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Alive, maybe?¡± I venture, not knowing for sure what I¡¯ll do alone in another country if she continues like this.


    ¡± The best thing for her now is to get away from all this confusion, to breathe fresh air. It¡¯s going to be okay, Amelia.¡± His hand rests over mine, and he gives a light squeeze, I smile awkwardly, discreetly disengaging myself from his hand.


    It¡¯s not like I forgot what he did or said, in fact, I didn¡¯t even want him to be here, but my dad subpoenaed him and didn¡¯t want to create a scene to have to exinter.


    ¡°I hope so.¡± I say and pretend I¡¯m messing with my phone.


    ¡± Sorry. I really don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on with me, I think my preupation with Aurora¡¯s condition has made me focus on you somehow.¡± Speaks, awakening my concern.


    The state of Aurora?


    ¡°Is she and my nephew all right?¡±


    He looks at me and remains silent for a few seconds, lifting his hand and brushing away a strand of hair that was close to my eyes.


    ¡°Peter¡­¡± I whisper, and he pulls away, looking straight ahead.


    ¡± Yes and no.¡± Say it and I hope to finish it. Her expression acquired a serious and somber tone as the seconds passed. ¡°The pregnancy has be risky since she ended up in that hospital, we must avoid any upsets, events or discussions that might make her more nervous than usual.¡±


    My chest tightens, remembering how our parting went. There were no hugs or kisses, no see youter, just a look full of memories and resentments. Guilt invades me, not only for theck of a goodbye, but for the kiss that Peter gave me. Heavens, if she had seen?


    Didn¡¯t he think of that when he kissed me? I look at him, anger rising in my chest, but his defeated expression shakes my posture.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine.¡± I try to reassure him, stroking his shoulder automatically in an intimate but innocent gesture. He takes advantage of my lowered guard and takes my hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it.


    ¡± I will miss you.¡± He says, using a seductive tone, holding my eyes to his, messing with my psyche.


    A curse makes us pull away.


    ¡°Our flight is leaving, daughter.¡± A grumpy Dona Anna Maria stares at us, lookingpletely like the woman of a few minutes ago.


    I shake my head, stunned by his sudden change in posture.


    ¡°You remember who to look for, right?¡± Peter speaks, looking between me and her.


    ¡°We¡¯re not going to Missouri today, not after traveling for hours inside that metal bird. Mom sounds gruff, wrinkling her nose as she looks out the big ss window and spots one of the aircraft already on the runway.


    ¡± Okay, I¡¯ll tell the driver to stop by tomorrow, do you need me to book a hotel?¡± A solicitous question.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Peter. We can take care of ourselves, we¡¯re adults, and I¡¯m her mother, I¡¯ll take care of our reservations and send a message to that man myself.¡±


    My brother-inw opens his mouth, speechless. Slightly embarrassed by Mom¡¯s curt treatment.


    ¡°Okay, let me know when you get there.¡± He speaks, but directing himself only to me. I hear Mum huff softly, but I nod to Peter.


    ¡°Well, thanks for bringing us. Take care of my sister and take care of yourself.¡± I say, gripping my suitcase tightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it. is all he answers.¡±


    Mom and I went to the departure lounge, one next to the other. ¡°I¡¯m d we¡¯re leaving this country, daughter. There¡¯s nothing good for us here.¡± She talks as if I had no intention of returning.


    I look at the phone still in my hand and all I can think about is him, his dark eyes pulling me like mas, his hands touching my body possessively and his mouthsciviously taking mine. I waited to call, swore I would call and exin her disappearance, but no, no text.


    Maybe, deep down, Mom is right. There¡¯s nothing good here for either of us.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go?¡± she says, holding out her hand for me to take.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± I answer, matching her smile by intertwining our fingers.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Boredom overwhelms me, the days grow longer as they go by, and I feel like I¡¯m risking going crazy here alone. Mom copsed, only needed to set foot onnd again for her mncholy to snatch her back to the zombified state.


    ¡± Argh.¡±


    I throw the cell phone against my bedroom wall, seeking some relief.


    It¡¯s been more than a month since we came here, more than a month and nothing has changed. Dad asks me to keep him posted on Mom¡¯s condition, and all I do is watch her gradually wither away. The sparkle in her eyes dimmed, the rosy undertone of her skin giving way to the pale, lifeless look.


    ¡°Hey, is everything okay?¡± The door opens at once, and I jump in fright, looking at the person in charge in disbelief.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I inquire.


    ¡°Apparently your salvation.¡± Says, all smiles and arch an eyebrow.


    ¡°How did you get in here?¡±


    Sheughs and enters the room, ignoring that I didn¡¯t invite her to enter. She is a stranger.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry. I rented this house to a certain Augusto Leal. He stops, putting a finger to his chin thoughtfully. ¡°You¡¯re his daughter, right?¡±


    A smile voluntarily spreads across my face for the first time since we arrived.


    ¡°Amelia.¡± I say, gettingfortable with the stranger.


    ¡± Come on, I need an assistant to deliver a baby.¡± She says, nodding for me to follow.¡± I lock it in ce, blinking as I watch her smile grow.


    ¡± What?¡± I ask and she bursts outughing.


    Maybe, she¡¯s not so nice.


    ¡± A birth? A real birth? With a kid and all?¡± My eyes drop to the rounded shape of her stomach and my breath catches. ¡°It¡¯s not your birth, is it?¡±


    The girl arches her eyebrow and gives me an understanding smile, she pulls her long brown hair up to the top of her head and ties it back. The well¡±drawn face makes me wonder if she¡¯s not some famous actress in a retreat or something, the blue eyes are so clear that they remind me of the cloudless sky of New York, but also remind me of Aurora. Yes, they are simr from some angles.


    ¡°Sorry, Amelia. My name is Melissa and I need help giving birth to Vicenzo¡¯s mare and not mine.¡±


    I sigh in relief.


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­¡± I start to stutter, assuming the girl is crazy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, leave it to me. I¡¯m a veterinarian.¡± She speaks, turning her back to leave the room, but stops, she turns and looks at me with a twinkle in her eyes. ¡°Well, almost one. Come.


    I don¡¯t have time to run away or object, his hand grabs mine and I¡¯m pulled out of the house within seconds.


    ¡°Is there no one to help you?¡± I really don¡¯t believe I can. I say, starting to panic with every step. She clicks her tongue but doesn¡¯t say anything until a minuteter, when we enter what I believe is the barn and I spot the mare lying on her side in a haystack.


    ¡± No, my husband is at the bistro and my little boy¡­ well, he¡¯s too young for the task.¡±


    ¡± What about Vicenzo?¡± I ask, remembering the name of the man she spoke to.


    She stops and looks at me sympathetically.


    ¡± Vicenzo is the name of my son, Amelia.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± It is all I can get out before the mare starts to protest.


    God help me.


    Who is this woman, and why does her face look so familiar?

 CHAPTER 42

    AMELIA LEAL


    Not.


    Not I can think of no other reason for a person to move to this town than to hide from the world. Missouri is a city in Texas and I can say that ¡°end of the world¡± is more appropriate, although, the city is slightly charming, I can¡¯t bear to look at all the horses, goats, chickens and pigs that Melissa raises. Although, she has be friends over thest few days and her son is the cutest thing. Which of course makes me think of the son my sister is carrying in her womb, my first nephew, and how difficult it will be to be away from him.


    I sigh, looking at my newest friend¡¯s interaction with her husband. He is clearly older, however, this is the typical well¡±presentable ¡°crown¡±. Very well! by the way. Like, he¡¯s hot.


    Snort.


    The guy is practically a Greek god, he¡¯s so handsome. Tall, broad¡±shouldered and tan¡±skinned, a few white hairs on the sides of his hair and caramel¡±colored eyes that remind me of my dad¡¯s favorite whiskey. Damn, they make a couple like those on the cover of a magazine, it¡¯s even disloyal to walk beside them.


    ¡± Pancakes?¡± Melissa¡¯s husband Lorenzo asks, and I nod, unable not to have my skin warm from his attention. He smiles warmly and serves me two of his wonderful pancakes. The man is a cook, and a good one at that.


