Estevan cast a tender glance at Riana, sensing the depth of sadness that consumed her. His heart ached at the sight of her dejected expression. 
— Don’t be like this, Riana. — He tried to comfort her, wishing to ease her suffering. — And please, don’t tell my brothers anything. They can’t know I told you this. 
A faint smile blossomed on Riana's lips, followed by a sisterly gesture as she kissed Estevan's cheek. 
— Don’t worry, Estevan. — She replied tenderly. — I know who my true friends are. 
With those words, Riana stood up and slowly left the university. Her steps were hesitant, her hands trembling with the intensity of the emotions that overwhelmed her. Despite her effort to contain her nervousness, she knew she was fighting a losing battle. 
Walking toward the city center, Riana longed to leave behind everything she had just heard about Paulo. She desperately wanted to erase those revelations from her mind, but even her most sincere efforts were in vain. Tears began to flow down her face again, a torrent of emotions she couldn’t contain. 
The feeling of being manipulated and used haunted her, leaving her with an overwhelming desire to disappear. She yearned for someone to protect her, someone to care for her without any hidden motives. The weight of the past felt crushing, bringing forth painful memories from high school that she would rather leave behind. But at that moment, those memories returned to her life like an unwanted nightmare, reigniting old wounds she struggled to heal. 
BACK TO THE PAST... 
After a successful afternoon of shopping, Riana felt radiant. She returned home loaded with bags, with a confirmed date for the party: Estevan had agreed to accompany her. Her heart raced with excitement and anxiety, as she knew the night promised to be memorable. However, before diving into the fun, there was an important task ahead: getting ready. 
Late that night, Riana was impatient, her heart beating out of rhythm. Aila, the loyal and comforting housekeeper, was by her side to help her. That party represented a milestone in her life, as it would be the first time she would attend an event without her parents' presence. She felt as if she were taking a step toward adulthood, ready to embrace all the emotions and experiences the world had to offer. 
When Estevan finally arrived at the Raddoc house, Riana was already ready. Her restless steps led her back and forth in the living room, her thoughts spinning in anticipation of what the night would hold. Estevan’s comforting presence brought a sense of safety and confidence, preparing her to face the challenges and adventures that awaited outside. 
However, after an hour immersed in that spectacular party, Riana had already familiarized herself with more than half of the guests. Samay, the most popular girl Riana had ever met, was now her friend. Samay’s popularity was undeniable, and her presence was like a magnet, attracting everyone around her. 
Before the party ended, Riana was introduced to Pither, the boy who inhabited her dreams. He was the same one she had seen walking through the school corridors. Now, he stood right in front of her and had just kissed her cheek. Pither was a stylish and seductive young man, with an athletic body and a smile that captivated all the girls. He was a member of the school basketball team, and his popularity was indisputable. 
That night, after consuming just one glass of an extremely strong drink, Riana found herself kissing Pither in the barn of the house. Falling for that boy was the worst thing that could have happened to her. The cursed drink left her completely disoriented, and Pither took advantage of the situation. Without her noticing, he had already removed her dress. 
However, in a brief moment of lucidity, Riana asked: 
— What are you doing? I don’t feel well; I need to go home. Pither kept her trapped in his arms and said with malice: 
— Easy, kitty, we’re just getting started. 
Riana felt her head spinning, and her thoughts were completely confused, unable to have control over the situation she was in. The pressure of Pither’s hands against her was suffocating, and discomfort grew within her like a snowball. 
— Please, let me go. She pleaded in a whisper, her voice choked with the anguish that consumed her. 
Meanwhile, outside the barn, the festive atmosphere continued, with everyone dancing and having fun. Among the guests, Bruna Cavalcante, one of Samay’s friends, approached the hostess with a serious expression. 
— Samay, I need to tell you something. — She whispered in Samay’s ear, her tone filled with concern. 
Samay’s expression instantly changed, a mix of shock and fury crossing her face. 
— What! — She exclaimed, her eyes sparking with rage. — That bitch! I’ll embarrass her in front of everyone. Come with me, Bruna. 
With determined steps, Samay and Bruna headed to the barn, intent on exposing Riana in front of everyone. Confusion reigned inside the barn when the doors were abruptly opened, and the lights turned on all at once. 
For Riana, the impact of the sudden light was like a shock, revealing her vulnerability before a crowd of cruel laughter. She found herself there, almost naked, the laughter of the guests cutting through her soul like sharp knives. Pither, the one responsible for her humiliation, had vanished in the midst of the chaos, leaving her alone and exposed, desperately trying to cover herself with her hands. 
From a distance, Estevan noticed a large crowd and the sound of loud laughter. Intrigued and curious about what was happening, he ran toward the group. However, as he approached, he saw Riana rushing past him, heading toward the woods. 
He looked at one of the boys beside him and asked what had happened. The young man, with a smile on his face and a contagious enthusiasm, as if he had just heard the funniest joke in the world, replied: 
— You’re late, man. That bitch was getting it on with Pither. He burst into laughter and continued: — With that innocent face, who would’ve thought? 
Estevan didn’t wait for the boy to finish speaking. He felt guilty for leaving Riana alone and, without thinking twice, ran after her into the woods. As he distanced himself from everyone, he began to shout: 
— Riana, where are you? Riana! The darkness of the night caused a certain panic in Estevan. He was afraid of tight spaces, strange noises, and dark nights. However, this matter was a priority, and he needed to be brave. 
Estevan entered the woods, walking in despair, praying to find Riana soon. As he walked, he heard her crying. Riana was sitting on the ground, sobbing heavily. He took off his jacket and covered her, then sat down beside her in silence and embraced her affectionately. She whispered through her tears: 
— Take me home.