Chapter Diego Bittencourt
DIEGO BITTENCOURT
I’d spent the whole week on edge, going over every detail, every decision, wondering if it would be enough. I knew I’d given my best, but the uncertainty still hung over me like a shadow.
“Never thought I’d see the day my brother threw a kid’s birthday party,” Alexandre said, giving me a firm pat on the back, pride flickering in his smile. “You really outdid yourself.”
“I didn’t do it alone,” I replied, trying to sound modest even though his words stirred something warm inside me. “Clara deserves the best.”
Alexandre nodded, wearing that look only he had—a mix of teasing and sincerity.
“And Maria Gabriela? Gonna ask her what she thinks of all this?”
“Yeah. I want to know what she really thinks.”
I drew in a deep breath and walked over to Maria Gabriela, who was standing next to Clara’s stroller, watching our daughter play with the other guests. When she saw me coming, her eyes lit up, but there was a flicker of hesitation too.
“What do you think?” I asked, trying to stay calm even though my heart was racing.
She held my gaze for a few seconds, like she was weighing every word before speaking.
“It’s beautiful, Diego. Really. You went above and beyond, and I’m… impressed.”
“But?” I pressed gently, sensing there was more.
“But the gift you gave me…” She hesitated. “I’m not sure it was necessary—all that money you spent. I don’t want you to feel like you have to buy things to please me.”
“I did it from the heart, Maria Gabriela. It wasn’t about money. I wanted to give you something meaningful. You deserve that—and more.”
She bit her lip, still uneasy, then let out a soft sigh, as if something inside her gave way.
“It’s just… I’m used to doing everything on my own, without depending on anyone. When you do something like this, I feel grateful but also a little lost because I don’t know how to give anything back.”
“You don’t have to give anything back,” I said, my voice low and sincere. “I just want you to know I’m here, that I care. And if that means giving you something you’ve always dreamed of, then it’s already worth it for me.”
She studied me for a moment, then—surprising me—let a small smile break through.
“Thank you, Diego. This… really means a lot to me.”
The relief that washed over me was instant.
Knowing that, despite all the uncertainty, I’d managed to touch her heart made everything worth it.
I stood beside her, watching Clara play, feeling more at peace than I had in months. I knew there was still a long road ahead, but for the first time, it felt like I was on the right path.
“I want to ask you something.”
“What kind of something?”
“Go out to dinner with me.”
“Diego Bittencourt inviting me to dinner? Did I hear that right?”
“Yeah. Took me a year to work up the nerve… since everything happened.”
The truth was, I had waited more than a year. I didn’t want to rush her, and I knew nothing I’d done would ever vanish—only heal, slowly.
“So, you’re not seeing anyone else?” Maria Gabriela asked, her tone lightly teasing but her eyes locked on mine, looking for the truth.
“No. And I won’t, unless it’s you. This past year I’ve been content just watching you—even from a distance—knowing that losing you was the biggest mistake of my life, one I’ll carry forever.”
Maria Gabriela looked at me with an intensity I wasn’t expecting. It was as if she were reading my sincerity in every word, searching for proof that I’d really changed.
“So all this time you’ve just been… watching me?” she asked, almost in a whisper.
I nodded, the weight of those months pressing on me.
“Yes. Because I knew I had to respect your space, that I couldn’t come back without facing my own demons first. But I never stopped thinking about you—about hoping we might have a second chance.”
She drew in a deep breath, like she was trying to process it all.
“And what made you change, Diego? What made you realize you wanted me back?”
“The fact that without you, nothing I had made sense. No achievement, no professional success—none of it filled the emptiness that opened up when you left my life. I realized that, more than anything, I wanted you. And I still do, Maria Gabriela, because losing you showed me just how essential you are to me.”
Her eyes shone as she kept looking at me, as if my words had hit something deep inside her.
“It’s hard to believe you after everything,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “But at the same time, I want to believe. I want to think maybe we could start over. Still… I can’t promise anything.”
I took a careful step closer but kept the respectful distance she seemed to need.
“That’s all I’m asking,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “A chance to prove I’ve changed—to show you I can be the man you deserve. I’m not giving up until you feel we could really have a future together.”
She stayed quiet, but the faint nod of her head gave me hope. It was a start, and I was determined to do whatever it took to win her back.
“Diego Bittencourt, the big CEO, trying to win me over with a dinner? I never thought I’d see the day you’d use your corporate charm for this.”
I couldn’t help smiling too, knowing Maria Gabriela loved to tease.
“Maybe I need a new strategy outside the office. Something less formal… more personal.”
She crossed her arms, tilting her head as she studied me.
“Well, if you promise this time you won’t turn a simple dinner into a business meeting, I’ll accept.”
“I promise,” I said, the sincerity clear in my eyes.
Maria Gabriela stepped a little closer, the familiarity of it feeling both old and new at once.
“So, when’s this big dinner, Diego? Let’s see if you’ve really changed—or if you’re still as stubborn as ever.”
“How about Friday night?” I suggested, hopeful she’d say yes.
She nodded, her smile widening.
“Friday’s perfect. But remember—no slideshows or charts, got it?”
“No problem. You’re the only woman who’s ever challenged me, who’s never been afraid to stand up to me—and who, deep down, has always been my equal.” I leaned in just a little, holding her gaze. “I’m willing to fight for this—for us. And you know I don’t give up easily.”
She sighed, pretending to think it over, but the glint in her eyes gave her away—she was enjoying seeing me like this.
“Well, then, I guess I’ll let you try, Diego Bittencourt. But don’t think for a second I’m going to make it easy for you. There’s still a long road ahead.”
“The new Diego’s got patience,” I said quietly. “You can bet on that…”