Riana kept her gaze fixed on Marie, recalling what Esteban had told her. She felt the urge to fire her on the spot, but she knew she needed concrete evidence before taking action. So she merely commented:
— Almost a decade.
Despite the smile, there was something calculating in her expression as she concluded:
— You may leave now; that will be all.
Marie felt her heart race at Riana's tone and quickly exited the room, hurrying back to the company.
When Aila approached Riana, she listened attentively to the information her governess brought about Jully's phone call and the location of their meeting, Le Pavillion restaurant. However, something else weighed on her mind, something she felt the need to share with someone she trusted. Seeing the sweetness in Aila's eyes, she decided to open her heart.
— Aila, I haven’t told you everything, — Riana began, her voice heavy with concern. — Estevan shared some things that have been weighing on my mind.
Aila moved closer to the young woman, ready to hear any worries or concerns she might have.
— Do you want to tell me what it is? — she asked gently.
Sitting together on a large, comfortable sofa, Riana held Aila’s hand, seeking comfort in her governess’s presence. With a sigh, she began to share the disturbing information she had received from Estevan about Paulo’s secret involvement with a female employee at the company.
Hours passed quickly, and Riana soon left for the address her friend Jully had given her. When they met, Riana felt Jully’s warm embrace and returned the gesture with a radiant smile. It was comforting to be with her friend, even after so much time apart. Seated at the table, their conversation flowed naturally between them as if time hadn’t passed.
— Riana, my little doll, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you that I almost forgot how beautiful you are, — Jully said excitedly, expressing her joy at being with her friend again.
Riana smiled, feeling embraced by Jully's words. She knew this gesture was a way for her friend to apologize for her absence during the difficult times Riana had faced.
— I understand perfectly, but I must confess that I missed you. You’re like my older sister—absent, but still my sister, — Riana replied, expressing her appreciation for Jully’s friendship.
The two shared laughs and conversations, reminiscing about the past and updating each other on their lives. Jully then announced her wonderful news with enthusiasm.
— I have amazing news! I’m getting married in December, and I want you to be my bridesmaid, — Jully said, radiating happiness.
Riana was surprised by the invitation but also felt a bit apprehensive.
— I don’t know, my friend... These glamorous parties, with so many loud people... I don’t know if it’s for me, — Riana confessed, worried about what kind of event it would be.
Jully, however, reassured her with a smile.
— You haven’t changed at all, but don’t worry. It will be a simple party with just 100 guests. Nothing too extravagant, — Jully explained, trying to ease Riana's concerns.
As they talked and enjoyed their meal, Riana and Jully shared laughter and memories, further strengthening their friendship. At the end of lunch, Jully gently held Riana’s hand, announcing that she had a secret to share in a special place.
Riana observed the orphanage before them, a beautiful house painted in shades of yellow with blue details. She looked at Jully curiously and smiled, asking what they were doing there.
Jully, still smiling, replied:
— To tell you my secret, we need to be here.
The two got out of the car and were welcomed by the orphanage director. She greeted Jully with a kiss and complimented her beauty. Jully, in turn, embraced the director warmly before introducing Riana as her friend.
The director escorted them through the corridors, where some children were in class. Jully led Riana to a room and, holding her hand, began to share her memories.
— When I came here, I was very little, but I was welcomed with so much love, — Jully explained, her eyes sparkling.
Riana looked at her friend with surprise and understanding.
— I knew that the Moraks weren’t your real parents; I just didn’t know you were raised in an orphanage, — Riana commented, reflecting on the newly revealed information.
Jully explained that she hadn’t stayed long in the orphanage because she was lucky enough to be adopted soon after and find a new family. As they talked, a truck with a cargo area stopped in front of the house, bringing something that Jully had promised.
— Fred has arrived with everything I promised to bring, — Jully announced to the director, who smiled broadly. She called some of the orphanage staff, and they all went outside to unload the truck.
Meanwhile, Riana and Jully continued their conversation, sharing memories and further strengthening their friendship.
After exploring the first floor, the director led them to the second floor, where the dormitories were located. As they approached the rooms, they noticed the spaciousness, with various beds arranged neatly. However, as they walked down the hallway, they heard a baby crying, stirring Riana’s curiosity.
— Do you have a nursery here? — she asked the director.
The director smiled gently before replying:
— Not yet, but two days ago, we found this baby at the entrance of the house. He was very dehydrated, so we are taking care of him temporarily.
When they arrived in the room, they saw a woman trying to feed the baby with a bottle. Riana, touched, approached and asked about the baby’s age.
— We’re not sure yet, but we estimate he’s between two and three months old, — the woman explained. — Maybe younger.
Riana asked to hold the baby, and as he was placed in her arms, she felt an immediate connection. The baby cried and seemed restless, but gradually calmed down as Riana rocked him gently.
Observing the scene, Jully smiled and commented:
— Looks like he likes you.
Riana returned the smile, gently stroking the baby's head.
— Yes, I liked him too. He’s so tiny; he even looks like me when I was a child, — she said affectionately.
This experience brought forth feelings of tenderness and empathy in Riana, reinforcing the special bond she felt with Jully and awakening a new interest in caring for those in need.