Hi everyone, nice to meet you, I'm Maite Castro, I'm 22 years old. I was born and raised in Rocinha, in Rio de Janeiro, I lived with my parents and my maternal grandmother.

My life in the favela was very peaceful, I had many friends and I really liked living there.

My father passed away from a heart attack, and it was all so difficult, so painful.

My mother lost the will to live, to love and be loved again, but with the passage of time she opened herself up again to happiness.

She met Jonas, a very nice guy, who loves and respects her a lot, did everything for her and welcomed me with his daughter.

He is very successful, he has a cosmetics company in Florianopolis-SC, his city.

They fell in love and decided they would go to his city, and I went along since I was a minor.

My grandmother Rosa didn't want to go, because she said she was already very old and wanted to have a peaceful life. She even tried to get me to stay with her, but my mother, of course, didn't let her, said I would have more opportunities in SC and brought me along.

My grandmother comes to visit us once a year, but she said she wasn't enjoying the trips anymore, so she said she wouldn't come anymore because it was very tiring.

Well, I study administration and I'm doing an internship at Jonas's company, I'm really enjoying it, it's a great opportunity.

During this time I met Eduardo, we dated for 3 years, he wanted to get married, but I think I'm too young for that.

He cheated on me with some girl at a club, while I was sick at home, I received several photos on my cell phone from an anonymous number, him with a girl kissing, holding hands, anyway.

That hurt me so much, because I really liked him a lot, I didn't love him because I only had one love in my life. And if there's one thing I can't stand or forgive, it's betrayal.

Well, this love is called Pedro Henrique, we had a secret relationship because my father didn't like his family, because his father was the owner of Rocinha, he dealt with crime, drugs, weapons and deaths.

Our love was so beautiful, so intense and so true. He was so sweet, caring and always respected me.

We lost our virginity together, it was all so magical, and with the person I loved and still love today, even though I never saw him again. I never took Pedro out of my heart, but today I don't know how he is, where he is, if he is single, married, dating or has children. To this day I have a photo of us from that time, we were hugging sitting on the sidewalk, I keep this photo in my drawer, with so much affection. I hope one day I can meet him again.

I follow my life, as best as I can, but I miss that favela a lot, my grandmother and of course Pedro.

Well, for a presentation I think it's good, as the story goes on I'll tell you more.

Okay, here is the translated text:

Well, today is Saturday, I only work in the morning at the company.

It's usually calm around here, I organize paperwork, test products, and manage Jonas's schedule.

The products are truly incredible, we have stocks of each launch at home, my mom and I love them.

...... ...

Jonas- Good morning, Tete.

Maite- Good morning, Mr. Jonas, no nicknames at work, or the other employees will think I'm privileged because I'm your wife's daughter.

(I said jokingly)

Jonas- Ah, right, I had forgotten the condition you gave me.

(He said laughing)

We have a good relationship, he treats me like a daughter, always wants to help me with everything, but I prefer to rise on my own merits.

Jonas- Well, Miss Maite, what do we have for today?

Maite- You have a meeting with the shareholders at 9:00, and at 10:30 you have a meeting with Andre.

(Marketing Manager of the company).

Jonas- Alright, then let's get to work.

Can we have lunch with your mother today, what do you say?

Maite- Sure, that would be great.

I'll send her a message to make a reservation at a restaurant.

Jonas- Perfect, now I'm going to my office to prepare for the meeting, you know where to find me if you need anything.

Maite- Alright.

I arranged some paperwork to take to the accountant, scheduled some meetings for Jonas.

The morning was very calm, I called my mother asking her to make a reservation at a restaurant for us to have lunch together today.

I usually have lunch at the office, I bring a lunch box because I go to the gym and I like to make my salads and crazy diets hahaha.

The hours passed, it was already 11:50, when Jonas appeared.

Jonas- So, can we go?

Maite- Yes, I'm just going to turn off the computers and we can go.

Mom is already waiting for us at Amalfi.

(Restaurant in Florianopolis specializing in seafood).

