snort to myself and close my door. I go to my chair and throw myself into it, unable to think straight anymore. My life has become a mess, and a large part of it is the fault of a woman who doesn't even notice my looks at her. Ever since I saw her photo and her resume, when I looked for an employee at the company to be my personal assistant for a while, I find myself unable to control myself. Her brown eyes, which further highlight her dark skin, the color of sin, and a weak white smile, which she almost never shows, but her photo was my ally in this fact. I pick up the folder with her information again and look at the same photo that left me perplexed when I saw her for the first time. Since when did I see myself like this for a woman? Not even with Carla was it like this... I take a deep breath, leaving the photo on my desk and try not to scream another curse. At first, when I returned to Brazil, I had clear reasons and a right thing to do. But since life loves to play tricks, when I realized everything, my sister had already suffered an accident and lost part of her memory, and worse, I couldn't keep her from being close to her husband, who was my best friend, and was even capable of betraying her, also being the one to blame for the accident. If I returned, it was to tell my sister about what I found out about her husband, but in the end, a mess took over all of us. For now, we just hope that she gets better and her memory returns, so that she can decide what to do with her life. And me? For the first time, I want to be able to truly take care of my sister, truly protect her, stop being a selfish piece of shit. A soft knock on the door makes me sigh and I lean back against my chair. "Come in." The door opens, and the woman who drives me crazy enters. Doesn't she realize what she does to me? Ever since I saw her in person, I've been waiting for some look, some hint of interest. But on the contrary, Sophie seems completely oblivious to me. As if I were invisible to her. I always wonder why I never saw her on the trips I made to Brazil and on the many times I came to company parties or even meetings, but I could never really understand it. I know that if I had seen her, she would have caught my attention. - Mr. Lourenzinni, here are the papers you asked for. - she says, calmly as always, and places a folder on my desk. - Do you need anything else? - she asks, but doesn't look at me, looking slightly anywhere in the room, except at me. - Look at me, Sophie. - I ask, saying her name for the first time. I like the way it comes out of my lips. She blinks, I think she's surprised by my request, but then she lifts her chin and looks at me. Her brown eyes are a little hesitant, but I can't understand anything else about her. Besides, she's beautiful, completely. - Is there a problem, sir? - she asks and I shake my head. - You can leave. - I say, and she nods, leaving the room immediately. I wish I could have controlled myself, but I used my usual harsh tone with her. Why does she do this to me? It seems that at any moment I am near her, noticing her indifference, I will explode. I think that is why I cannot treat her well, at least wish her a good morning. This woman moves me in a way that no other woman has ever managed to do. But I do not know how to move on, at least not for now. For now, I am concentrating on work. However, knowing that the woman who drives me crazy is just a few steps away only makes everything worse. I am lost. Chapter 1 Months later Sophie I stare at the computer screen, while I try to control the frustration I feel. I read and reread what is written on the screen, and I feel like correcting the meaning of dictator in the dictionary itself. One of the meanings is missing: Daniel Lourenzinni. I have never been one to get stressed or even suffer because of something at work, but since the day I was called to go to my boss's office, that has changed. I immediately thought it was Mr. Gutterman, but as soon as they showed me to the room next to his and I looked into the clearest honey-colored eyes I had ever seen, I knew it wasn't him. Ever since I was a receptionist
Chapter 1 My sister calls me
people's lives, so against my will, I didn't look for him. The first time I saw him, I realized that everything I had heard about his physique was true, but nothing prepared me for when he started talking. Since then, the screams, curses and ironies have been constant. Daniel Lourenzinni may be handsome on the outside, but he is a real monster on the inside. "If I deducted from your salary every time I find you daydreaming while sitting at that table, rest assured that I would not earn anything." I hear his harsh and firm voice behind me.
