After Divorce: A Twist of Fate
At ten o'clock sharp, the dim corridors of the Dynasty Hotel were eerily silent. Karina Costa stood before the door labeled Presidential Suite 7203, the bold numbers gleaming under the faint glow of the hallway lights.
“This is it,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her phone buzzed in her hand, breaking the silence. She glanced at the message on the screen, her fingers trembling slightly.
[Karina, your aunt agreed. If you keep Mr. Francisco happy, I’ll pay your brother’s medical expenses immediately.]
—Lucas Costa.
Her expression remained unreadable, a mask she had perfected over years of enduring pain and humiliation. Beneath her composed exterior, her heart felt heavy; each beat echoing like a distant drum in her chest.
For as long as she could remember, life had been cruel. After her father remarried, she and her younger brother became nothing more than burdens. Her stepmother’s malice knew no bounds, subjecting them to years of neglect and abuse. Hunger and tattered clothes were a given; bruises and harsh words were routine.
And now, Lucas—the man who should have protected her—had gone one step further. To erase his business debts, he was forcing her into something unthinkable.
Karina’s stomach churned, her pale fingers tightening around the phone. She had refused at first, but her defiance met with a chilling ultimatum: if she didn’t comply, her brother’s medical treatment would be cut off immediately.
Her brother. The thought of his innocent face filled her mind. He didn’t deserve to suffer because of their family’s greed. His autism required continuous care, and missing even a single appointment could jeopardize his progress.
Taking a deep breath, Karina steeled herself. She had no choice.
Her knuckles hovered over the door before she hesitated. The silence stretched thin, oppressive like a weighted blanket. Finally, she gave the door a light push, surprised when it creaked open.
The room beyond was shrouded in darkness, an uninviting void. Karina frowned, unease creeping into her thoughts. She took a cautious step forward, the plush carpet muffling her footsteps.
“Mr. Francisco,” she called softly, her voice carrying through the stillness. “I’ve come in...”
Her words faded as her eyes struggled to adjust to the pitch-black space. The air was thick, the faint scent of expensive cologne lingering. Something about the silence felt wrong—too deliberate, too heavy.
Karina swallowed hard, forcing herself further into the room. Her pulse quickened, each beat reverberating in her ears as the unsettling darkness seemed to press closer.
Was this the beginning of her worst nightmare—or something darker than she’d imagined?
Suddenly, a mighty hand shot out from the darkness, wrapping around Karina’s delicate neck and slamming her against the cold wall. The impact sent a jolt of pain down her spine, and her breath hitched as she came face-to-face with the shadowed figure.
The man's grip was ironclad, his aura overwhelming and suffocating. His deep, thunderous voice cut through the silence like a blade.
“What did you do to me?” he growled, his tone laced with fury and something darker—something primal.
Karina’s mind went blank, her thoughts scattered like shards of broken glass. Her throat constricted under the pressure of his hand, and she struggled to form words.
“I... I don’t know,” she choked out, her voice barely audible.
Abruptly, his grip loosened, and she gasped for air, clutching her neck. Before she could process what was happening, his strong arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. Her small frame pressed against his, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body—a scorching warmth that wasn’t natural.
Hot and heavy breath brushed against her skin as he spoke again. “I’ll give you one chance. Push me away. Leave now.”
Karina’s heart raced as his words echoed in her ears. Was this a warning? A test? She hesitated, her thoughts clouded with confusion and fear.
Was this man Mr. Francisco? Was he displeased with her? Had she failed to meet his expectations?
But she couldn’t walk away. Not when her brother’s life depended on this. Summoning every ounce of courage, she steadied herself, her voice trembling but resolute.
“I’m not leaving. Tonight… I’m yours.”
Her hands shakily reached for his neck, pulling him closer. Rising onto her tiptoes, she found his lips with hers, her kiss clumsy and hesitant. Her inexperience was glaring, but she didn’t falter.
The man stiffened at first, but the softness of her lips broke through his defenses. A shiver ran through his body as whatever restraint he had left crumbled. His voice, husky and strained, came out in a growl.
“Are you clean?”
Karina froze, her cheeks burning with humiliation. She clenched her fists, her voice trembling as she whispered, “Yes... clean.”
“Don’t lie to me,” he warned, his breath fanning against her ear. Then, without waiting for a response, he scooped her up effortlessly and carried her to the bed.
“You’re mine now,” he declared, his voice low but commanding.