I turned off my computer and Jonas's, grabbed my bag and we went to the parking lot.

We each come in our own car, because during the week I leave the company and go to college.

I got into my car and Jonas got into his, and we went to the restaurant that my mother reserved.

In a few minutes we arrived, my mother was sitting drinking sparkling water, she gave a huge smile when she saw us.

Patricia- Hello my dears, it's so good to have lunch together with you.

(She said giving Jonas a kiss, and then giving me a hug.)

Jonas- Hi my love, I agree with you.

Maite- Hi mom, it's not like we never eat together.

(I said laughing)

Patricia- But this moment is rare, you are always so focused on work and college that you hardly ever have lunch with your mother.

Maite- My God, so much drama.

And you know that I am very focused when I am doing something.

Jonas- That's true.

She even shut me down today, because I called her Tete at the company.

(He said laughing)

Patricia- Ah, I imagine, this girl is tough when she wants to be.

Maite- Well, enough talking about me, let's order, I'm starving.

We called the waiter, we made our orders. My mother ordered a sparkling wine to celebrate our lunch, because according to her we never do this.

A few minutes passed, our orders arrived.

We ate, talked, and laughed a lot.

Patricia- So daughter, when are you thinking of taking a vacation?

Jonas- I already offered her a vacation, but she didn't want to.

This girl doesn't know when to rest.

Maite- I can't take a vacation now, this week I'm full of tests at college and I have a lot of paperwork to solve at the company.

Patricia- Going out to have fun is not a crime, daughter.

Maite- Yeah, I know, but I go out with Anna.

Jonas- Gym and College are not fun.

(He said laughing).

Maite- But I do have fun, Anna and I go to some parties.

Including tonight, there's a college party and I'm thinking of going.

Patricia- Good thing, my daughter, go ahead. I like Anna a lot, she's a good friend.

Maite- That's true, mom, she's a great friend. She already sent me a message that she's going to stop by my house at 8:30 PM.

Jonas- Well, since our daughter is going out to have fun, we can have a movie night and order food, what do you think, my love?

Patricia- Perfect, we can order Italian food from my favorite restaurant.

We stayed for a few more minutes talking, Jonas asked for the bill, he wanted to pay my part too, but I don't like to take advantage of him so I pay my own part.

I said goodbye to them right there, because I was going to go to the mall to buy a new outfit for the party.

I got into my car, put on some music and left the restaurant.

I arrived at the mall, went into some stores, I confess that I am very indecisive when it comes to buying clothes, I went into the last store and there was a perfect dress, so I took it and took a heel to wear with it.

I left the store, decided to go to a salon, do my hair and nails, a princess day for me, because I think I deserve it. Lol

I finished my afternoon at the mall and went home.

I arrived there and no one was there, I went to the kitchen, made a quick snack and went to take a shower.

* Message on*

Anna- Hii princess, I'm finishing getting ready, I'll stop by soon.

Maite- Hii babe, are you okay?

I'm almost ready too, I'll wait for you ❤

*Message off*

A few minutes passed, I was already ready sitting in the living room with my mother and Jonas.

Anna- Hii beautiful people of my heart.

(She arrived screaming as always hahaha)

Maite/Patricia/Jonas- Hii

Maite- Wow, as always you look amazing.

Anna- aaaai friend, you also look incredibly beautiful.

Patricia- Well, one thing I know, you two are a spectacle.

Maite/Anna- Thank youuu.

(We spoke with a silly smile)

Jonas: Girls, take care and call me anytime and I'll go right away.

Maite- You can count on it, dad.

Jonas: Honey, pinch me.

Am I dreaming or hallucinating or did Tete just call me dad?

Patricia- No honey, neither of the two because I heard it too.

Anna- I heard it too.

Maite- But of course I called you dad, you welcomed me in a painful moment, gave me love and affection, you have always been by my side and by my mother's side. Today I am what I am because you helped my mother raise me, and I am very grateful for everything you have done and do for us.

I looked at my mother who was emotional, with tears in her eyes, Anna too.