I sigh deeply, immediately closing the browser and picking up the folders he asked me to separate. As soon as I get up, he simply picks up the folders and throws them back on the table, staring at me as always, authoritatively. "Come on." He says firmly and, even without understanding, I walk past him, entering his huge office. I don't know how much time I spent daydreaming to myself about my boss, that I didn't even notice that he had finally come back from lunch. I remain standing in front of his desk. I stare at my feet for a few moments, noticing that I urgently need to buy a new pair of heels, since they are already showing their wear and tear. I'm sure that if my dear boss notices, he will criticize me. - Have a seat. Even though I find his request strange, I sit down and wait for him to pass by his desk and sit in front of me. Usually, the time I spend with him is spent handing out papers and organizing things. Not once in the months that have passed have I sat in this chair. Well, it's comfortable. - How long have you been graduated, Miss Moraes? - he asks, and I look at him blankly. He's already read my resume, hasn't he? - Three years ago, sir. - I say, and he nods, running his hands through his thin hair, which I can never tell the exact color of, since in the light, it looks like copper. He suddenly stands up and loosens his tie, without ever looking at me. He goes to a cabinet on the left side of the room and leans against it, as if he's thinking about something serious. Okay, I think I lost my job. - I have one more job offer. - he says, surprising me. Wait a minute... One more? - I won't tell you why, but just know that you'll earn the same as if you were one of the company's economists. What? No, he's making fun of me... That's the only way it can be. I stare at him, analyzing his expression that looks like he's being tortured. Suddenly his eyes meet mine, and I try to at least see if it's some kind of bad joke... But he doesn't seem to be joking, he's completely serious. - Sir, what's the job about? - I ask, and he looks away, looking at his watch. - Pretending to be my wife. - he says, looking at me again. I freeze, not understanding anything anymore. What do you mean, your wife? He's gone crazy! - I think it's better... - I get up from my chair and move away from the table, heading towards the door. I don't even have time to think and soon my body is turned and pressed against the door. - Quiet, there's someone at the door... - he says, practically shouting. I stand still, not knowing how to react. A few seconds pass, and I hear footsteps moving away... How did he know there was someone out there? I look up and find him wandering, staring at the white door behind me. I didn't pay much attention, but now I notice his hand is on my waist, holding me tightly. "Let me go." I ask, and he looks at me, moving away from me at the same moment. Never, at any time when we were close, did he touch me. Except for the time he had to pull one of "his women" off of me. "I need to leave, sir." I say, already distressed, and he rolls his eyes. "No, you're not going to," he says, looking at me seriously, as he always does when he's nervous. "But..." "You'll be able to bring your mother from the countryside and live with her... In addition to buying a nice house for the two of you." "What?" I ask incredulously. "How do you know that..." "I know everything, Sophie," he says convinced. "You can't do that!" - I say, unable to think straight anymore. - Look, you're answering me for the first time... - I smile weakly, and that makes me feel worse. - There's no way to run away, your mother has already given me her blessing... No! He didn't... - Yes, I spoke to her. - He says as if it were the most natural thing in the world. - For all intents and purposes, you belong to me, and you should act that way from now on. - Until when? - I ask, analyzing the arrogant smile on his face. - Until when is it necessary. - He says, going to his desk and sitting down. - Now sit down, we need to talk about the details. Literally, Daniel Lourenzinni is the best definition of a dictator. And now, he's simply my man. How am I going to deal with this? - I've arranged all the details. - He says and places an envelope on the table. - Take it. - He says impatiently and I just take a deep breath. Don't be weak. I take the envelope and open it, taking out a card with my name on it, as well as car keys. What? - I need you to be safe. - he says, as if he heard my silent question. - The card is for whatever you want and the car, well, so you can get around better. - That's wrong. - I say, and put the things on the table. I stand up and turn my back to him. - There's nothing wrong with that. - he says, and I feel his presence behind me. I take a deep breath and wait for him to order me to turn around, but he doesn't. I feel his hands on my waist, and he gently turns me around. - Sophie, I know it sounds strange, but you're the only one who can help me. - he says, and for the first time I see him in a moment of fragility. - Sir, I... - Daniel. - I correct myself quickly. - Let's start with this, call me Daniel or Dani. - Dani? - I ask, unable to control my tongue. - Excuse me, I... - My sister calls me that, I thought it might make you more comfortable. It's impossible to feel comfortable with anything right now. - Sir... I mean, Daniel. - I say and take a deep breath, and I notice a new sparkle in his eyes. Okay, I'm starting to ramble. - You... I mean, you have so many women and... There's no reason to use me for that, whatever the purpose may be. - I say calmly, trying not to let any shouting or rude words come out of his mouth. - You don't have to understand the reason for anything yet, Sophie. When it's time to find out, I'll tell you myself. - he says, and I notice his frown. I feel his fingers tighten a little against my waist, and I instantly pull away. - You need to get used to my touch. - he says and pulls me by the waist again. I open my mouth to resist, but he shakes his head. - I'm not going to abuse you, Sophie. This... - he makes a sign between us. - There's no purpose in sex, and I would never, listen carefully, never do anything against your will or force you. - Okay. - I say, no longer able to think. Daniel has always been rude and
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