Page 81 of Please, Forgive Me
“I know work’s been tough. You sounded so distant when we talked on the phone this week.” Her voice carried that familiar tone of concern, and I hated making her worry.
“Oh, Mom… it’s complicated. Diego’s been pushing me harder than ever, like he wants me to quit before my time’s up. But I’m determined. Just a few more days, and I’ll be free.” I tried to smile, hoping to convince her I was fine—but I could tell she saw right through me.
She stayed quiet for a moment, studying me, as if trying to measure how much truth there was in my words.
I knew she could see the exhaustion on my face, the confusion in my eyes. Still, her expression wasn’t one of judgment—it was pure understanding.
“Sweetheart…” she began softly, sighing before continuing. “I know you’re scared about the future, especially with this baby on the way. And I know you’ve never been one to open up easily. But you need to remember—you’re not alone in this. I’m here, always will be. And about Diego… don’t let him tear you down. You’re so much stronger than that.”
Her words washed over me like balm on an open wound.
For the first time in days, the weight pressing on my chest felt a little lighter. My mom had that gift—she could take something heavy and somehow make it bearable.
“Thanks, Mom,” I murmured, my eyes stinging slightly. “It just feels like… everything’s spinning out of my control sometimes.”
She squeezed my hand tightly.
“You’ll get through it, sweetheart. And this baby…” she placed her other hand gently over my belly, her smile soft and full of tenderness, “this baby’s going to bring so much joy into your life.”
That moment filled me with a quiet peace.
Even with all the chaos—the tension at work, the confusion with Diego—knowing my mom was by my side gave me the strength I needed to keep going.
“And you, Mom? How are you feeling?” I asked, wanting to shift the focus a little. She was always taking care of me, but I wanted to make sure she was okay too.
“Oh, I’m great!” she said, relaxing into the couch with a smile. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about going back to dance classes. I’ve always loved dancing—and now that I’m going to be a grandma, I’ve got to stay active, right?”
I laughed, picturing her dancing like there was no tomorrow. That was one of the things I loved most about her—her energy, her love for life.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea, Mom. And who knows, once the baby’s born, you can teach them too. It’ll be nice having all that good energy around.”
She nodded, her smile glowing even brighter.
“Absolutely, sweetheart. I’ll be here—right by your side—every step of the way. Don’t you ever forget that.”
And right then, as we talked about dancing and the future, I realized just how lucky I was to have her.
Despite everything—the uncertainty, the challenges, the fear—knowing my mom was in my corner made everything feel possible.
CHAPTER 33
“The greatest courage is opening your heart to love again…”
DIEGO BITTENCOURT
“That’s it, champ!” I encouraged Arthur as he tried to build something with his blocks.
It was funny how focused he looked—completely lost in his own little world, oblivious to everything around him.
Moments like that made me proud, but also uneasy, realizing how fast he was growing up.
I ruffled his hair, and he smiled. Those moments—rare as they were because of my job—were the ones I cherished most. They kept me connected to something real, something untouched by the coldness of business.
“Dad?” his small voice pulled me back to the moment.
“Yeah, son?”
He hesitated, those big curious eyes locked on mine.