Jonas- Oh my God, my girl I am so proud of the woman you have become. It is a pleasure to be called dad by you and it was a pleasure to raise you with your mother, you are the women of my life and for you I do everything.

Now come here and give your father a hug, my daughter.

I hugged Jonas, pulled my mother to join us in our hug and my mother pulled Anna, in the end we all cried with emotion.

Anna- Well, enough emotion for today, I think we can go now.

Maite- True, migaa, let's go then.

I said goodbye to the two of them, and we went to the garage, we're going in my car.

We got in, put on some music and left for college, where the party will be.

About 10 minutes later we arrived, the hall was so beautiful with the decoration, there were a lot of our colleagues, there were drinks and some snacks.

The music was good, Anna and I went to dance with some of our friends.

Kaique, a colleague of ours, always flirts with me but I am very reserved, I have been single for 1 year and I haven't been with anyone, I don't really like being with several people. He's handsome, but not really my type, he's like a stuck-up rich boy.

I'm terrified of people who think they're better than others.

Maite- Kaique is a pain in the ass, I've lost count of how many rejections I've given him and he keeps insisting

Anna- Oh friend, I even understand him, a babe like you, studious and hardworking like you, if I liked the fruit I would have hit on you too.

Maite- Haha You don't exist Anna.

(I said giving her a hug)

We continued drinking, dancing, having fun after all it's not always that I allow myself to go out to have fun.

I went to the bathroom to pee, picked up my cell phone and looked at the time, it was already 03:30 in the morning.

I went back to the bar, and Anna was talking to a boy.

Maite- Friend, sorry to interrupt but I already want to go home.

Are you coming with me or staying?

Anna- I'm going too, I'm already getting sleepy hahaha Give me about 5 minutes and I'll meet you outside.

(She said looking at the boy and giving a mischievous smile)

Maite- Sure, I get it.

(I said smiling and winked at her)

I spoke and went to the entrance door to wait for Anna.

I leaned against my car and started messing with my cell phone, posting some photos on Insta that we took today.

Kaique- Excuse me, am I bothering you?

Maite- No, no.

I'm already leaving, I'm just waiting for Anna who went to the bathroom.

Kaique- Ah yes, I understand.

And my chance, when?

Maite- Look Kaique, I think you're very cool, and all that but at the moment I'm not interested, my priorities are others. Who knows, one day we'll bump into each other and I'll be in the mood.

Now if you'll excuse me.

Kaique- All right, I didn't mean to be annoying but I really like you, I think you're an incredible woman, I just wanted an opportunity. But as you said, who knows one day.

He finished speaking, I thanked him for understanding and got in the car.

Soon Anna arrived.

Maite- Are you sleeping at my house, babe?

Anna- I don't know, tomorrow I have lunch at my grandparents' house, I'm afraid I'll sleep and be late hahaha

Maite- Good thing, I miss my little grandma.

Anna- And why don't you pay her a visit, any day now?

Maite- Yeah, I even wanted to.

But I don't know, I have my things, my life here.

There's college and the company.

Anna- Friend, I'm tired of hearing Jonas offer you vacations, and you can do college from a distance.

Maite- Yeah, who knows, I'll think about it.

We talked all the way, we arrived at my house, Anna didn't even come in, she went straight to her car to go home.

We said goodbye with a hug, she left and I went inside.

I went up to my room, took a shower and put on my babby doll, turned on the AC and lay down to sleep.

..........

I woke up, looked at my cell phone, it was already 11:30. Since it's Sunday, I allowed myself to sleep a little longer.

I got up, did my hygiene, and took a shower.

I put on a loose dress and made a bun in my hair.

I went downstairs, my mother was in the kitchen making salad, and Jonas was in the pool area having a barbecue.

Maite- Good morning, mom.

(I said, hugging her from behind)

Patricia- Good morning, my love, did you sleep well?

Maite- I did, I dreamed about grandma.

I must miss her a lot.

(I said, annoyed)

Patricia- Oh, my love, I miss her too, she hasn't called me yet today.

