Chapter 3 Poor My Friend

Fernando I laugh at Andrey. He's such a handsome young man - tall, light brown skin, brown eyes, and so polite! He comes from an upper-middle-class family, the Ferraz's. Andrey Ferraz is a lawyer and became my assistant when I took over the company. We've become great friends. Poor guy - there are so many amazing women out there, and he falls for someone so young. This could get complicated. She's old enough to date, but she needs so much more care and attention than someone who's already grown and established. Plus, that age is tricky - everything is brand new, she's just starting out in life. He's my friend... I wish him luck. I snap out of it and we head back to the office. Two more meetings ahead. Then Vitória calls again! Good grief, this woman is driving me crazy! Vitória Santos - we're the same age. She has a degree in digital marketing, but she's a spoiled little rich girl. And honestly? I'm the one to blame. I've always done everything for her. In my family, the man has always been the provider. So when we started dating, I took care of every expense. I've never said no to her - money has never been an issue for the Freitas family. I don't understand the rush to get married. I'm pretty sure I don't love her, and I'm not convinced she loves me either. We've been together for two years. I met Vitória in college. We became friends right away. I never wanted to play the field - I've always wanted just one woman. But I didn't want a relationship either. Since we were close, I told her exactly that. She laughed and said: - I don't plan on dating anyone either. What if we just... see each other casually? We could take care of what we need without getting attached or tied down to anyone! I loved the idea - friends with benefits. But things changed that same week. Our families found out and arranged a dinner to "officially" introduce us. Damn it! That was the last thing we needed. And just like that, what was supposed to stay casual turned into this high‑maintenance relationship. I give Vitória everything - we have a joint account, I gave her an unlimited card, she can buy whatever she wants. So why the rush to get married? I answer: - Hello? - Fernando, I want to get married. Please, I need you with me every single day! - Vitória, the company is falling apart right now. The absolute last thing I need is stress over marriage. You already have everything. Just wait a few more months! Once again, she hangs up on me. I'm furious. I need to figure out why she's so desperate to marry me. From day one, we had an arrangement that worked perfectly for both of us - she gave me what I needed, and I did the same for her. Like I said, I'm the kind of man who wants one woman only. I'm loyal to my own values and character. I've never been the type to run around with multiple women - but that doesn't mean I'm ready to get married. I need a drink to wash this day off. I call my best friend, Paulo. - What's up, Fernando? Miss me already, calling in the middle of the workday? - Very funny. I've got nothing but problems. Let's go out tonight - grab a drink? I can hear the shock in his voice: - You? Drinking? Fernando, things really must be bad! You don't even touch a beer. I'll meet you downtown at 9 p.m. - All right, see you then. I hang up and go back to reviewing the contracts Aline left on my desk this morning.