Diogo was married and had a good and peaceful union, at least for him.

He was married for 4 years and after a year came the news that he would be a father. For Diogo it was a little strange, but he gradually accepted it. He loved his wife, but after the birth she started acting strange and went out every night. Isadora, their daughter, would stay with Diogo, crying from hunger.

One day, Paola, his wife, left without warning once again and didn’t come back. Diogo went crazy with anger and put some detectives on her trail, eventually discovering that she had a lover and had gone to another country with him.

Diogo is 28 years old and lives in the USA. His daughter, Isadora, is 3 years old and is a beautiful and intelligent girl. She looks a lot like Paola, and this made Diogo distance himself. He loves his daughter, but when he sees her, he remembers Paola, and a fury grows inside him. He knows it’s wrong, but he can’t help it.

Isadora stays home alone with the housekeeper. She is now going to school and that has helped her to distract herself and feel less lonely. She always asks about her mother and when she will be back. Diogo tells her several times that she is not coming back and that she doesn't have a mother. Vilma, the housekeeper, properly explains to Isadora, and one day she went to talk to Diogo about it. She warned him that Isadora misses maternal love and needs a new mother, but he didn't care.

Diogo had always been a ladies' man, but when he got married he began to respect his wife. Now that he was separated, he went back to his womanizing ways, but promised himself that he would never marry again.

He even tried to find a mother for Isadora, but she didn't like any of them. He knew that none of those women he slept with would be woman enough to be the mother of his daughter. Now he is personally looking for someone capable who will take care of his daughter like a real mother.

He owns a car company, and it’s the most famous in the country. His family is an important and famous family. His mother was a model and his father founded the company. Now that he has retired, Diogo took over the company.

He has always been an important man, and that helped him to grow more and more. After his divorce, he became more focused on the company and made many new car launches.

Secretary: Mr. Lambert, will you start the interview now?

Diogo: Yes, you can send her in.

He takes a deep breath and waits for the first person to enter. He spends the whole day interviewing many women, but they are all more interested in him and don’t show much interest in the child, as none of them asked anything about Isadora and were mesmerized by him.

The interview was for the position of secretary, but when they were interviewed he would tell them the real job. It was confidential, but he wasn't afraid of some of them going out and talking because it was their word against his, a powerful and important man.

He was already giving up and with a big headache. He ordered to cancel, but his secretary informed him that there was only one left, so he told her to come in without any hope.

A woman with brown hair, fair, tanned skin, well-dressed and a friendly face entered the room and looked at him innocently. He stared at her and tried to see where her desire for him was. Her eyes had a sparkle, but it wasn't malice or interest, it was a sparkle of innocence and hope.

Diogo stared at her for a while, and she lowered her head, looking at her feet. He told her to sit down and, still looking at her, began to ask the questions. He kept his eyes on her, and it wasn’t because she was a beautiful woman, but to see her interest in him, but he couldn't see it, and that kind of left him irritated and confused. She was the first woman not to show interest or throw herself at him.

Diogo: What is your name?

Emma: Emma Hernandez.

Diogo: How old are you?

Emma: 23 years old.

Diogo didn't have the resume and the secretary interrupts and hands it to him. He takes a look and then looks at her.

Diogo: A woman trained in nursing and looking for a job as a secretary?

Emma: Yes, sir.

Diogo: Could you tell me why?

Emma: I’m sorry, it's personal.

Diogo: I understand. Miss Emma, this job is not for a secretary. We did this because it is a confidential matter. Are you interested in being a contract mother?

Emma: W-What do you mean?

Diogo: If you accept, we will make a contract where you take care of a child as her mother. Don't worry, you don't have to get married or have any involvement with me. I have a 3-year-old daughter and I need someone to take care of her. She needs motherly love, you know?

Emma: Wouldn't it be easier for you to meet someone and start a family?

Diogo: You think if I wanted to I wouldn't have done that already?

Emma: I’m sorry.

Diogo: Have you ever taken care of children?

Emma: Only at the hospital where I worked.

Diogo: But you know something, right?

Emma: Yes.

