Episode 1

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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