    ¡± Thanks.¡± I whisper, feeling disconcerted just looking at him. Hell, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m fantasizing about my friend¡¯s husband or hitting on the man, but I¡¯m not used to having conversations with a guy like that. I feel like an intruder, too, disrupting their breakfast with my sullen expression.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Mel asks, taking a seat across from me at the table, pouring herself an orange juice. I take the opportunity to observe her, her long hair is tied in a ponytail on top of her head, making her look cooler, her blue eyes are highlighted by a light brown shadow, and she wears a blue dress glued to her bust. And released in the region of belly and high boots with no heels, I never asked your age, but I¡¯m guessing something like twenty-something.


    ¡± Yea. Sure I¡¯m not interfering?¡± I ask, still feeling uneasy about being at her house so early.


    She smiles and shakes her head.


    ¡°Not at all, to tell you the truth, I¡¯m the one who should be thanking you for staying with Vicenzo tonight.¡± He says, taking a piece of his own pancake. Lorenzo sits down beside her, looking down at her with an adoring expression, he kisses her cheek and whispers something in her ear that makes her bite her lip and blush, they share a look I recognize and turn their attention to their respective dishes. .


    I look away from the couple before I¡¯m discovered and feel, once again, intrusive.


    We eat, and he leaves for the bistro he keeps in the busiest part of town, it turns out they prefer a house in the country where they can keep all of Vincenzo¡¯s favorite animals and Mel can tend to all the animals in the area. I can¡¯t deny that seeing them together makes me think of Henrico and question why I haven¡¯t received any calls or messages. I may have even blocked all my fucking social media when the news of my trip was used by the media as an escape and I received a barrage of questions from journalists and followers, I just took a break from everything, using ¡°my study¡± as an excuse, since this was the allegation that Augusto used for mying to the United States so suddenly. Luckily, he managed to once again deflect all the media attention and get Mom¡¯s name forgotten.


    Ezequiel¡¯s death was given as yet another tragedy caused by drugs, he had an overdose shortly after, ording to the gossip newspapers, murdering the prostitute who was with him, since no other person was seen at the scene.


    I thought about calling or sending a message to Henrico, but pride wouldn¡¯t let me. That would only create more trouble too, I promised my dad I¡¯d stay away from my sister¡¯s ex if Mom was safe, and if he really wanted to find me, he would have arranged it.


    ¡°Need to go.¡± I say, eyeing the big cabin not far from where we are. She looks in the same direction I¡¯m looking and lets out a low sigh.


    ¡°How is your mother?¡± he asks, using a truly concerned tone.


    ¡°In the same.¡± I say, feeling the weight of my own words.


    It¡¯s been two months since we arrived and Mom hasn¡¯t gotten better, on the contrary, every day she sinks deeper into depression and I don¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened to her, Amelia. However, I imagine it was something serious like the loss of someone dear, and I can assure you that I know that feeling better than anyone else, I¡¯ve lost too many people in my life to memorize the feeling, but I found motivation to fight in Lorenzo, even without knowing it is motivated me to be strong, I matured ahead of time and ended up finding a ce for the pain, strengthening myself from it. She just needs the right motivation, someone to step up and support her. Be that person for her.¡±


    Her words move me, even more so because her eyes are flooded with unshed tears, making me think of everything she had to ovee.


    ¡°Do you want me to stay?¡± I ask, using the same tone she used when she asked about Mom.


    She denies, taking the twist of her hand to her eyes and wiping the tears that didn¡¯te down.


    ¡± Do not worry, I¡¯m fine. Go take care of your mom, see youter. ¡± I nod, not sure if I should leave her alone after her outburst and head home, hoping to find another scenario when I hit Mother room. However, I don¡¯t m her door, I wait for night toe, then for day to break and when finally two days go by without even seeing her, I reach my limit.


    ¡°Get up from that bed and live!¡± Growl, opening the curtains and letting the light in.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I stare at the confused expression on Mom¡¯s face and feel my girl grow bigger, her eyes are lined with dark circles and her hair looks like it hasn¡¯te under ab in a couple of weeks.


    ¡°Close the windows!¡± Orders her, pulling the covers and covering herself in full.


    ¡± No, I will no longer ept meeting like this.¡± I pull the sheet from over her body and throw it on the floor.


    She stands up with fury in her eyes and her face twisted in disgust.


    ¡°Listen here, youngdy. He points his finger at my face. ¡°I¡¯m your mother and I demand respect, do you hear me?¡± Scream.


    I cross my arms, not looking away from his gaze. I¡¯m doing this for your own good, even if it sounds rude.


    ¡°So act like one and listen. I¡¯m your daughter, but I¡¯ve been taking care of you since we arrived, I thought I¡¯d get out of bed after a few days, but it¡¯s been two months! Two damn months and nothing!¡± I exim, throwing my hands in the air, showing all my indignation.


    She narrows her eyes and gives up looking at me.


    ¡± Leave me alone.¡± she asks and I shake my head.


    ¡± No.¡±


    ¡°Amelia¡­¡±


    ¡°No, mother. I¡¯m not going to watch you slowly fade away, I¡¯m here and I demand that you fight and recover.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not wasting away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are. Look at her condition.¡± I point to the mirror and she looks at her reflection, startled by what she sees.


    ¡± I¡­ ¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be like this, I¡­¡± I trail off, taking a deep breath and gathering my courage. ¡°I know I didn¡¯t take your rtionship with Ezequiel well, as I¡¯m also aware that you lost someone important and had a small piece of you destroyed, I won¡¯t ask what happened that night and I won¡¯t even mention his name if you prefer, but I don¡¯t agree to keep it.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. ¡± She says, starting to cry like a child. I hug her tightly, crying together.


    ¡°If you want to divorce my dad, I understand.¡± I say, sniffling low into her neck. She pulls me away and I look deep into my eyes, wiping my tears with my fingertips and smiling.


    ¡°No need to worry about that, dear. Starting today I¡¯ll take care of my own problems. I¡¯m sorry for neglecting my role for so long and causing you pain.¡± I kiss my forehead.


    ¡°We¡¯ll get through all of this.¡± I say, smiling at his caress of my hair.


    ¡°And we¡¯ll be back too, I just need some time.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± I ask excitedly, immediately thinking of ck eyes and rough hands.


    ¡°Yeah, I just need to regroup.¡± I smile, shaking my head.


    We will be back.

 CHAPTER 43

    AMELIA LEAL


    The day after the conversation with Mom, I went to Melissa¡¯s house to tell her the news, but I came back when I saw the traumatic scene of her and her husband without clothes on the living room floor. I didn¡¯t know pregnant women could be so flexible. In the afternoon of that same day, I received a call from you to go to the doctor responsible for your delivery, even embarrassed I epted the invitation and Lorenzo left us there. I got emotional hearing little Sol¡¯s heart beating, my eyes filled with tears and Mel looked at me with affection, none of us made anyments, however, it was clear on my face what I was thinking.


    My nephew.


    It was a pleasant afternoon until I returned home and found my mother nowhere to be found, for a moment I thought she had gone and left me behind. It wouldn¡¯t be a shock anyway. My expectations for the members of this family have been low for some time. A sister who hates me, a father who would choose his career first, and a lying mother.


    No wonder I gave in to alcohol before going crazy.


    ¡°Leal doesn¡¯t mean loyalty in our family, Melissa, but don¡¯t be fooled by my confessions. Aurora also went through a lot and needed to be strong. ¡± I say, downing the sixth ss of tequ. Her face is twisted into a grimace as I pour myself some more of the hot liquid, but she doesn¡¯t stop me.


    ¡°Is your rtionship with Aurora really that bad?¡± ¡± He asks, showing a true interest in the answer. I shrug, trying to remember a time when things weren¡¯t bad with my stepsister.


    ¡± She hates me. ¡± I exin, after reflecting for long seconds.


    ¡± I always wanted to have a big family, but I lost my parents when I was a girl and I was raised by an aunt. She was married but never wanted children. ¡°Exin.


    ¡± Where is she? Your aunt. I don¡¯t remember anyone here besides you, Vicenzo and Lorenzo.


    ¡± She is dead. ¡°I confess, and I regret asking the question.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s been a few years and like I told you, I handle the loss better than most people. I nod, looking at her from a new perspective.


    A silence ensues and when I confess my forbidden romance with Henrico and say that he is Aurora¡¯s ex, I put my hand over my mouth and promise never to drink again in my life.


    ¡°Are you in love with him?¡± She question and I decide I don¡¯t want to talk about my feelings.


