Page 30 of Please, Forgive Me

It wasn’t a suggestion—it was an order dressed as courtesy. I wanted her to understand this wasn’t resolved, that tomorrow I’d demand answers.

But resignation?

That was off the table.

I wasn’t the kind of man who let something that important slip away without a fight.

She gave a slight nod, but I caught the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. Whatever it was, she wasn’t ready to tell me. Still, I was determined to find out, to dig into what was really going through her head—and to make damn sure this ridiculous idea of quitting vanished for good.

As she slid into the car, I stayed there, watching until it disappeared down the runway.

My focus sharpened, my mind locked on a single outcome.

I got into my own car right after, still turning over how I’d handle the conversation tomorrow. Losing Maria Gabriela wasn’t an option.

I was Diego Bittencourt. Nothing slipped from my control.

If she truly thought about leaving, then I’d do whatever it took to make her change her mind. Even if it meant playing every card I had.

Tomorrow, she’d learn firsthand—I wasn’t letting her walk away.

MARIA GABRIELA

When I finally dropped onto the couch in my apartment, my phone buzzed. I grabbed it with a tired hand, already bracing for another work message, but when I glanced at the screen, I saw Carolina’s name flashing.

Her text was full of exclamation points, pure excitement—classic her.

“I’ve got amazing news, bestie!”

I smiled, already wondering what could’ve gotten Carol so hyped. She always carried this bright energy into my life, and right now, I needed it more than ever. I took a breath and typed back:

“I’ve got news too, but not the good kind. What’s yours?”

I barely set the phone down before it buzzed again.

“I’m officially hired—CLT again!”

I laughed, though I couldn’t help questioning whether being “CLT” was really as wonderful as she believed. I knew how much she wanted back into the formal job market, but deep down, I wondered—was it really that great?

Before I could finish my thought, there was pounding at my door. Not knocking—straight-up pounding.

I didn’t even need to look through the peephole. I swung it open, and there she was: Carol, grinning ear to ear like only she could after a long day.

“Bestie!” she squealed, barging in without waiting for an invite. “You won’t believe it! The job is mine—I’m CLT again!”

She was glowing, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Dressed in a light jacket and dark jeans, stylish as ever even in casual mode, she spun through my living room, tossed her bag onto the armchair, and shot me that look that screamed, sit down, I need to tell you everything.

“I got your text,” I said, trying to keep up with her pace. “Now tell me everything!”

She flopped onto the couch beside me.

“I got hired at Exponencial Consulting!” she gushed, nearly breathless. “Remember that interview I was freaking out about? It went perfectly! I still can’t believe it—I’m finally back in a company that actually values its employees! Career plans, benefits, the whole package!”

Her joy spilled over, and I couldn’t help but soak it in. She deserved this, and I was genuinely happy for her. Still, a pang of worry hit me, pulling me back to my own mess.

“That’s incredible,” I said sincerely. “I’m so happy for you. You earned it.”

She held my gaze for a beat, the smile still on her face, but her eyes sharpened.