Episode 2

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.

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