    ¡°Henrico and I won¡¯t work. ¡± I speak.


    ¡°He was her husband, you know. Lorenzo. I stare at the clear liquid and discard it on the grass.


    ¡°Whose husband?¡±


    ¡°My Aunt. Lorenzo was her husband, we got involved after his death when I was still seventeen. I tense up, not sure if I¡¯m fantasizing the story. It¡¯s too surreal to be true.


    ¡°Are you saying your husband is¡­ your uncle?¡± I fumble for words, feeling the alcohol take effect.


    ¡± No and yes. ¡± Speaks and along the eyebrows, leaning forward. I only drink water from now on.


    Melissa tries to rx in the rocking chair, but the subject and her stomach won¡¯t allow it, so she just plucks up some courage and starts talking. At first, I can¡¯t hide my disbelief at her antics, dating older men is bingmonce in recent decades, but many are only aimed at money and that¡¯s not her case. Melissa fell in love with her uncle when they started living under the same roof, Lorenzo became possessive, but resisted at first. The story raised every hair on my body, despite the certainty that I was spared the sordid moments. They don¡¯t have the same blood and she assured thatthere was consent in all acts.


    ¡°I almost drove him crazy, poor thing. It chased him like a cat chases a mouse. ¡± Contemtive speech, not hiding the malicious smile on his face when he gets lost in the memories. My skin heats up and I me the alcohol for that.


    ¡°Why did you tell me?¡± I question, feeling the weight of sleep in my body and eyelids.


    She runs her tongue between her lips, buying time or savoring thest remnants ofof the spinach juice you drank.


    ¡± I spoke because I thought I should, you told me about Henrico and I thought it was fair to share that secret. We came here to start a life from scratch, we had nothing holding us back in Brazil. I give azy smile, enchanted by his round face and thoughtfulness. She didn¡¯t need to tell me, it¡¯s her life, but I¡¯m happy to be worthy of her trust.


    ¡°Thanks for sharing this with me, Mel. It would be amazing to have as a sister. ¡± I mutter, almost closing my eyes.


    ¡°Do you want to spend the night here?¡± he asks and I shake my head, rubbing my eyes with my fingers.


    ¡°I need to check on my mother.


    ¡°Amelia? ¡°It calls when I stand up.¡±


    ¡± What? ¡± My voice is dragged by sleep, alcohol, fatigue.


    ¡± The truth is, I have another reason for telling you this story.¡± Say it and I¡¯m curious.


    ¡± Same?¡±


    Yawn.


    ¡± After my aunt died, I found out that my father was not my biological father and that I had a family. An uncle and two cousins, to be exact.


    ¡°An uncle and two cousins?¡± ¡± I repeat.


    She nods.


    My temple throbs.


    ¡± Where are they?¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t know of my existence.¡±


    ¡± Because?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m afraid of not being epted.¡± I end up smiling, because that¡¯s exactly what I feel every time I wake up in the morning.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never know if you don¡¯t try.¡± How bad are they?


    ¡± My uncle is supposedly involved in politics.¡± My smile widens, visibly understanding.


    ¡± I understand your point, this species is reallyplicated, but I survived and you are still your cousins.¡±


    ¡± Amelia, I have to tell you something that maybe you won¡¯t remember at dawn, but I have a reputation for being impulsive and I need to say it before the me of courage goes out.¡± I memorize the words of the song that is ying softly on the kitchen radio and try not to get lost in the melody. ¡± My father¡¯s name was Daniel Leal.¡±


    The woman who has been upying a big space in my life wipes away a tear and gives a smile full of hope.

 CHAPTER 44

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    At small, soft hands rest on my chest as she settles on my cock, smiling in depravity as she settles in and gives the first wiggle.


    ¡°Damn! ¡± I growl, taking my hands to her slim waist and squeezing hard, causing her to groan ande down hard on my length.


    ¡°You are so good to me.¡± She whispers with her eyes closed, throwing her head back and giving me the perfect view of her small breasts. My mouth waters and I grab her neck from the front, bringing her right up to my lips.


    I kiss her mouth, thrusting my tongue in at once. I¡¯m hungry, insatiable for her, and I¡¯m also furious.


    ¡°I will punish you, girl. I¡¯ll only let go of your pussy after I make you all red, I¡¯ll manhandle your channel and eat that ass of yours. ¡± I say, giving her a hard p on the butt. She moans loudly, pulling her mouth away from mine to get some air, her expression one of pure pleasure. I move my mouth down to her left breast and swallow it without dy, bite and circle the pointy pout.


    ¡°Henrico ¡­¡± She moans again, sounding desperate.


    ¡°You left me here, you bitch. ¡± I push her harder, changing our positions so that I¡¯m on top, lifts one of her legs and wraps it around my waist.


    ¡± Please.¡± She pleads, rolling her eyes wildly. I smirk, thrusting my cock harder into her pussy.


    ¡± You¡¯lle whenever I want, that¡¯s your punishment for leaving without warning.¡± I growl, diving back into her mouth. ¡± Bloody hell!¡± I exim, sliding out of her grip and putting her on all fours.


    ¡± What are you going to do? He murmurs in a visibly shaken voice.


    I chuckle, giving my round ass another smack. I remove the condom that covered my cock and throw it in the trash can next to the bed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to wear that shit, I¡¯m going to eat youpletely naked.¡± I slide my fingers through her opening, feeling my fingers get better from her arousal. Is it over there moans and rolls around in my fingers, provocative. ¡± Naughty bitch. I growl again, thrusting everything back into her tight channel.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ I missed that.¡± I missed you so much Henrico. ¡± He says, holding the sheet tightly.


    ¡°You felt it, didn¡¯t you?¡± Of course, you did. Say I¡¯m the one! I order, feeling extremely possessive, pulling her by the hair and cing her back against my bare chest.


    ¡± Yes¡­ Beloved father, a thousand times yes.¡± He stutters, wrapping one of his hands around my neck.


    I bite her shoulder, passing my tongue over the mark right after, not stopping eating her pussy for a single second.


    ¡°Say you missed me.¡±


    ¡± I missed you.


    I growl, pushing her head down again, so she¡¯s back on all fours for me.


    ¡°Say it¡¯s mine.¡± I order, holding tight to her hip and elerating my thrusts. ¡°Speak. I yell, going deep into her wet channel.


    ¡± YEA. I am yours, yours only, Henrico.¡± She screams, half moaning.


    ¡°Yes, honey, you¡¯re MINE. ¡± I take my hand to her clit and message, making her wetter. ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re so hot, Amelia. ¡± I confess, opening my legs even more and screaming with pleasure. Her cunt squeezes my cock, indicating she¡¯s ready toe, her walls be wetter and I have to control myself not to cum inside her right this minute.


    ¡°Don¡¯te now!¡± I order, and she grumbles, saying she can¡¯t take it anymore.


    Sadisticugh, enjoying controlling his body again.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll make youe now.¡± I speak, removing all my cock and messing with everything at once. She screams and gasps, whining for me not to stop.


    ¡°I¡­ ¡± I start, but three knocks on the door get my attention.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop, my love. I need you.¡± The green eyes hit me full on, bringing pain to my chest. I¡¯m going to slow down the attacks.


    ¡± I¡­


    ¡± Henrico? Ditch the easy life and get your ass outside, we have a meeting in a little while.¡± Guilhermino¡¯s voice leaves me confused, and I look back at the door, bringing my eyes back to the woman in my bed.


    His image slowly disappears, like a mirage, and I frown.


    What the hell is that?


    ¡°Henrico, I¡¯m going to break down this door!¡± Guilhermino shouts, knocking hard on the door, and I start, looking scared to all corners of the room, realizing it¡¯s just another dream.


    Damn it!


    I massage my temple, not believing this has happened again. This is the fourteenth naughty dream I¡¯ve had about the brat since she left four months ago. That bitch messed with my mind and tamed my dick like no other bitch has, I even tried to make him fall in love with another pussy when I had the first dream, but the bastard didn¡¯t evene up, and I was embarrassed.


    Fucking brat. That pussy has honey, that¡¯s all. It¡¯s not possible.


    I shake my head, scowling when Guilhermino goes back to pounding on the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m down in fifteen fucking minutes!¡± I growl, enraged.


    ¡± Ten.¡± He says, and I hear his footsteps walk away.


