Chapter 37
Oliver Ferraz
I arrive early at the hotel, and although Alice managed to rearrange the schedule, there are still a few things I need to handle myself.
When the elevator doors open, there she is—beautiful as always—sitting at her desk, focused, going over some contracts.
We have several meetings today, and we need to review everything.
“Good morning, Alice. Could you bring me a coffee, please?”
“Good morning, sir. Of course, I’ll bring it right away.”
I notice she’s more formal than usual. After yesterday, I didn’t expect anything less.But I also notice the dark circles under her eyes—she must not have slept well.Despite the worry flooding through me, I can’t let it show.
I need to hold firm in my decision to forget her, no matter how much it destroys me inside.
Sometimes I feel like an idiot for making us both suffer. It’s obvious she’s not doing well either.
She knocks on the door and enters with the coffee and that tablet she’s never without. She starts talking, and for a moment I forget everything—I get lost in the sound of her voice. If I can’t have her any other way, I’ll settle for just listening to her.
“Sir, I’ve already reviewed the contracts for this morning’s meetings.
Everything’s in order, but if you’d like to read them yourself, I also sent them by email.
I won’t be joining you for these—I still need to review this afternoon’s documentation.
” She hands me a sheet. “Here’s all the information on the contractors, in case you want to prepare. ”
“Take your time finishing up. I’ll read your notes. This afternoon, I want you there with me.”
“No problem. If you don’t need anything else, I still have a lot to do.”
“Of course, go ahead.”
She leaves the office without looking back.I wanted to savor every moment with her—even if it was just work—but it’s impossible. Alice found a way to keep herself busy and avoid me.I take a deep breath and try to convince myself this is the right choice.
Shortly after, she calls me for the first meeting.
I grab the folders with the printed contracts and head out.The day is intense.
By the time I finish the morning sessions, it’s already lunchtime.I return to my office, but she’s not there.
I decide to go downstairs and have lunch at the hotel restaurant.
My order arrives quickly—I hate cutting in line, but today it’s necessary.
I have meetings until the end of the day and a flight tonight.
It’ll be exhausting, but maybe the distance will help me get my head straight.The problem is, the more I try to push her out of my mind, the more she occupies every corner of my thoughts.
I finish the meal and head back. My assistant is already waiting for me on the executive floor. I call her into my office.
“Yes, sir?” she says seriously, her gaze neutral.
“Please, sit down. We have a full afternoon ahead, and there won’t be time to talk afterward.”
“If it’s about work, I’ll stay.” The coldness in her voice cuts through me.
“Yes, Alice, just work. After all, we don’t have anything else to discuss,” I respond dryly, trying to hide how much her presence still affects me.
“What did you want to talk about?” she asks, with a hint of apprehension.
“I’ll be away for two weeks, and I want you to take over all the contracts while I’m gone. Everyone already trusts you. Alberto can help if you need it, but I believe you can handle it on your own.”
“You can travel with peace of mind, sir. The hotel will be in good hands. Alberto is well prepared, and I’ll help him however I can.” We talk for a few more minutes, and I decide to wrap things up.
“Okay. That’s all. By the way… you look tired. You don’t have to join me this afternoon if you’d rather not.”
She looks at me, surprised—perhaps because I noticed.
“I just stayed up late reviewing the contracts. We had to change the entire schedule,” she responds firmly. “I’m fine, sir. I’ll go prepare for the meetings. Excuse me.”
She leaves, and soon my phone rings.I see my father’s name on the screen.
“Good afternoon, Dad. How are you?”
“Hello, Oliver. We’re fine. We’re calling to find out how long you’ll be away.”
“I’m planning to visit three branches, Dad. The sooner I get this sorted, the better.”
“All right. But your mother and I will be back in twenty days. I want you here when we arrive.”
“I will be, don’t worry. I need to hang up—I have meetings.”
“All right, son. See you in twenty days.”
“Goodbye, Dad. Give Mom a kiss for me.”
I hang up, knowing exactly why he wants me there when they return. It’s not what I want.
The afternoon meetings begin. Alice sits in on all of them with me. She’s different—paler, quieter. She seems tired but determined. I want to ask if everything’s okay, but I stay silent. I don’t have that right anymore.
Time flies. Outside, the sky is already darkening when we wrap up the last meeting. I say goodbye to the guests and leave the room, exhausted. I still have a flight to catch.
I pass by her desk and see her packing up to leave. She calls out to me:
“I hope you have a good trip, sir. The Maceió branch is wonderful—I’m sure you’ll love it. I tried to leave everything in order, but if you need anything, reach out to Amanda, the executive secretary. She’s excellent. She’ll help you with whatever you need.”
I watch her as she speaks, and there’s something off about her tone.When she finishes, she says firmly:
“Goodbye, Oliver.”
Before I can react, she’s already inside the elevator.
“Alice!” I call out, but the doors close.
I stand there, staring at my reflection in the metal doors as they close.“Goodbye.”
The word echoes in my head, leaving me with a bad feeling—heavy, almost suffocating. But I decide to ignore it. It must just be exhaustion.
I grab my things and head out. But no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise… deep down, I know I’ve lost something I should never have let go.