Feeling that the chance for reconciliation and a return to the Vasconcelos mansion was slipping through her fingers, Nadir approached Briana with unmistakable impatience."Briana, have you gone mad? What more do you need to understand that you lost the bet? The Pauper abandoned you before you even reached the altar! He knew he couldn't honor the commitment and ran away, leaving you alone to face everything!"What kind of man is he? And you continue to defend him in everything, becoming the laughingstock and indirectly humiliating your parents, huh?"Briana gave her mother a cold stare. "Mom, you need to be honest with yourself and with me. The only thing that matters to you is the mansion and the necklace you lost, right?"Nadir hesitated slightly before continuing. "Um... It's not just that. Yes, I miss my necklace, but it's not only that we lost. We lost respect, prestige, status, since you married the Pauper without telling us."And furthermore, our family life has been falling apa
Alan Campos Rocha began to walk, making everyone think he was heading to the Bride’s Chamber to greet Katrina.However, to the surprise of many, especially Althea, Alan stopped in front of Briana.“Miss Vasconcelos, future Mrs. Ferro, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. On behalf of my father and the Rocha family, please accept our congratulations and best wishes for your married life!”Everyone held their breath, feeling as if their eyes were about to pop out of their sockets.Did the great Mr. Campos Rocha mistake the bride?Briana smiled faintly. “Mr. Campos Rocha, thank you very much for the congratulations…”“Here!” Alan took two items out of his jacket pocket, extending them to Briana. “Here is our gift, a piece of jewelry to show our appreciation. And here…” He jingled a set of keys, “is a mansion built in Vila Pau-Brasil by the best team from Rocha Constructions, a courtesy from my father.”More and more gasps of “Ah” and “Oh” filled the room among the spectators.Vila Pau-Br
For example, there were Reginaldo and Aline Fabray, from the Fabray family, who dominate the real estate market in Espírito Santo.Braspolis boasts a branch full of sharp and committed real estate agents.Also present were best-selling author Vanda Borges and her husband, Hélio Borges, from Blue Cove.Briana felt a shiver down her spine because she and Luana used to exchange Vanda Borges’ romance novels and participate in book clubs, discussing and eagerly awaiting each new release.“Miss Vasconcelos, congratulations on your marriage,” Vanda greeted her with two cheek kisses.Hélio extended a package. “Here’s the unpublished manuscript of my wife’s next novel, 'Love Never Fails'.”All the chick-lit romance fans gasped, feeling envious of Briana.The mentioned novel was highly anticipated by fans as it was the final installment of a series they had been following for several years.The previous novel ended on a cliffhanger, leaving everyone anxious for the continuation.Briana, the luc
Amidst all the commotion, the Vasconcelos family finally realized what Sandro had already understood. Mark Ferro had won the bet! Long before he arrived in that luxurious helicopter, accompanied by distinguished guests from high society, the people on the other side should have already recognized their defeat! How could a janitor invite Alan Campos Rocha? Sandro not only knew that his daughter had won, but he also understood that he and his family would not be invited. Most likely, the wedding would take place at the Cathedral of Aurélia. But Briana's family didn't seem to share the same reasoning. Althea, thinking she could deceive the guests, threw Briana's signed agreement far away! Gilson noticed and was shocked. "Mom, what are you doing?" "No one saw it!" Althea muttered. "On the contrary, practically all the guests saw Briana sign that document stating she severed family ties." Cláudia made sure to remind her, already imagining what her mother-in-law was planning. "An
Katrina, the Forgotten Bride, made her way through the crowd with some difficulty due to her wedding dress. A few bridesmaids helped her with the train. She approached James, ignoring the traditions of the ceremony. "Hey, don't they say it's bad luck for the bride and groom to meet outside the altar?" Karl teased. Katrina didn't care. Seeing the large number of luxury vehicles and a few helicopters parked on the lawn, she was overwhelmed with surprise. This wasn't planned! When she saw Mark and Briana, she rubbed her eyes, thinking she was seeing things. "JAMES! What am I seeing over there? Briana and the Pauper?" "SHHH!" James gave the indiscreet bride a gentle push. Who still dares to call Mark by the nickname the Vasconcelos family gave him in disdain? Mark and Briana gave the losing couple just one glance. "My dear bride and groom, it seems clear who the winner is, huh?" Mark asked with unmistakable pleasure. "We didn't establish a prize if you won," James admitted with
"MOTHER!" The realization that Briana had triumphed once again weighed heavily on Katrina, the loser. "What does this mean? Can someone please tell me what happened here? Was it a dream or a vision from hell?" "That display of affection couldn't have been something from the Devil, niece," Sandro remarked with a hint of pride. Gilson, the envious brother, couldn't bear the idea of seeing Sandro satisfied or accepting the situation. "It looks like you're enjoying yourself, huh?" "It's not about enjoyment, but acceptance," Sandro frowned and addressed his family with a confident voice he hadn't used in years, "You were the ones who came up with this nonsense of a bet. It was your idea, James, right? Satisfied now?" "How on Earth was I supposed to know that idiot would have Josias Rocha's help?" James complained, visibly annoyed. "If you had known, you wouldn't have made the bet?" Sandro smirked mockingly, "That's not the proper stance of an honorable man. It seems you purely wanted
It was late afternoon at the Cathedral of Aurelia, beautifully illuminated and prepared for the wedding of the moment. "Therefore, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!" Inside the nave of the opulent Cathedral of Aurelia, Mark and Briana exchanged their newlywed kiss amidst the enthusiastic applause of all the guests. As previously explained, the Cathedral of Aurelia was famous for preserving its medieval features and had been designated a historic landmark in the kingdom of Aurelia. For this reason, only people like Mark and Josias Rocha could secure this sacred space for a wedding ceremony. Luana, Karl, and others who had seen Mark and Briana before could hardly believe they were actually in the kingdom's most famous cathedral, witnessing a friend of theirs getting married. The wedding was, of course, broadcast live by LCN, prompting other competing networks to do the same. Because of this, people like Lawrence Sodré learned
Briana and Luana were chatting until they noticed that Mark was staring at them. Luana, feeling that she was the main target of his stern gaze, swallowed hard and turned to him. "Mark, I've been thinking. I think you deserve an apology from me." "Really?" Mark's tone was ambiguous: it could have been genuine surprise or biting irony. "Yes, really," Luana continued, nodding with humility. "You may not be rich or a millionaire, but you aren't lacking in possessions and power. Now I'm sure you won't let my best friend go without." "Not at all." Mark smiled, satisfied to see Luana recognizing her mistake. "I sensed you weren't entirely unpleasant, which is why I didn't have you kicked out." "She's my maid of honor," Briana responded playfully. The truth is, Briana didn't need bridesmaids when she entered the Church and walked up to the altar. Mark had already arranged everything for her. Luana cleared her throat. "Ahem… With that, Mark, I wanted to know what happens to my situatio