    I stare between my legs, feeling my cock throb from theck of relief. Fucking Amelia!


    I get out of bed, go straight to the bathroom and take off all my clothes. I turn on the shower and bathe in cold water, refusing to take a shower, thinking about the ungrateful.


    ¡°You have to forget about her, you bastard. ¡± I say to my dick, trying to convince him that she has no turning back, even if shees kneeling down saying that she can¡¯t stop thinking about me and wants to suck tasty I¡¯ll forgive.


    She left. She chose her thug father and a family that doesn¡¯t care about her well¡±being over me, she hasn¡¯t even given me the right to earn her affection and trust.


    ¡°You better get used to it, you bastard. In that pussy, you don¡¯t go in anymore.¡± I say, closing my eyes and allowing the water to wash over me and make your work with my monstrous arousal. A few minutester, I leave the shower and get dressed, opting for a suit over the simpler clothes I¡¯ve been wearing to deal with farm organization.


    ¡± We have to hit the road now if we don¡¯t want to bete. ¡± Guilhermino speaks, as soon as I go down thest step of the stairs and sign, taking a cigarette from inside my suit and lighting it.


    He scowls, but doesn¡¯tin. I¡¯ve been smoking more often in recent months, cigarettes make me more rational and satisfy my addiction to something else.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to have coffee?¡± he asks, watching me walk out of the house. I take the cigarette out of my mouth and blow out the smoke, looking into his eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m not hungry.¡±


    He narrows his eyes and puts on his typical disappointed expression.


    ¡± Are you sure what you¡¯re going to do?¡± Question and I open a smile, walking to him.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy about it? I thought you¡¯d set off fireworks for letting go of the idea of ??revenge.¡± I hint, tapping his shoulder. He squints in my direction and growls low.


    ¡°You strike me as vindictive as ever, and besides, you¡¯re just changing the game.¡± I widen my smile even wider, knowing he¡¯s talking about my support for the governor¡¯spetitor.


    Yes, he¡¯s right. I decided to save the photos and documents for another asion, first I want to watch Augusto Leal¡¯s defeat at the polls.


    ¡°Come on, we have a lot to do today.¡± I say, hitting him again on the shoulder.


    He stares at me silently for a few seconds and removes his hat, indicating he¡¯s nervous for some reason.


    ¡°She returned.¡± He lets go, looking somewhat relieved.


    I fix my posture and walk again, turning my back on him.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t hurry, I¡¯ll leave you behind.¡± I say, going back to blowing the smoke in the air, pretending not to be shaken by what he just said.


    She returned.


    How could he know this before I did?

 CHAPTER 45

    AMELIA LEAL


    The automatic door of Queens¡¯s main airport opens and a sequence of shes goes off, Mom covers her face with her bag and I hurry my steps towards our car. I thought our return to Brazil was a secret, but apparently Dad is not in control of everything.


    ¡°Excuse.¡± I ask a journalist who tries to prevent my passage, asking a sequence of inappropriate questions.


    ¡°Amelia, how is your sister?¡± One of them asks, sticking some kind of tape recorder in the middle of my face.


    Grunt, tired of being polite and using brutality to drive them away.


    How do they know about Aurora if I found out about it less than an hour ago?


    ¡± Does your mother know about her lover¡¯s death? Another asks, and I growl, pushing my hands through and finally touching the car door handle. I open it and go in, followed by Mom.


    ¡°Fucking vultures!¡± Mom growls as she gets in the car and ms the door, removing her sunsses.


    ¡°How did they know about our arrival?¡± I ask, still looking in disbelief at the number of journalists outside the car.


    She turns to face me, half unsure if the question was meant to be answered or just a stray thought.


    ¡°They find out everything.¡± He whispers, still eyeing me uncertainly.


    I swallow hard and look away from him, correcting my posture and looking straight ahead.


    ¡°We¡¯re going straight to the hospital.¡± I inform the driver, he nods and engages the car, starting in a few seconds.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your sister will be fine. Mom tries to reassure me, resting her hand over mine.


    ¡± I believe that our arrival is not going as you nned.¡± I snap, pulling my hand away from hers.


    She clears her throat, picking up her cell phone and giving a tight smile.


    ¡°Well, you can¡¯t control everything.¡± he says, a little awkwardly, and I look up again, knowing his anger epasses far more than Aurora¡¯s early birth.


    I close my eyes and take a deep breath, finally processing the phone call Peter gave me as soon as the nended, he was nervous and was stumbling over words, but I managed to understand the part about Aurora needing to be hospitalized in a hurry due to the fact that her water broke before the time.


    Eight months.


    She was only eight months old, close to nine, and my nephew couldn¡¯t wait any longer. I had to tell him that I was already on Brazilian soil, he sent our driver and asked us to wait, instead of taking a taxi, it turns out that this interim was enough to create an uproar outside the airport. I repeat to myself as I look at my reflection in the car window mirror, just a few seconds before entering the hospital, and I try to put myself back on track and put my life in order before facing reality. Repeating that not,I will allow myself to be controlled and puppet again. I am eighteen years old. I may not be seen as an adult by my parents and still be financially dependent on them, but I am mature enough to take charge of my own life. Fuck, I¡¯m done feeding the thirst for Mr. Augusto Leal and I will no longer allow Mom to live for me, trying to make me what she never was when I was younger. I take a deep breath and let out a long breath, turn on the faucet in the sink and wash my face.


    I can do this. ¡± I say to myself.


    I look sideways at my mother, watching her expression indecipherable to me and as much as I try, I can¡¯t see her as before, not after our conversation still at the airport.


    ??You took your time. Mom says as soon as I stop beside her, I give her a tight¡±lipped smile and take the seat next to her on the waiting bench. ¡± Our flight will be dyed a few minutes. ¡± She reports her, leafing through any magazine.


    I nod, taking advantage of her distraction to check on her one more time. She is wearing skinny jeans just like me, but on her feet, instead of sneakers, are her usual sandals with very thin heels, but both she and I wear T-shirts of light fabric and light tone.


    ¡± How are you? I ask, I¡¯ve been asking since we arrived in Missouri. She drops the magazine and looks at me, meeting my eyes.


    ¡°I already told you that you don¡¯t have to worry.¡± Talk, touching my cheek with one of your hands like you did when I was little. I adopt a more serious, resentful expression.


    ¡°Don¡¯t treat me like a child or hide anything from me, Anna. She grimaces, screwing up her face when I mention her name instead of calling her Mom.


    Good.


    Goal achieved.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything from you.¡± She rifies, looking slightly hurt. I press my lips together and stare at her, not looking away from hers.


    ¡°And who have you been talking to thesest few weeks?¡± I ask, remembering how strange his behavior has been thest few days.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been talking to your father, my husband. I arch an eyebrow at him, finding his tone extremely forced despite his effort to sound natural.


    She¡¯s hiding something from me.


    ¡± My father?¡±


    ¡°Yes, your father.¡± He reaffirms, going back to leafing through the magazine in false interest, increasing my certainty that he¡¯s hiding something from me.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know we¡¯reing back.¡± I say, making him look at me again.


    ¡°It will be a surprise.¡± He says in a sweet, pathetic tone.


    Snort.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Don¡¯t treat me like a child, I remember very well that I wanted to separate from Dad. I remind her, practically spitting the words in her face.


    His face is displeased when he looks at me, but I hold my ground.


    ¡± I don¡¯t owe you an exnation, Amelia Leal. Your father and I are trying to get closer, you don¡¯t have to agree, but remember that all my decisions are made with you in mind.¡±


    I snort again.


    ¡°And you thought of me when you asked for separation and intended to run away with your lover?¡± Tell me, dear mother. Was it me you were thinking of when you decided to throw it all away without telling me? ¡± I rave, drawing the attention of some people around us.


    ¡°Amelia¡± He starts, but I cut her off, holding up a hand to stop her.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m tired of you. All of you.¡± I stand up, grabbing the handle of my suitcase and heading across the airport concourse.


    She¡¯s a hypocritical liar, just like Dad. Both, both of them have been manipting me for all these years, and it¡¯s only now that I can see, I¡¯m good when they need me, but not good enough for them to trust.


    Your big arms encircle my waist with inhuman strength, and I have to smack him on the back to get him to move away and let me breathe.


