Josias screams at the top of his lungs, causing Teodoro to appear at the door. Josias did not see him because his back was to him.
"What are you saying, Melissa? Take a break? Do you want to end our relationship?"
Teodoro's eyes widen. Not! The lie is winning.
"You broke up with me as soon as you saw Pamela as a woman." Melissa is bitterer than scarlet eggplant, "The funny thing is that you are confirming the whole story and are surprised that I react negatively."
"Let's take it easy, Wallace's part is a complete lie. I didn't kiss Pamela and I didn't even want to, I was arguing with her because of what Carmen did, accusing me of being the father of the stillborn baby. I went to question Pamela and found out that she was the one who lied to her sister. Wallace saw me and got that crooked idea."
"Wallace is an honorable and God-fearing man, for what you said to me yourself. That's why I believe his version."
"Do you believe him, but don't you
On the other side, Melissa hangs up, showing sadness, but not as deep as Josias. It seems that she has already cried her share of tears.Simeon risks returning to the room, frowning and withdrawn, "Daughter, we heard some exclamations... what happened between you two?""It happened what had to happen, dad." Melissa turns to him wistfully, "We broke up. It didn't work out.""Oh, daughter… why didn't you fight for your love?" Simeon embraces her."Because there was never love, I think we mixed things up. He admitted everything, Dad."Simeon breaks the hug, not believing 100% in what his daughter says."Did he admit that he cheated on you with Pamela, got her pregnant, and all those horrible things that your mother told me?""Mom said I wasn't supposed to tell you." Melissa frowns.Simeon chuckles. "I am your father, Melissa. I deserve to be aware of things. If Josias were that kind of boy who rapes innocent girls, I would
Melissa faces Pamela for everything she has done against her and Josias. After talking to Josias, Melissa connected the dots and came to (correctly) the conclusion that Pamela was lying all the time about hating Josias.All that talk of inducing Melissa to date Fabrício 'because Josias was unworthy of her' was just nonsense. It was all planned: after Melissa and Fabrício were dating, Pamela 'by coincidence' would change her mind and see that Josias was a good guy to date.But, Pamela was one of those people who prefer to die fighting, so she doesn't give up. "Melissa, I understand that you are upset, but that is no reason to offend me. I am in a vulnerable situation and I cannot defend myself.""That's why I say the accident was a blessing." Melissa speaks with disdain, to irritate Pamela, "Now I see who you are, because you are not having time to make up lies. Pamela, how could you? Knowing that I liked Josias... it was better to you be honest, an
Months passed after Pamela's second 'accident'. After being practically buried by Mrs. Chaves' sewing objects, Carmen calls Abigail and the two take an hour to remove the trinkets from Pamela.The needles and scissors pierced Pamela's body and Abigail filled Pamela's arms and legs with bandages. When Mrs. Chaves returned from the market, she was very amused and laughed at Pamela's situation.Pamela appealed to Tiago's authority and he 'politely suggested' that Pamela go back to sleep in her bedroom. Mr. Chaves called on the neighbors to help take Pamela's bed back up as if it were the most absurd thing in the world.It turns out that with Pamela on the second floor; now the family was forced to go up and down all the time, to take meals, to take medicine, to help her get down to go to the bathroom... Abigail's turn was only from 07:00h to 17:00h. Mr. Chaves regretted having the house built on two floors.Meanwhile, upset by the breakup, Josias focuses on
Teodoro frowns and purses his lips, annoyed by Melissa's presence. Romualdo doesn't know who she is."Hello, Seu Teodoro." Melissa approaches the counter, sheepish and shy. "Is Josias here by any chance?"Teodoro turns to Romualdo, "This is the girl, Romualdo." And then he turns to her, "My daughter, I thought you should know that Josias is working at this hour.""Oh, yes, I forgot." Melissa is visibly embarrassed, "Well, he's not showing up or calling...""How was he going to do that, my dear?" Teodoro smirks, "If he broke up with you?"Melissa feels punched. Romualdo feels that Teodoro is taking it hard and looks at him, but Teodoro looks back at him as if to say 'leave it to me'."Well, I thought we could go on as friends. I wanted to know how he was doing.""He is working during the day and studying at night, he is studying Building Technician, to correspond to the job that was offered," Teodoro responds harshly."Oh, it's
