It was Saturday morning. The sun was already high in the sky, flooding the room with golden light. The phone rang incessantly somewhere. Alexandre stepped out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel, and I watched him with an almost devotional attention — the broad chest, the firm waist, the unhurried nakedness. Every detail of him seemed shaped between carelessness and intention.“Aren’t you going to answer that?” he asked, without looking at me.“It’s yours,” I replied, still following him with my eyes.What would he be like in the future? People seemed to be getting younger. Forty-year-old men looked thirty. Fifty-year-olds looked forty. My grandfather, at sixty, was worn out… but I couldn’t picture Alexandre like that. He was different. Unsettling. Intense.“Answer it, woman, I’m busy,” he said, still drying his hair, rummaging through the drawer.I pulled the phone from the pocket of his pants. The name on the screen froze my fingers.“It’s Maria Clara,” I announced. He did
The night wore on, and I was still there, in Heitor's office, stuck in a draining loop of accumulated paperwork. The accountant had already left when the sky had turned completely dark. Debts, overdue severance payments, bills sprouting from every corner — everything was a mess. At that point, I started to wonder if Heitor had ever truly known what he was doing. Maybe he never had.When hunger finally caught up with me, I was told the hospital cafeteria had already closed. I thought about ordering something for delivery, but Saturday was dying, and Sunday threatened to be born with the same bitter taste of exhaustion.The door creaked open. I looked up from my phone, expecting more problems.But there she was.Maria Vitória.Standing there, looking at me.Her loose hair cascaded over her chest, her arms crossed at her waist. She wore an earthy-toned dress I had seen before, but there was something new about it — maybe the way she was looking at me. Her smile was subtle, tucked into th
Alexandre was still leaning over me. His scent invaded my nostrils—hot, urgent—as if our desire still lingered there, heavy, suffocating. Our heartbeats were out of sync, blending into a chaotic rhythm, as if our hearts were trying to escape our bodies. I no longer knew who we were. I only knew it was wrong—terribly wrong. A situation so humiliating I wouldn't have imagined it even in my worst nightmares.“Leave, please,” Alexandre said, his voice tense, almost hoarse.Whoever it was didn’t answer. Only heavy footsteps echoed across the floor, dragging disappointment with them. The door slammed shut with a dry thud that sliced through the air.Alexandre pulled away from me, trembling. His eyes avoided mine, but I followed him with my gaze, anxious, my stomach twisting in a fear that grew like a knot.“Who was it?” I asked, my throat raw.He pulled my panties back up, adjusted my dress with shaky hands, as if that could erase what had just happened.“Your father,” he answered, biting h
I kept knocking on the car window while Maria Vitória, cornered, cried non-stop. I wasn’t going to give up on her. I couldn’t let her drive off like that, speeding with no direction. As for Heitor, I couldn’t care less at that moment. Let him see what he had done. My guilt—I was already carrying that. I knew I had crossed every line—but it was never, never about revenge.Clara, my aunt Dulce, my cousin Regina... they were women, adults. They knew what they were doing. As libertine as Heitor might have been, I couldn't imagine him forcing himself on any of them. There was no more space for resentment, nor for comparisons.Her car was still there, engine running, her teary eyes trying to focus on the road—even though she couldn’t see a thing. When she shifted into reverse, trying to back up, I panicked. I looked around, as if searching for a way to stop the looming tragedy. On impulse, I picked up a rock from the ground and hurled it at the side window.“Ah!” she screamed, startled.I t
I didn’t know what to say, but I knew that without Alexandre at the hospital, everything would soon collapse.“What are you planning to do? You can’t just…” I tried to say, but he shook his head, still shirtless, wearing only shorts, and turned his back to me, heading toward the kitchen.“I’ve turned down countless job offers. I never left the hospital out of respect for your father. Besides, I can afford to stay away for a while. Years dealing with blood, saving the lives of strangers… Deep down, maybe Maria Clara is right: I don’t have a life beyond an operating room.”Just hearing her name made the discomfort return. I wished he wouldn’t refer to his ex-wife, but I’d never have the courage to say that.“I understand. I won’t take up any more of your time. Either way, this conversation has to happen,” I said, watching as he placed the empty glass on the white island counter.“Hey, wait…” he rushed toward me, grabbing me by the waist. I looked into his eyes, trying to read his reason
Maria Vitória didn’t return to my apartment.It was getting dark when Heitor's car left the building. I waited for her, but I didn’t want to suffocate her. That outcome was between two people: father and daughter.On Monday, it was strange not following my routine. After the gym, I stayed home, bored. No reading flowed. No thoughts made sense. And she... didn’t show up either.On Tuesday, nothing changed.On Wednesday, Heitor called me several times. I ignored all of them. Later, I saw Maria Vitória arriving with her mother. She still seemed shaken. When she lifted her eyes toward my window, I hesitated: was she avoiding me or did she want to talk?Had she decided to distance herself from me?It seemed like it.I started evaluating job offers I had been receiving... but none of them made sense. None had her in them.It was night when the doorbell rang.I looked through the peephole. Seeing her there, I opened the door in a hurry. My heart raced as if I were a nervous kid, about to be
I spent another night at Alexandre’s apartment. Maybe my mother had gotten used to the idea. I arrived in the morning, and she was still asleep in her room. I entered quietly, changed my clothes, and packed my bag.My phone started ringing.When I saw the name on the screen, I hesitated.It was my father.The day before, he had only sent a brief message:"Tell Alexandre to answer me. It’s urgent."Nothing more.It was as if he knew I was with Alexandre — though I wasn’t. Not yet.I stared at the screen for a few seconds before I answered. But I didn’t say anything."Maria? Are you listening?" he asked from the other end.I didn’t know how to respond. Maybe I had been too harsh in our last conversation."I’m here," I replied, seriously."I’m stepping away. Tell Alexandre to go back to the hospital. I can’t continue leading anymore. I took out a loan, there’s money in the account. He should take over the management. Do whatever you want with that mess..."His voice was firm, but hollow.