    ¡± Sorry. ¡± Peter whispers, running his hands through his hair awkwardly.


    I smile tight-lipped, tucking a section of my hair behind my ear, and adjust my shirt, which has ended up riding in the suffocating embrace. ¡°No problem, how are they? ¡± Her expression changes, bing harder, darker, scared and I tense.


    He looks exhausted, his shoulders are slumped, his hair is disheveled, and his dress shirt isn¡¯t buttoned all the way down.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a natural birth, but they¡¯re both fine and resting.¡± However, my son will need to spend some time in the ICU under medical observation. I frown, not liking his expression and tone at all.


    ¡± What? Because? You said he was fine.¡±


    He rubs his face with both palms of his hands and walks to the nearest bench, I follow behind him in silence, respecting his distance.


    ¡± He was born before his time, he also didn¡¯t have enough weight, and he showed difficulty breathing, the doctor said it¡¯s nothing rming, but they still need to observe him. I grab his hand in mine and kiss it, pressing it hard against my lips. ¡± It¡¯s going to be okay. ¡± I whisper, looking deep into her eyes, because that¡¯s all I want.


    ¡°Thanks foring back. He takes my hand to his mouth and repeats my act, being gentler in the gesture than I was.


    For some reason, I don¡¯t pull my hand away, I stay there holding his for all the waiting minutes until I¡¯m allowed inside to visit Aurora. I don¡¯t look in Mom¡¯s direction as I pass her, but I feel her gaze burn into my back, and I can intuit she has a look of displeasure on her face.


    ¡°She¡¯s sleeping, but you cane in.¡± I nod to the nurse, indicating that I understand, and enter the room.


    I try to step slowly, without making too much noise, even though I know Aurora is sedated and won¡¯t be waking up anytime soon.


    You wouldn¡¯t even be here if she was. My conscience spikes, making me smile as I look at my sister¡¯s serene face.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be so rxed if you knew I was here, would you?¡± I say, feeling my heartbeat elerate.


    ¡°No, you¡¯d be throwing me out before I even walked through that door. ¡± I point to the piece of wood that allows us privacy, even if she can¡¯t look and snort, realizing that I¡¯m talking to myself.


    Rubbing my forehead with one of my hands.


    ¡°What the hell did I do to you? ¡± Exalted, feeling a teare down.


    Damn it.


    ¡°I just wanted a sister. Another tear falls and my tone changes to a tearful one. I can¡¯t control it.¡± You lost a mother, but you denied me a sister all these years, and now I can¡¯t even visit you when you¡¯re awake. I suck air into my lungs, wiping away the tears that are streaming down my face, and leave the room, leaning against the door as soon as I close it.

 CHAPTER 46

    AMELIA LEAL


    ¡± I found you.¡±


    A snarl leaves my lips just as hands mp over my mouth and I jump in ce, startled.


    ¡°Quiet. ¡± The harsh and moody tone makes every hair on my body stand on end, I struggle in search of freedom as his free hand wraps around my waist and presses me against his body.


    I would recognize that voice anywhere.


    What is he doing here?


    I¡¯m dragged from my thoughts when he takes us into a dark, cramped room, what I believe is the cleaning closet, locks the door, and leans my back against the wall. Space is practically nil, so we stand a finger¡¯s breadth apart as we stare at each other, sharing the air and tension.


    ¡°What the fuck, Henrico ! ¡± I scream, as soon as he removes his hand from my mouth, forcing my vision to see him in the middle of the darkness.


    ¡± You naughty bitch, don¡¯te yelling at me, no. Who¡¯s going to talk about this one, it¡¯s me! ¡± Retorts, practically stealing my air so close.


    I growl, half lost rationality at his approach and push his chest, regaining consciousness the same second I hear his offense and not liking his tone at all.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me dog!¡± I snarl, hitting my hand squarely in her face.


    ¡°You hit me!¡± he says incredulously, disturbed by my act in his tone. I bite my bottom lip, nervously, nearly tearing a piece off.


    I hit him.


    I HIT HIM.


    FUCK. FUCK. FUCK!


    I¡¯m locked in a cubicle with an apparently angry man, and I hit him. Perfect, Amelia! You¡¯ve just signed your death warrant.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I stammer, cing a hand on his chest to keep us apart.


    As if that was really going to keep him away.


    My conscience scoffs and I almost growl at her.


    ¡± Henrico . I sigh, searching his eyes.


    ¡± Do not speak. He kind of growls, shoving his hand through my hair and pulling hard, like he¡¯s punishing me.


    I groan in pain, making a face that I¡¯m sure he can¡¯t see.


    ¡± There¡­ Let go of me, what are you? I ce my hand over his and try to untangle my strands from his grip, but he grips them tighter, and I arch, feeling my scalp burn.


    ¡± You left me. ¡± He says, furious. Breathing right next to my cheek.


    He drags his nose along the skin of my neck, scraping his lips as he goes.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± I beg, unsure of what I¡¯m asking.


    Heughs and turns me around sharply, rubbing against me from behind.


    ¡°Yes, beg for me. Did you miss me? He whispers thest part into my ear, biting my earlobe teasingly.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I manage to get it out, but ites out more as a moan, and heughs against my neck, nibbling my skin there.


    ¡± Female dog. ¡± ps my ass, causing a loud noise and scream.


    ¡± Stop this. I growl, trying to spin my body.


    He presses his body tighter against mine and squeezes me further against the closet.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee back, Amelia. I am very angry. ¡± He confesses, rubbing his bulge in my ass and showing that his body does not agree with his words.


    ¡°You¡¯re hard.¡±


    ¡± He missed you, but I didn¡¯t.¡± Speak, confusing me.


    He knows it¡¯s his dick, right?


    I moan, feeling him grind sinfully against me. Consuming thest bit of rationality I had.


    I left for Mom, but also because of him. Even though I don¡¯t believe he would be med for leaking Mom¡¯s pictures, I know he hates my family and won¡¯t let me out of his revenge.


    He doesn¡¯t like me enough.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I start, but he pulls away and turns me around, attacking my mouth with his. We both moan together, our tongues seekingfort in each other¡¯s mouths, and we suck and bite and say nothing.


    ¡± You left me. ¡± Pull my lower lip between his teeth, squeezing hard and then licking.


    ¡± Yea.¡± I admit, sneaking my hands under his shirt.


    ¡°He left without warning.¡± Punctuates, holding my neck from the front as he returns to devour my lips.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t in bed when I woke up. I remind him, realizing I was resentful until now without realizing it. ¡°He didn¡¯t leave me a note.¡± ¡± I say, pulling our mouths apart to get some air. He gives me a few seconds, butes back to attack me.


    ¡°Did you want me to leave a note?¡± he asks, moving his lips down to my neck and biting my chin. ¡°What should I have written? It was really nice eating you, Amelia. I¡¯ve never eaten such tight, delicious pussy.¡± Whatabout?¡± He teases and growls, feeling my blood boil, and I push him away from me.


    ¡± Not.¡± He protests, pulling my arms above my head and keeping them pinned. ¡°I came back for you. ¡°Confess, low, like a secret only I can hear.¡±


    I narrow my eyes, interested in what he says.


    ¡± Were? ¡± I ask, feeling his free hand y with the button of my pants.


    ¡°Yes, but you were gone. I punched your dad and I wanted to spank you too. I press my lips together, feeling my body tense as he unbuttons my pants and shes the zipper down, shoving his hand inside my panties.


    ¡°Henrico ¡­¡±


    ¡± You are wet.


    He massages my clit, mean, and I have to close my eyes, trying to regain my consciousness and focus on what he said.


    ¡°If you came to my house, then why didn¡¯t you try calling or texting me? I question, aware of his fingers sliding through my slit. ¡°Holy shit, Henrico ! ¡± I scream, when he pulls my clit and then does a kind of massage, ying with it between his fingers.


    ¡°What are you talking about, dear?¡± You made it very clear that you didn¡¯t want to be disturbed when you sent me that message.


    I try to cross my legs to stop his advances, but he doesn¡¯t allow it, and he lies down on top of me, putting his leg between mine.


    Wait.


    What is he talking about?


    I didn¡¯t send a message. ¡± I say, ted by his fingers hitting the right spot, I release my arms from his grip and hold his shoulders.


