Page 11 of Please, Forgive Me

Our moves had nothing graceful about them—but that was the point. We twirled, laughed, threw our arms around in the most exaggerated ways, like we were in some kind of dance-off where the only goal was to make each other crack up.

“If this doesn’t burn off the pizza we haven’t even eaten yet, nothing will!” Carolina shouted between fits of laughter, her arms flailing in some awkward move.

“At least we’re having fun before drowning in carbs,” I said, trying to copy her steps and failing miserably, which only made her laugh harder.

We were still in the middle of our wild routine when the buzzer rang, cutting us off. Carol froze instantly, arms still up, like she’d been caught red-handed. Then she collapsed onto the couch, panting.

“Whew! Destiny just saved our reputations!” she cried, faking an over-the-top sigh of relief.

“More like destiny’s delivering our pizza.” I grinned, heading for the door.

By the time I came back, Carolina was sprawled on the couch like an exhausted diva after a performance. But her eyes lit up the second she saw the pizza box.

“Oh yes, the real reason we’re here!” She sat up, grabbing a slice as soon as I opened it. “Pizza and company. That’s all I need to survive my safety-net despair.”

“And what’s the crisis this time?” I asked, taking my own slice and settling in beside her.

“Oh, the usual.” She sighed dramatically, taking a huge bite. “The endless search for a millionaire willing to rescue me from my broke life. But until that happens, I’m surviving with the best friend in the world.”

I rolled my eyes, laughing.

“Well, at least your goals are clear,” I teased, and she lifted her slice like she was making a toast.

“Clear goals and plenty of carbs. Life can be good, Gabriela. Sometimes all you need is a stupid dance and a little melted cheese.”

I smiled, feeling lighter. Even with all the chaos at work and Diego’s constant provocations, moments like this with Carol reminded me there was more to life than daily stress.

Sometimes, all I needed was a quiet night with my crazy best friend by my side.

“You know that, despite everything, these moments are what keep me sane, right?”

Carolina grabbed a pillow, laughing.

“I know. And that’s why I’m here—to make sure you don’t lose it completely, princess.”

And so, between laughter, ridiculous dancing, and slices of pizza, we settled in to enjoy the night. Because deep down, these little bursts of joy were what really mattered.

CHAPTER 5

“The strongest bonds are forged through trials…”

DIEGO BITTENCOURT

“At last you’re home, Daddy!”

Arthur’s voice rang through the house before I even had the chance to close the door behind me.

Seconds later, he was already sprinting toward me, that wide grin on his face managing to crack the cold facade I wore so well.

“I agree—at last I’m home, kiddo!”

Arthur launched himself into my arms, and for a moment, the chaos of the world seemed to fade.

He was only five, but it felt like he had the energy of two grown men. His brown hair was messy, just like mine used to be at his age, but his eyes… his eyes carried that mix of childhood innocence and a curiosity that always seemed ready to uncover something new. Eyes that reminded me of dreams I’d long forgotten.

“You took too long,” he complained, his little frown quickly melting back into a smile. “I was about to go to bed without seeing you.”

I sighed, running a hand through his wild hair.