Episode 14

Even though he had stepped away, Eduardo couldn't take his eyes off Mel. There was something about her that captivated him.

As he took another sip of the drink she had prepared, Eduardo felt the tension he was feeling diminish, completely forgetting about his ex-girlfriend's presence. Mel's presence was helping more than any drink could.

"See? I told you a drink would help. And it seems like Mel too," Henry whispered, noticing the change in his friend's expression.

Eduardo laughed, looking at him.

"Yes, you were right. Thanks, Henry."

"See, you should listen to me more, I give good advice," Henry boasted.

Mel looked in Eduardo's direction. For days, she had been trying to push away the feelings that were starting to surface for him. She firmly believed that Eduardo was committed, and that made her hesitate to entertain any hope. With each interaction at the office, she tried to keep the relationship strictly professional, hiding any emotion that might show. But deep down, she felt a growing attraction that was hard to ignore.

While preparing drinks at the event, Mel tried to focus on work. However, her eyes were often drawn to Eduardo, who was still talking to Henry. And even though she was attending to the endless stream of orders, she kept thinking about him, finding it difficult to push away the feelings that arose. And because Mel believed Eduardo was committed, the feeling that she was wrong, and the disappointment, were getting to her. She didn't want to get hurt again, like what had happened with Alexandre.

In the midst of her reflections, Mel saw Eduardo take the stage to receive an award for Sand Imports. She was mesmerized, watching as he gave his acceptance speech.

Upon leaving the stage, Eduardo was congratulated by colleagues and acquaintances, and his brother beckoned him over. At that moment, Eduardo decided it was time to approach Rodrigo and Julia. With firm steps, he approached the couple, determined to handle the situation in a mature and cordial manner.

"Rodrigo, Julia, good evening," Eduardo greeted, with a polite smile and controlled voice.

"Good evening, Eduardo." Rodrigo turned to his brother, and greeted him with a firm handshake, happy to see him. "It's been a while since we've seen each other, brother, you owe us a visit," he said.

Julia, next to Rodrigo, offered a tight smile.

"Good evening, Eduardo. It's good to see you, and your brother is right, it's been a while." Julia stepped forward, greeting Eduardo, trying to sound friendly as she analyzed his posture, seeing something different in his eyes.

"I've been busy these past few months, but that's going to change now with Ellen's wedding coming up, after all, we'll be our sister's godparents." Eduardo saw no problem talking to Julia. "And congratulations on the baby."

Eduardo maintained his composure, chatting about the future nephew, about the event and the family business. However, the consumption and mixture of drinks that Eduardo had consumed was beginning to take its toll. A strong headache began to manifest, throbbing in his temples.

Eduardo continued to chat with Rodrigo and Julia, but felt the need to end the conversation and step away for this reason.

"Well, I need to excuse myself for a moment. It was good to see you." Eduardo said goodbye, keeping his smile, under Julia's gaze...

"Sure, Eduardo. Take care." Rodrigo said goodbye to his brother, and Julia just smiled, without saying anything else.

Eduardo walked away, heading towards a quieter corner of the room. He needed a moment to breathe and try to ease his headache. He found a more secluded spot, and sat down, massaging his temples in an attempt to reduce the pain.

Mel was returning from the kitchen when she saw Eduardo sitting in a corner with his eyes closed, and she approached discreetly, noticing the expression of discomfort on his face.

"Eduardo, are you okay?" Mel asked, her voice soft and concerned.

Eduardo opened his eyes, surprised to see Mel there. His face softened as he saw her concern.

"I'm fine, Mel. Just a headache. I drank a little more than I should have," he admitted with a weary smile.

"Would you like a glass of water?" Mel offered kindly.

"Don't worry, Mel, I'll be fine," replied Eduardo, appreciating her kindness, trying to keep his eyes open to look at her. "The light is bothering me a little. I think I need to close my eyes for a few minutes." Eduardo closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair.

"Get some rest. I need to get back to work, but if you need anything, just call me," Mel said before walking away.

Eduardo stayed there, eyes closed, trying to ease his headache while continuing to think about Mel.

***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!***