On Tuesday, Romualdo and Josias enter Tiago's house. It is worth mentioning that this is the new house, now finished and furnished.Josias widens his eyes when he sees how the house looked; it seems to be the cover of a magazine that tells the life of the rich and famous. The navy blue sofa was so comfortable that Josias was tempted to jump on it like a child, but he holds on in time. The rug on which he stepped was not a simple crochet rug. On the walls, three frames by anonymous painters.Tiago appears with a tray containing porcelain cups and coffee to drink. The three men help each other when Tiago sits in the armchair, which most resembles a king's throne."One day, master, you will have one of these," Tiago speaks to Josias in a joke."Who knows, God willing..." Josias smiles and answers humbly."Ah, but he wants to, my friend." Tiago responds with joy, "Well, I called you both to tell you news. Our company has finally been approved by the Go
Teodoro is once again thrilled to hear the great news from Josias that he is going to occupy an important position anyway. Josias still shows humility and fear."People think I am bothered by humble services, but no! I like to learn. Robson was teaching me how to build a wall; it is not just placing the bricks and covering them with cement on top. There is a whole technique for the wall doesn't crumble or become crooked.""I understand, Josias," Teodoro replies excitedly, "but, you should just raise your hands and thank God for this opportunity. Working in a better job is not a sin. And remember what Everaldo promised."Josias leans over the counter, thrilled to think of his missing friend. "Did Everaldo promise that I would be a millionaire for having seen me all a beggar and without a shirt? But, it is not what I wanted! I just wanted to live with the basics, to be someone normal."Teodoro gets tired of Josias's fear and holds him by both arms, shaking
The owner of the bar already turns down the volume of the radio and the customers who played dominoes interrupt the game. Elisa pulls the boy by the arm."Come on, honey, don't bother with that drunk.""Honey? Is that moron your boyfriend?" Jeremiah gets up, stumbling and fumbling."Where do you know my fiancée from, you drunk?" The boy asks in a firm and austere voice. Josias identifies with the boy and this time decides not to interfere."I said, she was in my room last year, right there in Seu Teodoro's building..." Jeremiah lets out a disgusting burp, which bothers even the third girl.The boy turns to Elisa. "Honey, is this the guy who tried to rape you?"Jeremiah lets out a nasty laugh. "This is the story she made up so as not to be defamed by the favela, and I was painted like the villain in the story. Watch out, buddy, you don't know the viper you're marrying!""Shut your mouth, you..."The boy gives a straight p
"Yes, Josias, she is still awake." Simeon replies with his teeth bared, exulting with the calling of his quasi-son-in-law, "Dora will call her."Dora jumps up when she realizes who it is and goes straight to Melissa's bedroom without waiting for her husband's order.In Melissa's bedroom, she is talking to William."Today I went to Seu Teodoro's building, but Josias is not there.""He must have been in another girl's bed, dishonoring her," William speaks bitterly, looking at the floor."No, I was informed that he is still working as a mason in another work by Seu Romualdo's team."William turns to her and gives a dismissive smile. "Humph, this is as much as he can get, being a peon." He approaches his sister and changes his tone to the excitement, "Don't worry, sis. I'm training hard, this week we will win the match so we can qualify for the city championship! I will score two goals in your honor."Melissa smiles affectionately at her
