Episode 1

Bruna:

My name is Bruna Almeida, I'm 26 years old, and my life isn't a bed of roses. I've been fighting since I finished high school. First, I had to fight to pass the entrance exam and get into a public Architecture college. When I finally succeeded, I ended up getting involved with an older student I fell in love with. Two years after entering college, I became pregnant with my greatest treasure: my little Melissa, 5 years old, who is my world.

If it weren't for Carol, my best friend, who works at night at the mall and helps me take care of her, I don't know what I would do. I met Carol in college. She has a degree in Marketing, but unfortunately, a degree doesn't guarantee employment. We've already finished college, but neither of us works in the field. I'm a cleaner, while Carol is a salesperson. She became my daughter's godmother, and together we take turns taking care of her.

"Oh, I'm so glad it's your day off today, Carol, because I got called for an interview. Will you stay with Mel?"

"Of course, Bru! Melmel is a sweetheart."

"Isn't she, princess? Let's have a movie afternoon! What are we going to watch today?"

"Moana, Godmom!"

The two stayed at home while I prepared for the interview. I had already researched everything about the company—the renowned Colatto Construction Company. Getting this job in my field would mean a lot to me: with a better salary, I could put my daughter in a private school.

My only concern was that I had some requirements. I can't work at night because that's Carol's working hours, and there's no one to stay with Melissa. My parents live in another state, so traveling would also be difficult. It's complicated being a single mother and not having support. Sometimes I find myself thinking about when my daughter will start asking about her father. I don't want to lie to her, but I also don't want to hurt her by telling her everything that happened.

Flash on:

"Du, I'm pregnant. What now?"

"I knew it. You're no different than I imagined. You're just like all the others. You only stayed with me because you found out I'm rich and will inherit my father's companies. You got pregnant to scam me. But I'm not going to take responsibility for that child. I'll give you money to get an abortion and some more for you to live far away from me."

"You're offending me, Eduardo! Who do you think I am?"

"A gold digger, like many I've been with. But you... you managed to fool me. But you're not cut out to be Eduardo Alvarenga's wife. I would never introduce you to my parents. Get rid of that damned child and never look for me again."

"You bastard! I would never have an abortion. And you know what? Forget you ever met me. You're right, this child isn't even yours. Since you're not going to stay with me... we're done here!"

"I knew it! You're worthless."

Flash off...

Of course, I let him believe that Melissa wasn't his daughter. It's better for him to think I was a gold digger than to try to force me to have an abortion. But of course, I didn't do that. Mel is my best choice. I love her with all my heart.

The taxi stopped in front of the company. I was nervous. Very nervous. But, to my surprise, there weren't many people in the reception area—only two. This meant that the interview had already started. I handed my resume to the secretary. One of the candidates came out nervous, and the other was called in. Just two minutes later, she also came out with the same look of tension. The next one went in, and five minutes later, the secretary called me:

"Miss Bruna Almeida?"

I entered. I handed my resume to the CEO. He analyzed it in silence, then looked up and stared at me. I stood still, waiting for him to say something.

"So, your name is Bruna Almeida. You graduated two years ago... Why haven't you gotten a job in your field yet?"

"It's difficult to find positions for architects, Mr. Colatto. I've been looking since I graduated. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten anything yet, so I'm working in other areas. But I'm here today, looking for an opportunity."

"I need an architect—or female architect—to complete my team. I have a lot of work piled up, and it's hard to find a serious professional. You've already earned points for being very professional. I want someone responsible, who takes work seriously. I need total dedication."

"Of course, sir. I will have total dedication to the job. However... I have some restrictions. I can't travel or work beyond commercial hours."

"And what prevents this total availability?"

"I have a daughter, Mr. Colatto. She needs my attention. I have no one to leave her with at night or on weekends."

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***