Episode 9

Sara: I wake up early and feel Lara is still here; I'm so embarrassed about yesterday. I carefully slip out of her embrace and walk towards the bathroom for my morning routine. I keep thinking about how I'm going to leave this place; it doesn't feel safe here and Adam, he only cares about himself and I'm certain he would never defend me. Honestly, all I want is to be far from him. After the bathroom, I continue with my routine, sure that I'll still have to face Adam's fury for embracing him.

Lara: Good morning, daughter-in-law. Are you feeling better?

Sara: Good morning, Lara. Yes, I am. Thanks for yesterday.

Lara: Do you want to tell me what happened?

Sara: I've had some difficult days; I've gone through some things and I think it just built up.

Lara: Adam has an unbelievable sixth sense; don't try to lie to him, my daughter-in-law. Aside from hating lies, he's like a bloodhound for them. I know he wasn't wrong, something serious must have happened for you to be in that state. Know that I'll be here to listen when you feel safe to talk.

Sara: Why is he so cruel?

Lara: I dreamed of motherhood, Sara. When I got pregnant, my husband lost his job and things got tough. He was very smart and started our company from scratch. I was his right and left hand, and worked until the day I went into labor. I hardly respected the postpartum period and Adam wasn't the priority; we focused on building an empire to give him a comfortable life. We thought we would slow down and reap the benefits over time, but we always wanted more and more. We became rich and never stopped, unfortunately, I can't turn back time and change that. I barely saw my son, I didn't see him take his first steps, I wasn't at his school performances, I didn't even breastfeed him because there was so much work and when we were with him, we were exhausted. He grew up practically alone, hated the nannies, and after a while, practically raised himself. By the time we realized, it was too late, he didn't need affection or love, he didn't even like it, it was something he hadn't experienced and didn't miss. I tried to get closer to him, but he was already cold. We made many mistakes with him and it's unlikely he'd provide what he didn't receive.

Sara: That might justify being cold, but cruel?

Lara: He learned to fend for himself, if no one got close, no one could hurt him. If he had no affection, he wouldn't miss it, and if he was cruel, he would be invincible. My husband taught him that, it was supposed to be that way in business, but he took that lesson to life and became uncompromising. He's a smart man when it comes to business; he tripled our wealth in record time. However, he knows nothing about feelings. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for him to have parents and not have them at the same time.

Sara: I can tell by the weight of your words that you blame yourself, I'm sorry.

Lara: Do you like him, Sara? Do you like my son?

Sara: No! He promised me hell and delivered, it's impossible to fall in love with someone who only makes you suffer day after day without a shred of remorse.

Lara: I think he feels something for you.

Sara: I hope not, because all I want from him is a divorce.

Lara: That's a shame, but I understand.

Sara: Sorry for the bluntness, but I've already lived through hell and wouldn't stay by choice.

Lara: I'll be rooting for you, with or without Adam. I want to see you happy!

I hug Sara, who returns the warmth.

Sara: Lara wraps me in a warm embrace; she's very caring, too bad she didn't give that love to Adam when he was a child.

Don't give up, Lara, don't give up on getting close to your son. I lost my mother early to cancer and I can assure you I'd give anything to have her with me. Once Adam experiences a mother's love, he'll never push you away again.

Lara: I chat with Sara some more and we go down for breakfast. Right after breakfast, Dimitri brings some dresses for Sara to try on. I describe each one to Sara, who feels each detail with her hands. She picks one that I think fits her perfectly. I explain everything about these events to her, clear all her doubts, and leave her prepared to shine. I will go with them to the event; I want to make sure no one takes advantage of her.

Josiane: You’re going to make all the men's hearts stop at this event with that dress, Sara.

Sara: God forbid, I just hope to go unnoticed!

Josiane: You wouldn't go unnoticed even if you were dressed as a clown, Sara; you're a stunning woman.

Sara: May I touch you, Josi? I want to know what it's like.

Josiane lets me touch her face and narrates details such as the color of her skin, her eye color, and the color of her hair.

Lara: I watch Sara; she is a simple, sweet, and gentle girl. I can say I fell for her even before the groom did.

Sara: You're beautiful, Josi!

Josiane says thank you and goes downstairs to organize some things. Lara spends the day by my side.

Lara: What would you like to do, Sara?

Sara: Given the risk of a negative, I need to ask you something important for me, and I would understand if the answer is no.

Lara: Tell me, my daughter-in-law.

Sara: I've been forbidden from seeing my sister by Adam. She's my best friend, and honestly, I can't bear the longing anymore; could you take me to see her?

Lara: I might think of something, but you need to understand that if it goes wrong and Adam suspects, we will both pay a high price. Adam hates lies and doesn't accept being deceived.

Sara: Then no, I would only accept consequences if it were only me paying. But I think you have a chance to re-establish your bond with Adam as his mother, and I won't be the one to ruin that. Besides, I speak with Lize on the phone secretly every day.

Lara insists on trying, and I refuse. Adam has never sought help from her and he would never forgive her if she deceived him.

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