Diogo: Read this contract and see if it's to your liking.

He speaks, handing her a piece of paper, and she takes it trembling. Emma was nervous and very confused. She reads and he stares at her, trying to decipher her expressions.

She reads and comes to the rules and benefits.

Rules.

1. You may not break the contract or you will pay a fine of the amount you received.

2. Live in the house where the child lives.

3. You must not have any involvement with the child's father.

4. You must not bring anyone to the house and must not involve a boyfriend or family.

5. 5-year contract.

6. Do not disclose anything about the child or contract, otherwise you will pay a fine.

7. Be with the child at all times and follow every moment of her life, acting as a mother and taking care of her.

8. You must inform us if something personal happens, in case of emergency.

9. Follow the house rules.

10. You must not go out with the child without permission or without notice.

Benefits.

1. Salary of 50 thousand.

2. You will be able to ask for what you need and we will renew your wardrobe.

3. You will have health insurance and a basic food basket.

4. You will be able to leave on a holiday as long as there is no event at the house.

5. Salary may increase.

6. You will attend events* and parties.*

7. You will be able to use an unlimited credit card for personal purchases.

She finishes reading and hands the paper back.

Diogo: So?

Emma: I will accept if the child approves of me first. I know that there are some children who don't get along with just anyone. I don't want to sign a contract and make her unhappy.

Diogo: Wow, I thought you would accept without a second thought seeing the benefits.

Emma: I need the money, sir, but I think about both sides and I don't want to cause any trouble for the child. If I accept, I don't want the credit card or to renew my wardrobe, I just want what I'm entitled to, salary and health insurance.

Diogo: Are you trying to play nice to get something?

Emma: Sir, I don't know who you are, but I can see that you are someone important. I don't need to be someone I'm not to get ahead in life. I have my character and my conscience.

Diogo: How do you not know who I am?

Emma: I arrived here a short time ago.

Diogo: Hmm, okay, miss. You can meet my daughter tomorrow, and we'll see what happens.

Emma: Thank you.

Diogo: Leave your address and a car will pick you up tomorrow morning.

Emma: I can take a taxi, sir.

Diogo: Girl, just give me the address.

He speaks irritated and tired of her kindness. She looks at him and gives him her address.

Diogo: Okay, tomorrow at 9 am.

Emma: All right, excuse me.

She leaves, and he is left thoughtful, but soon packs his things to leave.

Emma is a sweet, kind, humble, and very humane woman. She has always been an extraordinary woman, and everyone was proud of her.

She is 23 years old and lived in Sao Paulo. She carries a secret that makes her very ashamed, and this caused her to move abroad.

Emma worked as a nurse in a hospital in Sao Paulo. As she had to move, she had to give up on this dream. She looked for a job as soon as she arrived abroad because she didn't want to be idle and had little money. As soon as she found out about this contract to be a mother, her mind went into a trance. She always wanted to be a mother but not this way. It will be a big challenge.

Emma has a 22-year-old sister and lives with her parents. She has a degree in business administration but still doesn't work. She's the spoiled type who doesn't want to do anything.

Emma has always been intelligent, never lazy, never lost her self-esteem, and always helped people.

She only had one boyfriend, and that was enough for her not to want anyone else because she went through many disappointments.

After leaving the company, she went to the supermarket and bought a few things, stopped by a cheap store, and bought some clothes. She went home and tried to relax, but this work issue always came to her mind, along with a question.

Why couldn't such a handsome and important man find someone to love and start a family with?

Little did she know about his fame. She then took her laptop and searched for his name. Many gossip websites appeared where he was involved with many women. Emma read everything and also his life story and his family's. Some gossip made her put her hand over her mouth in horror, but she soon understood everything. Such a rich, handsome, and important man wouldn't settle down with just one when he could have whoever he wanted.

She puts away her computer and goes to take a shower. She makes dinner and goes to rest.

The next day, Emma wakes up to her cell phone alarm and goes to take a shower. She gets ready and has coffee. She sees the time on her cell phone and looks out the window. There was a black luxury car outside, and she went there.