What followed was a blur of heat and shame. His firm hands pinned her down, and his burning kisses ignited her skin like fire. The pain, both physical and emotional, was unbearable. Karina bit her lips until they bled, tears streaming down her face. She endured silently, her cries for mercy met only with his unrelenting intensity.
The night stretched endlessly, leaving Karina broken and exhausted.
When she finally opened her eyes, she first noticed the faint scent of mint and tobacco lingering on the sheets. Her body ached all over, every movement a reminder of the torment she had endured.
A heavy arm draped over her waist, holding her in place.
“Awake?” The man’s deep voice startled her. Before she could react, he turned and shifted his weight onto her, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.
“Good girl,” he murmured, brushing his cold fingertips across her cheek. A smile played on his lips, chilling and possessive. “You didn’t disappoint me. Now you’re mine.”
Karina stiffened, her body frozen in terror.
“Want to shower together?” he asked, his tone almost playful. “Or should I carry you?”
“No!” she blurted, panic flashing in her eyes. “No need. You go first.”
The man chuckled, mistaking her fear for shyness. “Alright, I’ll go first.” He pinched her cheek lightly before stepping out of bed, his broad frame disappearing into the bathroom.
As soon as the bathroom door clicked shut and the faint hum of water filled the air, Karina sprang into action. Ignoring the searing pain in her body, she stumbled out of bed and grabbed her clothes, which were scattered haphazardly across the floor. Each movement sent jolts of agony through her, but she gritted her teeth and dressed as quickly as she could.
She slipped out of the room the moment she was dressed, her breath hitching with every step.
Outside the hotel, her phone rang. She answered, her voice shaky.
“It’s done. I did what you wanted,” she said coldly. “Now, about my brother’s treatment—”
“Insolent girl!” her stepmother, Eunice Rocha, screamed on the other end. “Where have you been all night? You were supposed to replace Vitória and stay with Mr. Francisco! How dare you disappear? And you still have the nerve to ask for money?”
Karina’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “When I left, Mr. Francisco was taking a shower. Are you going to back out of the deal?”
“Rubbish!” Eunice shouted. “Get back here now! If you upset Mr. Francisco, who will pay the debt?”
The call ended abruptly, leaving Karina stunned. Eunice’s rage wasn’t what unsettled her—it was the implications of her words.
“If that wasn’t Mr. Francisco,” Karina whispered to herself, her stomach sinking, “then who was the man last night?”
At the hotel, Julio entered the suite, pulling back the heavy curtains to let the early morning light spill in. The soft, pale glow of dawn illuminated the luxurious room, casting long shadows across the rumpled bed.
The sound of rushing water from the shower came to an abrupt halt. Moments later, Ademir Barbosa stepped out of the bathroom, a towel slung low on his hips. His lean, athletic frame glistened with water droplets, his broad shoulders tapering to a chiseled torso. His dark, sharp eyes scanned the room as he ran a hand through his damp hair, his expression shifting from satisfied laziness to a curious frown.
“Where is the girl?” Ademir asked his tone calm but edged with irritation.
Julio froze momentarily, then shook his head. “She wasn’t here when I arrived.”
Ademir’s gaze drifted to the bed, where the crumpled sheets bore faint traces of what had transpired. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, more amused than angry.
“She ran,” he muttered, his voice a mix of intrigue and annoyance. “Didn’t I tell her to wait? Disobedient little thing.”
He chuckled softly, though his narrowed eyes betrayed his thoughts. Women had often been sent to his bed, some willingly, others coerced, but none had ever dared to slip away afterward. This one, however, had done precisely that.
Ademir’s mind flickered back to the previous night. Someone had drugged him with an aphrodisiac, and she had been there when his self-control had slipped. Was it the drug’s influence that made her unforgettable—or was there something genuinely unique about her?
“Julio,” Ademir said, his voice firm, “find out what happened last night. And find her. I want her name, her face, everything.”
Karina burst into her home, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Inside the living room, a stocky, middle-aged man with a balding head sat fuming, glaring daggers at Vitória.
“You ungrateful brat!” Francisco barked, his voice loud enough to rattle the walls. “I promised to marry you, and you dare deceive me and keep me waiting all night?”
Vitória remained silent, her face pale but composed. She knew better than to argue with Francisco, a man who used promises of marriage to manipulate and humiliate women. His interest in Vitória had been a stroke of bad luck, but her parents had decided to send Karina to her place.
Karina’s sudden return made everyone freeze. Francisco turned, his mouth opening slightly as his eyes roamed over her.
