Maisa

My sister Luna and I were always a duo.

Our mother passed away days after Luna's birth. Her pregnancy had been fraught with complications due to a late-stage leukemia diagnosis.

Following my sister's arrival, our mother couldn't hold on and succumbed to her illness.

Our father remains a mystery to us; our grandmother despises him, painting him as a vile and dangerously violent man. I won't pretend I'm not curious to meet him, but we haven't a clue about his identity or whereabouts.

We grew up in our grandmother's home, alongside our jobless Uncle Aluisio.

Our contempt for him ran deep, as he was her favorite and made our lives unbearable, something only we two shared in our daily ordeal. The threats he made if we ever spoke out to our grandmother—or dared to tell anyone outside—kept us silent. Besides, it would have been futile; she would always take his side over our truth.

Despite the hardships, I devoted myself to academics, but opportunities to further my education stalled after high school due to its mandatory nature and my grandmother's desire to avoid legal trouble.

She made me hawk sweets at traffic lights and clean neighbors' homes, yet fear of hard work was foreign to me.

Upon reaching adulthood, I secured a cleaning job at a wealthy family's residence, where I met Diego. We forged a strong friendship, and with his support, I won my sister's custody. We left that oppressive household under the cover of night, unnoticed.

For a year, we huddled in a small studio apartment. Cramped, yes, but together.

One day, a grave incident shattered our quiet life, forcing us to flee. This time, with Diego's aid, we managed to leave the country. His compassion and stability were evident; he confessed his love for me, leading to our loving relationship.

Now, Luna and I share an apartment with Natalia, whom I met at the cafe where we work.

Diego lives in a luxurious downtown apartment and studies accounting at the university.

While I have yet to attend university, I've completed some online administration courses, saving my earnings to support Luna through her nursing studies.

Diego often argues with me, urging me to accept his financial help, which I resist. My priority is Luna's education—for now.

I am Maisa Souza, 25, a Brazilian living in Madrid—an optimistic, hardworking, and kind-hearted individual. Luna sometimes teases that my goodness teeters on naivete. Despite my trials, the zest for life and inherent sweetness remain undiminished.

Derek

Life on Madrid's streets was all I knew until a compassionate couple took me in. I carry indelible scars from a nightmarish childhood. Even surrounded by the love of my adoptive family, I remain a guarded man, skeptical of romantic love in today's world.

My love for my family is unwavering; I would sacrifice everything for them.

I stepped into my father's shoes as company president two years ago, having spent a year traveling for business and missing their company. Despite the distance, daily calls and video chats keep us connected. I pride myself on expanding our business empire, excelling in my trade.

Engaged to Ariana, a woman of striking beauty yet fickle nature, our relationship hinges on commerce. We both seek to enlarge our wealth, so merging business with pleasure was logical. My parents would disapprove, hence they remain unaware of its contractual basis.

I see life as a transaction, romance as a weakness. I am resolute, never to be swayed by a woman that might disrupt my tranquility. I savor life, free to engage with various women, a lifestyle I refuse to compromise.

I am Derek Lago, 30, a Madrid resident. Characteristics that define me: charismatic, possessive, and ultra-wealthy. The success I've achieved surpassed my father's and uncle's accomplishments, borne of relentless toil.

I show no mercy, relentlessly pursuing my ambitions. The company is my passion; my perfectionism brooks no employee errors, ensuring only the elite comprise my team.

Can fate intertwine such disparate souls and inspire change? Might love reach deep enough to disentangle Derek from his darkness?...

And Luna, what has destiny in store for her, a life equally etched by hardship?

Maisa...

I rise early, perform my personal hygiene, and take a brisk shower. Today is Luna's first day of her internship, I stop by her room, and she's already awake. I give her a kiss on the cheek and a tight hug.

Maisa: Good morning, little sis!

Luna: Good morning, big sis!

Maisa: I thought you were still asleep!

Luna: Not at all, I'm super excited about my first day of my internship!

Maisa: Then get ready, I'm going to make breakfast!

Luna: OK!

Leaving the room, I head to the kitchen, brew some coffee, and whip up some scrambled eggs, Luna's favorite dish.

I must admit, I'm quite apprehensive too. The cafe manager has taken leave, and the boss will be appointing a new person to fill in. I'm hopeful it will be me since I always assisted the manager. A promotion would surely help with the household expenses, and I might even save enough to start college.

Luna: Maisa! Did you get the rent money?

Maisa: Yes, I managed to get an advance at the cafe!

Luna: Did that lazy Natalia chip in her part?

Maisa: No, she had to send money to her parents again. Her mother’s health has worsened, and...