The driver gets out and asks her name. She answers, and he opens the door. Emma had never been in such a fancy car before; the good smell inhales her nose, making her feel very good.

After a few minutes, they arrive at a huge house. Emma was already expecting it, but she didn't imagine it would be so big and luxurious.

The driver parks, and she goes to the door. As she was about to ring the doorbell, a lady opens the door and smiles at her.

"Good morning, I'm Emma," said Emma.

"Good morning dear, I'm Vilma, please come in," said the Lady.

"Excuse me," said Emma.

"I know who you are, I was informed. I hope everything goes well, as little Isadora really needs love and care." Said Vilma.

"Where is she?" Asked Emma.

"She's sleeping, but she'll be awake soon. Would you like some coffee?" Said Vilma.

"No, thank you. I already had some, but I'll take some water if you don't mind." Responded Emma.

"Of course, come with me." Said Vilma.

She goes with her to the kitchen, and Vilma gets her the water. While she drinks, she introduces the kitchen girls, and they were friendly.

"This is Nicole, the cook, and this is Bruna, our assistant." Said Vilma.

"Nice to meet you." Said Emma.

"The pleasure is ours." Said Nicole.

"Welcome." Said Bruna.

"Thank you." Responded Emma.

"Honey, let's go to Isadora's room. It's good that you wake her up." Said Vilma.

"Alright." Responded Emma.

They walk through the living room, and Diogo was at the table having coffee. He looks at her, and she greets him.

"Good morning, sir." Said Emma.

"Diogo, I'm going to take her to wake Isadora up. I think it will be good." Said Vilma.

"Ok, do that." Responded Diogo.

They go up to the room, and Emma was already lost in that house.

Vilma opens a door and opens the curtains. Emma looks around the room and rests her gaze on a bed. A beautiful little girl was sleeping soundly, and she smiled when she saw her. Her heart raced, and she went to the bed.

Emma ran her hand through the girl's hair, down to her little face. She looked at her and spoke very softly.

"Wake up, princess." Said Emma.

Isadora stirs and wakes up little by little. She opens her blue eyes and looks at Emma, not knowing who she is and finding it strange.

"Hello, princess, I'm Emma, your new friend." Said Emma.

"Friend?" Asked Isadora.

"That's right, but only if you want to. I know you don't know me well, but we can be friends and play a lot." Said Emma.

"Are you my daddy's girlfriend?" Asked Isadora.

"No, I'm not your daddy's anything." Responded Emma.

"Are you going to fight with me?" Asked Isadora.

"Of course not, princess. I came to play with you. Do you want to be my friend?" Asked Emma.

"Yes." Responded Isadora.

"That's great, so how about we take a shower, go down to the living room for breakfast, and then play?" Said Emma.

"Okay, are you going to dress me?" Asked Isadora.

"If you want and let me, I can do that." Said Emma.

"I want to." Responded Isadora.

Emma smiles, delighted with that child. She spoke sweetly and soon gained Isadora's trust. She picked her up and went to the bathroom, bathed her, and left her on the bed while she looked for clothes in the huge closet. Emma was totally lost and amazed by so much luxury.

She dresses Isadora and fixes her hair.

Isadora picks up a toy, and they go down to the living room. Vilma just smiled, seeing that they got along and with Emma's sweet way. They went to the living room, and Emma took Isadora to the table. Diogo watched in silence Emma's every step and gesture with Isadora. She sat her down on the chair and stood up.

"Dear, you can sit down, you don't have to stand up." Said Vilma.

"Thank you." Said Emma.

"I want yogurt and cookies." Said Isadora.

"Alright, eat it all to get strong." Said Emma.

"Will you give it to me?" Asked Isadora.

"Of course, princess." Responded Emma.

Emma puts a straw in the yogurt cup and gives it to her. Isadora eats the cookie, looking at Emma curiously. Diogo sips his coffee but still looks at Emma and Isadora. He sees Emma's care for his daughter and the way she acts. He sees that it's not forced, but sincere. There is no doubt that he has found the right woman for this mission.