“Where did she come from?” he muttered, almost to himself.
Karina’s natural beauty was striking. Her face, bare of any makeup, radiated a rare, classical elegance. Her luminous skin, high cheekbones, and full lips were breathtaking, and her almond-shaped eyes held a quiet defiance that only added to her allure.
Francisco’s gaze lingered, his anger momentarily replaced with fascination.
“Who are you?” he asked, his tone softening as his interest deepened.
Karina’s heart sank. She already knew the answer to her questions. The man in front of her—the balding, overweight Francisco—was the real target of the previous night. And she had sacrificed herself for the wrong man.
Eunice hurried forward, her voice sugary and obsequious. “Mr. Francisco, this is my youngest daughter, Karina. Isn’t she stunning? There’s not a woman in all of J City who can compare to her beauty!”
Francisco’s eyes lit up, and he nodded approvingly. “Very good. Very, very good.”
Eunice smiled, emboldened. “Mr. Francisco, Karina is single. She’s the perfect choice to be your wife!”
Francisco’s grin widened. “She suits me just fine. But first... I want to test her out. I’ll come for her tonight.” He turned his gaze to Karina, his eyes filled with shameless intent. “Make sure she doesn’t run this time.”
Eunice bowed her head eagerly. “There won’t be any mistakes, I promise.”
The moment Francisco left, Karina spun on her father, her voice shaking with rage. “You’re selling me again?”
Lucas opened his mouth to respond, but Eunice cut him off, her voice cold and sharp. “Selling? We fed and clothed you all these years. It’s only right that you help your family now. Do you want us to go bankrupt?”
Vitória stepped forward, grabbing Karina by the arm. “Don’t make things harder, Karina. Think about Catarino. Are you going to abandon him? If his treatment stops, what will happen to him?”
The mention of her brother struck like a dagger. Karina’s resolve crumbled, and tears welled up in her eyes. She bit her lip, swallowing the sob that threatened to escape.
“Fine,” she said quietly, her voice hollow. “I’ll go.”
Vitória led her upstairs, shoving her into a room before locking the door. Karina pounded on the door, rage and despair coursing through her. But there was no way out.
Slumping to the floor, she pressed her face into her trembling hands. Her mind wandered to the past, to her mother’s warm smile and gentle voice.
“Mom,” she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. “What should I do?”
Her thoughts spiraled to her mother’s death when she was just a child. In the aftermath, her father replaced her mother with Eunice and brought Vitória into their lives. That day, Karina had lost not only her mother but her father as well.
Suddenly, a memory surfaced. Karina scrambled to her feet, her heart racing as she rifled through her room's drawers. She found a small, dusty box tucked in the back of the closet. Her hands trembled as she opened it, revealing a glittering necklace adorned with precious stones. Beneath it was a folded piece of paper with a sequence of numbers scrawled.
Clutching the necklace tightly, Karina whispered, “Mom, I have no choice. Please forgive me.”
Karina’s fingers trembled as she dialed the number. Her mind raced with doubt. After all these years, could this number connect her to the lifeline she desperately needed?
To her astonishment, the call connected. A deep, slightly aged voice answered, cautious yet curious.
“Hello? Who is this?”
Taking a shaky breath, she steadied herself and spoke softly, “Hello, is this Mr. Otávio Barbosa? Do you remember Heloísa? I’m her daughter.”
The other end fell silent momentarily, then came the slow exhale of recognition. “Heloísa’s daughter... What do you need?”
Relief surged through Karina, her voice faltering slightly. “I need your help.”
Otávio didn’t hesitate. “Come to the Barbosa mansion. I’ll be waiting.”
Karina quickly ended the call, her hands clutching the gemstone necklace as if it held her mother’s spirit. She tucked it into her backpack and moved swiftly. Grabbing sheets from her wardrobe, she tied them with nimble hands and secured the makeshift rope to the window.
Her heart pounded as she climbed down. The second-story drop wasn’t far, but every creak of the sheets made her muscles tense. Once her feet touched the ground, she darted through the garden, her breath coming in sharp bursts.
The mansion's address was clear in her mind. She ran, ignoring the sting in her feet and the ache in her legs, driven by the hope that this was her escape.
At the Barbosa family mansion, Julio stepped into the spacious office and cleared his throat. “Bro, Uncle Denis called. He wants to know if you’ll be home tonight.”
Ademir Barbosa sat by the window, his sharp profile bathed in sunlight. He didn’t answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the sprawling view outside.