Josias visits the Rocha Hotel since he didn’t have a day off for the staff. In the management room, Eugenio gathered David, Benjamin, and Sybil. “Why is that mere cook present at this meeting?” David asked disparagingly. “Because that’s how our boss ordered it,” Eugenio replied dryly. “I didn’t say anything and didn’t call this meeting, so if you’ll excuse me...” Benjamin and Sybil were horrified to see David leaving the meeting just like that. However, when he opened the door, David came face to face with his father. “David, where do you think you’re going?” “DAD!” David exclaimed, extremely surprised. “I didn’t know you were coming!” “Didn’t Eugenio tell you I was coming?” Josias asked with a scowl. David understood who the ‘boss’ was. Benjamin and Sybil felt vindicated. Josias sat down at the desk, taking Eugenio’s seat, while the manager remained humbly standing. “Very well,” Josias began the meeting in a formal tone, “I’m here just to make things crystal clear. First
Melissa and Mary visit the Mountain Café.“A guava juice for me, Mr. Mountain!” Mary requested, smiling sweetly.“Of course, my princess!” Rodrigo replied, thinking Mary was very adorable. “Neil will make a delicious cup for you.”“Thank you. But the princess is Carol,” Mary responded, striking a serious pose.Melissa and Rodrigo laughed heartily. Mary is something else...“Rod, how has it been managing the café in your father’s absence?” Melissa asked seriously.Rodrigo served a baked chicken pastry with ketchup to Mary. “I'm getting by, Melissa. Josias was here earlier, more concerned about my loss than his own, as always. Isn’t he supposed to be resting?”Melissa nodded. “My husband is like that: he only relaxes when all of us are relaxed.”“An impossible mission because of certain people.”Neilton approached with the glass. “Who ordered a guava juice?”“I DID!” Mary grabbed the glass and went to a table.Melissa leaned forward, “Neil, Rod, how are Daryl and Diane? Behaving?”“Cont
At João Paulo’s house, he and Josias were about to have a significant conversation.“Walter, do you want to go with your mom to the kitchen?” João Paulo asked, looking at Helen. “I think she made some walnut cake.”“It was carrot cake,” Sandra replied, already getting up from the couch.“You got it.” Helen appeared and picked up Walter in her arms. “Let’s let Dad and Uncle Josias talk.”“Bye, Uncle!” Walter waved goodbye to Josias.“Bye-bye, I want a piece later!” Josias chuckled.Once alone with João Paulo, Josias became serious. “Don’t let anything or anyone ruin this family scenario, little brother.”“I’m fine. No one wants to ruin anything,” João Paulo replied casually.“Well, I hope David hasn’t caused you any trouble.”“He probably doesn’t even know I exist, man.” João Paulo shrugged.“But I stopped by Café Montanha and found out that the Vasquez family has replaced the Mountain family as the ‘annoying people.’”João Paulo sighed in disappointment. “Yeah. They—”The doorbell ran
Josias visits Café Montanha for a coffee and finds Rodrigo there. “Rod, how have you been?” Rodrigo is taken aback. “How am I? You’re the one who suffered a horrific loss recently!” “But you also lost your father. We’re in the same situation,” Josias explained as he sat down on a stool. “I’m okay, Josias. Life has a way of cheering me up. For example, I’m back at the diner after Thierry decided to take his place at the supermarket.” Rodrigo smiled. “What about the photography studio?” Josias smiled back. “It’s still going to operate, and Thierry will make periodic visits. But he’s going to appoint one of the staff to manage the studio.” Rodrigo served a pizza pastry to Josias. “Thank you. Well, I hope everything is alright between you two. I need to visit Rosemary and meet Jean Luc — is that the name of the baby?” “Yes, the name of the supermarket heir. Meanwhile, Frank will be here or somewhere else.” Josias interjected, “If Frank wants to work at Rocha Constructions, count
At the Rocha Mansion, Josias receives a visit from Benjamin. “How have you been, Ben? Any news about your parents?” The two embrace. “Actually, that’s what I want to talk about.” Benjamin scratches the back of his neck. The embrace breaks. “Let’s go to my office.” The two gentlemen enter Josias’s imposing office. “Any problems with Adolfo?” Josias asks, becoming serious. “Not yet, but I hope not to have any,” Benjamin replies with some sadness. “You know, Josias, what happened with your father made me think about my family, about how important it is for all of us to be together in the final moments.” “That’s true. João Paulo can tell you that better than I can.” “I think you can say it too. Vernon was the father you never had.” Benjamin clears his throat. “So, I’ve been looking into some hotels and realized there’s a demand at the Rocha Hotel in Victoria.” Josias looks at Benjamin, understanding where he’s going with this. “You want to go to Victoria to be close to your pare
