02

##Chapter 2

livia

On the way we talked about many things, including once again the subject of the time we were separated because of Mariana who hid our existence from both of us.

It was the most euphoric day of my life when I was cleaning on top of my mother's wardrobe who had ordered me to clean the whole house that day, and I found an old and dusty box, not resisting curiosity, I looked inside. I ended up finding pictures of her with a man that immediately reminded me of myself, due to their resemblance.

They looked young, I think they were my age, seventeen. There was also a phone number scrawled on the back of the photo. I immediately knew it was my father, something inside me told me.

Later that night, I confronted Mariana, I ended up taking a beating for my tone of voice, however, she ended up talking in the middle of the feelings she gave me, that she hated that man and that I would never find him, because I shouldn't

to feel what a father's love is like, why she gave up her dreams for me and who only decided to stay with me because I was a girl and could make me marry a rich man when I was old enough.

I cried until I couldn't breathe that day, my heart hurt so much, it was the worst words she ever spoke to me, which were not few in my entire life.

I shook my head trying to get rid of those bad memories. I was happy now, I would have a new life and no one would ever mistreat me again.

“Thanks for calling. I kept that number for years, just in case Mariana decided to call me saying she hadn't miscarried.

“She told me several times that she should have, that just looking at me made her feel disgusted that I looked so much like you. My voice came out bitter, full of hurt.

— We were very young, but I would never reject you. When she told me she was pregnant, we weren't dating anymore, she was with another guy , with whom she cheated on me, but I said I wanted the baby, but she said I would abort. I begged him not to do that, to at least generate and give me the child.

“Yes, she said the day I found out about you, that she tried to tell her current boyfriend at the time that she was pregnant with him, but he rejected her and humiliated her.

— I knew that, I even had my doubts if I was really the baby's father. I asked her again not to have an abortion, I wrote down my number on a photo of us and gave it to her, I told her that she had a choice, with the intention of softening her heart.

"But she doesn't have one." I said sadly.

- She does not have. — he said — So I had to leave the city, I went to work with my father on his farm, but always hoping that she would call. She never did.

“You said you tried to get in touch with her.

- Yes. For several times. But she started to flee from me, as the devil flees from the cross.

“She said her mother, my grandmother, locked her in a room so she wouldn't terminate the pregnancy. And that's just why I'm here today. But grandma died the day before I was born, but Mariana also said that she didn't have the courage to abandon me in the hospital or leave me at someone's doorstep and that because I was a girl, I could give her a good future when she grew up and marry a rich man.

“But it's all right now, my princess. You are with me, with your father. I will do everything for you.

- Thanks. I gave a reassuring smile.

Some time later, we arrived at the farm. I got out of the car curiously, trying to look at everything around me. I was delighted. Just the smell of the place brought an inner peace, the green of nature shone everywhere, there were animals being cared for by people, the sky seemed much bluer and in front of me was the house that I would live in, it was huge and rustic, two floors and surrounded by a long veranda. Simply perfect.

- Wow! I exclaimed. Can I walk a little? I asked looking at my father, he nodded giving a happy smile.

I started walking around the farm, greeted some people working and kept going, knowing the incredibly beautiful space, I saw a barn that I would definitely want to know better on another occasion, I loved horses and my dream was to be a veterinarian one day.

After a few minutes I decided to go back to see my new home, on the way a noise of animal crying caught my attention, I immediately ran towards the noise, moved away some bushes and found a black puppy apparently three months old, lying down crying . My heart broke. I tried to get closer but he was scared.

"Calm down... I won't hurt you..."

I started stroking his head until I felt like he would let me hold him, when I knew I did. He had an injured paw and was dripping blood, I hugged the little animal and walked quickly towards my house.

- What are you doing? Who are you? I stopped when I heard a deep voice resound.

When I looked back, I saw a tall, broad-shouldered man, a wall of muscle. It was very beautiful and strong. His half-open button-down shirt couldn't hide his muscular chest. His hair fell over his shoulders, the strands were brown and he wore a cowboy style hat.

My heart skipped a beat as I locked eyes with his face. He had dark eyebrows and full lips. A chill ran through my body as I was startled by the thought that had occurred to me about what it would be like to kiss those lips. Out of the blue.

- I'm talking with you. he said, a little closer to me .

I cleared my throat.

— My name is Lívia, I'm Heitor's daughter, I'm going to live here starting today. — I noticed his eyes widen, looking surprised — I was taking a walk when I saw this injured puppy. I was taking him inside to take care of him.

"It's mine, I was looking for it, give it to me." he asked authoritatively and without hesitation I handed him over, giving his head a last caress.

- I hope he gets better. I gave a sympathetic smile, feeling my cheeks warmer than usual.

The man just turned his back and walked away , taking the puppy with him, I stood still, mouth agape.

— What the... Coarse, ungrateful! — I murmured — You 're welcome ? I shouted for him to hear