While Jonathan, Gabriel, and Lucas conversed along the way about lost time and how everything could have been avoided, they turned the corner and came face-to-face with a familiar figure. Bruno stood in front of the store, arms crossed and a serious expression on his face. He watched them approaching, and the friends exchanged nervous glances among themselves.Bruno walked up to them, his gaze fixed on the three with an intensity that conveyed seriousness. "Where were you guys yesterday?" he asked directly.Gabriel tried to deflect, smiling nervously. "Oh, you know how it is, Bruno, we thought it was a holiday..."Lucas chimed in, supporting Gabriel's attempt. "Yeah, exactly! We swore it was a holiday."Jonathan also confirmed, trying to follow the invented story. "That's right, it seemed like a holiday."However, Bruno wasn't willing to accept the excuse. He looked at the three with narrowed eyes, suspicious. "The three of you know very well that yesterday wasn't a holiday. From your
Bruno was lying in his bed, staring at the ceiling as the early morning slowly gave way to dawn. The pale light that began to seep through the cracks in the curtains gently illuminated the room, but his thoughts were immersed in tumultuous darkness. It was Helena's wedding day, the day she was about to unite her destiny with Leandro's.He tried to convince himself that this was best for both of them. Helena deserved happiness, and if that happiness was with Leandro, he should accept it. But his heart seemed to rebel, clenching in his chest like an implacable fist. He closed his eyes tightly as if he could contain the torrent of emotions that threatened to overflow.With a deep sigh, Bruno got out of bed, his legs feeling as heavy as lead. He made his way to the bathroom, letting the shower water fall over him. The hope was that the water could wash away the memories of Helena from his mind. He closed his eyes, tilting his head under the flow of water, but instead of dissipating the me
Moments Before...Helena felt as if the ground had been pulled from under her feet. Marcelo's words echoed in her mind, revealing a reality she hadn't foreseen. The veil covering her face seemed symbolically representative of the veil that had kept her away from the truth for so long. With accelerated breathing, she stared at her mother, seeking confirmation of Marcelo's words in her eyes.Regina avoided Helena's gaze for a moment, but then, realizing she couldn't escape the situation, she sighed and finally confirmed, searching for words to explain herself. "Helena, I wanted... I just thought I was doing what was best for you. I wanted you to have a secure future, to be happy."Her mother's words echoed in the room, but Helena was still struggling to assimilate the impact of what she had heard. She turned to Marcelo, her eyes moist with emotion. "So, is this the truth? Leandro... he's marrying me because of this agreement?"Marcelo nodded solemnly, observing the distress in his siste
Bruno grabbed his bicycle, quickly checking the details as if he wanted to make sure everything was perfect for the upcoming ride. He then turned to Helena, with a gentle smile on his lips. He handed her the helmet, a mixture of anxiety and excitement in his gaze."Ready for the next step?" he asked, his tone filled with enthusiasm.Helena accepted the helmet with an equally infectious smile. "Absolutely. I'm excited."Bruno gestured for her to get on the bicycle, indicating the spot behind the seat. With skill and gentleness, she settled there, holding onto his shoulders lightly. The sensation of the wind against her face, the sun painting the city gold, and the closeness to Bruno created a perfect scene.He began pedaling at a smooth and tranquil pace. The city blurred past them as Bruno effortlessly guided the bicycle. Helena relished the feeling of freedom, closing her eyes for a moment to soak in every sensation. She never thought she would be there, on the back of Bruno's bicycl
Bruno's room was in a gentle silence, with only the faint sound of the couple's peaceful breathing. The first rays of the sun began to infiltrate through the partially open window, casting a golden and soft light upon the bed where Bruno and Helena lay, naked and entwined, as if they had finally found refuge in each other.Bruno, with a loving smile, caressed Helena's sleeping face, gently tracing his fingers along her delicate contours. The touch was like a silent caress, an expression of all the love he felt for her. It was hard to believe that this was real, that after all the obstacles they had faced, they were together again.Helena, with her eyes still heavy with sleep, began to awaken slowly. Her eyelashes lifted, revealing her passionate gaze, which met Bruno's. A smile spread across Helena's lips, an expression of pure happiness."Is this real?" she whispered, as if she were still dreaming.Bruno smiled and gently stroked her hair. "Yes, Helena, it's real. You're here with me
Bruno pedaled skillfully through the streets of Parati, with Helena on the back, the wind caressing their faces as they headed towards the city center. The sun shone in the sky, creating a perfect backdrop for this special moment.When they arrived in front of Nilton's Bike, Bruno gently stopped the bicycle and helped Helena dismount. Their eyes met, a mixture of sadness and affection in their gazes.Helena gestured to the parked car and said, "This is where I stay."Bruno pulled her gently by the waist, drawing her closer, and then sealed their lips in a kiss filled with emotion. When they parted, he whispered, "I'll miss you already."Helena smiled, her eyes brimming with tenderness. "I'll miss you too, but I'll be back soon. I have things to sort out, especially regarding the wedding with Leandro and my mother."Bruno nodded, understanding the importance of the journey Helena was about to undertake. He gently caressed her face and offered, "If you need me, Helena, don't hesitate to
Helena entered Eduardo Brandão's office, one of the partners at the law firm, with a sense of apprehension. She knew her situation was far from ideal, and being back at work after the scandal of her canceled marriage to Leandro was uncomfortable. Eduardo was seated behind his desk, wearing a serious expression. He observed Helena for a moment before speaking. "Helena, please, have a seat." Helena settled into one of the chairs in front of Eduardo's desk and nervously waited for him to speak. Eduardo began, choosing his words carefully. "I can imagine your current situation is complicated, Helena. Everyone here knows about your wedding with Leandro, which didn't happen. However, we know it was your choice... So you should have come to the office today on time and dressed appropriately." Helena lowered her gaze, feeling embarrassed about the situation. "I know, Mr. Brandão. I planned to return to work, but things changed. And now, I need the days that would have been our honeymoon."
Helena set the table and invited her friend to join her. The two sat down to dinner. Lucia and Helena were seated at the table, savoring the pasta that Helena had prepared. Lucia couldn't contain her curiosity and asked about the trip to Paraty with Bruno."So, how was it in Paraty with Bruno?" Lucia asked with a mischievous smile.Helena gave a shy smile, her cheeks blushing slightly. "It was good, very good," she admitted, maintaining an air of mystery.Lucia's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait a minute, did you… sleep together?" she asked, almost choking.Helena chuckled playfully. "We made love all night. It was amazing," she confessed, her expression revealing the happiness and passion she felt."Wow, finally!" Lucia clapped excitedly and then eagerly asked for details. Helena shared the details, laughing with her friend and reliving the night she spent with Bruno.After hearing everything, Lucia leaned forward with a more serious look. "And the prophecy? What did Bruno say about t