    ¡°It came from your cell phone. ¡± His hand grabs my ass and pulls me onto hisp, forcing me to circle my legs around his waist.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t send anything. ¡± I reinforce my speech, grabbing her hair and pulling it just like she did with mine minutes ago. He leans me back against the closet and cradles me in his arms, grinding desperately between my legs.


    We gasp, moan together. My nails are digging into his shoulders, and his beard scratches my face.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to show you that fucking message, and I¡¯ll dly rub it in your face, but first I¡¯m going to eat you here and now. He snarls, kissing me hard, his teeth chattering against mine at the brutality that initiates the kiss.


    He sets me down on the ground and I kick my sneakers off. Henrico removes my shirt, passing it to the pants soon after, going down with the panties to the end of my legs. Unzipping his own pants and pulling them down between his legs.


    ¡°We¡¯re not going to make love. ¡± He says, grabbing me by the ass again and making me ride him upright. I don¡¯t have time to reason, his cock nudges my intimacy and when I blink, I¡¯m going all over him. Bouncing on his cock as he opens my ass further and further, entering my channel more easily.


    ¡°Damn¡­yeah, naughty bitch. This pussy is heaven, it ends any man.


    ¡± Faster Please. ¡± I groan, resting one of my hands on his shoulder and the other gripping the locker behind me.


    The sound of his dick moving in and out of me, along with the moansing out of our mouths, will probably get the attention of anyone walking down this hall, but for some reason, I don¡¯t care.


    I don¡¯t care that we were fighting or that he still keeps calling me a lying bitch, all I can care about is him moving in and out of me and how perfect it feels.


    ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re so hot, girl. I can not stay without you. ¡± He puts his forehead on mine and kisses me slowly, calmer.


    ¡± I¡¯m going toe¡­ ¡± I groan, when he lowers me and puts me back, gluing my face to the old closet, lifting only one of my legs and thrusting himself all inside me, intensifying his advances.


    ¡°Fuck it!¡± Swallow my dick, love. He whispers, eating me hard, biting the back of my neck mercilessly.


    ¡°Henrico ¡­ me.¡± ¡± He takes my mouth in a kiss, preventing me from finishing my speech.


    ¡± I know. ¡± He whispers, bringing me to orgasm when he punches hard in an unrealistic sequence.

 CHAPTER 47

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    I rest her left foot on my thigh and finish tying theces, just like I did on her right foot. I feel her eyes burn into me the entire time, but I linger over the simple task and put off meeting her eyes and talking to her.


    I can hear your heartbeat and feel your nervousness.


    Now that we¡¯ve fucked, I¡¯m not sure, I¡¯m ready for a conversation. I don¡¯t even know if I want to have one. When I got out of the car and came after her, I didn¡¯t have any rational thought circling my mind other than confronting her and demanding an exnation for leaving. I was furious, I¡¯ve been living on the edge since she sent that damn text and destroyed the altar of perfection I created for her.


    The fault is mine.


    I put a lot of expectations on a girl, she wasn¡¯t mature enough to face a rtionship with me and I don¡¯t believe she is now. I don¡¯t trust her anymore, either.


    She left me.


    I won¡¯t be able to erase the fact that she left from my mind. However, I couldn¡¯t resist when I saw her leave that room, her red face and eyes full of tears moved me in an inexplicable way and all the anger passed, but it was when I put my arms around her that I could realize how much this brat cared about me. Affects.


    Her scent made me addicted.


    Her eyes capture me. And the mouth, damn it! That mouth drives me crazy. But Amelia Leal is too malleable. The girl is extremely manipted by her parents and doesn¡¯t even realize it. I can¡¯t trust someone who doesn¡¯t respond to his ownmands, even if I see in her the same desire that burns in my chest, I can¡¯t stay by her side without knowing if when her father calls she will stay or run to him.


    ¡± Need to go. I look for you.¡± I say, getting to my feet again, avoiding his eyes.


    She opens and closes her mouth to say something to me, but decides against it, opting for her typical snobbish can, turning her little nose.


    ¡°You can¡¯t eat me and then leave.¡± she says, crossing her arms over her chest, sassy.


    I clench my fists, managing not to look into her pale irises now that the light is on, and I can see her face.


    I have to resist.


    I have to resist.


    I need to resist.


    ¡°Sounds more like something you would do.¡± I say, remembering the fact that she traveled after our first time.


    I hear his indignant growl and manage a smile.


    ¡°I really need to go, Amelia.¡±


    No, I don¡¯t, I just have to get away from you.¡±


    ¡± You really are unbelievable, Henrico Zattani.¡± I fume, letting out a breath of air.


    I nod, turning around to finally open the door and escape the temptation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare leave again, I swear I¡¯ll hunt you down to hell.¡± I point a finger at her, not resisting, and ncing at her pretty face that is flushed with anger.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t write that message.¡± He mutters, stomping his foot hard on the floor like a child when I close the door behind me.


    I look up and down the hall and realize it¡¯s practically empty, I smile.


    I leave the hospital through the back, avoiding the crowd of reporters at the main door, and I spot Guilhermino¡¯s truck in the distance.


    ¡°I thought I told you to leave.¡± ¡± I say, mming the door when I enter.


    He snorts, giving me a sullen expression.


    ¡°You don¡¯t order me, boy.¡± He growls, starting the car and making meugh out loud.


    ¡°Well, what if what I had to do in there took longer? ¡± I question, turning my face to face him.


    A mocking smile spreads across her mouth.


    ¡°I know why you went in there, and under no circumstances would it take you more than a few minutes to solve your¡­problem.¡± He drags out thest one, making me frown at what he¡¯s just suggested.


    Iugh, influenced by an inexplicable good mood.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I just need a few minutes to reach my goal, no matter what I do. I give him a smile, cynical, smug, so he can feel the level of my confidence.


    He snorts at first but breaks intoughter with me secondster.


    ¡± Where are? I scream, pulling out all the objects I keep inside the safe in my office and throwing them on the floor.


    ¡°What now, man?¡± Guilhermino enters suddenly, finding the door open, and I look at him as myst salvation.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been stolen. ¡± I rify, and he widens his eyes, noticing the safe open and empty.


    ¡± What? Today? You think it was someone from the farm, because I have total respect for every employee on this ce, and I know every one of them. ¡± I shake my head, leaning on the chair in front of me.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. ¡± I murmur.


    He looks at me confused.


    ¡± What did they steal? She asks, sweeping her eyes around the office and noticing the mess I¡¯ve made.


    ¡± The evidence against Augusto Leal.¡±


    His gaze falters for a second when theye back to me and I feel his body tense, he walks over to me and palms my shoulder, squeezing lightly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll look into thatter, it¡¯s toote and we have another meeting tomorrow. ¡± Speaks, in a quiet tone that takes me out of seriousness.


    What?


    ¡± Not. You do not understand? I got robbed, someone took the only evidence I had against that bastard, and I can¡¯t just go to bed like nothing happened. I m my fist down on the table, causing a loud tter.


    I watch his jaw tighten and he scratches his temple, massaging it in before turning back to face me.


    ¡± By God, Henrico . You had these papers all these months and you didn¡¯t keep them, what changed?¡± His voice cracks, though he struggles to maintain control.


    I frown, not understanding the meaning of his question.


    ¡± With the evidence in hand, I exercised power over Augusto Leal, I maintained my position ahead of him in that game, without them, I¡¯m back to square one. ¡±


    I¡¯ll exin.


    He cks his eyebrows together and stares at me for long seconds.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think that¡¯s why, you kept them because your game needed spectators, one in particr, but since she was gone, the fun ended. However, now that she¡¯s back¡­..¡± I leap across the table and grab him by the shirt, getting face to face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense, Guilhermino. You know my strategy has changed, but I still want that motherfucker behind bars. ¡± Growl.


    He res at me, not letting his guard down, and we keep it that way, daring each other to make the first move. He¡¯s the first to relent, taking my hands off his shirt.


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll find it, but there¡¯s someone waiting for you in your room. ¡± He says, pouring himself a ss of whiskey.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I arch an eyebrow and he shrugs, rolling his eyes.


    ¡°Go over there.¡±


    I leave him alone in my office and head upstairs as fast as I can, trying to rein in the anticipation that builds in my chest with each step I take. I open my bedroom door slowly, taking a long breath before stepping inside.


    ¡°Amelia?¡± I say, not entirely surprised, but still stunned by the way I find her.


