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##Chapter 22

Livia

I was unresponsive. The crazy woman who was arguing with Demetrius and who had probably hurt and betrayed him, was there, she was going to work at my house.

Well she said she would be back. Did he intend to disturb my relationship with Demetrius? More than likely , when he promised to return, it was in a threatening tone. I needed to act natural because no one knew about us yet.

- Hey. I forced a smile.

“Hi, baby girl. I think I already met you the other day when I was talking to my fiance Demetrius and you arrived. Great pleasure.

I swallowed hard. Groom?

"Is Demetrius your betrothed?" I asked, trying my best to mask my anger.

— Yes, he was even the one who told me about the vacancy. We decided to get married when I found out I was pregnant, I told Senhor Heitor everything and he let me work here anyway.

I clenched my fists, furious. How could she be such a liar? I wanted to say everything she deserved to hear, the whole truth that Demetrius had told me. But that would reveal our relationship and I didn't know how my dad would react to that, I didn't want him to find out like that.

— Well, we have an empty room downstairs, it's up to you to stay here or at your fiance's house.

- What?! — I almost freaked out, but I realized my despair and calmed down — I mean, it's better for her to stay here at home, it's more comfortable for her, since she's pregnant ... — I managed to sound calm.

Demetrius had been my first kiss, my first crush, I was still immature and insecure about it. He was afraid that the woman could seduce him again.

She narrowed her eyes and when she was about to open her mouth, my father spoke first. I was grateful.

"Then it's decided." You stay here, I also agree that it's better for your situation.

I almost closed my eyes. What a relief . But I was so upset. My day had been so perfect and then Kristen showed up to ruin the end of it.

— Dad, I'm going to go upstairs, I'm tired and I don't know if I'm going to go down for dinner, I'm not hungry.

— Yes, you have to eat, Livia. If you don't come down, I'll bring you a snack later.

- Thanks Dad. You are the best in the world, I love you. I kissed his cheek and hugged him tight.

"I love you too my princess." He returned the hug, kissed me on the forehead and I went upstairs.

How would Demetrius react to this? What if he relapsed for her? He spent a lot of time with her, they had quite a story and with me, we were just getting to know each other, I didn't even know if I would have a future, if I would meet his expectations. Those damn thoughts bringing me the damn insecurity and doubts were plaguing me.

I just wanted to run into his arms to hear come from his lips that I would be enough.

Perhaps my traumatic childhood has given me some complexes, such as insecurity and low self-esteem.

I took a long shower, put on a loose shirt and shorts, threw myself on the bed until I heard someone knocking on the door.

- You may come in! I exclaimed.

— Lívia, I brought you a snack, your father had to go out again. — it was Mary.

She walked into the bedroom and placed the tray on top of the nightstand.

Maria was a very beautiful woman and it could have been in my head or not the exchange of glances between her and my father that I had noticed, and if something had really happened, I would totally support it.

"Thank you very much, you didn't need to bother.

— It's your father, Livia. He will always worry about you.

“I know, I'm very grateful for that. Maria, can I ask you a question?

- Clear! She smiled, looking content as she sat down next to me.

"What do you know about the foreman?"

— Well, I don't know much, because it's only been a few months since I started working here, but I can say that he's a very hardworking man and has Heitor's complete confidence. he spoke in a whisper.

— Hmm... And that woman who arrived today? Do you know anything about her?

“I don't know anything, I just said that she's engaged to Demetrius and that he got her the job.

- Is this really true? She doesn't seem to be trustworthy. — I said, taking a sandwich from the tray, biting it afterwards — She's a liar, they're not engaged, she cheated on him in the past.

"You like him don't you?" I almost choked.

- What?

— Lívia, I already noticed, and I also saw you two today when I went to pick the spices that I like to use in food, they are planted near the big gate.

— Maria, my father hasn't yet...

"Calm down, I won't tell him. Know that I support you, you look beautiful together.

“What a relief… Thank you. Don't tell anyone yet, please.

"I'll let you, and if you need help, I'm here." She smiles , taking my hand.

- Thank you very much. I hope we can be friends, I never had any friends.

“We certainly will be. - she hugs me.

"So, Maria... did she come back to hurt Demetrius?" What is she up to? He became a bitter person because of her.

“Time will tell. Maybe she just needs a job. But Demetrius likes you, and if it's true, you'll bear it together.

"I'm glad I talked to you...

"Me too, you can always count on me." Now I need to go.

— Thank you, Mary. Goodnight.

- Good night Princess. She left and closed the door.

It had been so comforting to have that conversation with Maria, she seemed like a great person, I really hoped that she wouldn't tell my dad and that we would be friends. I also wondered if having a mother who cared would be like that.

Again knocking on my bedroom door sounded.

- You may come in. I said, finishing my lunch.

The door opened and when I looked over to the door I saw Kristen walking in and closing the door behind her.

- What do you want? I questioned.

“I'll be direct. I saw you with my fiance.

“He's not—” she cut me off.

"I'll just let you know this once!" He is mine! Stay away from him you brat. he almost shouted and left the room before I could say anything.

Tears hot as fire spilled from my eyes, angry tears. Kristen was wrong if she thought she could stop me from being with Demetrius, we were getting to know each other, I was already in love, but he certainly had feelings for me.

I locked the bedroom door and went up to the small terrace, hoping that Demetrius would think of going there to see me.