Chapter 32
Alice Mendes
I grab another glass of champagne. The bubbles are already going to my head, but today I really need a drink. This week has been nothing but disappointments. The thing is, I’m a lightweight—if I don’t stop soon, someone’s going to have to carry me out.
I scan the room for Catarina but can’t find her. I decide to sit quietly at the table, waiting for our chance to leave.
Oliver is sitting across from me, but I ignore him completely. I keep scanning the room until I finally spot my friend. I get up to go to her, but halfway there, I run right into Andréa—the last person I want to see.
She intercepts me with a fake smile and offers me a drink. Strange. From the first moment we met, I could tell she didn’t like me—and the feeling is mutual. Still, I accept out of politeness.
She stays by my side and starts talking:
“I know there’s something between you and Oliver, but don’t think it bothers me.
He’s been with other women while we were together.
You’re just another one. I’m only telling you not to expect anything from him.
Our engagement is a contract that’s been in place since we were young.
We’ll be getting married soon, and to spare yourself the pain, you should keep your distance.
That way Mr. Edgar won’t find out about your little romance. ”
My stomach turns, but I keep my composure.
“You don’t need to tell me anything else. I know my place. Between us, it’s strictly professional, and what happened… is in the past. Rest assured, I won’t be the one to ruin your relationship.”
She laughs with that irritating coldness.
“I know when a man is interested in a woman. And I’ve known Oliver forever. But this interest will pass—like all the others. I’m just trying to open your eyes. He can’t offer you anything more than this.”
I can’t help wondering how someone can seem so calm while poisoning another person with words. But if that’s what she wants—for me to stay away from Oliver—it’s exactly what I’ll do. Deep down, I’d already made that decision.
She finishes her speech and walks away, leaving her poison hanging in the air. I down the glass in one gulp, tasting the bitterness of the drink and my own disappointment. How could I have been so foolish?
I’m already dizzy, giving up on finding Catarina. I head straight for the bathroom, but my legs won’t cooperate. My vision blurs. Then I see Gabriel coming toward me.
“Are you okay, Alice?” he asks, catching me by the waist before I stumble.
“I think I drank too much,” I murmur with a weak laugh.
He holds me firmly and guides me out of the room.
“Where are you taking me, Gabriel?” I ask, my voice completely slurred.
“Home, where else? You’re drunk.”
“You don’t have to leave your own party for this. Call Catarina, please. I came with her—I can leave with her.”
“Relax, I’m not going to do anything to you. I’m just taking you home, nothing more. And honestly, getting out of this boring party is a relief.”
I take a deep breath. I’m too weak to argue.
“Okay. Let’s go, then.”
I accept the ride, but I barely take a step when I hear someone calling my name from behind. The voice is unmistakable.
“Alice!” I turn slowly and see Oliver striding toward us, his gaze furious. “Where are you taking her?” he asks breathlessly, staring at Gabriel. He reaches for my arm, but I step in before a scene can start.
“Gabriel is giving me a ride,” I respond firmly, despite the dizziness. “You can stay with your fiancée. See you Monday at work.”
I turn away and walk with Gabriel to the car, parked at the hotel entrance. He helps me into the seat, fastens my seatbelt, and closes the door carefully.As he walks around and gets into the driver’s seat, I feel the world spinning slowly.
But even with my head spinning, one certainty echoes inside me: I need to forget Oliver—even if it destroys me.
Bonus
Gabriel Pacheco
I know it’s wrong. I could easily have let Oliver take her home—after all, I’ve noticed there’s something between the two of them.
But today, by chance, I overheard what Andréa said to Alice, and it made me feel bad for her.
That’s why I decided to take her myself.
She drank too much, and I saw her friend leaving the room with Alberto.
I couldn’t just leave her alone in that situation.
I ask her for the address and find out she lives close to the hotel. We arrive quickly. When I pull up, I notice she’s fast asleep. I try to wake her, but it’s no use. I’ll have to carry her to the apartment—and I don’t even know which one it is.
I look for her key in her purse and find the access card.
I get out of the car, open her door, unbuckle her seatbelt, and lift her into my arms. The doorman sees me and, recognizing her, opens the gate without question.
I thank him and ask which floor Alice lives on.
He helps me out and guides me to her door.
I unlock the apartment and step inside. The space is small but cozy and well-kept—all white, with a corner sofa that looks like the best spot to set her down. I wouldn't dare go into her bedroom.
Alice is out cold. I lay her on the sofa carefully, slip off her sandals, tuck a pillow under her head, and cover her with a blanket I find nearby. I head to the kitchen, dig through the medicine cabinet, grab a pain reliever, and leave it on the coffee table with a glass of water and a note.
Before I leave, I sit beside her and gently touch her face.
For a moment, I imagine what it would be like if she gave me a chance.I know Andrea well.
I know what she's capable of. She won't leave Oliver alone, and Alice will end up getting hurt because of it.
I don't want that for her. She's a sweet, hardworking woman who deserves someone who truly values her.
The memory of Andrea hits me like a punch.
When she met my father, she was already with Oliver.
Even so, she never respected him. She was my father's mistress for a long time—until he discovered she'd been promised to the Ferraz family since she was young.
Since the partnership between the families was important, he cut her loose with a diplomatic excuse.
She only stopped pursuing him because he threatened to tell Edgar everything.
My mother always knew about his affairs. She never cared. She had everything she wanted in exchange for her silence.But me... I don't want to be like him. I don't want a life built on lies. I want a family, a woman I can love and make happy.
Alice stirs on the sofa, snapping me out of my thoughts. I adjust the blanket over her and stand up. I take one last look at her before leaving. I want so badly to have a chance to make her happy. But I know it won't be easy. She loves Oliver—and I'm on the verge of falling in love with her.