Chapter 1

"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I will always be in your heart. If you hate me, I will always be in your mind." — William Shakespeare

Petrópolis

- Camila! What are you doing here?

- Hi, aunt. Camila looked so downcast, carrying a briefcase in her left hand and a large bag over her shoulder. His sunglasses hid his brown eyes.

- My God! What are you doing here? You had to be with your fiancé right now, right? Her aunt Beatriz almost screamed. She was shocked to see her niece on her doorstep.

Beatriz Rodrigues was the younger sister of Camila's mother, Márcia. She was in her late forties, had no children, and wasn't even married. She lived in Petrópolis, where the Cavalcanti's ancestral home was located.

“He's not my fiancé. I'm not marrying that idiot. – Camila said as she entered her aunt's house and sat directly on the antique sofa.

"Did you find him at your house today?"

- No. I left before he saw me.

- Oh God. Beatriz's eyes widened. - Because you left? Your parents were so excited for you to meet your fiancé. This is very important to them. I'm sure they're really mad at you right now, Camila, especially your dad.

“They can't make me marry that idiot. He's a pig! I don't understand why they want to marry me to this kind of guy. My life will be useless and unhappy with him. I do not like him. In fact, I hate him.

“But your father has told you about the arranged marriage since you were fifteen.

“I didn't know I was going to marry an arrogant, sex-dominated playboy back then. I was young! Besides, I had to agree with everything Dad said, or else he'd get mad and cut my allowance. Camila shrugged, and rolled her eyes. Her aunt frowned and shook her head.

"Arrogant sex-dominated playboy?" Oh daughter, don't believe everything you read in the papers. Most things are just rumors.

- It is true. He's a playboy, a womanizer... a cretin! Believe me. Wait. I'll show you something. Camila took the tablet out of her bag. “I saved some pictures and read about this maniac when Dad reminded me again of the idiotic arranged marriage a month ago. I was shocked. I thought they had already forgotten about him.

Beatriz sat next to her on the sofa. Camila showed the different images of Eduardo Villa-Lobos in her photo gallery on the tablet. He was kissing and hugging different girls, mostly models and celebrities. The photos were taken in restaurants, bars, in his car and on his plane. Last image of him was on a yacht. He was kissing famous Hollywood actress and sexy model Karen Logan. Disgusting! Camilla thought. She also read some of the gossip blog headlines she found on the internet for her aunt.

“It says here that he's always jumping from branch to branch. He changes lovers every week and is not interested in a commitment. See? He's a cretin.

“Camila, you are a smart girl, how could you believe such lies? Most of the things they write in the tabloids and gossip magazines are not true. You've been a victim of these malicious headlines too. Remember?

“Auntie, these are all true. They all said the same thing. He's a player.

“Okay, I accept that he's really a womanizer, but you should at least know the guy. He and his father came from the States just to meet her and think they are both very busy men, just like your father. I can imagine what your parents feel right now, they must be very disappointed in you. - Beatrice said.

“I thought you were on my side.

“Of course I'm on your side, but you have to realize that your parents are doing this for your own good. They love you and are doing what's best for you. Furthermore, Eduardo Villa-Lobos is a great party. He is very handsome and very rich. Every girl wants him. You're lucky to marry the guy.

- What? How can you say that? It would be hell to marry a reptile like him. I would rather die! And I don't think he's that handsome. All girls can find it, but not me. I hate that smug expression and that sarcastic smile of his. He's so arrogant. He must think he's a gift from God to women.

Camila paced nonstop around her aunt's living room.

“Don't judge him yet. At least meet him in person. Then later on, you can decide whether to marry him or not.

“I won't meet him, ever. They will force me to marry him immediately. Camila said stubbornly. “I want to choose my own husband. He must be someone I love with all my heart, worthy of my love, trust and respect. He must be loyal and faithful to me, sincere, loving and caring.

“Darling, it's hard to find a man with those qualities, that's why I didn't get married. But with this Villa-Lobos, I'm sure you'll fall in love at first sight.

"Auntie, you're not helping me... what happens to him is... I'm sure he'll only see me as one of his lovers, an object or... his toy." He's the kind of man who doesn't fall in love.

“Darling, at least give him a chance. The fact that he came just means he wants to marry you. You must have an open mind. Understand that he is a young, very handsome and extremely wealthy businessman. Obviously, he is the center of gossip and intrigue. Also, when you get married, he will change for sure.

“Hmm, I don't think so.

“Then think about what I said. Meet the man. Then decide whether you want to marry him or not.

“Okay, I'll think about it. In the meantime, can I stay here for a few days?

Her aunt smiled and hugged her tightly.

“Of course you can stay here, I love you. You are like a daughter to me. But, I have to call your mother and let her know you're here, or they'll be very worried about you.

Beatriz went to the phone and started dialing Camila's house number.

- Wait aunt, can we do this later? I mean, not now, please, I'm sure the Villa-Lobos are still there.

Her aunt smiled and let out a sigh.

“Okay then, later.

Cavalcanti Mansion, Rio de Janeiro.

Eduardo was calling his personal assistant in New York. He felt very agitated, irritated, disappointed and… rejected. Hell! That damn girl had wasted her precious time. All her important appointments and business were canceled because of his trip to Brazil just to meet her. Now she was gone. Camila had to be doing this on purpose and that was more than clear proof that she really was a spoiled brat, insensitive, selfish bitch. Eduardo thought he should find her and teach her a lesson or two. No one crossed your path without paying the price. If her parents couldn't handle her, but he could.

“Louis, I want you to email me all incoming transactions. Also tell Wanessa, Chris and the others that I have unfinished business here, so I won't be able to return to New York until next week.

- Ok sir. And your business trip to California this weekend?

— Reschedule for two weeks.

“Oh…sir, Miss Karen Logan keeps calling, asking when you'll be back. She was asking for your private number.

Eduardo took a few seconds before answering. He was wondering what to do with his latest lover, the famous Victoria Secret actress and model Karen Logan.

“Tell Wanessa to send you the same bracelet with the same note.

- Ok sir. - Louis replied. Another heartbroken girl. Mr. Villa-Lobos is cruel to break up with his girlfriends, Louis thought.

“Louis, I want you to call our private investigator here in Brazil. I need to know where Camila Cavalcanti is hiding right now. I need the report within 24 hours, ok?

— Camila Cavalcanti?

— Yes, she is the daughter of Fernando and Márcia Cavalcanti. I will email you the details now.

- Yes sir. Any other special instructions?

“I want a detailed report on where she's staying, who she's been with, and especially if she has a boyfriend.

- Yes sir. Louis replied, shaking his head, thinking how quickly his boss could find a new replacement for Miss Logan.