Chapter 82Dona Amélia and Jussara were sitting at the kitchen table, surrounded by notes and details for the upcoming wedding. Excitement and anticipation filled the air, and the older woman spoke with a smile on her lips about the plans for the big day."I want everything to be perfect, Jussara. You deserve the best, and this wedding will be the beginning of a beautiful family."Jussara smiled, gently touching her belly, already heavy with advanced pregnancy."I just want it to be special for the two of us. Gabriel has been wonderful, and every detail is being prepared with so much care."While they talked, Letícia entered the kitchen, in uniform, her expression carrying her usual mask of politeness. She picked up a cleaning cloth and began her routine work, but instead of hurrying as she normally did, she chose to take her time, paying close attention to every detail of their conversation.She moved slowly, wiping surfaces and trying to hear what they were saying. She did not want

Chapter 84The week flew by. Jussara was radiant, almost floating with happiness. Everything was perfectly aligned, and she could not imagine anything that might ruin that moment. On the verge of completing nine months of pregnancy, she felt in her best shape. The doctors always gave her excellent news, and Dr. Henrique had even personally congratulated her on the exceptional health of both her and the baby. Among the wedding guests were her obstetrician, Gabriel’s friend Francisco, the secretary Ana, and many other dear people who were part of their lives.On the long-awaited morning, Jussara chose a pink dress with golden details that delicately enhanced her maternal beauty. On her feet, she wore low sandals, comfortable yet elegant. The hairstylist and makeup artist were reserved to take care of her throughout the day, adjusting her hair and makeup as the special moments unfolded.At ten o’clock, she and Gabriel were at the registry office, signing the papers that made their union

Chapter 86Three days later, the couple returned home. Jussara was radiant as she crossed the doorway, delighted to be back. Letícia, who was cleaning the entrance hall, paused for a moment when she saw them arrive.While Mary greeted the couple with a warm smile, Letícia simply watched from a distance in silence as Gabriel and Jussara went upstairs. With a heavy sigh, she went back to scrubbing the floor, but soon felt that she was being watched. When she lifted her eyes, she found Mary staring at her with a suspicious expression."Is there a problem, Mary?" she asked, trying to hide her discomfort."I should be the one asking that," Mary replied firmly, crossing her arms."What are you talking about?" Letícia frowned, feeling attacked as she dropped the broom and faced her directly."You always look at the Monteiro couple in a strange way. As if…" Mary hesitated, choosing her words carefully, "you’re bothered by them."Letícia let out a nervous laugh, trying to mask her irritation.

Chapter 88The next morning, Gabriel was in his office reviewing contracts and organizing the week’s schedule. The quiet routine was interrupted by the sound of his phone. He saw Francisco’s name on the screen and answered immediately."Francisco, good morning. Any news?""Good morning, Gabriel. I have urgent news. Marcos has been found and is under arrest."Gabriel remained silent for a few seconds, absorbing the information. The relief of knowing that Marcos was finally in custody came with a whirlwind of thoughts."Where is he?" he asked, his voice steady."In São Paulo. You need to come as soon as possible. The situation is delicate, and I think it’s best if you’re here to handle this personally."Gabriel nodded, even though Francisco could not see him."I’m on my way. I had set aside the morning for work, but this is a priority. Send me the details by message.""I already did. See you here."After hanging up, Gabriel sighed deeply. He knew this moment would come, but facing the r

Chapter 90Jussara was becoming increasingly sleepy, taking several naps throughout the day in different corners of the house. She deeply felt her husband’s absence during these days when he was not around.With her pregnancy already advanced, sleeping had become a challenge. She could no longer lie down completely, as that position left her short of breath. To ease the discomfort, she arranged several pillows in the center of the bed and settled herself in an almost seated position, trying to rest as best as she could.During the nights, she turned on the bedroom television and lost herself in romantic Christmas movies. The stories brought a bit of lightness and distraction, but at the same time they fueled her longing and her desire to have Gabriel by her side to share those simple, cozy moments.Gabriel called in the afternoon, and Jussara answered her phone, showing longing and relief as she heard her husband’s voice."Hi, my love," she said with a smile, even though he could not