Episode 17

Sabrina arrived at Ieda's house, took a deep breath, and entered the living room with her heart racing and her eyes brimming with tears. Soraia, Ieda, and Camila were seated on the couch and noticed her worried expression, instantly drawing close to her.

"Darling, what happened? You seem distressed, we've been trying to get ahold of you all afternoon," Soraia said.

"Ladies, you won't believe what happened today. I got a call from Mavie's teacher saying she was feeling ill, I rushed to the school and when I got there, there was an ambulance that took Mavie to the hospital after having a severe respiratory crisis. The doctor said her breathing problems have gotten worse and that she needs surgery... actually, a lung transplant," Sabrina explained, her voice trembling.

"My God, Sabrina! That's serious. How are we going to handle this?" Camila asked with concern.

"I don't know, Camila. It's a complex situation. The doctor explained that the transplant is the only hope for Mavie, but it's a very expensive surgery. Mauricio offered to pay for it all... but with one condition," Sabrina confessed, unsure if she should share, but needing to vent to the only people she trusted.

"Mauricio? But how did he get involved in this?" Camila said, worried.

"He's the owner of the resort?" Soraia asked, wanting to confirm as she remembered hearing that name.

"Yes, he is. I was at the bus stop waiting for transportation when he gave me a lift to the school and followed everything at the hospital, which is owned by the Menecucci family; he was extremely attentive," Sabrina explained.

"What condition? What does he want in return?" Ieda inquired, furrowing her brow.

"He proposed marriage, Ieda. He said he would pay for the surgery if I married him," Sabrina admitted, looking down.

"Marry? Child, but you barely even know this man," Soraia voiced, shocked.

"You can't even consider that option, Sabrina, how much is the surgery?" Camila asked, startled.

"$500,000. The procedure has to be done in the United States, I don't know what to do; Mavie's life depends on this surgery, and I don't have any way of getting that money, and we're running out of time," Sabrina stated, sinking onto the couch with desperation in her voice.

"Regardless of the money, you cannot accept, Sabrina. You don't know this man. Who does he think he is, offering you money like that? Taking advantage of Mavie because you're vulnerable," Ieda noted angrily.

"Ieda's right, you can't accept, Sabrina. I have half that amount; I can manage to get the rest in a month," Camila suggested with concern.

"The problem is I don't have that time, Camila. Mavie is in bad shape, intubated, breathing only by machines in that ICU. I have no other alternative. I know you're hiding something from me, so now is the time to tell," Sabrina said, wiping her tears away.

Ieda and Camila exchanged glances as if communicating, and took a deep breath.

"What are you hiding? Sabrina's right, now's the time to tell," Soraia demanded, standing up.

"Sabrina, there's no easy way to say this, so I'll just be direct. Mauricio, besides being a billionaire, is the leader of Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian Mafia," Camila blurted out.

"What?" Sabrina asked in disbelief.

"Ieda, is this true?" Soraia questioned.

"Unfortunately, yes. That's why they call him Don; he's a ruthless mobster," Ieda confirmed.

"And how could you let my daughter work at that place?" Soraia shouted.

"I tried to warn her not to go, Soraia," Ieda retorted.

"I... I can't believe this. How could I have been so naive?" Sabrina said, her eyes welling up again.

Sabrina became pensive at that moment, piecing together the facts—Mauricio's respected stature, his demeanor, tattoos with phrases and symbols, armed guards around him and the resort, frequent deliveries that couldn't all be food, restricted areas no employee could access. It all started to make sense.

"I'm going to light up a joint," Camila announced, feeling the tension, and lit one right there in the living room.

"I want some of that, too, Camila," Ieda said, joining her.

"Sabrina, my dear, calm down, we'll figure something out," Soraia said, sitting next to her daughter and holding her hand.

"But how, Mom?" Sabrina cried profusely at that moment, contemplating not being able to save her daughter's life without endangering her.

"We'll find a way, daughter," Soraia assured, embracing her daughter.

"The half of the amount I have, it's all yours, Sabrina," Camila said.

"Camila, you've been saving that money to move to the United States; I can't accept it," Sabrina mused.

"It's no problem to save up again, but we'll find a way," Camila stated, smoking and passing it to Ieda.

"I can't mortgage this house and take out a loan because I borrowed some money last year for the business renovation, but I have some jewelry I could sell," Ieda revealed, taking a puff from the joint by the window.

"You're not alone, child; I won't let you make the biggest mistake of your life," Soraia asserted and hugged Sabrina tenderly.

"Thank you, ladies. This means so much to me and Mavi. I'm going to take a shower," Sabrina muttered, disheartened.

"Go on, dear. I'll prepare something for you to eat," Soraia said, still concerned.

"Get some rest, Sabrina," Ieda suggested, still smoking.

Sabrina nodded and made her way upstairs to the room she shared with Mavi. She saw some of her daughter's toys and felt her heart squeeze even tighter. She grabbed her towel and headed straight for the shower.

Sabrina closed the bathroom door and let the hot shower water cascade over her body, trying to relax and clear her mind. As the water flowed, she reflected on the recent events.

Part of her felt an inexplicable attraction to Mauricio. He had always treated her with respect and kindness, and his support at the hospital was comforting. But another part of her was filled with fears and past traumas. The abuse she had suffered had left deep scars on her soul, and the mere idea of being mistreated again by a man haunted her.

Yet, Sabrina knew she had to put Mavie's interests first. Her daughter was fighting for her life, and she would do anything to ensure the surgery could be done and Mavie had a chance to recover. The thought of accepting Mauricio's marriage proposal was frightening, but she couldn't deny the financial assistance he offered was crucial.

As the hot shower soothed her thoughts, Sabrina resolved to make a decision carefully. She wouldn't let fear control her, nor would she recklessly endanger herself. Mavie's safety and well-being were her top priorities, and she would do whatever it took to protect her.

After finishing her shower, Sabrina wrapped herself in a soft towel and stepped out of the bathroom. Aware there was still much to ponder, she knew she needed to discuss the available options with her mother and Ieda. She wouldn't make a hasty decision, but also couldn't let time slip away without acting.

Determined to find a solution that would ensure Mavie's health without compromising her own safety and peace of mind, Sabrina dried her hair and dressed, then joined the girls for dinner.