It had been a wonderful night. We didn’t make love like we did the other times—this time there was no rush, no urgency—because we knew it wasn’t the last time anymore. We intertwined our bodies in a slow, delicious act with no set end.I fell asleep with Maria Vitória in my arms as she talked about the harsh cuts her new advisor had made to her thesis. I told her she should publish the research after her defense—with my review.Seeing her eyes shine in the darkness of the room gave me a certainty: we were starting over. I didn’t know how long it would last, but I wanted it to be good while it did.She left early. She had an internship. And even though it was hard to let her leave the bed, she was... admirably responsible as she reached the door.The morning light crept shyly through the curtains. The sun hadn’t warmed enough to take the chill from my chest. I sat on the edge of the bed, shirtless, phone in hand.Mavi’s message still glowed on the screen:“He called me. Said he’s going
The digital clock on the meeting room wall read 8:07 AM when Maria Vitória pushed the door open, a folder of reports under one arm and a coffee cup in the other. Her hair tied in a practical bun, a white coat over a navy blue dress. The room was full — nurses, managers, two representatives from the newly opened public wing."Good morning, everyone," she smiled, sitting at the head of the table. "Let’s try to wrap things up before nine. I have to drop off Alana at school by ten."Everyone smiled. Dr. Xavier was known for being firm, objective, and... absolutely passionate about her children. But her husband? Everyone knew she would drop everything, without hesitation, if he called her suddenly.As she reviewed patient care charts and expansion plans for the public wing, her phone vibrated discreetly on the table. A picture appeared: Alexandre, with messy hair, jacket thrown over his shoulder, and a half-smirk, standing in front of the university.His message:"The class today was a dis
"Of course it is! And if it isn't..." I slid my hand between us, inside the robe. The gesture undid the knot with an almost symbolic ease — reckless, different, strange. "I want everything. For you to be my wife, for us to have children, grandchildren... pets, whatever you want. I want to d..."Mavi put her finger to my lips, firmly."Don't you dare say that. I accept being your wife. I'm already your wife. I want to be the mother of your children, your grandchildren... but never talk about dying, Alexandre. Never."I nodded, silent, and led her to the backseat. She lay there, looking at me as if the world were just the two of us."I accept being yours... anywhere," she whispered.I looked at her body, magnificent, natural, in a way that was only hers."You are incredibly perfect... and you can be the mother of my children."She pulled me by the collar of my shirt, urgently."Fuck me first, praise me later," she said quickly, hungrily.I laughed, moving closer to her mouth."You look
After Maria Clara’s arrest, things finally began to settle down. She was transferred to a prison almost immediately. No one explained why, but Dr. Caroline told me—her expression more serious than usual—that Maria Clara had been classified as extremely dangerous, even to other inmates.I was trying to get back to my life: studies, internship. My mother returned to her work. Aunt Lena came to spend the weekend with us, but I knew it wasn’t just a visit. At night, she disappeared, as always. And this time, I didn’t follow.My father was surprisingly focused during those days. He shared the hospital’s management with Alexandre, and they even hired a temporary surgeon to cover some shifts. He seemed determined to keep everything running, as if trying to prove something—maybe to himself.That night, I stepped outside and found them there: my father and Alexandre, sitting under the amber light, drinking whiskey and discussing hospital expenses.I approached slowly. I knew that, between them
As much as I was worried about Maria Vitória, even knowing she was represented by highly competent lawyers, there was a deeper unease gnawing at me.Maria Clara was still out there.There were checkpoints on the roads. Increased surveillance at the bus station.All access points were being monitored.But nothing. No trace of her.When I was informed that Maria Vitória had claimed self-defense, the case flipped completely.The eyes of Justice shifted.So did public attention.She was no longer seen as a reckless criminal—but as someone who had survived.From that moment on, I stopped worrying about her, at least from a legal standpoint.Caroline had prepared her masterfully. Even more so with the investigation now open against Marcelo for the brutal attack on Laura.He was officially a fugitive. A dangerous man.And Maria Vitória… a victim.But my own torment had not ended.When we reviewed the building’s security footage, I felt my blood run cold.Maria Clara was clearly seen entering
