My name is Sara Sanchez and I'm currently 20 years old.

I've always been shy, especially after losing my mother to cancer at the age of six; it was just my father and me afterward. When I was 10, he met Mileide and fell in love; she was kind and treated me very well. Mileide had a daughter, Lize, who was 12 at the time; they too were grieving, as Lize’s father had died in a car accident three years earlier when we met them.

My father and Mileide got married after just a few months of dating, and Lize and I got along very well from the start. But Mileide made our lives difficult; for her, everything was a competition, and she wasn't so "kind" anymore. My father was always working, he really needed to because Mileide enjoys luxurious things. I never complained about Mileide to my father; he was happy again.

At 15, I started having severe headaches and finished the school year with difficulty for the first time. My father was very worried and wanted to step back from business a bit, but Mileide wouldn't allow it and she began overseeing my healthcare. It took many doctor visits until the diagnosis of glaucoma came through, unfortunately, it progressed quickly and despite my young age, at 17, I completely lost my vision. It was hard to adapt, and I suffered from depression for a year.

By 18, I finally accepted there was no way around it, I gave up searching for more doctors and adapted to my new reality.

My father didn’t cope well, blaming himself for not being there for me, which affected his business. Mileide blamed me for everything and I suffered greatly under her wrath. Lize always stood by my side; she's my best friend. She helped me finish my studies and adapt to the new reality. Lize would watch movies with me, narrating every scene, and read to me my favorite books. She bought electronic devices suited for my situation and helped me use them.

I turned 20 today; my father never misses my birthday, but today he didn't show up. He's been drinking heavily of late, and although no one has told me, I know we're on the brink of bankruptcy.

Sara: Who's there?

I hear footsteps and become afraid. I recognize that perfume.

(Mileide Cooper, 40 years old)

Mileide: If your father kills himself, know it's your fault, you're worthless!

I speak with hatred.

Sara: What's happening to him?

Mileide moves closer and my heart turns to ice; I feel her push me hard. I strike the corner of some furniture in my room and feel a terrible pain.

Mileide: You're not the victim here. Your father is dying a little more each day because of you!

She tries to play the victim once more, attempting to rise.

Sara: Mileide lifts me by the hair; I feel the stinging in my scalp.

You're hurting me, let go.

Mileide: Shut up! I hope you're happy because no one else is because of you.

I speak and leave with hatred for Sara. Should have gotten rid of this good-for-nothing years ago. I decide to go to Adam's company to ask him to help us get back on our feet. His father was a good friend of my late husband.

Sara: After Mileide leaves, I try to reach my bed with difficulty. I cry, scared of losing my father, and I lie quietly in bed, curled up feeling a lot of pain in my ribs.

At Adam's company...

Mileide: I'm approaching Adam's office when I hear shouting and raised voices.

(Adam Gutierrez, 28 years old)

Adam: I’ve already said I'm not going to marry, damn it!

(Marcos Gutierrez, 48 years old)

Marcos: Watch how you speak to your father, Adam. You have no choice, marry, or you won’t stay president. You always knew you needed to be married!

Adam: We'll see about that!

I storm out frustrated with my father. I enter my office and hear knocking at the door; I ask for the person to enter and find myself staring at Mileide standing still with an indecipherable gaze.

What do you want, Mileide?

Mileide: A deal!

I say calmly.

Adam: I doubt you have anything of interest to me.

Mileide: I take out my phone, show a photo of Lize, and then place it on Adam's desk.

(Lize Cooper, 22 years old)

Adam: A model? Pretty!

Mileide: My daughter, and your future wife by contract.

Adam: I give a devilish smile.

Very amusing!

Mileide: As you might be aware, my current husband’s company is going through tough times. Help me lift it back up and I will give you Lize's hand in marriage by contract. As you can see, she's beautiful, well-mannered, and knows how to behave in society like a perfect lady. They will be married for a year, and then you will grant her a divorce. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Adam: I think it over; marrying wouldn't be bad. It solves the issue with the presidency agreement, Lize is indeed beautiful, and in a year I can divorce without issues.

How much are we talking?

Mileide: A merger with one of your companies and a few million that won't make a dent for you!

Adam: I'll marry this Saturday!

I declare decisively. This deal has multiple benefits!

Mileide: Already? That’s tomorrow. I need to speak with Lize, Adam.