“I’ll go,” Ademir said finally, his tone clipped.
Julio hesitated before continuing, “About the investigation... We’re still piecing things together. Someone spiked your drink last night. The girl was forced into it—clearly against her will.”
Ademir’s jaw tightened, but his voice remained even. “And the girl?”
“She’s an artist. The cameras caught her entering and leaving the hotel, but the footage is too grainy to confirm much. She likely went to Francisco’s room. Her name is Vitória.”
Julio handed his phone to Ademir and showed him a photo. The woman in the image looked meek and frightened. She was attractive, yes, but something about her seemed off.
Ademir’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Vitória, huh? Interesting.”
His grandfather’s health had been declining, and the older man’s obsession with seeing Ademir married weighed heavily on him. Perhaps this woman, humble and untouched by high society, could fulfill the role his grandfather desperately wanted.
“Prepare the car,” Ademir said. “We’re paying the Costa family a visit.”
Chaos consumed the Costa family home.
Francisco, red-faced and fuming, had Vitória by the wrist, dragging her toward the door. “If I can’t have Karina, you’ll do!”
Vitória’s cries echoed through the room. “No! Please, no! Someone help me!”
Eunice lunged to stop Francisco but was quickly kicked to her side. She crumpled to the floor, clutching her ribs.
Lucas stood frozen, unwilling to intervene. His cowardice only fueled Francisco’s rage.
Suddenly, the screech of tires pierced the commotion. A sleek black car rolled to a stop outside the gate.
Ademir Barbosa stepped out. His sharp, tailored suit was impeccable, and his presence was commanding. He moved toward the scene with an effortless grace that turned heads.
Francisco froze mid-step, his grip loosening on Vitória. Recognition dawned on his face, quickly followed by fear.
“Mr. Ademir...” Francisco stammered, attempting a weak smile. “What brings you here?”
Ademir’s eyes didn’t waver. They were locked on Vitória, who was trembling and tear-streaked. Something primal and protective stirred within him, and his expression darkened.
Without warning, Ademir’s hand shot out. The slap was swift and brutal, sending Francisco sprawling to the floor.
Francisco groaned, his hand flying to his face as blood dripped from his mouth. A tooth lay on the floor beside him.
“How dare you touch what belongs to me?” Ademir’s voice was dangerously calm, each word sharp as a blade.
Francisco scrambled back, his bravado crumbling. “Mr. Ademir, I didn’t know she was yours! I didn’t touch her, I swear!”
Ademir ignored him and turned to Vitória. His expression softened, his hand gently brushing her tear-soaked cheek.
“Why are you crying?” His voice was low, almost tender. “As long as I’m here, no one will harm you.”
Vitória’s wide eyes met his, confusion and disbelief swirling within them. “Do you... know me?”
Ademir’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “Last night. Room 7203 at the Dynasty Hotel. Me and you—understand?”
The words hit Vitória like a thunderclap. Her heart raced. Last night? The hotel? Him?
Her parents stared, equally stunned. It was clear now. Karina had ended up in this man’s room last night, and he’d mistaken Vitória for her.
Ademir straightened, his tone shifting back to authoritative. “Prepare yourselves. Vitória will be my wife. The wedding arrangements will begin immediately.”
The room fell silent. Vitória’s heart skipped. Marriage? To him?
Ademir tilted his head. “What’s the hesitation? Don’t you want this?”
Vitória swallowed her shock and quickly nodded, lowering her eyes in mock humility. “I do. I want this.”
Satisfied, Ademir gave a small nod. “Good. Stay here. I’ll handle everything.”
As he walked away, Vitória’s mind spun. This was her chance. She didn’t know how long the charade would last, but she would make the most of it.
Meanwhile, Karina hurried toward the Barbosa mansion, unaware of the web of deception tightening behind her. Her heart carried hope, but fate seemed determined to toy with her every step of the way.
At the Barbosa family mansion, Otávio gently placed the gemstone necklace back into its ornate box and slid it toward Karina.
“Keep it safe,” he said firmly. “It was always meant to be yours.”
Karina hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of the box. “Yes… Mr. Otávio.”
Otávio sighed deeply, his weathered face softening. “Do you still call me Mr. Otávio? Years ago, your mother saved my life. I gave her this necklace and promised her that my grandson would marry her daughter. All these years, I’ve searched for her, not knowing she had passed. It’s fate that you’ve found your way here. You’ve grown into a fine young woman, and it’s time to fulfill that promise. Call me grandfather, won’t you?”
