Episode 3

Bruna:

I arrive home thrilled and tell Carol and Mel the news.

"Congratulations, my friend! You deserve it!"

"We deserve it, don't we, my love? Now I can give you everything you deserve."

"I'm going to have everything? Really everything?"

"Hey, young lady! I got a job, I didn't win the lottery, okay? When I said I would give you everything you deserve, I was talking about what I can't give you with a cleaning lady's salary: like putting you in a better school, good clothes and shoes, and some toys. It doesn't mean you're going to have everything you want, no way."

"That's not it, Mommy... I just want one thing. Can you give it to me?"

"If it's within my reach, I'll give you anything you want, princess."

"I wanted a family like my friends have. A father, a grandma, and a grandpa."

My chest tightens. I knew this time would come. I need to explain why her father abandoned us.

"My love, you have a grandma and a grandpa who live far away. Mommy has never been able to take you there, but... a father..."

"Princess of the godmother, you are so beautiful and special, you know? And the men of today don't deserve you. That's why you don't have a father yet. But one day, a brave prince will appear who will marry your mother. Then yes, you will have a father. But you have to be patient. Promise your godmother that you will wait calmly?"

"I promise, godmother. But... is he going to be handsome?"

"To deserve to marry your mother? Handsome is not enough. He will have to be the best!"

Mel leaves to watch cartoons.

"Thank you, friend. I thought I would have to tell her the truth."

"She's still too young to understand these things. When she's older, you explain. But look, there should be a law to punish these bastards who abandon pregnant women and leave this void in children's lives."

"Until today, when I look at Mel, I keep thinking: 'How could I be so deceived?' Eduardo seemed like a prince charming. He told me he loved me, that he would make me happy forever... But it was all a lie."

"Forget that jerk, friend. He doesn't even deserve you to say his name. You're too good for someone like that. I still suffer with my loss... If it weren't for that, we should be here with our children, and not with these disappeared bastards in the world. That's why I love Mel so much. She is like the child I lost, without even knowing if it was a boy or a girl."

"Enough, friend. Let's stop crying. We have reasons to celebrate! After all, now you are seeing before you: Bruna, the new architect of Construtora Colatto!"

"And you are one hell of a lucky woman! Daniel Colatto is a... hottie!"

"He's very serious and professional... and he has the biggest flaw: he doesn't like children. He thought Mel would get in the way at work. But at least he accepted that I can't work on weekends, or outside business hours, and much less travel."

"But you can't deny that he was very generous in giving you this break."

"He was in a hurry to hire someone. He must have interviewed many who didn't fit, so he ended up accepting my demands."

"The important thing is that you got a job in your area. I also really wanted to get one... I hope that in the future I can get one and we can buy a bigger house than this tiny shack."

"We will, friend. As soon as the salary starts coming in, we'll rent a bigger place."

I went to bed early, anxious to start. I chose a serious and formal look — I didn't want to attract attention, unlike the other candidates, who seemed to be going to a party.

He introduced me to the team. Only a certain Leandra didn't like me. You could feel it in her air of superiority and disdainful look.

Daniel handed me some contracts with simple client demands. I started working on the drawings immediately. I had several ideas and finished my first project on the first day. I was proud. It would be the first time presenting something directly to the renowned Daniel Colatto.

"Excuse me, Mr. Colatto..."

"You're welcome, Miss Almeida. I hope it doesn't take too long, because I have no time to waste. I have a lot of work."

Ugh, what a rude guy... But okay. I hope to surprise him.

"I finished the clients' project that you passed me. I came to present it."

"Proceed."

I turn on the overhead projector and explain, in every detail, the project plan, each item as requested. He just watches me, with a pencil in the corner of his mouth. Despite being rude, Carol was right... He's one hell of a hottie. But I didn't come here to drool over Daniel Colatto — I came to show my skills and do a good job.

I take a deep breath and end the presentation, while he continues to analyze the project with that damn pencil in the corner of his mouth... which only makes him sexier. However, now, I can only wait for his opinion.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***