My heartbeat was erratic.Marcelo and I pulled the trigger almost at the same time — his finger pressing down on mine, trying to force me to shoot.But the bullet… it wasn’t meant for me.When his body trembled beneath mine, a lump rose in my throat.His hand weakened over mine.“Maria Vitória… Maria…” I heard Alexandre behind me, voice choked, arms trying to pull me away.But it was too late. Far too late.I pulled the trigger again.Once. Twice. Three. Four times.On the fifth, the gun jammed.It wouldn’t fire anymore.Still, I stayed there. Shaking.I didn’t want to see my mother afraid anymore. Always scared.I didn’t want to change cities again.I didn’t want to live in fear.“Maria Vitória?” his voice echoed in my ear.The sound of the door opening hit me like a distant wave. But I didn’t turn around.I was frozen. In shock.Silently confessing everything I had done.“Give me that!” Alexandre tried to pull the gun from my hand.“No!” I shouted, gripping it fiercely.“I won’t let
It had been a wonderful night. We didn’t make love like we did the other times—this time there was no rush, no urgency—because we knew it wasn’t the last time anymore. We intertwined our bodies in a slow, delicious act with no set end.I fell asleep with Maria Vitória in my arms as she talked about the harsh cuts her new advisor had made to her thesis. I told her she should publish the research after her defense—with my review.Seeing her eyes shine in the darkness of the room gave me a certainty: we were starting over. I didn’t know how long it would last, but I wanted it to be good while it did.She left early. She had an internship. And even though it was hard to let her leave the bed, she was... admirably responsible as she reached the door.The morning light crept shyly through the curtains. The sun hadn’t warmed enough to take the chill from my chest. I sat on the edge of the bed, shirtless, phone in hand.Mavi’s message still glowed on the screen:“He called me. Said he’s going
I spent another night at Alexandre’s apartment. Maybe my mother had gotten used to the idea. I arrived in the morning, and she was still asleep in her room. I entered quietly, changed my clothes, and packed my bag.My phone started ringing.When I saw the name on the screen, I hesitated.It was my father.The day before, he had only sent a brief message:"Tell Alexandre to answer me. It’s urgent."Nothing more.It was as if he knew I was with Alexandre — though I wasn’t. Not yet.I stared at the screen for a few seconds before I answered. But I didn’t say anything."Maria? Are you listening?" he asked from the other end.I didn’t know how to respond. Maybe I had been too harsh in our last conversation."I’m here," I replied, seriously."I’m stepping away. Tell Alexandre to go back to the hospital. I can’t continue leading anymore. I took out a loan, there’s money in the account. He should take over the management. Do whatever you want with that mess..."His voice was firm, but hollow.
Maria Vitória didn’t return to my apartment.It was getting dark when Heitor's car left the building. I waited for her, but I didn’t want to suffocate her. That outcome was between two people: father and daughter.On Monday, it was strange not following my routine. After the gym, I stayed home, bored. No reading flowed. No thoughts made sense. And she... didn’t show up either.On Tuesday, nothing changed.On Wednesday, Heitor called me several times. I ignored all of them. Later, I saw Maria Vitória arriving with her mother. She still seemed shaken. When she lifted her eyes toward my window, I hesitated: was she avoiding me or did she want to talk?Had she decided to distance herself from me?It seemed like it.I started evaluating job offers I had been receiving... but none of them made sense. None had her in them.It was night when the doorbell rang.I looked through the peephole. Seeing her there, I opened the door in a hurry. My heart raced as if I were a nervous kid, about to be
I didn’t know what to say, but I knew that without Alexandre at the hospital, everything would soon collapse.“What are you planning to do? You can’t just…” I tried to say, but he shook his head, still shirtless, wearing only shorts, and turned his back to me, heading toward the kitchen.“I’ve turned down countless job offers. I never left the hospital out of respect for your father. Besides, I can afford to stay away for a while. Years dealing with blood, saving the lives of strangers… Deep down, maybe Maria Clara is right: I don’t have a life beyond an operating room.”Just hearing her name made the discomfort return. I wished he wouldn’t refer to his ex-wife, but I’d never have the courage to say that.“I understand. I won’t take up any more of your time. Either way, this conversation has to happen,” I said, watching as he placed the empty glass on the white island counter.“Hey, wait…” he rushed toward me, grabbing me by the waist. I looked into his eyes, trying to read his reason