Page 12 of Please, Forgive Me

“I know, champ. But Daddy works a lot,” I said, trying to lace my words with understanding, though I knew he couldn’t fully grasp the weight behind them.

Arthur looked at me with a seriousness that sometimes knocked me off balance. It was as if he already knew more about the world than he should at his age.

“You do work too much, Daddy.” He crossed his arms, scolding me like a miniature adult. “But we’re gonna play this weekend, right?”

I couldn’t stop a small smile.

Arthur had this gift of finding the bright side, something I definitely hadn’t passed on to him. He always managed to soften my absences, even though inside I carried the constant ache of not being there enough.

“Yes, we’ll have fun this weekend,” I promised, resting my hand on his shoulder as I steered him toward the living room. “Uncle Alexandre and Theo are coming over. It’s going to be total chaos.”

Arthur practically jumped with excitement, his eyes glowing even brighter.

“Yes! We’re gonna play superheroes!” He was already plotting the mischief they’d get into, and all I could do was nod.

Seeing him like that—so happy, so full of life—made all the stress and weight of my days feel worth it, if only for a brief moment.

But the guilt never went away.

He knew I was gone too much, that work took more from me than I wanted to admit. And even though he always tried to make peace with it, like he understood how important my job was, deep down I knew I was failing him.

Still… what else could I do?

I had responsibilities. Amacel was my legacy, something Alexandre and I had built from the ground up with years of relentless work. I couldn’t just walk away.

Success came with a price. And, unfairly, Arthur paid part of it.

“I promise we’re going to have the best time this weekend, son.” My voice came out firmer this time, as if I were trying to reassure both him and myself that I could do better—even if only for a few days.

Arthur just smiled, not a shadow of doubt in his eyes.

“I know, Daddy.” Then he darted off, racing around the living room as if gearing up for another one of his wild adventures.

I sank into the couch, letting out a long sigh.

Maybe Arthur was wiser than me. He knew how to find joy in the little things, the simple moments. Maybe that was what I needed to learn from him.

Life wasn’t only about achievements and business. There was something more. Something I’d pushed aside for far too long.

But for now, at least, I’d try to make this weekend as good for my son as he hoped it would be. Because deep down, I knew I needed it too—a break, a reminder that life was more than just work.

I looked at Arthur again, feeling a small wave of relief as I watched him, so full of energy and anticipation.

For now, at least, everything felt right.

Since real life never gave me a break, I woke up early and headed to my company to start the best part of my day: work.

No—that’s a lie. The best part was annoying Maria Gabriela.

I arrived before everyone else, as usual. I liked the calm before the storm of meetings, calls, and endless strategic decisions. But what really made the day… interesting, let’s say, was when Maria Gabriela walked in with that slightly irritated look of hers, ready for another round of our daily sparring.

She came into my office not long after, carrying a folder of documents, her expression focused and determined. Her professionalism was undeniable, and even though we were constantly throwing jabs at each other, there was something unshakable about the way she did her job.

What I hated admitting was that her competence only made me admire her more… and want something I knew I shouldn’t.

“Good morning, Mr. Bittencourt,” she greeted me, her tone laced with just enough sarcasm to make me smirk.

“Good morning, Maria Gabriela,” I replied, leaning my elbows on the desk and lacing my fingers as I watched her place the documents in front of me. “Another week of hard work. I hope you’re ready.”