Chapter 45
Alice Mendes
Days went by, and Oliver was still around. My contractions had stopped, and after days of bed rest, I’d received several gifts—all from the father of my children. The whole time I was home, he was there, even coming to appointments to see how the babies were doing.
He was more patient than usual, treating me with a sweetness I hadn’t expected. Not that he wasn’t kind before, but we were separated now—he didn’t have to do any of this. And even though I was reluctant to admit it… I was loving every bit of that attention.
I’d talked to my friend a lot about everything that had happened between us. She told me he really does love me—and deep down, I was starting to want to believe it. But she also warned me: “Don’t take him back so easily. He has to suffer—and not just a little.”
I smile to myself, remembering our last conversations, when the intercom buzzes.
I answer, and the doorman tells me Oliver is downstairs. I buzz him up and go to meet him at the elevator.
As soon as the door opens and he steps out in front of me, I feel my legs go weak. How can I be so stupid and still like this jerk? I try to hide it, to keep my composure, but I fail miserably.
“Can I come in, or are you going to keep staring at me like that?” he asks, flashing that cocky smile that scrambles my thoughts.
“Oh, of course. Make yourself at home. Want something to drink?” I ask, closing the door behind us. His cologne washes over me, and for a second, I get lost in that familiar scent.
“No, thanks. I stopped by to see you guys. It’s been days since I’ve seen you, and I wanted to check in.”
“We’re fine,” I reply, rubbing my belly through my shirt. “The boys won’t stay still. Even with my belly getting bigger, it’s like there’s not enough room for two. Karla thinks I might have them early because of how big they are.”
“That would be amazing.” He smiles, his eyes glistening. “I’m dying to meet my sons.”
I look at Oliver and, for an instant, I see sincerity. Does he really love me? Even after everything, does he still want me in his life?
Before I can even answer myself, he seems to read my thoughts.
“I love you, my little one. I love our sons too. If I have to, I’ll give my life for you.
I know you haven’t forgiven me yet—and I understand, I don’t deserve it—but I’m going to fight for it.
And when I earn your forgiveness, I’ll make up for everything.
I just need a chance, a small place in your lives, to prove what I feel. ”
“I’m sorry, Oliver. I still need time,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion.
“It wasn’t easy for me. First the rejection…
then the pregnancy… I went through everything alone.
If it weren’t for my friends, I don’t know what would have become of me.
I was used to living alone, but then you came into my life…
and then you left. I felt lost, rejected, humiliated. ”
“I know, my love,” he says desperately, taking my hands. “I promise to make up for everything I put you through. Just give me a chance, one single chance, Alice. I can make this work. I swear I’ll never disappoint you again.”
I pull my hands from his. I can’t trust myself when he’s this close.
“I don’t like you calling me that,” I say, trying to sound firm. “And it’s still not the right time. I’m okay with you being there for our babies—I can see you’ll be a good father—but that’s enough for now.”
He looks at me with a gleam in his eyes, steps forward, and wraps me in a hug.
“I won’t apologize for calling you love. You’ll always be mine. But I promise to try to control myself. You’ll never suffer again. Never again.”
Oliver spends the afternoon with me, helping me organize the babies’ room, putting away the tiny clothes and getting the hospital bags ready. When Gabi and Cata arrive, he says goodbye and leaves.
I can tell that moment was important to him—seeing the room, touching everything, feeling like part of our story. And deep down, it was important to me too. I still loved him.
I’m lost in my thoughts when I hear a voice at the door:
“Earth to Alice.” I look up and see Gabriel standing there, watching me. He comes in and says, “I have to go to Atibaia. My dad got sick and can’t run the company. But I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’m not alone, Gabi. I have Cata, Denis… They help me with everything, and you know that. Go take care of your family. And when you can, come meet your godsons. And if you can’t, I’ll bring them to you.” I smile, and I see his eyes fill with tears.
“I wish these babies were mine,” he confesses with a sad smile. “But that’s okay. I love them just the same. I hope Oliver proves he deserves to be by your side. If he doesn’t, I’ll come back and break his face.” We laugh together. “But I don’t think that’ll be necessary. You can tell he’s trying.”
“He is, and if he isn’t… I have you guys,” I say, hugging him tight. “I’ll miss you, you grump.”
“I love you guys, Lice. Don’t forget that.”
“We love you too, Gabi.”
He says goodbye without saying when he'll be back, but I know they need him there. And for the first time in a long time, I don't feel abandoned.
I have a feeling I'll see him again soon—when my babies decide to come into the world. And I sense that will be any day now.