Chapter 46
Oliver Ferraz
When Gabriel told me he needed to return to Atibaia, I was happy—I won't deny it. He entrusted me with the most important mission: taking care of the people I love, and that's exactly what I'd do. I promised him I'd give it my all, that I'd do everything to make sure nothing happened to them.
That's why I took a drastic step: I bought an apartment in the building next to hers. Yes, the penthouse. From there, I can see everything that happens. It might seem unethical, but I don't blame myself. They're my family, and I'm just taking care of what's mine.
My father called, asking if the hotel situation had been resolved. I explained that I still had some things to take care of there and would return soon, since I'd already been in Ceará for quite a while. I need to talk to Alice and ask about the pregnancy—if I told my parents, they'd come running.
I sat on the couch and dialed her number. It rang once, twice, three times… nothing. I tried again—no luck. I knew she was alone, so I decided to go over there.
When I got to the lobby, I explained to the doorman what had happened and was immediately let through. I stepped into the elevator anxiously, my mind racing through a thousand scenarios, until I opened the apartment door and saw her sitting on the couch, eating.
She looked at me in surprise, and I just smiled:
“I called you, but you didn't answer. I came running—thought something might have happened.”
“I was in the shower,” she replied. “I called back, but you didn't answer either.”
“I ran out and forgot my phone. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, we're fine,” she said, giving me an odd look. Then, noticing my casual clothes, she asked:
“Where are you living?”
I pointed to the window, pulling back the curtain. The building next door—our proximity was impossible to miss. She looked startled, realizing our windows faced each other. I tried to act natural:
“Now that you're alone, I can't stay far away.”
“The hotel is two blocks from here—I can even walk there and back.”
“Even so, it's still too far. Since I like space, and you live in the penthouse, I bought one next door. That way I can keep an eye on you.”
She shook her head in disbelief.
“So you bought an apartment just to watch me?”
“Guilty as charged,” I said with a smile. “I know this window is always open and you're here in the living room. I can watch from a distance.”
“That's an invasion of privacy!” she said, frowning. “And why did you call me?”
“I know, but I won't cross any lines. I just want to be closer. I also wanted to ask if I could tell my parents about the pregnancy. I've run out of excuses to give them, and since it involves you, I wanted to check with you first.”
She smiled and replied:
“I'm very grateful to your parents. So yes, we can tell them. After all, they're the grandparents and they need to know.”
“Can we call them?” I asked, and she interrupted, saying she preferred video. I smiled and invited her to the couch. Before she could change her mind, I made the call.
“Alice, my dear, what a surp—” my father began, but stopped when he saw me beside her.
“Oliver, you found her and didn't tell me anything?”
“That's why I haven't left yet. But we'll explain everything later. Is Mom around? We have some news to share.”
“Of course, I'll get her. Olivia, come here! We have an important call!” my father shouted. My mother arrived smiling.
“Oh, what a nice surprise!” she greeted Alice.
“Hello, Mrs. Olivia, I've missed you both so much!”
“We've missed you too—you just left without saying goodbye.”
“Forgive me, I had a good reason,” Alice replied, looking at me. I changed the subject:
“We're here to tell you something.” I moved the phone back, showing her belly. “I'm going to be a dad!”
“Oh my God! What wonderful news!” my father exclaimed, overcome with emotion. “What are you still doing there?”
“Dad, Alice is pregnant with twins. It's a high-risk pregnancy, so she'll have the babies here. And they're two boys!” I said proudly. I saw my mother crying, moved to tears.
“Alice, my dear… you're wonderful! Thank you for giving us this gift. Tell me where you are—I'm coming today.”
“Mrs. Olivia, you don't need to. I'm being well taken care of, and I don't want to be a bother,” Alice said firmly.
“As if I'd leave you there with my grandsons.”
“We're at the Ceará branch, Mom.” We talked a bit more, then said our goodbyes.
I looked at Alice and noticed she was more tired than usual, her feet swollen. I asked:
“Do you want me to call Karla, or are you okay?”
“No need—I'm just tired. I'm already over seven months along, and they're two boys. They're restless.”
“I'll stay a little longer,” I say. “Let me massage your feet.”
She agrees. I arrange the pillows and start massaging her feet until she falls asleep. I cover her legs with a blanket and watch her. How could I have been such an idiot to leave her alone, pregnant with my children? She looks so beautiful when she's asleep.
The urge to touch her belly is overwhelming. Carefully, I rest my hand on it. Alice stirs, takes my hand, and I feel our babies moving. A wave of emotion floods through me. With tears in my eyes, I look at her:
“Thank you, my little one. This is the most beautiful moment of my life. I don't even know how to express what I'm feeling.”
“Children are blessings, Oliver. They came at the right time. Despite everything, now you can watch them grow and love them the way they deserve.”
“I want to love you too, Alice. I want to make you the happiest woman alive.
I can't stand having you so close yet so far away at the same time. These days by your side have been the happiest and most torturous of my life. I know you feel the same way… I can see it in your eyes. I miss everything we had.” I try to move closer, but she stops me.
“Don't do this, Oliver!” she says, her voice trembling as she looks away. “We've been getting along well, for their sake. Let's not torture ourselves anymore. Just accept things as they are. Let's enjoy this moment, and please, don't bring this up again.”
I know she still loves me, even if she's hiding it, and I'll respect her space. I feel guilty for all the pain I caused, but I'll do everything I can to win her back.
We stay there on the couch, the moonlight illuminating the most important people in my life. They're my children, and I would give my life for them in a heartbeat.