"Manuela"We were all at Patrício's house for a day at the pool and a barbecue. It had been about two weeks since that crazy Nicole was arrested, and things were calm again.Even so, I noticed Flávio was a bit agitated. He'd wandered off to answer a phone call and was quite nervous. He'd been like this for a while now: distant, agitated, and receiving mysterious messages and calls. But I figured it was his job, so I didn't ask.Virgínia sat down on the lounge chair next to me and caught my attention."What's going on, Chaveirinho?""Nothing's going on, Vi!" I tried to hide it."Oh, but it's going on. And you're not going to do like Sam and leave us out. Do you want me to call Melissa now?" Virgínia threatened, and I thought it best not to involve Melissa yet. She was capable of subjecting Flávio to torture until he confessed even to things he hadn't done. "Don't call Mel, not now," I said quickly. "It's just that Flávio is acting strange.""How strange?" she asked, looking in his dire

COUPLE 3 - CROSSED DESTINIES: THE IRRESISTIBLE ROMANCE OF A SEDUCTIVE POLICE OFFICER AND AN INNOCENT YOUNG WOMANChapter 1: The First Time I Saw You“Flávio Moreno”What a boring day! The only thing that happened in this town was my parents calling me to give me hell. My father had this fixed idea that I had to leave the police force and join him and my brother in the family business. That was never going to happen.I worked in the family business, before and after graduation, but managing a chain of protein-based food companies wasn't my calling, nor was tending to the family farms.I confess that when I started studying law, that was the plan. Even though I didn't particularly enjoy corporate work, I gave it a try. I chose a career that could add value to company management, and having corporate legal knowledge would be very useful, since my brother already had degrees in business administration and accounting.However, I didn't expect that law school would transform me. I discovere

"Manuela"I didn't think this week would be so hectic, but fortunately, everything went well, and Catarina and Pedro were rescued and are safe. Now I needed to rush, because I'd missed two days of college classes, had material to catch up on, and assignments to turn in; I'd definitely be up all night. And then there was Cat and Alessandro's wedding on Saturday.I rang the bell and got off the bus a block from my house. Now that I was studying at night, I was thinking about how practical and safe it would be to have a car, since I was getting home late and the streets were empty. Maybe it was time to dip into the money my grandfather left me when he passed away. I quickened my steps, almost running. I was afraid to walk the streets alone at night. I was raised in the countryside, with an overprotective and old-fashioned mother; everything scared me.Even though I felt this fear of everything and didn't know how to handle myself without my mother's overprotective protection, I decided t

"Manuela"I returned to the table and Flávio got up to pull out my chair. Besides being handsome and friendly, he's also a gentleman. It was difficult to be virtuous and demure. But the party was coming to an end; Mel and Nando were dropping me off, so I'd soon have to say goodbye to this handsome man."Chaveirinho, I know you're having fun, but I'm dead tired. Can we go?" Melissa approached."Oh, Melissa, aren't you ruining my fun?" Flávio said in a complaining tone, never taking his eyes off me. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to take Baixinha home.""Oh, look at him so naughty!" Melissa laughed. "He's just like your friends, huh, Officer? Don't waste any time. Manu, have fun." Melissa blew me a kiss and turned away. "No, Mel... Flávio, don't worry, Melissa will drop me off at home," I said so he wouldn't feel obligated to drive me home."I won't, Chaveirinho, you're the police chief's now." With that, Melissa left. I looked at Flávio, and he had a triumphant smile."See, you're mine n

“Flávio”I left Manu's apartment, but she wouldn't leave my mind. I tossed and turned, unable to sleep, but when sleep finally overcame my racing thoughts, I dreamed of her all night, dreamed she was mine.During the hours we spent together at Alessandro and Catarina's wedding, Manu captivated me even more. She wasn't just beautiful, she was intelligent, funny, and clever. She easily made me laugh, making me feel calm and relaxed, unlike my usual stress. What I felt the moment I saw her intensified after spending time with her.And the moment I kissed her, I sealed my fate. Her lips, initially hesitant, met mine so perfectly it felt like her mouth had been molded to mine. Our first kiss was perfect, even at first, a little tense, a little awkward, and it gradually became deliciously perfect, as if the touch of our tongues had settled in. Manu had a sweet, addictive taste, and all I could think about was kissing her again.When we got out of the car at the entrance to her building, and