Adam: It’s non-negotiable. Tomorrow at 2:00 PM in the church, I will be expecting my bride with a contract and a check in hand. Send me the amount by message by the end of the day.

My father will even enjoy it; he was good friends with Mileide's late husband and, on the other hand, her current husband's business interests me. If well-managed, it could yield far more than a few million when associated with my company.

Mileide: Fine, until tomorrow then. Have a good day.

I exit, pondering how to deal with Lize and Carlos.

At Carlos Sanchez's mansion...

(Carlos Sanchez, 42 years old)

Carlos: Feeling more sober, I decide to check on Sara. I enter her room and see her huddled up; her face shows she's been crying.

I'm sorry for not coming sooner, my love. Happy birthday!

Sara: Dad!

My father approaches and hugs me tight; I feel a lot of pain in my ribs and bite my lips hard to endure the pain so he won’t notice.

Carlos: Is everything alright, daughter?

Sara doesn't seem fine; I've let her down again.

Sara: I thought you wouldn't come.

Carlos: I would never miss congratulating you, my love.

Damn it! I made her think I wouldn't come to see her. I need to fix my life.

Sara: Dad... Mom wouldn't like to see you this way. You've been drinking again, haven't you? You need to pick yourself up; it's not your fault, dad.

Carlos: Of course it is, you're my responsibility. My greatest treasure and I failed to care for you. I wasn't there for you!

I speak with deep sadness. The thought that I could have done something differently, that might have changed the outcome, continues to haunt me.

Sara: That's not true; you were working to pay for the best doctors. Don't blame yourself, I love you, dad, and it hurts to see you like this.

Carlos: I promise I’ll get better. For you, my love.

I kiss the top of Sara’s head and head to the office. I need to see how I can fix things; I will do everything for Sara.

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Carlos: Mileide enters the office with a worried expression.

What's wrong, love?

Mileide: You know I love Sarinha, she's like a daughter to me, and I'd do anything for her.

Carlos: What have you done?

Mileide: We're on the brink of bankruptcy, Carlos, and Sarinha doesn't need another problem to deal with; it's hard enough to see her struggle with her disability every day.

Carlos: I stand up and embrace Mileide, who sobs.

I know it's tough; I'll make it better, love. I'm here precisely because I intend to solve this issue.

Mileide: I've resolved it, my love, for Sarinha. I've reached an agreement with Adam. He's going to merge with one of his companies and help to revive yours, as well as pay off all our debts and leave us comfortable.

Carlos: What kind of agreement is it, Mileide? A man like Adam doesn't give money to anyone without wanting something in return.

Mileide: My late husband was very close to his father, and he knew Lize when they were younger, they grew up together and had an interest in each other. The deal is for them to marry; we'll become family, and that's why she's going to help us. If after a year they see that this contract hasn't turned into love, he'll grant Lize a divorce.

Carlos backs away from me with a shocked expression.

Carlos: Mileide... you... you've arranged Lize's hand in marriage by contract?

Mileide: I'm not selling my daughter if that's what you're implying. I've taken care of both my daughters. Sarinha needs at least some comfort, given all her limitations, and I'd do everything for her, you know that. Lize might find happiness; Adam is willing to woo her. You know beautiful love stories can arise from such agreements.

Carlos: No deal, we'll find a solution, and Lize will marry when she finds the right person.

Mileide: It's too late for that. I was desperate.

Carlos: I don't care, even if we lose everything! I won't force Lize into marriage.

Mileide: And what if she wants it too? She might have feelings for him; they have a history.

Carlos: Are you telling me that Lize likes Adam?

Mileide: A mother knows her daughter; I saw how she looked at him. But back then they were just kids; don't you see she’s never had a boyfriend? She probably never got over her first love; this is her chance to find happiness.

Carlos: It's her choice, and if she says no, we will support her.

Mileide: Agreed, I'll talk to her.

I leave the office and go straight to Lize's room. She gives me a smile as I enter.

Lize: Mom! Have you been crying?

Mileide: Daughter, I need your help... Sarinha and your father need you, my love.

Lize: What can I do?

Mileide: We're bankrupt, sweetie; we'll have to sell everything, and we have nowhere to go. What would become of Sarinha on the streets, and blind? I had to seek Adam's help; he offered an arrangement to solve our family's financial troubles and also to revive your father's company.

Lize: That devil, Adam? He probably wants your soul in exchange.

Mileide: He's asked for your hand in marriage, daughter!