    She¡¯s naked, wrapped in a golden satin sheet I didn¡¯t even know I had, the fabric covers her from the waist down, showing off her perfect bust, giving me a privileged view of her perfect little tits.


    Damn!


    She looks at me with those jellyfish eyes and my cock throbs, harder than stone, crazy about her.


    ¡± I need you. ¡± He says, holding out his arm for me to hold.


    And I will go. I don¡¯t ask why she¡¯s naked in my bed in the middle of the night even though I said earlier today that I would be the one to look for it, no, I forget everything when she looks at me in that seductive way, shattering the idea that she is a girl¡­

 CHAPTER 48

    AMELIA LEAL


    ¡°Good morning.¡± The seductive and slightly hoarse voice reaches my ears as a perfect melody, stretching my arms I lift my torso and sit on the bed, still sleepy I face him smiling.


    ¡± Good Morning.¡± I answer, not resisting and going down my eyes to his partially naked and wet body. What vision. His lips are curved in a cocky grin, because he knows he rules my mind as much as he rules my body. His arms and chest are uncovered and drops of water from your recent bath run down his skin, making the sight more attractive.


    ¡°I love your hoodies. I allow my eyes to wander down between her legs, where the light gray fabric marks her bulge. Heughs and walks over to the bed.


    I lick my lips, drinking from him.


    How much abundance.


    ¡°Did I mention how sexy you are when you wake up?¡± Says seductively, bending over and resting his two hands on the bed, matching our gazes. I bite my lip, nodding my head.


    ¡°You said that yesterday morning and the morning before it.¡± He crawls on the bed towards me, positioning himself between my legs and smiling like a predator, my body shivers when his fingers touch the skin of my thighs.


    I gasp, closing my eyes for a couple of seconds.


    ¡± It¡¯s the truth. Her hair grows more unruly, spread across her face and shoulders. His mouth is always redder and swollen, as if he¡¯s just been kissed, but what fucks with me are his eyes ¡±


    He opens mine wider, speaking each word slowly, and kisses the inner part of my right thigh.


    ¡± What about my eyes? I manage to speak, though ites out more like a moan.


    Heughs low, blowing hot breath on the trail of the kiss he just left. I lean back, spreading my legs wider for him.


    ¡®You know they drive me crazy, they always have, in fact.¡¯ he confesses and my heart misses a beat at the tone he used. ¡°When you were just a teenager, they brought turmoil to my chest and left me confused about your character, but now they stir desire, raw lust, and an urge to make you mine.


    I control my breathing and bite my bottom lip hard, hearing his words left me bewildered in several ways. First, because he had never spoken so sweetly and intimately to me before, and his confession lowered my protective walls even further.


    ¡± What does that mean? ¡± I mutter, even risking having spoiled this moment, since it¡¯s the first time we¡¯ve had a dialogue that doesn¡¯t involve sexual innuendos or usations since I got back a week ago.


    A silence sets in and all the obvious sound is our panting breaths.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk. ¡± She says, going back to stroking my thigh with her mouth. Tears fill my eyes and I try to close my legs, but he holds them open.


    ¡°Amelia! ¡± Screams, irritated.


    ¡°Let go of me, I¡¯m going home.¡± I growl, forcing myself not to shed a fucking tear in front of him.


    We¡¯ve been fucking for a week and haven¡¯t talked about what happened, but it¡¯s evident how resentful he is.


    ¡°No, you won¡¯t. ¡± He talks again,ying down on top of me. Cornering me with the weight of his body.


    ¡± I¡¯m not your sex toy, you made usations and even now I¡¯m waiting for you to show me that message. I spit, struggling to get him off of me.


    He sighs, sping my hands above my head, settling himself morefortably against my body.


    ¡± Get out! I growl, ring at him.


    ¡°Quiet. You want to talk? So we¡¯re going to talk.¡± Punctuates, cynical, grazing his teeth on my neck.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to seduce me. ¡± The threat, squirming all over.


    Heughs, mocking my failed attempt to escape his grip.


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to seduce you, my angry girl. This is to calm you down. ¡± He kisses my chin, then my cheek until he reaches my ear, where he bites and sucks in a depraved way. My body reacts and I want to punch him in the face.


    Fucking liar!


    ¡°Henrico Zattani, get your paws off me now, or I¡¯ll scream!¡± I threaten, avoiding closing my eyes and groaning for your job well done in my ear.


    ¡°How did you dost night?¡± he whispers, mocking me.


    He proceeds to grind, forcing me to spread my legs even wider. ¡± Please stop¡­


    ¡°Do you really want me to stop?¡± Teases, lowering one of his hands to my breast and grabbing it without mercy. He ys with the beak, tugging and kneading relentlessly over the shirt I¡¯m wearing.


    My cell phone vibrates and the melody The time of my life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes ys, Henrico stops rubbing against me and gives me one of his questioning looks, arching an eyebrow.


    ¡°So, you like the ssics?¡± he asks, not hiding his approving smile.


    Snort.


    ¡°I need to answer.¡± I say sharply, and he spins to my side, picking up the phone before I do. His brow furrows as he reads the name on the disy.


    I reach out in a silent request for him to hand me the device, but instead he slides his finger across the screen and answers the call, altering his voice when he speaks.


    ¡°She¡¯s not avable right now. ¡± I close my expression, not believing the shamelessness of the man.


    ¡± How dare you? Who is it? I try to reach out and take the device from his hand, but he pulls away every time I get close.


    ¡°No, she won¡¯t talk to you!¡± ¡± She practically growls against the device, and I start to feel sorry for whoever is on the other end of the line.


    What got into this man?


    ¡°Henrico Zattani, give me that cell phone back now!¡± I shout, stopping right in front of him, challenging him with my gaze. He holds my eyes to his and snorts, handing me the device.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him around you.¡± I do not like him. He mutters, cing the cell phone in the palm of my hand. I look at the viewfinder and read Peter¡¯s name, remembering that this is not the first time that the two men have been at odds.


    Does he know that Peter tried to kiss me?


    No, he would have said something.


    No, he would have screamed and looked for trouble.


    I watch him walk away and sit on the bed, attentive to my actions.


    ¡± Peter? ¡± I call and hear Henrico snort behind me.


    ¡± Where are you? He yells, clearly upset.


    I frown.


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business. I growl back, turning to watch Henrico¡¯s expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re spreading your legs for the enemy, and it¡¯s none of my business?¡± Grow up, Amelia! I press my fingers against the telephone set until they feel numb, and I take a long breath, seeking inner calm.


    ¡± This is really none of your business, I¡¯m of legal age and I don¡¯t owe you any satisfaction. My tonees out sharp, unptable, and he¡¯s silent for a moment.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What about your parents?¡± Do they know what you¡¯ve been doing? ¡± His voice is of threat, repudiation, and that infuriates me even more.


    I feel Henrico¡¯s hands touch my waist, his mouth kisses my hair and I immediately rx, resting my head on his chest.


    ¡± What do you want, Peter? I believe he didn¡¯t call just to find out about my whereabouts or make threats. ¡± I say impatiently, almost hanging up the call.


    ¡°He¡¯s manipting you.


    I close my eyes, tired of her litany. I will not ept that anyone else tells me what to do or choose what is good for me, Henrico and I do have many things to work out, but that is between me and him.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m dropping this call.


    ¡°Wait, this is about your sister. I narrow my eyes, waiting for him to continue his speech.¡± She doesn¡¯t want our child. He says, sadness in his tone.


    ¡± Like this?


    ¡°She rejects him, I don¡¯t understand. Need you. He sighs, giving me a few seconds to deal with the news. ¡°Please, Amelia,e to the hospital and talk to her.


    ¡°You know she hates me. ¡± I answer on automatic, confused by his request.


    What could I do? Aurora would never listen to me.


    Henrico takes the phone from my hand, kisses my forehead and looks at me deeply. He knows the rtionship I have with her, he has followed this closely, he has heard both sides of the coin, and he knows that this request is almost a joke.


    ¡± We will. ¡± Answer for me and turn off the cell phone, throwing the device on the bed.


    ¡± Not you¡­


    ¡± Shii¡­ I¡¯ll go with you. Just tell me when, it doesn¡¯t have to be now, but I think you two need to work things out. ¡± Your words bother me, because I feel that once again, someone is making decisions for me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t decide for me.¡± I say, pulling away from his embrace.