Karina lowered her gaze, unable to utter the word. Before her mother passed, she had told Karina about the promised engagement but warned her not to take it seriously. Her mother had never wanted gratitude to become a chain around her daughter’s neck.
Karina came here today to ask for help. Her mother’s savings, Otávio, gave her the courage to request a loan for her brother’s treatment. If not for Catarino’s condition, she would never have approached the Barbosa family.
“Mr. Otávio,” she began cautiously, “I came here to—”
Footsteps echoed in the grand hallway, interrupting her.
Otávio’s eyes lit up. “Ademir is back!”
Moments later, Ademir Barbosa entered, his strides confident, his presence magnetic. The light from the chandelier cast a glow over his tall frame and sharp, elegant features. His crisp suit accentuated the commanding air he carried effortlessly.
“Grandpa, I came back to have dinner with you,” he said, his voice warm.
But then his gaze landed on Karina, and he stopped mid-step. His expression hardened.
There she stood—a slender young woman with porcelain skin, delicate features, and an unassuming presence in the mansion’s grandeur. She rose to her feet shyly, offering a small wave. “Hello.”
Otávio beamed. “Ademir, this is your fiancée, Karina. Get ready to welcome her into your home.”
Ademir’s brows furrowed. His good mood vanished, replaced with cold indifference.
“Fiancée?” he echoed, his voice clipped.
Otávio nodded proudly. “Yes, it’s time to fulfill the promise.”
Ademir’s jaw tightened. He was no stranger to his grandfather’s plans, but this was unexpected. If Karina had appeared just days earlier, he might have reluctantly agreed to honor the engagement. But now, things were different. He already had Victoria—the woman he believed he had shared an intimate connection with. He had promised Victoria marriage, and breaking that promise was not an option.
“I can’t marry her,” Ademir declared firmly.
Otávio’s smile faltered. “What did you just say?”
“I already have someone I want to marry,” Ademir continued, his tone steady but resolute.
“Nonsense!” Otávio’s voice rose, his anger palpable. “How dare you? Do you know what this promise means? You will not make a liar out of me!”
“I’m sorry, Grandpa, but I can’t do this,” Ademir said coldly, his eyes shifting to Karina. “Did you think this was going to happen?”
Karina’s heart sank at the icy disdain in his voice. Before she could respond, Otávio suddenly clutched his chest, his face contorting in pain.
“Grandpa!” Ademir rushed forward as Otávio collapsed to the floor.
At the hospital, Otávio’s condition stabilized after emergency treatment. Ademir stood outside his grandfather’s room, his expression dark. Karina, standing nearby, fidgeted nervously, guilt etched across her face.
“Is he going to be okay?” she asked softly.
“He’s stable,” Ademir replied, his tone sharp. “But this doesn’t absolve you of responsibility.”
Karina flinched. “I never meant for this to happen. Please tell him I didn’t come here for the engagement.”
Ademir’s gaze turned cold. “It doesn’t matter why you came. The damage is done. Do you think I’ll let my grandfather’s health hang in the balance over this? No. This wedding is happening.”
Karina’s lips parted to protest, but Ademir cut her off.
“Do you want me to be known as the grandson who killed his grandfather out of defiance?” His voice was low, his words slicing through her. “This marriage will be a sham. It’s only to appease him. Once he recovers, we’ll divorce. No real involvement.”
Karina’s throat tightened. “Marriage isn’t something trivial. There has to be another way—”
“I’ll compensate you financially,” Ademir interrupted, his tone dismissive. “Name your price.”
Karina froze. Financial compensation? Her thoughts went immediately to Catarino. The money would cover his treatment, even long-term care. She hesitated, knowing there were no other options.
“Just agree, and whatever you need, I’ll give it,” Ademir pressed.
After a long pause, Karina finally nodded. “Okay. I’ll do it.”
Ademir’s lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. “Good. We’ll finalize everything tomorrow. Bring your documents.”
The following day, Karina stood outside the registry office, clutching her bag. She hadn’t slept all night, her thoughts a whirlwind of regret and resolve. When Ademir arrived, his demeanor was as cold as ever.
“Let’s get this over with,” he said curtly.
The process was swift and mechanical. When it was done, Karina stared at the marriage certificate, her emotions tangled. She had sold her body to survive—and now her marriage. What little dignity she had left felt like it was slipping away.
Outside, Ademir pointed to a waiting car. “That one will take you to your new home.”
