Episode 10

Meanwhile, Sabrina was drained after pulling a double shift yet again, but she knew it was essential to provide for her family. It was the early hours when she arrived at the bus stop, waiting for public transport, when suddenly she noticed an intense glow drawing nearer.

A sleek, black Lamborghini Urus came to a halt beside her, and the window rolled down to reveal Dom Mauricio at the helm. He smiled warmly at Sabrina and offered her a ride.

"Good evening, Sabrina. The bus is going to be a while at this hour. May I offer you a lift home?" he asked.

"Dom Mauricio, I really appreciate your kindness, but I don't want to be an inconvenience to you. Besides, I believe that public transportation is adequate for me, I don't mind waiting."

Dom Mauricio tilted his head, locking eyes with Sabrina, his gaze conveying undeniable earnestness.

"Sabrina, I don't see you as an inconvenience. I enjoy your company. Moreover, I would like to extend this small comfort to you, in light of the hard work you undertake every day," he insisted.

Sabrina hesitated, wary of accepting a ride from this enigmatic man. Fear and mistrust bubbled up within her, but the kindness and sincerity in Dom Mauricio's eyes swayed her to place her trust in him.

"Dom Mauricio, I admit I'm somewhat apprehensive to accept this lift. It's not usual for me to ride in a car with someone I'm not well acquainted with."

Dom Mauricio nodded, understanding, showing respect for Sabrina's concerns.

"I completely understand your hesitations, Sabrina. I don't intend to do anything that would make you uncomfortable. My only wish is to be of help and to offer you convenience, as it can be dangerous for you to be out here alone at this hour. And I am not a stranger; you work for me, remember?" he said, noticing the trepidation and underlying fear.

After pausing to reflect a few moments more, Sabrina decided that her intuition and their interactions so far warranted trusting him.

"Alright, Dom Mauricio. I'll place my trust in you. Thank you for your kindness and for your concern," she agreed.

Entering the car, Sabrina experienced the novelty of settling into such a luxurious vehicle. As the Lamborghini Urus glided through the quiet streets, she peered out of the window, the city lights twinkling back at her.

"Sabrina, I am curious. Why did you work extra hours today? I saw you come in early this morning, and now it's the middle of the night; I've noticed you've been doing this quite often," Dom Mauricio inquired, intrigued.

Sabrina hesitated, pondering a straightforward response.

"To tell you the truth, I'm currently going through a challenging period with some financial difficulties, so I need to extend my hours to earn a little extra each month."

Dom Mauricio listened intently to her words.

"I see. It's commendable, your dedication to work so hard, but you shouldn't wear yourself out like this. I can help if you wish," he offered kindly.

"I appreciate that, but having landed this job has already been of great assistance to me, it's more than enough," Sabrina said, wanting nothing more from him, who silently contemplated in response.

He was puzzled, unable to comprehend the humility and pride Sabrina displayed even with her weary countenance. As they approached Ieda's house, she felt compelled to establish a barrier between herself and Dom Mauricio to sidestep any possible misunderstandings. Sabrina fumbled a bit with her seatbelt as the Lamborghini Urus arrived at her destination.

"So, you live next to Camila's place? Do you live on your own?" Dom Mauricio asked, glancing at the modest homes.

"Yes, we're neighbors. I don't live alone, actually, I stay with someone else," Sabrina fibbed in a way he might understand her implication.

"Are you married?" Dom Mauricio asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, I am," she replied without hesitation.

"I see. Your husband shouldn't let you walk alone so late at night, Sabrina. It's very dangerous," he commented, mentally critiquing her husband for allowing his wife to work extended hours.

"Dom Mauricio, thank you so much for your concern and the ride," she said, grabbing her purse and cutting off the conversation.

Dom Mauricio nodded, respecting Sabrina's desire for distance.

"I should be the one thanking you for accepting the ride. If you need anything in the future, don't hesitate to reach out," he said with an intense gaze.

Sabrina smiled, maintaining a healthy distance between them.

"Of course, Dom Mauricio. I sincerely appreciate your generosity," she replied.

They said their goodbyes, and Sabrina watched as Dom Mauricio drove away slowly. As he vanished from sight, she felt a mixture of relief and uncertainty.