Episode 3

Sabrina is introduced to the housekeeper Vera, a charismatic and very kind lady. -- It's a pleasure, Mrs. Vera, I'm Sabrina Santos, Mr. Maldonado's new nurse -- said the nurse with a discreet smile on her lips. -- The pleasure is mine, Miss Sabrina...I hope my boy accepts your help. He has despised all the other nurses who have been here.

"Sabrina will try her best, Vera. She will do a great job, if she doesn't, we will hire another one""argued Arthur's mother with a slightly harsh tone of voice."

"That's good, girl. Arthur is arrogant, but my boy is not like that with everyone. Be patient and know how to give him the space he needs. In time, he will recognize your effort."

"Arthur likes Vera more than me, who is his mother,""revealed Serena Maldonado with an expression of resentment."

"It's not quite like that, Mrs. Maldonado. Arthur loves you as a mother, but since he has always lived with me since he was a boy, he is more attached to me."

At that moment, Serena gives the housekeeper a dark look that did not go unnoticed by Sabrina, as if wanting to reprimand her. -- Sorry, Mrs. Maldonado, I said too much, - argued the housekeeper, lowering her head, embarrassed.

"Yes, you have to know your place. Employees don't need to know what happens to their bosses. I need to go to the company now. Vera, take care of everything Sabrina will need to settle in the guest room. And miss,""Serena looks at Sabrina from head to toe,""you know you need to help my son take a bath, he will certainly refuse, but be insistent. Arthur might fall."

"Alright, ma'am. I will be very careful. Don't worry."

Arthur's mother says goodbye and leaves soon after, leaving some questions in Sabrina's head.

"Let's go to your room, Miss""Vera walks out of the room, taking Sabrina to the guest room.""Everything is already arranged, Miss Santos. I left your bags near the bed, soon I'll ask a maid to come and arrange them in the closet,""Sabrina hesitated immediately.""There's no need, Mrs. Vera. I'll do it myself, you don't need to worry... I like to organize my own clothes."

Vera nodded: -- Alright, my dear. I hope Arthur accepts your professional help. But as I said before, be patient with him. At first, Arthur will certainly treat you badly, but after he sees your willingness and your effort to help him, he will act differently.

Sabrina held Vera's hands firmly. -- You are very attached to Mr. Maldonado. I will try my best to endure his bad mood.

Vera hugs Sabrina emotionally.

"Thank you, my dear, for understanding. I feel that this time will be different. Arthur is very special to me."

"Now I'm going to see how he is, excuse me.""Sabrina left towards Arthur's room. Upon arriving at the room, she opened the door slowly, trying not to make noise. She walked to the bed and noticed that he was sleeping."

Arthur's face, even shrouded in the shadow of the room, showed strong and defined features. His dark hair was disheveled on the pillow, and his breathing was slow and steady. Sabrina observed the line of his jaw, the curve of his closed lips, imagining the shine that his brown eyes must have had before the tragedy. It was undeniable the masculine beauty that emanated from him, even in his state of vulnerability.

Sabrina sat in the armchair next to the bed. Her thoughts were somehow tumultuous.

She remembered the whispered comments in the hospital before accepting the case. "A charming man", "an arrogant guy", "a successful businessman who lost his sight", "a real heartthrob, but he doesn't want to love or marry anyone". Now, the beauty remained, but surrounded by an aura of suffering and isolation. Sabrina felt a twinge of empathy, an understanding of the frustration and anger that consumed him. Losing his sight, his independence, must be a terrible ordeal for a man used to being in control.

Her fingers traced the outline of her own hand, imagining the feeling of no longer being able to see the colors, the shapes, the world around him. The darkness must be overwhelming, a constant weight on his shoulders. She admired the strength he showed, even in his hostility, a stubborn resistance against his new reality.

A slight sigh escaped Arthur's lips, breaking the silence of the room. Sabrina held her breath, watching him carefully. His eyes moved slightly under his closed eyelids, as if he was dreaming. For a moment, the nurse allowed herself to imagine the man behind the mask of sarcasm and bitterness. Who was Arthur Maldonado before the accident? A cheerful man? Passionate about life? About his work?

The door creaked softly, and Vera peeked into the room. Seeing Sabrina sitting there, watching Arthur with a serene expression, the housekeeper smiled discreetly and made a silent gesture of approval before leaving, closing the door carefully.

Sabrina turned her attention back to Arthur, feeling a mixture of challenge and determination. She would not be just another nurse to give up. She would strive to break through the barrier of his pain, to find a way to help him rebuild his life, even in the darkness.

Sabrina stayed there for some time, but realizing that Arthur might take a while to wake up, she decided to return to her room and put her clothes in the closet.

As she got up, she tripped on the leg of the armchair. -- Who's there? -- Asked Arthur, waking up quickly. -- Sabrina swallowed hard, feeling intimidated. -- It's me, Mr. Maldonado, the nurse Sabrina Santos.

Arthur opened his eyes, even without being able to see, he could hear the nurse's panting next to the bed.

"What are you doing here?""He asks again with a tone of displeasure.""I came to see how you were and ended up tripping on the armchair, I'm sorry for disturbing your rest."

Arthur was silent for a moment. -- Get out of my room, I'll call you if necessary. -- He spoke arrogantly. -- Sabrina bit her lips, imagining how to answer him.

"I can't leave now, I need your medication scheduled for two o'clock in the afternoon.""Sabrina immediately remembered Arthur's medication."

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