Before she could respond, his brother, Julio, approached and handed her a card. “My brother sent this for you.”
Karina stared at the card, realizing it was loaded with funds. She swallowed her pride and whispered, “Thank you.”
Ademir didn’t even look at her. “Julio, let’s go,” he said, his voice indifferent. “She doesn’t deserve any more of your time.”
As the car pulled away, Karina decided not to go to the address provided. Instead, she directed the driver to Castle Peak Nursing Home, an autism treatment center. She handed over the card, paying full price for her brother’s care.
Back in his car, Ademir received a notification. His phone buzzed with a new transaction: 200,000 reais withdrawn from the card he had given Karina.
His jaw clenched. “She didn’t waste any time, did she?”
Julio glanced at him nervously. “She’s not what you think—”
“Save it,” Ademir snapped, dismissing the thought. “This is just a transaction. Nothing more.”
But somewhere deep down, something about Karina’s quiet defiance lingered in his mind.
Eunice’s loud, theatrical cries echoed through the hospital room. “Oh, my poor daughter! Canceling her wedding is as good as killing her!”
“Mother, stop,” Vitória said weakly, her tear-streaked face pale. “Mr. Ademir has already married someone else. I wasn’t lucky enough to be his choice.” She sniffled, her voice trembling. “But thank you for coming to see me, Mr. Ademir.”
Ademir stiffened, his patience waning. He had little tolerance for tears, but Vitória had once been his first choice, and guilt compelled him to show restraint.
“Vitória,” he said firmly, “marrying her was necessary. There’s no love between us, and a divorce is inevitable. I’ll keep my promises, but I need you to wait.”
Vitória’s tear-filled eyes widened. “Really?”
Ever the opportunist, Eunice interjected, “You’re not lying, are you, Mr. Ademir? My daughter’s future is at stake!”
Ademir’s gaze turned sharp. “Are you questioning my word?”
Eunice faltered under his glare, but Vitória, desperate to calm the tension, clutched his sleeve and cried, “I believe you! I’ll wait as long as you need.”
Ademir’s hardened expression softened slightly. “Good. Rest and don’t dwell on negative thoughts.”
“Yes, Mr. Ademir,” Vitória murmured obediently.
Satisfied he had calmed her down, Ademir left the hospital room. But as he walked through the lobby, his sharp eyes caught a familiar figure.
Karina.
She wasn’t at Mission Hills Mansion as she should have been. Instead, she was walking into a doctor’s office. Ademir’s gaze flicked up to the sign above the door: Gynecology.
His brows knitted together in suspicion, and without a word, he decided to wait outside.
Half an hour later, Karina emerged, her face pale, her steps unsteady. She leaned against the wall, only to freeze when she saw him.
“Ademir? What are you doing here?”
His cold eyes bore into hers. “The better question is, what are you doing here?”
“That’s none of your business,” Karina replied, her voice barely steady. She looked away, avoiding his piercing gaze.
The door behind her creaked open, and a nurse stepped out, holding a file. “Karina, you forgot your medical records!”
“Oh, thank you,” Karina hurriedly, reaching for the file.
But Ademir was quicker. He snatched it before she could react, his height advantage making it impossible for her to retrieve it.
“Give it back!” Karina exclaimed, her voice rising in panic. “Don’t read it!”
“I will read it,” Ademir retorted, flipping the file open despite her desperate protests.
Karina’s heart sank as she watched his expression shift from confusion to disbelief, then anger.
“You—what kind of shameful wound is this?” he demanded, his voice low but venomous.
Karina clenched her eyes shut, her face drained of all color.
Unable to stay silent, the nurse stepped in, her tone sharp. “You’re her boyfriend and don’t know? You should be ashamed. She has third-degree lacerations and needed multiple stitches! You don’t value her—only your pleasure.” She shot him a withering look before muttering, “Without experience, don’t try to perform difficult movements.”
The words hit Ademir like a slap. Lacerations? Stitches? Difficult movements?
His mind raced. The implications were clear, but his temper flared, and he jumped to the worst conclusion. “Karina,” he hissed, his voice dripping with disdain, “calling you shameless doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
Karina opened her mouth to respond, but he grabbed her arm, his grip firm and unrelenting. “We’re going to see Grandpa. He deserves to know exactly what kind of woman you are!”
Ademir shoved Karina into Otávio’s room, his fury palpable. Karina stumbled forward, nearly losing her balance.
Otávio, propped up in bed, looked up, confused by their abrupt entrance. The doctor had just finished an exam and addressed Ademir.
