Christopher's words echoed through Luana's suite, cutting through the air with some sharpness that intended to slice through the pride of Briana and Mark.Each syllable he uttered displayed his accusation, painting Mark as nothing more than a freeloader, living off the wealth of his wife's family."It's shameful that you stoop to this, man!" Christopher's voice dripped with disdain, "We're supposed to be men, providers for our families, giving our princesses a dignified life."Don't you feel emasculated, living off someone else's money? Back in my grandparents' time, that had a different name!"Briana widened her eyes. Was Christopher calling her husband a male escort?Not even her family dared to be so cruel and indignant!Her retort was swift and fierce, "Enough, Chris! I won't allow you to disrespect my husband like this!""Of course, you allow HIM to disrespect you!" Christopher's words came fast, fueled by his indignation. "You got kicked out of the Vasconcelos mansion, and cause
Briana, in a hushed tone, pleaded with Mark, "Mark, please, let Chris pay for lunch."Intrigued, Luana inquired, "Membership system, what's that?"Christopher, with a smug grin, explained, "Those who frequent the restaurant must provide their family or individual income to obtain a membership card. The higher the network income, the higher your status in this restaurant, allowing you to get more privileges."Luana has her eyes shining. This means her friend Christopher is one of the exclusive members!Impressed, Luana congratulated Christopher, "WOW! Congratulations, Chris! It's great to be around guys who make things happen, right, Briana?"She uttered the question mentioning Briana, but the person she wanted to hit was Mark.While the group talked and flipped the menu, Mark silently resolved to let the situation unfold.Christopher, still somewhat irked, signaled to the waiter, "Bring us options 02, 05, 14, and 25."Luana, eager to add her choice, chimed in, "Wait, I also want that
Briana widened her eyes and gasped for some seconds.There it is! A diamond membership card… coming from Mark's pocket.How on Earth can it be possible?"Mark... My goodness! How did you manage to get such an exclusive card?" Briana managed to inquire after so much astonishment.With a calm posture, Mark replied, "The owner of this hotel is a close friend of mine from my time in the military. He gifted me this card, but I've never used it before."Anxiously, the manager interjected, "I'm sorry, sir, but for you to enjoy the menu, I need to verify the authenticity of this card."Mark handed over the card to the manager, who promptly hurried away to confirm its validity.A sigh of relief escaped Luana's lips. "Phew! Looks like we won't go hungry or be embarrassed after all!"Indignant, Briana remarked, "Huh... I think someone owes an apology, don't you think?"Luana has a jolt. Ask for forgiveness from the layabout one? No way!"Why? Who knows how your husband got this card? Could it be
The ambiance at Rocha Hotel's restaurant became serene as the quartet decided to be quiet.Finally, the plates arrived promptly, adorned with exquisite servings of grilled salmon and gnocchi, enticing the senses with their rich aroma.Briana and Luana, savoring their first bites, exchanged looks of pure delight."Hmmmm... Delicious!" Luana exclaimed between mouthfuls."We owe Mark and his friend’s recommendation for this," Briana added with a satisfied smile.Christopher, however, could not resist his simmering discontent. "Why do you keep praising that guy, Briana?" he grumbled under his breath.He would never acknowledge the fact that Mark, the beggar, was the one capable of providing this awesome lunch to them!Briana rolled her eyes, choosing to focus on her meal rather than entertain her cousin’s provocation. "‘That guy’ happens to be my husband, cousin.""Did my words not reach you?" Christopher retorted sharply."No," Briana replied calmly. "Enjoy your lunch."Christopher’s fru
Luana and Briana spent the morning together at the shopping center, browsing through stores and enjoying each other's company.Mark, although present, kept his distance, respecting their time together.Luana's infectious enthusiasm made the hours fly by unnoticed, and for once, she refrained from teasing Mark, which eased the atmosphere for Briana."I need to head back, my friend," Luana said with a grin as they prepared to part ways amidst their shopping bags. "Shopping was amazing.""See you later," Briana replied thankfully.Luana left without saying goodbye to Mark, who didn't seem to mind the omission.***Briana and Mark arrived back at their apartment building by taxi, unloading their purchases.As they gathered their bags, their attention was drawn to a conspicuously luxurious car parked nearby.Its presence stood out sharply against the backdrop of their modest surroundings."Whose car is that?" Mark asked, eyeing the vehicle with curiosity."Certainly not one of our neighbor
"Mother, what are you saying?" Briana finally managed to question the family's plan with incredulity. "Do you mean our 'capable' family spent the night planning THIS kind of idea?"Nadir remained composed. "What's wrong with marrying Armando? He's handsome, and one of your grandmother's favored options."Armando got closer with a seductive smile forming on his lips. "You know I've always admired you, Briana—"Briana cut him off firmly, retorting in a resolute tone, "I don’t mean to be rude, Armando, but I am already married to Mark and I won't divorce him."What kind of woman do you think I am? Marriage isn’t the same as changing clothes, folks!"Briana got pretty upset, feeling that her family was treating her like a mere commodity.Armando's gaze shifted disdainfully to Mark, paying attention to him for the first time, scrutinizing him with thinly veiled contempt.He questioned Briana, "You married this guy who looks more like your lackey? Briana, when your mother informed me, I tho
Sensing an opportunity, Mark discreetly dialed Susana."Yes, Lord Ferro?" Susana answered promptly."What do you know about Armando Pratt?" Mark inquired sharply.Susana hesitated for a moment before replying, "Well, he comes from a prominent family in Braspolis, known for their involvement in film and series productions, and—""Find out everything about them," Mark interrupted, his voice firm and commanding. "And ensure they go bankrupt in five minutes.""Understood, Lord Ferro," Susana acknowledged before ending the call.Returning his attention to the ongoing confrontation, Mark was surprised to see Armando persisting in his attempts to sway Briana.Armando moved closer, trying to touch Briana affectionately.What a scum of a man!"Armando, listen to me," Briana implored with urgency while trying to avoid closer contact.Ignoring Briana's plea, Armando continued in a seductive tone, "I'm listening to my heart, Briana. We’re not strangers, after all!"Nadir, ever hopeful of the youn
The Braz Social Club stood as a beacon of exclusivity in Braspolis, its grandeur drawing in the city's elite. Tonight, under the cloak of darkness, Mark, Briana, and Luana approached its gates, lured by the promise of a reunion party organized by Briana's college friends eager to reconnect with Luana.As they entered, their eyes caught sight of an unexpected spectacle: two men engaged in a fencing match. Luana, always quick-witted, remarked on the scene."Look, some people are already having fun! Though that one seems a bit out of shape," she quipped.Briana followed her gaze. "Maybe, but he's doing pretty well."They proceeded into the main hall where the festivities were in full swing.Former college classmates warmly embraced Luana, seizing the opportunity to catch up with Briana too.Mark lingered a few steps behind, quietly observing.Would there be tactless individuals here, eager to undermine his wife in his presence?Instinctively, he felt for his phone in his pocket, a small