Maite- Anna told me yesterday that I should visit her.

Patricia- Jonas and I too, we've said it several times.

Maite- I know, but as I told her, I have my things here.

And I don't want to let Jonas down at the company.

Patricia- My love, it's not like you're leaving forever.

It's just a vacation, 30 days of rest.

And besides, I can help Jonas at the company and take your place until you return.

Maite- That would make me feel more relieved, I'll think about it and talk to Jonas to see what he thinks.

Jonas: Did I hear my name?

Good morning, princess.

(He said, entering through the kitchen, coming towards me and giving me a kiss on the forehead).

Maite- Good morning, Dad, yes, we were talking about you.

About that vacation, is it still on?

Jonas- Of course, as long as you need.

Maite: At most 1 month, that's great for me.

And my mother said she'll take my place at the company, I don't want to let you down.

Jonas- It would be great to spend more time with my beautiful wife.

Maite- Well, if that's the case, I'll go.

But don't say anything to grandma, I want it to be a surprise.

Patricia- She'll be so happy, she's in love with you.

As soon as I can, I want to visit her too.

Maite- I'm going to start organizing myself, I think I'll catch a flight on Friday.

Jonas- Ok, whenever you want.

I'll make a credit card for you.

Maite- No need, Dad, I have my savings.

Jonas- I insist, just in case you need it.

Patricia- I think you should accept, daughter, because he won't take no for an answer.

Jonas- I won't indeed.

Maite- Alright, Dad, if it makes you feel better, I'll accept.

I helped my mother finish the salad, and we went to the outdoor area for lunch.

We set the table, the meat was delicious, just right, I had sparkling water, my parents were drinking Corona.

Our Sunday was very peaceful, a delight to spend a day with family.

I helped my mother with the dishes, Rita doesn't come on weekends, as those are her days off, so it's all on us.

Soon I see a hurricane pass through the door, yes, Anna.

She brought a wonderful dessert, we ate it and my parents went to the beach to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, Anna and I stayed by the pool listening to music and talking.

We made fruit drinks, which were delicious by the way.

I told her I was going to take that vacation lol

Anna- Oh, friend, I'm going to miss you, but I'm super happy for you.

Maite- I know, me too.

But you can come with me if you want.

Anna- I'll think about it.

In any case, I have a lot of stuff from college to do this week, I'm a little behind on the subject.

Maite: If you want, I'll email you some notes I have.

Anna- Thank you, it will help me a lot.

Maite- This week I'm going to take to organize my things at the company, and talk to the teachers and cancel the gym.

Anna- And do you have hope of finding Pedro Henrique there?

Maite: Look, friend, I honestly don't know.

In fact, I don't even know if he still lives there, but it would be good to see him again.

Anna- I think he's still there, just waiting for you.

(She said with malice)

Maite- Shut up, crazy kkkk

But don't worry, if he's there, you'll know. I'll text you every day.

Anna- That's the least you can do, dear.

We stayed there enjoying ourselves, we didn't even see the time pass, it was already night.

My parents arrived, they ordered dinner.

Anna left, she had an appointment.

I had dinner with them, and went to sleep because I want to wake up early tomorrow, go to the gym and then go to the company to fix everything.

In the afternoon after leaving the company, I'll go to college to talk to the teachers.

...

I woke up at 06:00, did my hygiene, took a shower, put on comfortable clothes and went downstairs.

I kissed my parents, grabbed an apple and went to the gym.

In a few minutes I arrived at the gym, trained as usual, told the gym owner that I was going to travel and needed to cancel the registration.

I went to the company, Jonas was already there.

I passed the schedule for the whole week to him, signed some papers, this week there is a product launch, I wanted to be here for the event.

And as I am from the Jonas family, Jonas already gave me a stock of the new moisturizer to take on the trip, as well as several other products.

The day passed slowly, as it is launch week everything was hectic around here.

I finished some papers, said goodbye to Jonas, he was going home and I was going to college.

I arrived at college, went to the direction, explained that I would take a vacation, but I would do tests and assignments online.

.........