While Daniel found himself lost in thought, seeking solace against the peculiar unrest that sought control, Lucy strived not to glance back. Gustavo had informed her that Daniel was observing everything from the window, and despite her lack of ties to him, a complex sensation still traversed her being.
"Smile, Lucy, don't falter over little things," she coached herself as she stared down the road, the car moving further from the Gonçalves family mansion, and with each passing mile, Lucy's sadness deepened—a failure in her own eyes, with no intention to attempt again.
Gustavo reflected in the rearview mirror a faint smile to his friend, "I can hardly fathom the extent of your pain, but rest assured, I'm envisioning your triumph. When I first came to the farm, so vulnerable, you held my hand and assured all would be well. I return those words now, Carol, Leonardo, and I are here to support you," he said, bringing a smile to Lucy's face.
"Worry not, my friend. Once I return to the former hustle and bustle, there'll be no room for such thoughts."
"I see you don't trust Leonardo's intentions; he came to stay, already packed for a surprise move. That lady's death merely expedited things," he shared and smiled anew.
Gustavo Azevedo, 27 years old and a striking young man, stood as Lucy's dear confidant, serving as a veterinarian at Leonardo's farm and an assistant to Lucy's grandfather. Gustavo bore many virtues, a generous heart, and impeccable conduct. Lucy saw only his goodness, yet she had rebuffed his advances, holding him merely as a friend in her heart.
To Gustavo's words, Lucy sighed in defeat, knowing now she won't be returning alone; hence, her only choice was to rebuild her life here, day by day, with the daunting certainty of a past not easily forgotten.
Gustavo, witnessing Lucy's downcast gaze, felt powerless—he didn't wish to see her so despondent.
"You'll love the new house; from afar, it appears a grand castle," he said with a grin.
"And up close?" Lucy queried.
"It's like viewing it from a distance," he laughed.
Gustavo's words coaxed a beautiful smile from Lucy, brightening his mood considerably. Eventually, they arrived at a luxury gated community, marked by high walls, electric fences, and fortified gates—surely Leonardo had made some alterations; homes in communities shouldn't resemble maximum security prisons.
The main house indeed resembled a castle, as Gustavo described, but Lucy was far from pleased; her curiosity lingered on why Leonardo was so enigmatic.
Leonardo had lived on the farm for many years, a man shrouded in mystery. Though Lucy knew of his significant virtual work, including presidency of a group, the full extent of his importance remained veiled.
Attempting to divert her mind from her grandfather's peculiarities, Lucy entered the mansion without ceremony, quickly ascending the stairs—she was determined to select a room, yearning for a shower and a meal to follow.
Having found a cozy chamber, Lucy indulged in a lengthy shower, wishing the water would wash away her pain alongside it. To love unrequited was bad enough, but to be publicly humiliated by the beloved was a thousand-fold worse.
After her bath, she donned a white robe and, with a towel wrapped around her head, descended in search of the kitchen.
Upon finally finding it, Lucy was met with a stranger, who suddenly announced, "Hello, you must be Lucy, right? I'm Maria, the cook," smiling, but her greeting met no return smile as Lucy was preoccupied savoring an apple.
"I'll whip up something quick," Maria said, rattling pans, though the noise failed to extract Lucy from her reverie, one which inadvertently brought her back to a night of passion with Daniel—a night seemingly filled with love and whispered 'I love you's. However, it all fell apart when she was called 'Juliana'.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Lucy leaned against the counter, hiding her face in her arms, attempting to stifle her tears, but her heart throbbed, and she longed to lift this burden.
"This will pass, I know it will," she whispered to herself, drying her tears.
Maria, slightly concerned, decided to ask if Lucy was alright, but at that moment, Lucy abruptly stood up, approached Maria, and said, "I'll manage on my own, go see if anyone else is in this house," eager to be free of an audience.
"Well, I need to stop crying, I really should eat, or else I'll faint when granddad grills me at the round table, dissecting my soul," Lucy mused to herself, anticipating how tough her forthcoming conversation with Leonardo would be.
Just then, Lucy was startled by Carol's sudden appearance.
"Hey, what's with that thing on your head, and why are you talking to yourself? Practicing for the madhouse?"
At Carol's words, Lucy managed a small smile and began to gather ingredients for a tuna soup—she enjoyed it immensely, and since Daniel couldn't stand the strong scent, she never dared bring it to her husband's house, leaving her yearning for it.
"I saw your husband's behavior; I'm not privy to the reasons for your split, but as a true friend, I wholeheartedly endorse it—despite his looks, that man is also a brute. Let's celebrate your single life; today is Sunday," Carol remarked, winking and prompting a bashful smile from Lucy.
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