He gets up, kisses Isadora on the head, and goes to the company. Emma finishes giving Isadora breakfast and takes her to the living room to play.

Isadora is a bit reserved and shy; it's normal since she has never seen Emma before. She approaches her and sits on the carpet.

Emma: Can I play with you?

Isadora: Yes.

Emma: Do you like Peppa?

Isadora: Yes, my dad gave it to me.

Emma: That's great, it's a really beautiful toy.

Isadora: Do you have a dad?

Emma: I do; will you teach me how to play?

Isadora: Yes.

She picks up some dolls and hands them to Emma, teaching her in her own little way as they play. Emma is Mama Peppa, and Isadora is the daughter. They played late into the afternoon, and Isadora became more relaxed, more at ease, even hugging Emma. Emma felt comfortable and enjoyed playing with her; it was a bit crazy, but she could already say she was attached to Isadora, with her innocent and naive demeanor, yet with a sweetness that enchanted.

At noon, Diogo returned home for lunch and found Isadora playing with Emma in the living room. There were some toys on the carpet, and he watched for a moment as Isadora ran to him and hugged his legs.

Isadora: Dad.

Diogo: Hi, sweetheart, go wash your hands for lunch... he says, running his hand over her head

Isadora: Okay.

Isadora returned to the carpet, and Emma began putting the toys into a box. Diogo went upstairs to his room, took a shower, and changed into more comfortable clothes before heading down to the pool area.

Emma took Isadora to wash her hands, and then they went to the table. Emma picked her up and ran with her, causing Isadora to laugh heartily, her giggles echoing through the house. Diogo heard and walked into the living room; Emma placed Isadora in a chair, but she wanted to get down again. Diogo sat at the table and took a deep breath.

Diogo: It's time to eat, Isadora.

Emma: I'll get your lunch ready.

Isadora: Okay.

They served themselves, and Emma helped Isadora eat. Isadora was eating on her own, but when she needed to use a knife, Emma assisted her. Diogo ate in silence, occasionally observing the two. Vilma, since she was part of the family, also had lunch at the table with them and always smiled at Isadora’s interactions with Emma.

After lunch, Diogo went to his office and asked Vilma to call Emma. She left Isadora playing and went upstairs. She knocked on the door, and he told her to come in. The atmosphere seemed tense for Emma as he pointed to a chair, and she sat down facing him.

Diogo: What did you think?

Emma: Better than I expected; Isadora is charming.

Diogo: So you’ll accept?

Emma: Yes.

Diogo: Okay, you can sign the contract.

He handed it to her, and after she signed it, he locked it away in a drawer and turned his attention back to her.

Diogo: If you want this weekend to organize, you can take it, but be here on Monday.

Emma: That's fine; it will be better that way.

Diogo: You already know the rules: if anything leaks, you'll pay.

The house rules are that every meal should be at the table with Isadora, and you must be punctual.

She has a schedule: every day she wakes up at 7:20 to go to school because she starts at 8. On Thursdays, she has ballet class in the afternoon at 4, and at night she sleeps at 9 or even earlier, as she plays a bit after dinner before going to sleep.

No going out without permission; ask first.

Only call me if it's something urgent; I don’t like being bothered with trivial matters.

You will live here, but don’t think you can run the house or feel like the owner; you will only be Isadora's mother, remember that. No entering the office or my room.

Lunch is at 12:30, dinner at 7:30 or 8.

Take this list; everything is noted down.

Emma: Okay, thank you.

Diogo: Oh, Isadora liked you; take care of her.

Emma: I will; I would never harm her.

Diogo: Okay.

Emma left and returned to the living room, sitting on the carpet to play again, while Diogo settled on the sofa, fiddling with his phone.

Isadora: Daddy, come play with me.

Diogo: I'm busy, Isadora.

Emma: Princess, how about a bath now?

Isadora: Okay.

Emma gathered the toys and took them to the bedroom, where she looked for an outfit for Isadora to wear during her bath. They lay down on the bed, and Emma turned on a cartoon. Isadora snuggled up to Emma, hugging her as she gently stroked her hair and watched the show.