Episode 9

Feeling a blend of indescribable sensations, Lucy managed a bitter smile and gripped her ex-husband's hand tightly. She truly hoped he would be okay; it was a less than comfortable situation, not anymore—they were no longer a couple.

"Are you guys hungry?" Jose asked as he stood up.

"I don't want anything," said Consuelo before heading upstairs in tears.

"We're not hungry either," Daniel replied, resting his head on Lucy's shoulder.

"Let's eat, I don't even feel like keeping Grandma company," Dayse commented, causing Daniel to roll his eyes, thinking about how dramatic and insensitive his sister could be.

Alone in the living room, Daniel looked closely at Lucy and said, "It's only been a few hours since our divorce, yet I've already realized I wasn't the only one."

Lucy looked at him angrily and replied, "You know, I owe you no explanations, and even less so now, but if you really want to hear what I think, I'll gladly tell you." She leaned in close, her mouth near his ear, and whispered, "I did love you genuinely, but thanks to the wonderful encouragement I received, I now want you to go to hell with your love." Lucy pulled away upon hearing footsteps, suspecting someone might be approaching.

While Lucy seemed calm, Daniel could barely breathe normally, filled with rage, but that was overridden by the pain of seeing Izabel in a coffin. Many men dressed in uniform appeared to be funeral home staff preparing for the matriarch’s wake and burial.

Tears streaming, Daniel approached the coffin, looked at his grandmother's face through the glass, and said, "Forgive my delay; surely you’re with your love now. You died without me telling you how much I love you, leaving an immense void in our hearts. I love you so much," he sobbed, supported by Lucy.

Daniel’s parents were soon informed about Izabel's body arriving; initially, the wake was held intimately, allowing the family to say farewell peacefully.

By late afternoon, the wake opened to everyone wishing to offer their last respects to the lady.

Throughout, Lucy stayed by Daniel as he remained distraught, periodically bursting into tears whenever someone offered condolences. They sat on the couch, Daniel staring sadly at the coffin, but he couldn't help noticing a handsome man approaching them.

"Lucy, at last, I've found you," the man said with a smile, and to Daniel's surprise, she stood up and embraced him, calling him dear.

"I never thought you'd come out of hiding, Gustavo. Where is he?" Lucy said, causing Daniel further anxiety.

"And who might you be, and what brings you to a private residence?" Daniel asked, prompting a bitter smile from the man, who pondered Lucy's misfortune in marrying a jealous man.

Gustavo knew the story well, but it had been 26 months, and he thought Lucy had found happiness; however, it’s hard to be happy with a fool by your side.

"My name is Gustavo Azevedo, an acquaintance of your wife. I'm very sorry for your immeasurable loss; I only came to accompany my boss," Gustavo said and then distanced himself.

Daniel was eager to know who this boss was, but just then, an unknown woman suddenly arrived, embracing Lucy. Things got stranger for him, as he believed Lucy had no friends or anyone to turn to, yet here were two. Could there be more? He wondered silently, scrutinizing the woman from head to toe.

"Hi, my dear, I planned to visit another time, but he called us. Here I am," she whispered, her voice seeming to irritate Daniel, who glared at her with pure hatred.

"Don't mind him, Carol. My husband is deeply troubled by Mrs. Izabel's death. Wait for me in the courtyard; we can talk there more comfortably," Lucy said, wanting to be kind. After all, they hadn't seen each other in person for over two years, and a caring hug had become a necessity.

Carol nodded and left, shooting Daniel a judgmental glance. At that moment, Daniel scoured the room, wondering if anyone was talking.

It was then that Daniel stood up, called Consuelo, and they decided to give a speech, also preparing some slides featuring photos of Izabel in significant moments of her life. Seeing this, Daniel broke down again, with Lucy holding his hand, both becoming the focus of attention.

As the widow of the legendary Antonio Carlos, a prominent political leader in the 80s and a major food industry businessman, Izabel's wake attracted high society individuals and businessmen from neighboring towns.

Because of Daniel's distraught state, Lucy didn't go to the patio to chat with her friend. She stayed by her ex-husband's side, offering support and comforting words.

Around 11:00 PM, two well-dressed men, one young, the other not so much, approached Lucy and Daniel. He was the mayor of New Jersey. Daniel mustered a forced smile; as a well-known figure in the United States, he expected a greeting, but he was mistaken.

"I can't believe my luck. I came to town for work, and sadly Mrs. Izabel passed away, but I still had the privilege of seeing her again—it's wonderful," the mayor expressed, extending his hand to Lucy. She offered a faint smile and stayed quiet, not seeking prolongation or recognition.

Realizing his rudeness in only acknowledging the wife, the man smiled awkwardly and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Mr. Gonçalves. I must tell you—you are very fortunate; your wife is an excellent professional," and left quickly, sensing Daniel was on the brink of exploding with anger.

"There must be an explanation," Daniel thought, letting out a long sigh.

Trying to keep his composure, Daniel rose and walked toward the kitchen, hoping Lucy would follow. He needed to ask what was happening; only after hearing the mayor's words did he realize he knew nothing about Lucy, not even her profession.

He was still lost in thought when his phone rang; it was Juliana. Clearing his throat, he answered the call.

"Hi, love."

"Geez, I've been calling you all day. I already know about your grandma's death, so I just want to embrace you tightly. Come outside; I'm missing you," Juliana said, causing Daniel to nearly have a heart attack from the shock.

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