Chapter 39
Oliver Ferraz
I step off the plane exhausted, even though the flight wasn't that long. It's been a grueling week. I loved visiting our branch—a gorgeous hotel with multiple pools, an exceptional restaurant, and an event space just as impressive as the one in Atibaia.
I head to the baggage carousel, wanting nothing more than to get out of here, when I glance to the side… and see Alice.
For a moment, I think my eyes are playing tricks on me. I pull off my sunglasses and look again. It's her.
We exchange quick, intense glances, but before I can react, she bolts toward the boarding gate, like she's running away.
I try to follow, but a security guard stops me—restricted area.
I stand there, paralyzed, heart pounding.
What the hell is she doing here? And why did she seem to be running from me?
I shake my head, trying to dismiss the thoughts racing through my mind. It must be that trip Gabriel insisted she take—the one I authorized myself. She'll be back soon. We can talk then.
I grab my suitcase and head to the parking lot. The exhaustion is weighing on me, but what really bothers me is the confusion swirling in my head. I drive home in silence. As soon as I walk in, the phone rings, but I ignore it. I need a shower before anything else.
The shower is my refuge. I let the hot water cascade over my shoulders, trying to wash away the weight of the week. When I step out, I wrap a towel around my waist and walk to the bedroom. It's inevitable—her image surfaces, vivid and clear.
Alice, naked, lying in my sheets.
Alice, laughing, wearing my boxers and one of my shirts, parading around the house like she owned the place.
I smile at the memories, but the smile quickly fades. I can't keep holding onto this. She deserves someone who truly loves her, someone who isn't afraid of what they feel.
But then… what is this emptiness she left behind?
This crushing longing, this sense of completeness I only felt when I was with her? It was never like this with anyone. I've been with other women—intense moments, fleeting pleasures—but nothing compares to what I had with her. None of them ever made me feel this vulnerable. Not even Andréa.
I sigh, shake my head, and head to the closet. I grab some comfortable clothes and throw myself on the couch. I just want to rest, and that's exactly what I do. I spend the entire weekend in isolation, not talking to anyone.
On Monday, I wake up early and go for a run. I've always enjoyed working out, and maybe that's why I stay in shape—but today, not even that does anything for me.
I head back home, shower, get dressed, and drive to the hotel. Strangely, I'm eager to get back to the routine. Eager to see her again, maybe hear her laughter echoing down the hallway, catch the scent of the coffee she always brought with my schedule.
Why can't I stop thinking about her?
No… I can't be in love. I shouldn't be. Getting hurt again isn't part of the plan.
As soon as I get to the hotel, the girls at reception greet me and I head straight to my floor.
When I reach it, I notice her desk is empty.
Strange. I step into my office and see that some things have been moved.
Nothing major, but out of place. Before I can think more about it, someone knocks on the door.
The sound is different—it's not Alice's light, rhythmic knock.
“Come in, I just got here and didn't see anyone…” I start to say, but when I look up, I see Mariana, one of the girls from reception.
“Good morning, Mr. Oliver,” she says hesitantly. “Starting today, I'll be your new secretary.”
For a moment, I think I must have heard her wrong.
“New secretary?” I repeat, incredulous. “What do you mean, new secretary? I know Alice traveled, but she's coming back. Where's Catarina? Go get her, please.”
“Neither Alice nor Catarina works here anymore, sir. They resigned on Friday.”
For a second, everything stops.
The air vanishes from my lungs.
“What do you mean, they resigned?” My voice comes out loud and harsh. “Who accepted their resignation while I was gone?!”
She takes a step back, startled.
“I think Mr. Alberto should explain, excuse me.” And she practically runs out.
I'm left alone, stunned. Alice resigned. Without telling me anything. Without even a message.
I grab my phone and call her. It goes to voicemail. I try again. Voicemail. Again. Nothing.
If she wanted to drive me crazy… she succeeded.
“There's no point in calling,” Alberto says, walking into the office. “She's gone. She didn't leave any information.”
I look up, furious.
“I saw her at the airport on Saturday, with that pretty boy. And you just let her leave like that? I authorized the trip, not the resignation!”
“She's free, Oliver. She can do whatever she wants.” He crosses his arms. “And let's be honest, you really blew her off. You treated her like she was disposable.”
“Now's not the time for sarcasm, Alberto,” I growl, getting to my feet. “I could strangle you for not giving me a heads-up.”
“Be my guest.” He gives a half smile. “At least she had the decency to train a new secretary before she left. I wouldn't have even done that. And no, I wasn't going to warn you. This is between you two.”
“Shut up, Alberto!” I shout, slamming my hand on the desk. “Mariana!”
She appears in the doorway, startled.
“Yes, sir?”
“Cancel my entire schedule for today. I’m leaving.”
“All right,” she responds, confused.
“There’s no point going after her,” Alberto says before I reach the door. “She gave up the apartment and already left the city. You saw that yourself on Saturday.”
I spin around, furious.
“And how do you know that? Did you help her?”
“No. Catarina told me. She’s at her mother’s.”
“Then get her in here. I want to know where Alice is.”
“That won’t help either. Catarina took her vacation early—she won’t be back for two weeks.”
“Damn it!” I shout, punching the desk.
Alberto just smiles—that irritating smile of his. He walks to the door, but before leaving, he says:
“You know what your problem is, Oliver? You think they’re all the same.
But when you finally found a woman who really cared about you, who was different from all the others…
you let her slip away. All because of fear and insecurity.
Now you’ve got two choices: forget her, or go after her.
Ask for forgiveness. Admit you love her. Think about it.”
He closes the door, and the silence left behind is deafening.
I stand there, staring at nothing.
Could he be right? Do I… love her?
My chest aches just thinking about it. I’m furious with myself, wanting to punch the mirror, the floor, anything.
I go to the bar, pour a glass of whiskey, and down it in one gulp. The liquid burns going down, but it doesn’t help.
I’m going to find her.
Even if I have to turn the world upside down.
The phone rings. I look at the screen—my father. I sigh and answer.
“Hi, Dad. Sorry, but I’m not in the right headspace to talk right now.”
“I hope it’s nothing serious, son. I’m just calling to remind you we’re expecting you for dinner tonight.”
“Can we reschedule for tomorrow?” I ask, exhausted.
“No. It has to be today.”
“Fine. I’ll be there at eight.” I huff and hang up.
I stare at my phone for a moment. I don’t want dinner. I don’t want to talk.
I want Alice.
Before going home, I stop by the building where she used to live. The doorman confirms what I already know: she gave up the apartment.
I get back in my car and rest my head on the steering wheel.
All that’s left now… is regret.