That same night, in a sophisticated bar in downtown, Paulo and Julião sat in a corner, deep in conversation. Both looked troubled, as if discussing something serious. Julião placed a hand on his younger brother’s shoulder, trying to calm him, and said in a conciliatory tone:
— You just need to apologize to her; you can charm her.
Paulo took a sip of his drink, seeming lost in his thoughts. His gaze wandered around the bustling room, now filled with people. Suddenly, his eyes locked with those of a slender woman with wavy hair, who was smiling at him in a teasing manner. The scene instantly captured his attention.
Without saying another word, Paulo stood up from the table, leaving his glass behind, and gave Julião a light tap on the shoulder before declaring:
— I’ll handle this tomorrow; I have something more important waiting for me over there.
With determination, he walked toward the woman who was watching him intently. His steps were confident, and his expression indicated that he was ready for anything. As he approached her, he didn’t say a word; instead, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her, surrendering to the moment of impulsiveness and desire.
The next morning, Riana awoke feeling an overwhelming sense of genuine happiness that she had never experienced before. The sun's rays flooded her room, bringing with them a feeling of renewal and hope. Jumping out of bed, she rushed to the room next door, where she had lovingly prepared the space for the baby’s arrival. As she opened the door, her eyes filled with admiration at the warm and delicate atmosphere she had created. Every detail, every personal touch, reflected her love and anticipation for the child.
Returning to her own room, Riana prepared for the day ahead. She carefully chose an elegant outfit, brushed her hair meticulously, and put on her shoes with determination. She was ready to welcome the little one who would soon become such a significant part of her life.
When she finally descended to the living room, she found the housekeeper waiting for her, radiant with her contagious energy. Aila's smile reflected the affection she had for Riana and the joy of sharing this special moment. Greeting her warmly, Aila asked affectionately:
— Good morning, dear! Are you going to eat something?
Riana took Aila's hand gratefully, her eyes shining with excitement, and replied with a bright smile:
— No, no, I'm too eager to hold that baby in my arms again.
Aila excitedly squeezed Riana’s hand, sharing in her joy, and the two set off toward the orphanage. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by the director, who was eagerly awaiting Riana. After the customary greetings, they headed to the room where the baby lay peacefully in his simple but carefully arranged crib. Riana handed the necessary documents to the director, and the three of them settled into a small room to talk.
As they exchanged ideas and details about the legal procedures, the soft cries of the baby echoed through the space, capturing Riana's attention. With a smile on her face, she stood up and went to the room where little Miguel rested. With utmost care, she picked him up, feeling the lightness and fragility of the child.
The director, observing Riana’s affection for the baby, asked tenderly:
— Do you have a name for him yet?
Riana smiled while gently stroking the baby's face and replied with determination:
— Miguel Raddoc.
— That’s a lovely name — the director affirmed, her eyes sparkling.
Meanwhile, Aila held a bag in her hands and gently interjected:
— Are you going to get him ready now, miss?
Riana looked at the housekeeper with pure happiness and readily agreed:
— Yes.
Turning to the young woman beside her, Riana enthusiastically proposed:
— Will you help me?
The young woman smiled and promptly took the bag from Aila's hands, showing her willingness to assist. Together, they carefully changed the baby's clothes, ensuring his comfort and well-being. Once they finished, Riana cuddled little Miguel in her arms again, feeling complete with his presence in her life.
The happiness Riana experienced at that moment was a blend of various emotions, all pulsing in her chest with indescribable intensity. It was the feeling of finally achieving a long-desired dream, completing an important milestone in her life, and being ready to embrace all the responsibilities and challenges that came with motherhood.
As she crossed the threshold of her home with little Miguel in her arms, Riana couldn’t have been more radiant. The love and protection she felt for the baby were overwhelming, filling every corner of her being with a comforting warmth. However, she still didn’t fully understand the breadth of what it meant to be a mother.
Motherhood, she would soon discover, was not just about moments of joy and enchantment. There were also a variety of emotions and experiences that came with this new chapter in her life. Among them were the stress from sleepless nights, constant worries about her child’s well-being, and the physical and emotional fatigue that came with the hectic routine of caring for a baby.
Yet, despite the challenges that would inevitably arise, Riana knew that every smile, every hug, and every shared moment with Miguel would be truly precious and invaluable. The happiness and satisfaction she would find over the days spent alongside her son would be priceless, filled with all the love and dedication she had to offer.