Lize: What? Mother I beg you not to agree; he's the very devil incarnate, cold, cruel, and ambitious. I cannot marry him.

Mileide: It'll be just for a year, through a contract, for Sarinha, my love. Afterwards, he'll grant you a divorce, and we can get on with our lives, caring for your sister.

Lize: Mother!

Mileide: I only agreed to discuss it with you for your sister's sake, my love.

Lize sobs heavily.

Lize: One year, and then I won't have to see him ever again?

Mileide: One year, and it's over.

Lize: When do I marry?

Mileide: Tomorrow at 2 p.m. You need to convince your father you want this marriage because you have feelings for Adam, or he won't let you marry. I’m so sorry, my love, I would never have made this proposal if there were any other way; your father is wearing himself out more every day, and he couldn't bear to lose another father to you.

Lize: I'm scared, mother; Adam is despicable. He uses and discards people like worthless objects, and that's why you never let him near me in childhood and why I've avoided him all my life.

Mileide: Don't be afraid, daughter, with men like that you need strength and courage. Don't give in and make him bend. Stand firm and you'll earn his respect.

Lize: I want nothing from him but the divorce, mother. If he never hurt me, it was because I kept a safe distance and I will keep doing that.

My mother stays with me for a while and leaves to inform my father about the wedding and finalize details like the dress, hair, and makeup.

Sara: I heard. Don't do this for me.

Lize: Sara walks slowly to the bed, counting the steps. I can see her lips moving softly without sound, and I feel anguish. What will happen to her if she leaves here? She knows this house, every corner of it, but she hurt herself a lot before she learned how to walk freely around the house.

I love you, and I'd do anything for you, just as I know you would for me.

Sara: Take this.

I search for Lize with my hands, feel her arm, and hand her a card.

Lize: What's this?

Sara: The pin is 1016; it's the card for my account, my mother's inheritance is all there. I never used anything; there's enough money for you to run away on the wedding day, and when this madness is over, we'll use the rest to revive the company and start over.

Lize: I can't, Sara.

Sara: You can and you will; we'll be okay. Only our father knew about this account, but it's been so many years he's likely forgotten. He gave me this card when I was six; the money, already substantial, has grown even more, enough for us to live simply and well. If anyone can turn one into a hundred, it's our father; he'll rebuild the company, and everything will work out.

Lize: Mother will never agree.

Sara: No, she won't, that's why you have to run away. You will only return after this contract has been voided, and then we'll sort everything out. It will be just a few days, and you will marry as you always dreamed, for love, Lize.

Lize: How will we do this, Sara?

Sara shares her entire plan with me, and we sleep together, finalizing all the details.

Mileide: Just as I suspected, it was harder to persuade Carlos, but convincing Lize was a breeze. I played them both, using naive Sara to my advantage, and it worked. Tomorrow, our lives will get back on track. Now I need to think about how to get rid of Sara. My dear, everything is okay, a mother's instinct never fails. Lize was in love with Adam and she still is. She's terrified about how the wedding is unfolding, but it must be just pre-wedding jitters.

Carlos: Mileide takes care of all the wedding arrangements; I'm very troubled by all of this. Yet, if Lize is happy, I couldn't possibly object.

Sara: I wake up early, perform my morning hygiene routine, change, and head downstairs to talk with our housekeeper and driver; they will aid us.

(Telma, the housekeeper)

Telma: Are you certain? I know Mileide is trouble, and you will pay the price!

Sara: She will lead you to help me walk down the aisle, Telma. It will all work out, don't worry about me. We need to help Lize!

Telma, filled with apprehension, agrees and we get everything ready.

Mileide: Beloved Sarinha, good morning.

Sara: I hear footsteps and smell my father's scent along with Mileide's. She embraces me tightly where I am hurt and I gasp for breath. My father wishes me a good morning, and we sit down for breakfast. Lize comes down; my father presses her about the wedding. She confirms Mileide's story and my father believes every word. Soon after, the bustle of the wedding preparations begins, with people arriving to do our makeup and hair.

Is the dress at least pretty?

Lize: It's beautiful, Sara, a princess's gown. Good taste is my mother's middle name.

Sara: Go on, Lize, please let me see! I'm so curious.

Lize: It's all white with a V-neck. The shoulders and sleeves are made of a skin-toned, transparent fabric, adorned with lace up to the bodice. The top is tightly fitted, accentuating the waist, while the lower part is voluminous, like a princess's. It'll be a challenge to change into this in the car.

