Episode 13

The next day, when Sabrina arrived at her job, she heard whispers about what had occurred with Agatha, but she found it hard to believe. Agatha wasn't working that day, and Sabrina's supervisor was in an exceptionally foul mood, compelling her to launder endless sheets until her hand formed blisters from the repetitive task.

She decided against working a double shift and left early. As she exited the resort, she spotted Dom Mauricio from a distance heading toward his car and chose to hide, not wishing for him to see her and cause more trouble. Once assured he had driven off with his car and security, she proceeded to the bus stop and, fortuitously, a bus arrived just as she got there.

Sabrina alighted near Ieda's house and, while walking, stopped by the fruit stand to buy some strawberries that Mavie loved, along with some flowers, and then continued home. Inside, she found Mavie on the living room floor, leaning on a small table, assembling a puzzle, while Soraia was in the kitchen preparing dinner.

"Mummy, you're home," Mavie exclaimed, rushing to embrace her mother at the door.

"Hi sweetie, I came home early to see you," Sabrina said, kneeling to hug her daughter warmly.

"Yay, will you help me with the puzzle?" Mavie asked after giving her mother a kiss.

"Of course, darling," Sabrina replied, standing up and closing the door.

"You're home early today; that's nice," Soraia remarked, coming into the living room.

"Yes, Mom, I need a bit of rest. I brought you these flowers," Sabrina said, offering them to Soraia.

"My, they're beautiful; thank you," Soraia responded, accepting the flowers with a smile.

"Grandma, the flowers are so pretty," Mavie commented with a grin.

"I got you strawberries, sweetheart. I'll wash and clean them first, and you can have some after dinner," Sabrina said, displaying the package.

"Oh, delicious, thank you, Mommy," Mavie expressed with a smile.

"You're welcome, darling," Sabrina replied, hanging up her bag, kicking off her shoes, and stowing the groceries.

"Dinner's nearly ready," Soraia announced, placing the flowers in a vase on the table.

"It smells wonderful, Mom. Where's Ieda?" Sabrina inquired, soaking the strawberries in a bowl of water and baking soda.

"Ieda's getting ready in her room; she has a date tonight, so it will just be the three of us for dinner," Soraia informed her, returning to the stove.

"That's great, Mom. I'll play with Mavie a bit," Sabrina stated, joining her daughter on the floor, helping her complete the puzzle.

Ieda descended the stairs in a gorgeous dress, high heels, and makeup.

"Wow, Ieda, you look beautiful," Sabrina complimented, gazing at Ieda.

"You're pretty, Aunt Ieda," Mavie beamed.

"Thank you, girls," Ieda responded cheerfully, twirling for them.

"Ieda, you look amazing, my friend," Soraia admired, gazing at her.

"Who's the lucky guy, Ieda?" Sabrina inquired.

"A chef I met on Tinder; he's really attractive. We're dining at the restaurant where he works tonight," Ieda shared, checking her appearance and applying red lipstick.

"Tinder? I didn't know you used those apps," Sabrina said, chuckling.

"Of course, I do. I've told your mother to try it, and you should make an account, Sabrina. It's good to meet new people," Ieda suggested, fixing her hair.

"I don't have time for that, Ieda, my time is all for Mavie," Sabrina said, stroking her daughter's hair.

"My time is for Mavie as well. Let's have dinner, girls. Have a great date, Ieda," Soraia said playfully.

"Alright, I'm heading out; he's just arrived," Ieda announced after checking a message on her phone and left the house after kissing the girls goodbye.

Soraia, Sabrina, and Mavie ate together. After dinner, while Soraia tidied the kitchen, Sabrina bathed Mavie and put her to bed, noticing her daughter felt slightly feverish, which concerned her.

Camila stayed at work a bit longer that night. As she shut down her computer, Felipe entered her office and looked at her intensively.

"Good evening, Camila. Wrapping up for the day?" he approached her.

"Yes, Felipe, I've already stayed past my usual time," she said, averting his gaze and organizing her belongings.

"I noticed. It's late. Can I offer you a ride home?" Felipe remarked, eyeing her neckline.

"I have my car; there's no need," she retorted, shouldering her bag and standing.

"Aren't you going to thank me for securing the job for your friend? You know we're overstaffed. I did it for you," Felipe declared, blocking her path, hands in pockets.