I got out of there straight to the parking lot, but just as I was about to start my bike, I heard a voice:— Hurry up - He said to me almost in whispers from the window of his car.— I'm on my bike — I explained nervously.— Don't insist, we already talked about that you must take care of yourself, you can't use the bike for now — He explainedUnwilling to follow my strength I got on his Ferrari, full of nerves and completely anxious in case someone was watching us, he raised the car windows.— Calm down, everyone has already left — He said and his clarification bothered me a little.— So what are you hiding? — I askedHe couldn't answer me and just asked another question — Where do you live?— Main street, 42nd avenue. I'll give you directions when we're close.Thiago looked at me with anguish, I saw on his perfect forehead a little sweat, maybe he was afraid that someone would see us, or simply also for him it was incomprehensible what was happening to us, the great attraction we fe
— I can't, Thiago — I replied as I pushed him away from me. He got up angrily from the couch and walked towards the door. I remained seated, looking at him. I felt a knot in my throat choking me, and I silently cried after the sound of the door. The sound of the car confirmed his departure, and I felt devastated. The cold attacked my nakedness, and my strength as a woman was defeated. It was so difficult to give in to my instincts, and so easy to heed my conscience, to let the opportunity of my life slip away feeling completely rejected. I know what had happened wasn't right, but the truth was that nothing that was happening was right anymore. Still, I couldn't become just another one of his lovers, especially because, at his request, I had decided to continue with my pregnancy.I got up slowly, completely numb, and turned off the lamp. I picked up my clothes in frustration and headed to the bedroom. I lay down and felt a heavy weight on me. I reached out my arm to the empty space on
I took a shower, and I felt fresh—though not entirely beautiful. My self-esteem was faltering more and more, but it was my night, and I had to make it the best of all. Amidst all the chaos, there was something good, and that was the prize.Once ready in the most casual clothes I had, convinced that the agency would provide me with the right outfit, I took a taxi that promptly took me to Siluetas. I entered but didn't see Thiago anywhere. I went straight to Fernando's studio, who would be the one to get me ready. Sandra and Laura were also getting dressed for the award ceremony. They glanced at me as I passed, but they didn't dare say anything. They knew that I was now succeeding beyond their taunts and scorn. Their venom couldn't defeat me, and thanks to the photos I had taken of them, they could attend the most anticipated event at the agency.— Lisa, dear, congratulations, — Fernando greeted me with indescribable joy.I thanked him as I sat down. — Before we begin, I want to clarify
The ballroom was incredibly elegant with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, dazzling red carpets, a gleaming stage with massive floral arrangements on either side, and a sea of golden chairs. I had never imagined I could be in a place like this, that I would actually have the opportunity to win the Fotomodel award, a highly coveted accolade among photographers in the country. It was an overwhelmingly pleasant feeling, with butterflies in my stomach. I couldn't tell if it was because I had the most handsome man by my side or due to the anticipation of hearing my name in that beautiful hall.— This is Lisa Miere, a photographer from my agency and winner of the Fotomodel award, — he introduced me to each person. I shook hands with them, feeling very embarrassed, and smiled.Once he had greeted all his partners and friends, we took our seats in the front row, where a spot had already been reserved for us. Sandra and Laura looked at me with anger and envy. He introduced them too, but for most
I heard Thiago's tremulous voice responding — She underwent an operation and couldn't accompany me, but you'll soon see her shine on other red carpets and she'll be able to have a glass of wine with you.— Oh, the woman said in a shocking tone. — Plastic surgery, I suppose, to make herself even more beautiful than she already is.I saw and could feel Thiago's pain, as confessing that his wife had undergone an operation to prevent having children wasn't easy for him. Even though that conversation brought me back to reality and made me forget the beauty that was happening, I couldn't avoid feeling compassion for him.— Yes, he affirmed tersely, lying to avoid saying what was really happening with Esmeralda, and he bid his farewell.I continued walking with him, but I avoided getting too close, as I had become aware of why people were staring at us so much. It was clear that everyone was surprised to see my boss without his wife. However, he lacked self-control and didn't understand the
— Get in quickly, he ordered me with his voice tired from haste, without the desire to tell me what was happening.I got in quickly, looked through the window, but no one was watching us, and we had been harassed enough throughout the night to run now. Thiago started the car and drove rapidly.— We're going to crash! I shouted in desperation. Are you going to tell me what's happening right now? I demanded irritably, as I knew well that I was pregnant, and it annoyed me that he was behaving this way while being unaware of my condition.Once we managed to leave the immense venue, Thiago slowed down the vehicle.— Ungrateful! Realize that you're carrying a pregnant woman on board, and it'll be your fault if I vomit in these luxurious seats! I yelled. Thiago burst into laughter like an idiot, causing my anger to intensify. I glared at him with fury, fully intending to do as I had said, but my conscience stopped me.— Oh, Lisa, you're truly one of a kind, he remarked, still laughing.— Exp
I Do Love You Those four words had ruined everything. Thiago remained inert, looking at me, unsure of how to respond, making it clear that he didn't think the same way, that he only wanted me for a few nights. That only revealed to me that he wasn't feeling the same way I was and that his actions were only demonstrations of kindness or gratitude. He distanced himself from me. I started to gain control over my emotions and calmed down in an instant, realizing that my tears wouldn't solve the uncomfortable moment. — I don't know what to tell you, Thiago finally spoke. — It's not necessary for you to say anything, I responded bluntly. — It's just that... — Hush, I shouldn't have said anything, it's not your fault, I clarified. — Sorry, I can't control my instincts as a man... — Womanizer, I interrupted. Thiago remained silent for a while. He started the car again, and on the way, neither of us spoke. My words had shattered the enchantment I had felt, and I cursed having said it.
I accept, I answered without fully discerning in my decision. — Deal, Eduardo said, shaking hands with Thiago. I could only stand there with my arms crossed, observing them, but deep down, I had a gut feeling that they were hiding something. — What do I have to give in return? I asked to convince myself that they weren't just fooling me. — Your discipline, commitment, and diligence for both companies, Thiago affirmed. — Perfect, you can count on that. If there's nothing else to disagree on, I'll leave, I said, getting up from the table and shaking hands with both of them. I felt Thiago's hand burning, and when our eyes met, something inside me shattered. It hurt so much that immediately, a lump formed in my throat, the same one I had to control to avoid a situation like the previous night. — Wait a moment, Thiago said. We have a pending meeting, remember. I assumed he was lying to make me stay, and I didn't have the courage to refuse his request. — Sorry, I had forgotten due to t