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.
