Matthew began to sweat cold and loosen his tie upon hearing Elaine reveal something that should have been kept under wraps. “Elaine, why have you become so mean and wicked?” He narrowed his gaze. “I swear I never gave you a reason to suspect Patricia and me. Never—” “SHUT UP!” Elaine ordered with a thunderous voice. “You had that photo of Patricia giving a speech in the slum framed after they installed the sewage and water system. THAT was proof enough for me that you never forgot her. You insisted and got furious when I rightfully threw that junk in the fireplace!” Matthew’s heart ached as he remembered that tense day. “But that was so long ago...” Matthew tried to justify himself. “Since then, you’ve started arguing about what Patty and I DID NOT do. Because of an isolated event, you decided to collude with my aunt to make all our lives hell!” “Stop playing the victim, Matt!” Elaine couldn’t take it anymore. “Admit that you’re a hell of an adulterer who just wants to divorce me

The next day, Friday. Jackson lay peacefully in his hospital bed, a smile on his face indicating he was either having a good dream or was aware of what would happen to him when he woke up. Yes, today is the day he will be discharged. A nurse gently opened the curtains, letting the rays of sunlight penetrate the room. After a while, Jackson felt the sun and slowly began to open his eyes. “Good morning, Mr. Borges,” the nurse greeted him. “Dr. Almeida will come by later, but you can leave as soon as your family arrives.” Jackson nodded, still smiling. The nurse began to step out. Suddenly, someone stopped at the door. “Oh, hello, Mrs. Sterling.” “Is he awake? Is it too early?” Elaine asked cautiously. “No. Come in, he’s waking up. He’ll be discharged today.” The nurse left, not wanting to contradict a Sterling. Elaine turned to Jackson and smiled. “So, I made it just in time.” Jackson, still adjusting his vision, turned to the right, and... ...his vision shifted from blurr

Elaine took a visitor’s seat and sat beside Jackson. She maintained a gentler expression. Jackson noticed the change and frowned. “You don’t need to smile so much, Elaine.” “There’s no reason for me to be sad,” Elaine assured. “You’re better, you’re getting discharged, what I did didn’t leave you with any consequences...” “But you said Matt wants to divorce you,” Jackson brought her back to harsh reality. “Does this have to do with the accident? Did you even apologize to the public, Elaine?” Elaine’s smile faded. “I haven’t made any statement yet. My life has turned into a whirlwind, Jackson. I haven’t had time to think about myself, about my marriage...” “Elaine, what’s stopping you from recording a video of yourself apologizing and posting it on the Internet? I’m sure LCN would give you airtime to apologize on television,” Jackson said all of this, visibly disappointed with what Elaine had become. Elaine twirled and twisted her fingers. “If I admitted defeat, it would be ano

The door of Borges House opened, and Jackson was received with pomp and fanfare. A sign posted on one of the walls reading “Welcome Back!” caught Jackson’s attention as he walked carefully with the help of crutches. “Damn, how am I going to go up the stairs?” Jackson joked. Vanda kissed her son’s cheek while the others laughed. “You’re going to sleep in the little room we have down here for now,” She explained. “I’m gonna miss you.” Cindy pouted. “So, son?” Hélio could hardly contain his pride. “Will you need physical therapy or something?” Jackson shook his head. “That won’t be necessary, Dad. I just need to be careful for the next few days. But I will be able to be in one piece for my little sister’s wedding.” Patricia felt her eyes welling up with tears. Vanda crossed her arms, recalling something. “Speaking of weddings, I heard from Linda that someone unwelcome visited you before Patty showed up.” “Mom, don’t ruin the moment.” Patricia pleaded. Hélio frowned. “Elaine sh

Jackson had the same reaction as Hélio and many men – Fernando should not defend Patricia. “Where was Ron at that time?” Jackson asked, echoing his father’s thoughts. Hélio frowned, agreeing with the sentiment. “Ron must have been working, taking care of his own life,” Patricia replied with some impatience. “Now Mrs. Alvares is insinuating that it’s Fernando, not her son, who is infatuated with me.” Cindy shook her head. “Of course, people. A mother will always defend her son.” Hélio couldn’t take it anymore. “You women seem to overlook the obvious: there’s something wrong with Fernando Silva!” All eyes turned to him. Hélio continued, “This probably has to do with his wife. Given how annoying she is, they’re surely sleeping in separate beds.” Patricia turned to Jackson. “Didn’t you hear any commotion at the clinic yesterday?” “At seven at night, I was already asleep,” Jackson replied while eating more kiwi pie. Patricia took a deep breath. “Because of all this, Liz had a leg