Chapter 3

(Larissa)

I was at the company, finishing up part of the design sketch for the cream packaging, when my phone rang with a call. I looked at the screen, seeing an unknown number.

—Hello? — I waited for a response, but the line stayed silent. — Hello? If you don't say anything, I'm hanging up.

—Do you think he'll be yours forever?

I frowned, but the line went silent again and when I brought it forward, I saw the call had ended.

I blocked the number and set the phone aside. There are people in this world who don't have much to do, so they go around prank calling.

—Lari? — I looked up seeing Rafael enter the room holding two coffees.

I smiled accepting what he extended toward me and took a sip, closing my eyes feeling the delicious flavor.

— I figured you might need it, you haven't left this room since you got here. At least you had a proper lunch?

— Yes, Cathe brought my lunch and we ate together.

He nodded satisfied and sat down in the armchair in front of my desk, placing his tablet and pushing it toward me.

— Here are the advances my team made, I'd like you to take a look before going to Mr. Oliveira.

I took the device and examined everything while a satisfied smile took over my face. Rafael was my superior, but he always came to ask my opinion about his advertising team's work.

— It turned out really good, I'm sure Mr. Oliveira will approve it.

— God hear you. — He took the tablet back and looked at my phone, which was vibrating on the desk. I followed his gaze seeing another unknown number.

—Aren't you going to answer?

— They just called me prank calling. It's definitely the same person. — I said and he made a face.

We heard some movement in the hallways outside the room and with a look, we both got up to see what it was.

My heart raced upon hearing Alessandro's imposing voice.

— I told you there should be no mistake with this project, what do you intend to do now? — His firm and furious voice was being directed at my other boss, Mr. Oliveira.

— I'm sorry, I already sent the intern home. This won't happen again, sir.

The man who always fought with everyone, was there, being submissive to Alessandro. It was even funny.

I looked at Rafael and we both rolled our eyes, but when I looked at them again, Alessandro's cold eyes were directly on me.

I went back to my room hurriedly, sitting down in the chair. Rafael followed me, sitting down in the armchair too. He looked back and sighed.

— I thought at least his mood would improve with the news. — I frowned confused.

— What news? Why would something improve Mr. Moratti's mood?

Rafael stared at me and leaned closer to the desk.

— I heard my father say that Chiara, Alessandro's ex-girlfriend and the only woman he truly loved, became a widow and is coming back to Brazil.

I felt a weight being thrown on my back. It seemed like a sensation of death had taken over me.

— I don't know who she is… How do they know he loved her so much?

— When we were kids and I came to visit him, he always talked about her and when they became teenagers, they started dating. I moved here to go to college and my cousin was about to ask Chiara to marry him when we found out she had already been promised to a rich man.

My expression closed in complete confusion.

— Promised? Does that still happen nowadays?

— More than you think. Chiara's family is very important there in Italy and they had promised her to a much older man, and with no escape, she had to marry him. Alessandro was devastated, closed himself off from everyone and dedicated himself only to his work… But now she became a widow and is coming back after almost eight years.

I felt my heartbeats miss their rhythm, but I forced myself to keep a calm expression on my face.

—Well, I hope at least she's capable of changing that man's mood.

— I hope so too. But anyway, have you thought about my invitation?

I diverted my gaze to him with a weak smile and nodded slightly.

— I can't accept right now. I still like someone else and I don't want to play with your feelings.

— I know that, but I want to try. Who knows, maybe I can win you over? — He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

— Rafael, don't complicate things.

He raised his hands smiling, grabbing the tablet and getting up.

— Well, we can do this just as friends… Think about it carefully.

— What should she think about carefully? — We both got startled when Alessandro's voice echoed inside the room.

Rafael turned to the door and I looked scared too. Alessandro was standing there, leaning on the doorframe looking at Rafael with disgust.

— It's… about work. I want her to evaluate a sketch of mine and give me her opinion.

— So you need her to work for you? — His question, distorting completely what Rafael said, made me stare at him in disbelief.

— Of course not, Alessandro. — He turned to me with a smile. — I'll wait for your answer. — Then he turned his attention to his cousin. — See you around.

Rafael left the room, passing by him and leaving us alone. Alessandro entered, closing the door behind him, to my misfortune.

— Do you already have an answer for what he wants?

— I… I already said I was busy.

Alessandro sat down in the armchair where Rafael was seconds ago and focused his threatening gaze on me.

—If I find out you're getting involved with someone else, I will terminate the contract and you know you'll have to pay me a fine if I allege betrayal, right? Your father would certainly declare bankruptcy

I looked at him in disbelief. He was the one who showed up with various women on gossip sites.

— But… I'm not with anyone.

— I hope you're telling the truth. — He said getting up and leaving my room.

I stared at the door he left through, took a deep breath and went back to my work, or at least tried to.

A week had passed and my mind was a mess. Both because of the new project and because of what Rafael had told me. Last night, while Alessandro was taking a shower, his phone rang with a call right when I was passing by the console table that was near the bathroom.

Chiara's name on the screen made my legs tremble.

That's why today I lied to Mr. Oliveira and managed to leave work earlier. I was on the balcony, watching the sunset reach warm tones of orange and pink.

My heart was heavy with the confusion of emotions, always reminding me of what I felt when Rafael told me about Chiara.

Even without wanting to, I felt a knot form in my throat while I processed the news.

Remembering now, the times when Rosa spoke Chiara's name and Alessandro always got a lost look before rage took him and he became completely arrogant with me. Now, with the possibility of Chiara returning to Alessandro's life, I saw myself consumed by uncertainty and fear.

The feelings I nurtured for him unfortunately were strong, they were years of living together that even though Alessandro was very ignorant with me, never actually hurt me. He always took care of my comfort with a roof and even helps at my father's company, even though that wasn't in the agreement.

But, I still think I wish I hadn't nurtured so much feeling, maybe, on another occasion, Chiara's return would give me hope to be able to leave this unhappy life. But that wasn't exactly the feeling I was having now.

The sound of a car engine began to approach and Alessandro's BMW parked in front of the balcony where I was. He got out of the car, with the phone to his ear.

He said something to whoever was on the other end of the line and as soon as he approached, he ended the call hanging up and putting the device away.

I watched him pass straight by, without even a greeting and I closed my eyes feeling a bitter taste in my mouth, but I forced my body to get up and follow him. We arrived at our room and before he took off his clothes to bathe, I started the conversation.