Sara: I just wish I could see Mileide's face when I walk into the church.

I say it with a laugh, though I'm also apprehensive about the repercussions of this madness. Time flies, and we head to the church. Mileide goes in with my father to sign the contract. Lize and I quickly change into our dresses inside the car.

Lize: Are you sure?

Sara: Just go! Love you, see you in a few days.

Lize: I love you so much more, thank you, Sara.

Sara: Our driver, Duarte, goes with Lize, and I stand at the church entrance, away from the door to remain unseen. Meanwhile, Telma keeps vigil to know when they finish negotiating and signing the contract.

Telma: They're done, Sara.

She says anxiously.

Sara: So, it's time for the grand entrance then!

I take a deep breath and walk into the church with Telma.

Mileide: Good God! What is the meaning of this?

(Sara and Adam)

Adam: There's a girl entering the church, her gaze is vacant; she's lost because this church was booked for my wedding today. I command my security.

Remove this woman at once.

Carlos: Adam, this is Sara, my youngest daughter.

Sara, why are you wearing your sister's dress?

Sara: Father, Lize isn't coming, I'm sorry.

Mileide: What? Where is Lize?

Sara: She ran away. She was terrified, afraid to marry based on a contract.

Adam: Is this some kind of joke?

Mileide: Impossible, she has no money, she couldn't even make it out of the neighborhood.

Carlos: Daughter, where is your sister?

Sara: I helped her, Dad, I'm sorry. She didn't want to get married, she was fearful of the groom. I gave her Mom's inheritance money, and I planned her escape. She's far away now and won't return. She left without any traceable accessories; we thought of everything.

Mileide: Love, you must find Lize. She doesn't know New York, it's dangerous. She must be with Duarte.

Carlos: I rush out as quickly as possible in search of Lize, worried that something bad might happen to her.

Adam: Mileide, Mileide... you have no idea the mistake you made trying to make a fool of me.

Mileide: Adam, be reasonable, nobody here meant to trick you, Lize was just panicked. My husband will bring her back soon, please be patient.

Adam: Patient? Time is money, Mileide, and mine is very valuable. You've signed a contract and the payment has been deposited into your husband's account. The clause is clear, if any party retracts, they lose everything. So officially, his business is mine now!

Sara: You can't just take my father's company.

Mileide: Adam, please have mercy.

Adam: I've been called merciless, harsh, cold, among other things, but never merciful, Mileide.

Mileide: Marry Sara! She's here, the sister of Lize.

Sara: What?

Adam: Selling another daughter, Mileide?

Mileide: Sara, your father won't bear losing the company; he loves it because it was your mother's creation. You owe this to Lize, she put her life on hold for you, and if not you, it will be her, sacrificing once more!

Adam: This is out of the question!

Mileide: Sara mentioned we won't find Lize today, Adam. Your investors and the entire board will be at the wedding party in a few hours. If you cancel, what will that look like, with a bride who has fled?

Sara: My eyes burn and I fight back tears. Lize would do this for me, and she'll be found soon enough, arriving with my father since she's with Duarte and there's a tracker in the car. Moreover, my father would be even more devastated if he lost Mom's company.

I'll marry you!

Adam: I look at Sara, who doesn’t meet my gaze. I was going to get revenge for this inconvenience in any case, why not make her life a living hell for a year. I dictate that they commence the wedding right away; they quickly pull up Sara's digital documentation, swap Lize's details for hers, and we are declared husband and wife.

Priest: You may kiss the bride.

Sara: Adam approaches my face without touching me and gives me a quick peck. I blush, this wasn't how I imagined being kissed for the first time.

Adam: I give Sara a quick kiss, but truth be told, I'd rather strangle her. Mileide makes a quick exit because Carlos is arriving, and she wants to tell him about the marriage in person. She drags the housekeeper by the arm, leaving me with Sara. I remain silent, not wanting to curse in church, and head towards the door.

Are you going to just stand there?

Sara: For a man who claims to be cold, cruel, and heartless, you aren't very observant, are you?

Adam: Nothing escapes my notice!

Sara: I highly doubt that. I'm standing still, waiting for you to help me leave the church.

Adam: I let out a devilish laugh.

Do you think you married a prince? You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into, Sara!

Sara: And neither do you, do you? You've married a blind bride and haven't even realized it!