Someone rings the doorbell at João Paulo’s house. The homeowner goes to answer after taking a shower and putting on clean clothes. But when he opened the door, João Paulo felt like slamming it in the visitor’s face. “Don’t be rude!” Erasmo exclaimed. “What do you want, you old bore?” João Paulo shot back. Erasmo barged into João Paulo’s foyer. “The mourning is over. Let’s pick up where we left off.” “Are you crazy? Who decides how long mourning lasts? We just got back from the trip!” “Not exactly, it’s been a day. Life goes on, my friend!” Erasmo replied mockingly. João Paulo remained serious. “But I don’t want to continue living this way, where fights and intrigues are the order of the day. Mr. Vasquez, you have a business to run, and I have a family to raise.” “But you found time to slap my son-in-law when he was here defending his family, didn’t you?” “Alan was extremely rude, but that was some time ago.” João Paulo frowned. “I don’t feel the same anger as before.” “So a
At the Vasquez Mansion, Alan could hardly believe that the people were thinking about more intrigues and disputes. “Guys, don’t you understand that I even forgot the reason I slapped Uncle João Paulo?” “Ridiculous!” Erasmo gestured. “You just maintained respect because it was a difficult occasion. But now, the mourning is OVER!” “Do you think João Paulo will rest, dear?” Sofia asked, sitting next to him. Alan shook his head. “If Uncle João Paulo doesn’t want to rest, then he is truly despicable. But my dad is back in town. He wouldn’t dare to do that.” The news should have been uplifting, but the members of the Vasquez family merely exchanged silent glances. With Josias present, it’s quite likely that he will put a stop to their fighting. Alan turned to Olivia. “In the meantime, we should celebrate the recovery of my dear mother-in-law!” Olivia and Sofia smiled awkwardly because of the secret they were keeping. “That’s right, let’s celebrate life!” Erasmo wrapped his arm arou
Josias Rocha and his family returned to Lagoon City. Those who were waiting for them stayed in the mansion and greeted them cheerfully in the foyer. “WELCOME BACK!” Melissa, crying, embraced her parents, William, and the twins fervently. Josias greeted them with a light smile. “Where’s João Paulo?” William asked. “He went straight to his house. His kids needed to rest from the trip.” Melissa wiped her tears with her fingers. “Alan went straight to his mansion. Especially now that his mother-in-law has woken up from the coma.” “That was a scare; I thought we’d have two funerals,” Simeon commented. Everyone headed to the living room. “Is Paris very beautiful, Mom?” Mary asked. “Yes, sweetheart, it’s stunning. We’ll go shopping together another time, okay?” “Do you have pictures?” Ignacio asked anxiously. “Yes, son, we took some pictures.” Melissa sat on the couch, pulling out a package from her bag. Josias sat in the armchair, taking a deep breath. William approached him.
At Café Montanha, Daryl walks in for a coffee and finds Rodrigo at the counter while Neilton serves the others. “Hey, are we back to the old tradition?” “Don’t be a clown, man.” Rodrigo laughs. “Yes, Thierry is at the supermarket, as we agreed.” “Hi, Neil. Can you make me a cappuccino while I enjoy a natural sandwich?” Daryl places his order. “Sure thing, Mr. Mountain.” Neilton heads to the back. Daryl sits on the stool. “So, how do you feel after getting back to your element?” “I don’t regret at all helping my dear wife at the supermarket, Daryl,” Rodrigo admitted while preparing the natural sandwich. “I’m not talking about regrets.” Daryl joked. “But it’s undeniable that after Uncle Francisco’s passing, you prefer to stay here, carrying on the legacy he left.” “Just like Crystal Blue.” Rodrigo smiled. “Hey, I’m aware that you’re looking to open another restaurant in Sunset Village. Do you think you can manage it? How’s the prospecting going?” Daryl picks up the sandwich but