Luna: Please, Maisa! Don't be so naive! She can never contribute to the household expenses or the rent, but she's always wearing new clothes!

Maisa: Her boyfriend gifts them to her!

Luna: Yeah right! Funny how we've never seen this boyfriend of hers!

Maisa: Don't be so suspicious, little sis!

Luna: The thing is, you're killing yourself working to support us all, while Natalia prances around with her antics! - she said, rolling her eyes. - At this rate, you’ll never make it to college!

Maisa: I will! I’m confident I'll be the new manager, then I'll enroll in a good college so we won't face such hard times!

Luna: I can't wait to get my first paycheck and help you, big sis! It might not be much, but it'll help, possibly even cover the college tuition!

I finished my coffee when Natalia returned from being out.

Natalia: Good morning, girls!

Maisa: Good morning! Did you stay out again?

Natalia: Yes, I had an incredible night with my boyfriend! - she said, sitting down. - Speaking of boyfriends, where’s yours? I thought he spent the night here!

Maisa: You know very well that he didn’t! Diego respects me and my sister!

Natalia: Being such a goody two shoes is going to bore him eventually! You're like those old-fashioned women who only had sex after marriage! We live in a different generation!

Maisa: Maybe, but that's my condition for being with Diego, and he understands it quite well!

Luna: What does it have to do with Maisa's choices, Natalia? That is her business, not yours!

Natalia: Geez, we’re just talking!

I don't give much thought to such comments because I have my reasons for not wanting to have sex right now.

Luna: It didn't look like a conversation to me, more like you mocking her!

Natalia: Wow, Luna, you take things too seriously. You need to loosen up a bit!

Seeing my sister getting upset, I joined in the conversation.

Maisa: Luna, go finish getting ready. It's not good to be late on your first day!

She nodded, then stood and left the table.

Maisa: Don’t mind Luna, she's just nervous about her first day!

Natalia: I get it! I'll get ready and head to the cafe with you soon!

While she went to prepare herself, I cleared the table, washed the dishes, and went to my room to grab my purse. The three of us left together, our cafe is two blocks from the hospital.

Natalia: Maisa, I don’t get why you still work at that cafe! Diego is filthy rich; he could give you everything, pay for college. You should take advantage!

Maisa: I disagree. Diego has already done a lot for us, and I don't want his money! No matter how challenging it is, I like to work and earn things through my own effort!

Natalia: You'd be making an effort to enjoy his money too! You're so old-fashioned, my friend!

Luna: My sister is not a freeloader! But what about you, isn't your boyfriend rich too? Why don't you just stop working and marry him?!

Natalia: You wouldn’t understand! You’re still too young!

Luna: Maisa, I'm heading to the hospital. Wish me luck! - she ignored Natalia.

Maisa: Good luck, little one! - I gave her a kiss on her forehead, and she moved toward the hospital.

Entering the workplace, I changed into my uniform and headed to my post. Before opening the cafe, the chef gathered everyone.

Man: I've gathered you all because, as you know, I need to appoint a new manager since Benedito had to leave due to force majeure. After reviewing everyone and following his recommendations, Maisa will be the new manager!

I was ecstatic, everyone applauded except Natalia, who seemed not too pleased, but I understand her; everyone wanted that position, especially her with elderly parents to support with medication and food. Everyone congratulated me, Natalia got back to her usual self and the day went by smoothly.

I spoke with Luna on the phone, who was thrilled about the news and happy with her internship. At lunchtime, Diego came by, and we ate a sandwich together.

Diego: I don’t understand why you won’t marry me and stop working here for good!

Maisa: We’ve been through this before, Di!

Diego: Alright, let's not argue again.

He doesn't accept my job; he even proposed marriage once, hoping to convince me to quit, but I refuse to depend on him for anything. It’s not about pride; it’s about integrity. Of course, if we were starving, I wouldn't turn down his help, but as things stand, we can get by.

We parted with a peck on the lips, he returned to his company, and I to my duties.

At the end of the shift, I closed the till, tallied the money, and stored it in the safe. Natalia waited for me so we could return home together. On the way back, she received a call from her boyfriend and decided to meet him; I walked home alone, savoring the beautiful night.

...Maisa...

I wake up, perform my personal hygiene, take a shower, get dressed, and am greeted by the tantalizing aroma of coffee. Entering the kitchen, I find my sister preparing our morning brew, and as per our routine, we exchange a kiss and a tight hug.

Maisa: You're up early today, huh?

Luna: Yep! It's my turn to make the meals today, not like that lazy Natalia who, besides not helping at all, doesn't do a thing!

While sipping on our coffee and chatting, as per usual, Natalia strides in, this time with Diego in tow.

Natalia: Good morning! Guess who I found downstairs!