“Mr. Ademir, your grandfather is stable for now, but he’s weak. He needs rest and, most importantly, no emotional shocks.”
The doctor left, leaving a tense silence in the room.
Otávio smiled weakly. “Ademir, Karina, why are you here? You just got married. Shouldn’t you be enjoying your honeymoon?”
“Mr. Otávio, I—” Karina began, her voice trembling.
Ademir’s hand clamped over her wrist, silencing her. “Grandpa,” he said smoothly, “Karina was worried about you. We couldn’t enjoy ourselves knowing you were here.”
Otávio chuckled softly. “Karina, you’re a good girl. Thank you for thinking of me.” He waved them off gently. “But don’t worry about me. The most important thing is for you to be happy together.”
“Of course, Grandpa,” Ademir said, forcing a smile. “We’ll leave you to rest now.”
He took Karina’s hand and led her out of the room.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Ademir dropped her hand as it burned him. His expression hardened, his words laced with contempt.
“Grandfather can’t handle any shocks, so we’ll keep this charade going until he’s recovered,” he said coldly. “But don’t think for a second that you’ve fooled me. Just having your name associated with the Barbosa family disgusts me.”
Karina flinched at his words, the sharpness cutting deep. She clenched her hands, her palms clammy. She wanted to remind him that this marriage wasn’t her choice, but the words wouldn’t come.
Ademir turned away, his tone final. “Once Grandpa is stable, we’ll settle the divorce. Until then, play your part.”
Karina nodded, her voice barely audible. “I understand.”
Without another glance, Ademir walked away, his figure stiff with anger. Karina stood there, her heart heavy.
That night, Karina returned to her dorm at J University. She told herself there was no point dwelling on it—this was a transaction, nothing more. But even as she lay in bed, her mind refused to quiet. The memory of Ademir’s contempt haunted her, but so did her past.
The following day, she received a call from Júlio.
“Miss Karina,” he began, his tone careful, “can you come to the civil registry next Wednesday to finalize the divorce?”
“Yes, I’ll be there,” she replied quietly.
Hanging up, Karina felt an odd sense of relief. The arrangement was ending sooner than expected. She should feel free, yet the weight in her chest lingered.
That evening, she met her childhood friends, Patrícia and Simão, at the Ocean Restaurant. Their cheerful banter brought a temporary sense of normalcy.
“Karina!” Simão exclaimed, grinning as she arrived. “Why’d you take so long? We’ve already ordered enough food to feed a small army!”
Karina smiled faintly, grateful for their lightheartedness. For a moment, she could forget the mess her life had become.
But the mention of her ex, Túlio, brought an unwelcome chill.
“He’s coming back,” Simão said cautiously.
Karina stiffened. The name she had worked so hard to erase from her memory resurfaced like a ghost.
“I’m not going,” she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Simão sighed, but Patrícia quickly changed the subject, steering the conversation back to laughter.
Karina clung to the small solace her friends provided, knowing that her battles were far from over.
Karina’s weekend began with a bus ride to the Castelo Verde Nursing Home, where her brother, Catarino, resided. She brought him small gifts every week and sat by his side, even if he rarely responded to her presence. His silent world had been her anchor for years, even as her life spiraled into chaos.
Halfway through her journey, her phone buzzed with a WhatsApp notification. A new friend request popped up from an unfamiliar name. She frowned, dismissed it, and tucked her phone away.
When Karina arrived, she walked through the familiar halls carrying the bag of gifts she had brought. The faint, sterile scent of the nursing home always lingered, but today, something felt off.
A loud, shrill voice rang out from one of the rooms, punctuated by something breaking.
“Cry, you useless thing! Come on, cry!”
Karina’s heart froze, her blood boiling as the voice grew louder.
“Idiot! You can’t even cry when you’re hit! What use are you, you freak?”
The cruel laugh that followed was the last straw. Karina stormed toward the room, her footsteps silent but determined.
Inside, Catarino sat slumped in a chair, his thin frame draped in soiled clothes. Soup dripped from his hair, obscuring his face, and his pants were soaked. A middle-aged woman stood before him, jabbing a spoon of cold soup toward his mouth.
“Eat, you worthless brat! You’re worse than a dog!”
Before the woman could react, Karina grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked hard.
The woman shrieked, her voice echoing down the hall. “Who are you? Let go of my hair!”
