“Samantha”It was late afternoon, and I was sitting by the pool talking to my mother and grandmother about everything that had happened in the last two days, listening to their advice, especially their recommendation that I should stop trying to guess what people were feeling or thinking and just ask them directly.“If you had asked and listened to Heitor, you would have saved yourself a night of crying,” my mother called my attention.“Sassá, you’re starting a family, you have to trust the person by your side. If you enter this marriage without trusting them, it won’t work. Listen to Grandma,” my grandmother said more gently.“I won’t repeat that mistake, everyone,” I said, feeling embarrassed for having acted without thinking.“Ladies!” Heitor approached with a beautiful smile and extended his hand toward me. “Can I steal this beautiful girl from you?”“She’s all yours, darling.” My mother smiled. "I'm glad you're the one who has to deal with her tantrums now.""Mom! I don't throw t

"Hector"These days had been very difficult for Samantha. She was going through a lot, and being pregnant, her emotions were running high. Isabella's attempt to kill her the day before and her thinking I had discovered I loved Isabella, which was ridiculous, had affected her greatly. It was a dark night and a long day until she calmed down.I took her for a walk on the beach, just to admire the place and spend some quiet time together. She was finally relaxing. That was until we got home and found those three—the father, the stepmother, and the stepmother's daughter—sitting there as if they were royalty, important guests, but they were just unwanted gatecrashers. Samantha trembled with rage when she saw them. I felt her body stiffen under my arms and hatred emanate from her. She had already told me so many stories about that man who, according to her, was an opportunistic profiteer, who never wanted her as a daughter and who suggested her mother have an abortion when she got pregnant,

"Samantha"After an emotional morning and spending a lot of time with my father, it was time to get ready for the wedding. Soon after lunch, the makeup artist and hairdresser arrived. Hebe had converted one of the many bedrooms in the house into a space so I could get ready for my big day with the girls.When I was ready, I looked in the mirror and was impressed. I was completely enchanted by my dress. It was light, made of intricately embroidered tulle, almost like very fine lace. It had a fitted bodice that fell to mid-thigh and flared out in a mermaid style, with a light, low-volume skirt. The neckline was V-neck, with thin straps, and the back was bare, reaching mid-back. It was beautiful and delicate, lined with a nude fabric that gave the dress a more off-white than white appearance.My hair was styled in a low, messy bun, with loose curls falling to the side, adorned with white orchids. On my feet, I wore white flats with translucent crystals adorning the strap at the toes and

"Samantha"Heitor walked away with me slung over his shoulder. He was a man on a mission, the honeymoon mission. I couldn't help but laugh at the situation, and after the tense days we'd had, it felt so good to laugh at the stupid things he did, without worrying about the problems and threats.Finally, I let myself be carried to the car parked in front of the house, watched by the guests walking behind, laughing and shouting support for Heitor.He set me down, and I burst into another fit of laughter as I looked at the car. There was a large sign on the back that said "Just Married" and many tied cans that would make a huge noise in the streets. White tulle was draped around the entire car, and a huge arrangement of gypsophila was on the roof. Heitor put me in the car and honked the horn, leaving a ruckus behind."Now are you going to put an end to the honeymoon mystery?" "He was keeping our destination a secret; the only thing he said was that we'd enjoy the time just the two of us.

"Samantha"For a week, Heitor and I enjoyed each other's company sailing along the coast. We visited many small coastal towns, picturesque fishing villages, and discovered small, idyllic islets and secluded coves. We talked, made love, laughed, and relaxed.When we arrived back in our hometown, I didn't even want to go back. I didn't want to leave those sweet, loving moments behind, but there was no way around it; real life would knock on the door sooner or later. The good news was that we would have a lifetime to enjoy beautiful moments together.On Monday, I thought everything was very quiet at work. I hadn't seen any sign of the girls yet, which surprised me. But at lunchtime, they all arrived on my floor, including Melissa and Hebe, bouncing and curious."Darlings, I'm home!" I joked when I saw the group of women walking toward me. "I'm wondering if you're embarrassed that you came back from your honeymoon and didn't video chat with us." Melissa was the first to complain."Actuall