Episode 3

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!

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