Karina’s voice trembled with fury, her hands tightening in the woman’s hair. “Whose mother? You’re nothing but a disgusting dog. How dare you touch him? Do you think his family is dead?”
“Stop, it hurts!” the woman cried, flailing under Karina’s grip. “I won’t do it again! Please!”
Karina released her with a shove, sending the woman sprawling to the floor. She grabbed the bowl of soup, filled the spoon, and jammed it into the woman’s mouth.
“Didn’t you enjoy force-feeding someone? Then eat it yourself!” Karina growled, her eyes blazing.
The metal spoon scraped against the woman’s teeth as she choked and gagged. She raised her hands in surrender, but Karina wasn’t finished.
A sharp crack echoed through the room as Karina slapped her hard across the face.
“Was that satisfying? Is that how you hit my brother? Let me show you how it feels!”
Another slap. Then another.
By the time Karina dragged the woman to her feet, her face was swollen and red.
“Come on,” Karina hissed, her grip like steel. “Let’s go see your boss. Let’s see how long you keep this job.”
The woman panicked, her voice trembling as she begged. “Wait! Please! It wasn’t my idea! They paid me to do this!”
Karina froze. “Who?”
The woman hesitated, then whispered, “It was… Eunice.”
Karina’s heart turned cold. Of course, it was her. Eunice’s revenge had come swiftly, and she hadn’t even targeted Karina directly—she had gone after Catarino, a boy of only fourteen, locked in his world.
“Get out,” Karina said coldly.
The woman scrambled out of the room, nearly tripping over herself to escape.
Karina turned to Catarino, who sat silently, oblivious to the chaos. She crouched in front of him, her voice softening. “Catarino, let’s get you cleaned up, okay?”
As always, Catarino didn’t respond. But when Karina took his hand, he gripped hers tightly.
Her breath caught. “Catarino,” she whispered, her voice trembling with hope. “You’re holding my hand? Do you recognize me?”
He remained silent, but the small gesture brought tears to her eyes. It was the first sign of connection in years.
After cleaning him up and changing his clothes, she fed him again. This time, Catarino ate quietly, his free hand clutching her sleeve. His fear was palpable, and Karina’s heart ached as she murmured, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you.”
Before leaving, she reported the abusive nurse to the administration. People like her had no place in a facility meant to care for the vulnerable.
Karina wasted no time heading to the Costa family mansion. She was a storm of fury, her mind racing with thoughts of Eunice’s cruelty.
By the time she arrived, night had fallen. The employees hesitated as she barged in at the door, but no one dared stop her.
Karina marched straight to the kitchen, grabbed a jug of water, and stormed into the living room just as Eunice and Vitória descended the staircase. They laughed and chatted as if they had no care in the world.
Without a word, Karina hurled the jug’s contents at them.
Eunice shrieked, and Vitória stumbled back, drenched and gasping. “Karina, are you insane?”
Karina’s voice trembled with rage. “Insane? This is just water. What about the scalding soup you ordered to be thrown at Catarino? What about leaving him soaked in his urine?”
Eunice pushed Vitória aside, her expression darkening. “Vitória, go change. You have an engagement to prepare for.”
Vitória hesitated, then scurried upstairs, leaving Eunice alone to face Karina.
Eunice smirked, her voice dripping with disdain. “Yes, I bribed the nurse. You humiliated us when you refused Francisco. Did you think there wouldn’t be consequences? And now you’ve got money, huh? Sold your body again, did you? At least be useful to this family if you’re going to be a disgrace.”
Karina’s hand snapped out, slapping Eunice so hard the sound echoed through the room.
“That mouth of yours needs to stop spewing filth,” Karina snarled.
Eunice lunged at her, but Karina was faster. She pinned Eunice down, her fists raining down as years of suppressed rage boiled over.
“You think I’m still a child, scared of you?” Karina shouted. “Those days are over. Touch Catarino again, and I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life.”
Eunice screamed for help, her voice frantic.
Lucas entered, drawn by the commotion. He yanked Karina off Eunice and shoved her to the floor.
“Karina, have you lost your mind? She’s your elder!”
Karina glared at him, her voice icy. “You betrayed us, sold your daughter, and let this woman torture your son. Don’t talk to me about respect.”
Tears streaming down her face, she turned and ran out of the mansion.
A sleek black car sped past as Karina stepped out of the gates. She paused, her breath hitching as recognition struck.
“That car…” she murmured, turning to watch it disappear down the road. “Why does it look so familiar?”
Her mind raced, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. She had battles to fight—and no intention of backing down.