    He looks at me confused, but nods right away.


    ¡± Ok, I¡¯m sorry. ¡± Says, leaving the room and mming the door.

 CHAPTER 49

    HENRICO ZATTANI


    Postpartum depression ismon among first-time mothers and is usually caused by changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for changes in a woman¡¯s body since puberty and tend to work more intensively during pregnancy. Some mothers can be affected at the end of pregnancy and feel sadness and hopelessness right after childbirth, these changes along with a fragile psychological state can make this depression more difficult, so support from family members and follow-up is necessary, even if in most cases In most cases, the use of medication is not necessary and the sensations that prevent the mother from creating a stronger bond with her child cease sometime after delivery.


    I read the article I found on some maternity blog over and over again, linking to the information the idiot spoke to Amelia on that phone call, Ie to the conclusion that maybe this is my ex-wife¡¯s diagnosis. I shouldn¡¯t after everything she¡¯s done to me is worried, but I feel guilty about Aurora¡¯s condition, and I¡¯m determined to go to the hospital to see her, after all, nothing gets me out of my head that she ended up in that hospital and had her pregnancy difficulty because of the conversation we had that morning.


    My parents raised an honorable, principled man, and to do harm to a pregnant woman would disappoint my mother.


    I close the p of the open cell phone and climb out of the truck, putting the phone in the back pocket of my pants.


    ¡± Good morning, how may I help you?¡± a smiling young woman who I believe is one of the receptionists at the clinic asks solicitously, staring at me with avid eyes.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I return the smile, leaning over the counter and getting closer to her. ¡°Good morning, Laura.¡± I use a gant tone, staring at the woman with all the charm I possess. ¡°I believe you can help me, I¡¯m looking for Aurora Leal.¡±


    She shifts her eyes to theputer in front of her and moves her fingers nimbly over the keyboard, looking back at me when she finds what she wants. ¡± Are you from the family?¡± He asks, showing me all his teeth lined up with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m her brother-inw, her younger sister¡¯s fianc¨¦.¡± The woman¡¯s eyes lose some of their sparkle, but she still smiles like a professional.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, sir?¡±


    ¡± Henrico Zattani. ¡± I blink, after which she gives me a visitor¡¯s credential and gives me the room number, I ept it, even though I already know where it is. ¡± Thanks.


    I press the floor number as soon as I get on the elevator, and I¡¯m grateful to be alone, since I got out of jail I¡¯ve been avoiding small and crowded ces to avoid memories of prison.


    I sigh, looking at the white wooden door and wondering what I¡¯m doing here. Not only that, but I knock on the door and wait for permission to enter, but no one answers. I give two more knocks and check around, looking for any nurses or doctors who can stop me from entering, when I realize that everyone is concentrated on their own tasks and enter the room at once without hesitation.


    ¡± Henrico ?¡± the startled voicees from a corner of the room, where a small bathroom is attached. ¡± What are you doing here? ¡± Stutters.


    ¡± Are you okay? ¡± I check your body, worried about what I read on the website. ¡± The woman looks at me confused, but she proceeds to take short steps to the hospital bed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you. ¡± He says after lying down, pulling the nket to cover his legs.


    I give her a small smile, d she seems rational.


    ¡°You look fine to me.¡± ¡± I observe, leaving her even more confused.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t, okay?¡± ¡± She questions, looking at me with curiosity. I shrug.


    ¡± I read that a cesarean delivery can beplex in your recovery. ¡± I break the conversation, touching on a subject that makes sense.


    ¡± Yes, it takes an average of 2 to 4 days for a good recovery, but I still feel swollen, something that will onlypletely change in about three days.


    I shake my head, taking a seat on an armchair next to his bed.


    ¡°Does Amelia know you¡¯re here?¡± she asks and I squint my eyes towards her.


    She doesn¡¯t seem like a depressed person to me at all.


    ¡± Not. ¡°I decide to tell the truth.


    ¡± And what did youe here for, Henrico ? Please tell me the truth. ¡± Your eyes analyze me carefully, and I take the opportunity to do the same, your face is clean of makeup, the blonde strands are lined up and fall perfectly on your shoulders, on your body is some kind of lc hospital dress.


    ¡°I hear you¡¯re not coping well with being a mother. I hint, making her face twist.


    ¡± And you came to help me with this adaptation? ¡± Mockery.


    I break into a smile, enjoying watching her fight back so eagerly.


    ¡± What¡¯s the problem? You are more hostile than usual. ¡± Iment and she huffs.


    ¡°I just¡­ I can¡¯t look at him and not think about everything I¡¯m going to miss. I arch an eyebrow, asking silently to continue. ¡± I will no longer have peace, every moment of my life will revolve around him and all I can feel is sadness.


    I get up from the armchair, a little stunned by what she just said. A mother shouldn¡¯t say things like that, a son is a divine blessing, but I don¡¯t have the right to give an opinion, because I¡¯m a man and I¡¯ll never be able to say clearly what it¡¯s like for a woman to have her entire body modified and be responsible for a life without having had any preparation for it. He got the fuck out of her. This must be confusing as fuck.


    ¡± I understand.¡± Loose, kind of at a loss for my next actions.


    What did I evene here for?


    ¡± Really? That¡¯s really shitty advice, Henrico Zattani. ¡± Tease.


    I shrug, and she snorts again, we look at each other and startughing like two kids.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say, all I can think about is how lucky you are to have that child. You¡¯ll be fine. Aurora nods and prepares to leave.


    ¡± Henrico ? he calls out, making me turn my head in his direction.


    ¡± That night I wasn¡¯t with my father, but Peter. In fact, I have no idea why the great Augusto Leal drove at night, during the rain, towards his farm. He hated the fact that we were married, and I hadn¡¯t made a date with him. ¡® he says, surprising me.


    Was she with Peter that night?


    ¡± Need to go. I turn the doorknob and leave it behind.


    Scenes from that night sh through my head, the caring towards me, the snake in the middle of the road and me having to dodge both. The rain, Augusto asking if I was okay, and finally the police.


    Damn it, everything is clear now.


    ¡± What are you doing here? I turn to face the owner of the voice, the big green eyes looking angry.


    ¡°Amelia? ¡± I say, still kind of stunned by the flood of memories that came to me all at once.


    ¡°Do you want a rey?¡± I say, pulled into the same little room I pulled herst time.


    ¡± Shut up. ¡± Growls.


    Iugh, letting myself be carried away in good taste.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can allow you to take me into the dark, kitten. I¡¯m reminding you here that you left me in a vacuum two days straight and denied me your pussy thest time we were together. ¡± I tease her, not resisting, referring to the day we were in my room and she insinuated that I was manipting her.


    ¡°I told you to speak with your mouth.¡± ¡± He growls again, opening the door to the small room and nodding towards Aurora¡¯s husband, who is dangerously approaching where we are.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t see us. ¡± Iment, we noticed that the man¡¯s attention is on the cell phone, where he types without pause.


    ¡°Still¡­¡± He pushes me into the room and locks the door.


    ¡°Is this where you attack me?¡± I joke, hearing her snort.


    ¡± Do not touch me. ¡± Hit my hands, forcing me to remove them from your waist.


    ¡°Ohhh¡­ Wild. I like it that way,e with everything up,e on.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to lose your hands, you¡¯d better let go of me, Henrico Zattani.¡± ¡± Screams and even though I can¡¯t see her, I know she has her finger pointed at me.


    Iugh, feeling rxed.


    ¡°Did you want to avoid a fight outside?¡± ¡® I assume a serious tone.


    ¡± What are you doing here? ¡°Ignore my question.


    ¡± Visiting a friend. ¡± I¡¯ll exin.


    ¡± Friend ¡­ I know. ¡± Mockery.


    ¡± Are you jealous, Amelia Leal? I tease her, smiling with my mouth open.


    ¡± That was my sister¡¯s room, your ex¡±wife. Punctuates, looking really mad.


    ¡°Yes, that was Aurora¡¯s room. ¡± I confess, holding back augh.


    Fuck, she¡¯s really jealous.


    ¡± Then?¡±


    ¡°What do you want to know, Amelia?¡± I try to sound serious, in control.


    ¡± Fuck you, Henrico Zattani!¡± she yells, mming the door in my face.


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