“Sweetheart, is what your father is saying true?” Andrea asks, her voice filled with concern, unable to believe what she has just heard.

With tears still streaming down her face, Catarina swallows hard. She knows she cannot lie, and with a slight nod, she confirms it, watching her mother's eyes fill with disappointment.

“This can't be...” Andrea murmurs in disbelief.

“I... I'm so sorry, Mom,” she replies, her voice breaking with sobs.

“You're sorry?” Damião cuts in, his harsh tone slicing throu