Chapter 82Minutes later, they were already in the center of the small town. Patrícia walked beside him, hand in hand, and it wasn’t hard to notice the curious looks from the locals. His presence drew attention—tall, elegant, with confident strides and a posture that radiated security. The sunglasses and the light blazer over a white T-shirt only enhanced the air of wealth and mystery he carried.“I think the whole town is looking at us,” she commented, squeezing his hand, a little shy.“Let them look. I’m with the most beautiful woman in town,” he replied naturally, without letting go of her hand for a single second.At the market, she picked up what she wanted and added a few more things “because the babies asked for it.” He carried the bags, opened the car door, and helped her inside like a true gentleman. And she, even without saying it, felt her heart growing more and more vulnerable to everything Augusto represented.“Augusto, stop at that cowboy store. Let’s change your style a

Chapter 84Night fell slowly, the sky turning a deep blue sprinkled with stars. Patrícia was in the kitchen, wearing a light dress, barefoot on the cool floor, her hair tied back in a casual way. There was something magical about seeing her in that space, so self-possessed, so serene.Augusto appeared in the kitchen doorway with the sleeves of his plaid shirt rolled up to his elbows. He leaned against the doorframe, simply watching her.“I never imagined that watching you cook would give me this kind of peace,” he said with a smile.She turned around, laughing.“Are you hungry or are you trying to win me over again?”“Both,” he said, walking toward her. “What are you making?”“Something simple. Rice, meat simmering in the pot, and mashed potatoes with cheese. I hope you don’t have too refined a palate…”He gently pulled her by the waist.“The only refinement I care about is right here in my arms.”She laughed and stepped away lightly.“Go sit down, cowboy. It’s almost ready.”Augusto

Chapter 86The next morning, when Augusto woke up, the bed beside him was already empty. He stretched out his arm, feeling the still-warm sheets, and smiled as he imagined she had slipped out quietly so as not to wake him.He sat up in bed, yawning, and looked out the window. The sun was already lighting up the fields with a gentleness that only that place seemed to have.He got up, put on a light shirt, and went to the kitchen. The guava jam on the table made him smile again; she must have left it there on purpose, like a subtle, sweet goodbye.He calmly prepared some coffee, thinking of her. As he sat at the table, he let out a long sigh and murmured,“What am I going to do all day without my little treasure?”He stood up, walked around the house for a few minutes, then went out into the yard, hands in his pockets, his gaze lost among the fruit trees. A pleasant but lonely silence surrounded him. He stopped by the persimmon tree, picked one, and took a bite.“Maybe I’ll make somethi

Chapter 88The next morning, Augusto was brewing a strong coffee when he decided to make a video call to his son. As soon as the image appeared on the screen, Rafael, seated in the mansion’s office, smiled when he saw his father."So, old cowboy, how’s life in the countryside?""Better than I ever imagined," Augusto replied with a satisfied smile. "And over there? How’s the company doing?""Within expectations. But… when do you plan to come back?""I’m waiting for my assistant to finish building the house on the farm. From here, I’ll go straight there. In the meantime, you keep running the company, just as you’ve been doing.""But we’re going to need you soon…""I’ll come whenever it’s necessary. I just won’t give up this peace anytime soon. I want to wait for the babies to be born… after that, I’ll see what I do.""Alright," Rafael nodded, but hesitated for a moment before continuing."And Letícia… how are you two doing?""We’re fine, Dad. The people at the company already found out

Chapter 90The aroma of fresh coffee spread through the kitchen as Augusto, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, calmly stirred the kettle over the wood-burning stove. The soft crackle of the firewood was broken only by the first songs of birds at dawn.The kitchen door creaked open, and a middle-aged woman wearing a floral apron and her hair in a tight bun hurried in.“I’m sorry, sir, I’m a little late!” she said, visibly out of breath.Augusto glanced over his shoulder and smiled kindly.“No problem. This is a farm, not a barracks. And don’t worry—you’ll always see me like this, making coffee, stirring pots… or my wife, who’s even better at it than I am.”The woman smiled, clearly relieved, and simply nodded. Before they could continue the conversation, the sound of helicopter blades began to echo in the distance. Both looked out the window, intrigued.“Is that a helicopter?” she asked, frowning.“It seems so…” Augusto replied, setting the kettle on the table and heading to the porc