CHAPTER 5
“The strongest bonds are forged through trials…”
DIEGO BITTENCOURT
“At last you’re home, Daddy!”
Arthur’s voice rang through the house before I even had the chance to close the door behind me.
Seconds later, he was already sprinting toward me, that wide grin on his face managing to crack the cold facade I wore so well.
“I agree—at last I’m home, kiddo!”
Arthur launched himself into my arms, and for a moment, the chaos of the world seemed to fade.
He was only five, but it felt like he had the energy of two grown men.
His brown hair was messy, just like mine used to be at his age, but his eyes…
his eyes carried that mix of childhood innocence and a curiosity that always seemed ready to uncover something new.
Eyes that reminded me of dreams I’d long forgotten.
“You took too long,” he complained, his little frown quickly melting back into a smile. “I was about to go to bed without seeing you.”
I sighed, running a hand through his wild hair.
“I know, champ. But Daddy works a lot,” I said, trying to lace my words with understanding, though I knew he couldn’t fully grasp the weight behind them.
Arthur looked at me with a seriousness that sometimes knocked me off balance. It was as if he already knew more about the world than he should at his age.
“You do work too much, Daddy.” He crossed his arms, scolding me like a miniature adult. “But we’re gonna play this weekend, right?”
I couldn’t stop a small smile.
Arthur had this gift of finding the bright side, something I definitely hadn’t passed on to him. He always managed to soften my absences, even though inside I carried the constant ache of not being there enough.
“Yes, we’ll have fun this weekend,” I promised, resting my hand on his shoulder as I steered him toward the living room. “Uncle Alexandre and Theo are coming over. It’s going to be total chaos.”
Arthur practically jumped with excitement, his eyes glowing even brighter.
“Yes! We’re gonna play superheroes!” He was already plotting the mischief they’d get into, and all I could do was nod.
Seeing him like that—so happy, so full of life—made all the stress and weight of my days feel worth it, if only for a brief moment.
But the guilt never went away.
He knew I was gone too much, that work took more from me than I wanted to admit. And even though he always tried to make peace with it, like he understood how important my job was, deep down I knew I was failing him.
Still… what else could I do?
I had responsibilities. Amacel was my legacy, something Alexandre and I had built from the ground up with years of relentless work. I couldn’t just walk away.
Success came with a price. And, unfairly, Arthur paid part of it.
“I promise we’re going to have the best time this weekend, son.” My voice came out firmer this time, as if I were trying to reassure both him and myself that I could do better—even if only for a few days.
Arthur just smiled, not a shadow of doubt in his eyes.
“I know, Daddy.” Then he darted off, racing around the living room as if gearing up for another one of his wild adventures.
I sank into the couch, letting out a long sigh.
Maybe Arthur was wiser than me. He knew how to find joy in the little things, the simple moments. Maybe that was what I needed to learn from him.
Life wasn’t only about achievements and business. There was something more. Something I’d pushed aside for far too long.
But for now, at least, I’d try to make this weekend as good for my son as he hoped it would be. Because deep down, I knew I needed it too—a break, a reminder that life was more than just work.
I looked at Arthur again, feeling a small wave of relief as I watched him, so full of energy and anticipation.
For now, at least, everything felt right.
Since real life never gave me a break, I woke up early and headed to my company to start the best part of my day: work.
No—that’s a lie. The best part was annoying Maria Gabriela.
I arrived before everyone else, as usual.
I liked the calm before the storm of meetings, calls, and endless strategic decisions.
But what really made the day… interesting, let’s say, was when Maria Gabriela walked in with that slightly irritated look of hers, ready for another round of our daily sparring.
She came into my office not long after, carrying a folder of documents, her expression focused and determined. Her professionalism was undeniable, and even though we were constantly throwing jabs at each other, there was something unshakable about the way she did her job.
What I hated admitting was that her competence only made me admire her more… and want something I knew I shouldn’t.
“Good morning, Mr. Bittencourt,” she greeted me, her tone laced with just enough sarcasm to make me smirk.
“Good morning, Maria Gabriela,” I replied, leaning my elbows on the desk and lacing my fingers as I watched her place the documents in front of me. “Another week of hard work. I hope you’re ready.”
She raised an eyebrow, unfazed as always.
“I’m always ready, sir.” Her half-smile was the kind that irritated me and intrigued me at the same time. “You’re the one who should be worried. I’m keeping an eye on your mistakes.”
I couldn’t help the corner of my mouth lifting. She never backed down from a challenge, not even knowing who I was—what I represented.
“Mistakes?” I feigned surprise, picking up one of the papers she’d brought. “I don’t make mistakes, Gabriela. You should know that by now.”
She huffed, crossing her arms.
“Of course not. You just ask me the same thing twenty times before making a decision. But never mistakes.” Her tone dripped with irony.
“I just like to be sure the people around me are prepared to keep up with my pace,” I said with an arrogant smile, watching her carefully.
There was a spark between us. One that had intensified since last weekend, when we crossed the line we never should have crossed. And ever since, that spark had been growing, no matter how hard we tried to keep things professional.
She handed me another document, like she was dropping a live grenade onto my desk.
“Here are the reports you asked for. All revised, just the way you like them.” Her voice was firm, but I couldn’t miss the glint in her eyes—that confidence she carried into every task, every word.
I took the report, but my gaze lingered on her longer than it should have. She noticed, of course. Maria Gabriela always noticed. And instead of looking away, she held my stare with an ease that disarmed me.
“Something wrong, Mr. Bittencourt?” she asked, that provocative smile tugging at her lips.
“No problem,” I said, finally shifting my eyes to the papers. “Just admiring your efficiency. You know it’s hard to find someone who can keep up with me.”
She laughed, and the sound hit me like an electric current under my skin.
“If I’d known it was that easy to impress you, I would’ve made less of an effort,” she teased, sorting through the rest of the documents.
I shook my head, smiling. She had this ability to provoke me and keep me in check at the same time.
A rare skill.
And of course, I couldn’t ignore the pull—the attraction that only seemed to tighten with every exchange between us.
“Well, if you need anything else, I’ll be in my office,” she said, taking a step back, ready to leave. But before she crossed the door, she turned slightly, as if remembering something. “Oh, and Mr. Bittencourt…” Her voice softened, laced with sarcasm. “Try not to make mistakes this time.”
“Don’t worry,” I replied, keeping my gaze locked on her.
She laughed again, making me want to stretch the moment out, but before I could say anything else, she was gone—leaving behind that restless feeling that every day my admiration for Maria Gabriela was morphing into something far more dangerous.
Something I wasn’t sure I wanted to control.
I turned back to the reports in my hands, but my thoughts kept drifting to her, as they always did. The line between professional and personal was blurring more each day.
And I knew it was a problem.
One I couldn’t—and didn’t want to—fix.