Maisa: I wasn't expecting you, Di! Why didn't you let me know you were coming?

Diego: I wanted to surprise you, sweetheart!

He plants a lingering peck on my lips before greeting Luna with a nod.

Luna: Care to join us for some coffee?

Diego: No thanks! I don't have any meetings this morning, stopped by to whisk my beautiful girlfriend... soon-to-be fiancee, off to work!

Luna: How sweet! – she quips sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

...💭 What's gotten into her lately? 💭...

Maisa: Just let me grab my purse, and we can go!

Natalia: Can I hitch a ride with you?

Diego: Sure! Do you need a lift too, Luna?

Luna: No thanks, I've got some tidying up to do, then I'll head out!

Maisa: Are you sure, little sis? I can clean up when I get back!

Luna: No, Maisa! It wouldn't be fair to leave all the work to you, unlike some people! Later, I'm going to walk; you know I enjoy it!

I agree, retrieve my bag, and the three of us set off, engaging in trivial conversation. As we approach the cafe, we notice a police car stationed outside our workplace.

Natalia: What could have happened?

Drawing nearer, my boss approaches us accompanied by a police officer.

Officer: Miss Maisa Souza?

Maisa: Yes, that's me! – I reply, a tinge of fear in my voice.

Officer: You are under arrest for theft!

Maisa: What? I haven't done anything, I have no idea what you're talking about?! – I exclaim in panic.

Natalia: What's going on? Could you please explain this to us!

Man: Every morning, I come to collect the cash from the till, only today, it was missing from the safe! I called the police, and they found everything stashed in Maisa's locker!

Maisa: What? I didn't do anything, I swear I didn't do anything! – I plead amid tears.

I'm unable to hold back my sobs.

Diego: Calm down, love!

Officer: We have to take you in for questioning!

Maisa: But I didn't do anything! I didn't!

Man: How could I have been so mistaken about you? I thought I could trust you!

Maisa: I swear, I didn't do a thing! I swear! – I assert, my hands pressed together in front of my dampened face.

I'd never done such a thing in my life, not even when we were starving; I couldn't bring myself to steal. In despair, I fell to my knees before my boss, weeping and begging him to believe me. Diego helps me to my feet.

Diego: We'll sort this out, love! Just stay calm... May we have a word? – he asks the officer and my boss.

I cling to Natalia as they converse a short distance away. The entire ordeal feels like an immense humiliation, being accused of something I didn't commit. I cry uncontrollably, onlookers casting judgmental stares. Eventually, Diego returns alone.

Maisa: Am I going to be arrested, Diego?

Diego: Luckily, I convinced your boss not to press charges, but he wants you gone from here! Stay away, or he'll press charges!

Maisa: But I didn't do anything, I swear! – I say, embracing him.

Diego: I know, my love! I believe you're innocent! But we have no proof!

Natalia: We should get her out of here!

Luna: What's all this? – she asks, approaching.

I rush into her arms upon seeing her.

Natalia: They're accusing your sister of theft! She'd be on her way to jail if it wasn't for Diego... by now she would've been detained!

Maisa: I didn't do anything, Luna! Nothing!

Luna: Of course you didn't! You're the most honest person I know! I'm going to talk to them; there must be cameras here!

Diego: I've already settled everything, Luna! The owner isn't filing a report as long as she never comes back here!

Luna: How convenient, isn't it!? – she snaps, visibly upset.

Diego: What do you mean by that?

Luna: My sister is being humiliated in front of everyone; this could turn into a massive lawsuit for these people if the truth is revealed!

Natalia: Let's drop it, Luna! Can't you see your sister is in no shape for this!

Maisa: The weakest link always bears the brunt, Luna! I want to leave; I've been humiliated enough!

Luna walks with me to Diego's car.

Maisa: Luna, I'll be okay, you go on to work!

Luna: I won't be able to focus...

Maisa: Don't worry about me, sis! You can't miss your second day!

Diego: Maisa's right, let me take care of her!

Luna heads off to work, albeit reluctantly, and Diego escorts me back to the apartment. I'm devastated.

Once inside, he says:

Diego: I told you, you should have quit this job! See what your stubbornness and pride have cost you! If I hadn't been there at that moment, you'd be in handcuffs heading to jail right now!

Maisa: Thanks for everything, Diego, but I want to be alone!

Diego: I'm not going to leave you alone, love!

Maisa: I've already told you, I want to be alone! – I insist, opening the door to let him out.

His machismo stance only exacerbates the ordeal I'm facing.

Diego: Alright, I'll come back later to talk!

He leans in for a kiss as I turn away. Once he departs, I lock the door, slump against it, and collapse to the ground, crying like a child.