Page 119 of Please, Forgive Me

I’d just finished telling Carol all the latest news—including Diego’s unexpected help in securing the space I’d been dreaming about for my new business.

“Yeah, looks like it,” I said, still laughing. “Who would’ve thought, huh? From assistant to boss… maybe even your boss!”

“I’ll allow it—but only because you’re my friend,” she shot back with a teasing grin. “But seriously, Gabi. Diego helped you?Who knew Mr. Narcissist himself had a generous bone in his body?”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t deny there was some truth in her words.

“Yeah, I was surprised too. But honestly, he really does seem different lately. Even my mom thinks so, can you believe that?”

“Well, if even Mrs. Eulália’s on board, then it must be serious!” Carol said, widening her eyes in mock shock. “Next thing you know, he’s turning into a saint and preaching about love and forgiveness.”

“All right, all right, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on in his head,” I said, shaking mine but unable to hide a smile. “Either way, I’m focused on my work now. I want this business to be mine—all mine—and I’m not relying on anyone else to make it happen.”

“That’s my girl!” Carol exclaimed, pumping a fist in the air like a proud coach. “But seriously, if Diego keeps this up, you might have to give him a discount on his first consultation with your company.”

“He’s gonna need more than a discount to redeem himself,” I joked, though there was a hint of truth in my voice. “But who knows? Maybe he’s finally realizing that being a decent person doesn’t hurt as much as he thought.”

Carol gave me that mischievous look she always had, the one that said she was about to drop one of her classic lines.

“Or maybe you’re finally realizing there’s more to him than good looks,” she said, winking at me.

I let out a dramatic sigh but couldn’t help smiling.

“Look, I’m just watching, okay? But I’ll admit—he’s been showing a different side of himself.”

“That’s it, Gabi! Give fate a chance—but only after you make him crawl a little first,” Carol teased, sending us both into another round of laughter.

And there, between the jokes and carefree chatter, I realized that maybe—just maybe—I was starting to let Diego’s change influence how I saw him.

But for now, that was something only Carol and I would know. After all, life was just beginning to take a new turn, and I still had a lot to learn—not just as a boss, but as a woman too.

DIEGO BITTENCOURT

Apparently, even at work, I was the problem.

My new secretary, when I got back, seemed like a completely different person. She obviously wasn’t as efficient as Maria Gabriela, but she’d changed—noticeably. And, of course, I made the mistake of mentioning that to my brother, who was now using it as an excuse to lecture me.

“You practically molded the girl. Improved her with every scolding, every critique. She’s basically a version of you now,” Alexandre said, in that tone that always balanced teasing and truth.

I looked at him, not in the mood for his commentary.

“Sounds like you’re talking about me in the past tense.”

He let out a short laugh, clearly pleased with himself.

“Maybe I am. But I’ll spare you the deep dive—I’ll just say you might’ve become a master at creating little Narcissuses out there.”

I sighed, trying not to rise to the bait. He wasn’t wrong, but that wasn’t what I wanted to talk about.

“And Maria Gabriela? How’s she doing? And Clara?” He changed the subject, giving me that knowing look that said he already suspected the answer.

“They’re good,” I replied without hesitation. “Things between us have gotten a lot better. She’s more open, and Clara… well, Clara’s my weak spot. But there’s still a lot we need to figure out.”

Alexandre studied me, intrigued, but didn’t push.

“And you? What’s next?”

“I’m planning something for a few months from now. But, you know me—I’m not putting the cart before the horse.”