Riana was a child who required special care from the moment she was born. Her small size and fragility kept her in the hospital for two months after her birth, while her parents surrounded her with constant care and attention. They seemed to treat her as if she were made of glass, afraid that any misstep could hurt her. In contrast, her brother Junior was the opposite: strong and brave.
At the age of seven, a car accident drastically changed Riana's life. She and her father were involved in the crash, and Riana had to undergo heart surgery. The physical and emotional trauma of the accident kept her out of school, and from that moment on, her studies were conducted at home with the constant presence of her mother and Miss Drielle, her private teacher.
The home lessons covered not only fundamental concepts but also included extracurricular activities like piano and art, all aimed at ensuring Riana received a complete education tailored to her needs.
The loss of her aunt at the age of ten was a heavy blow for Riana. Her aunt was like a second mother to her, always ready to satisfy her wishes and bring joy into her life. Her absence left an immense void in Riana’s heart.
However, it was at fourteen that life dealt her an even more devastating blow. Just when a teenage girl needs her mother’s guidance and support the most, her mother fell ill. Cancer advanced rapidly, consuming her from within in just a few months. The loss of Doane Raddoc left a profound emptiness in the family, an absence that would never be filled.
After her mother's death, everything changed drastically for Riana. Her father, once attentive and dedicated to the family, buried himself in work, emotionally closing himself off from the world around him. Her brother, recently graduated, also distanced himself, following in their father’s footsteps. The family, which had once been united and loving, now seemed to be crumbling before Riana’s eyes, leaving her lost and helpless in her grief.
Describing Doane as a sweet and loving woman resonates deeply, especially in the hearts of those who knew her well. Her relationship with Rui was more than just a marital union; it was a bond of true and profound love. Rui not only loved her but was genuinely passionate about her, and the loss of Doane shook his world in unimaginable ways.
Doane’s death not only left an emotional void in Rui but also unleashed an avalanche of complex emotions. In addition to the overwhelming grief from losing his beloved wife, Rui carried a heavy burden from the past, a guilt that gnawed at him day by day. This guilt, related to previous events in his life, only intensified his pain from the loss and plunged him deeper into his own emotional darkness.
For Riana, witnessing her father grapple with this tumult of emotions without being able to help him was an agonizing experience. The tragedy of her mother’s death not only left her without maternal love and guidance but also plunged her family into a state of pain and confusion that seemed insurmountable.
The transition to Christian Academy marked a turning point in Riana’s life. Facing her first year in a new and unfamiliar environment was frightening for her, especially after experiencing so many losses and tragedies. The school’s impeccable reputation and the expectations of her father and brother made her enrollment inevitable, but Riana felt overwhelmed by the idea of being surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces.
In the first few days, Riana experienced a mix of anxiety and relief. She found that the academy wasn’t as terrible as she had imagined, but as the days went by, she realized that her loneliness persisted.
At nearly 19 years old, Riana had already faced more tragedies and losses than many experience in an entire lifetime. Each loss left a deep mark on her soul, turning her into a solitary, disillusioned, and disoriented young woman regarding the purpose of her life.
The arrival of Paulo in her life seemed like just another chapter in her story of tragedies and twists. However, she couldn’t imagine that this meeting would mark the beginning of a journey that would change her life forever. Riana’s life was filled with challenges and uncertainties, but perhaps each obstacle had a greater purpose, a purpose she still couldn’t fully understand.
Riana seemed in a bad mood when she returned inside after Willian's departure, and her assistant Marie Makarov's choice of attire did nothing to improve her state of mind. As soon as they entered the office, Riana didn’t hesitate to express her dissatisfaction with Marie’s outfit.
— Makarov, why are you wearing such a short skirt? I don’t want you in the company corridors dressed like that.
Riana’s expression was serious, and Marie immediately appeared uncomfortable, pulling the skirt down as she responded:
— I’m sorry, Miss. It won’t happen again.
Riana continued to glare at Marie, making it clear that she expected her to comply with the order. But she soon shifted the focus of the conversation to work matters.
— I hope it doesn’t happen again. Now tell me, what’s on the agenda for today? Did you bring the documents I asked for?
Marie nodded in confirmation, and Riana instructed her to sit down to present the documents.
— Sit down and give me the documents. — Riana ordered, pointing to a chair near her desk.
Marie sat down, opened the folder, and pulled out some papers to hand to Riana. She examined them carefully, signed where necessary, and handed them back to Marie, who quickly put them away. Then she took her planner and spoke:
— This morning we were supposed to have the interview with Wolk Times, but I rescheduled it for Friday at 10 a.m. At 3 p.m. we have the meeting with Mr. Berwill.
Riana glanced at the calendar on her desk before returning her attention to Marie.
— Reschedule the meeting with Mr. Berwill for Thursday morning. I won’t go to the office today, but I’ll be there tomorrow.
After giving the instructions, she stood up, thought for a moment, and added:
— Have Mr. Paulo Stronock come here tonight. Tell him it’s urgent.
Marie also stood up and asked if there was anything else to be done. Riana, with a strange expression on her face, inquired:
— How long have you worked for the Raddocs, Miss Marie?
The question seemed to confuse Marie, who replied with a slight smile:
— For 8 years.