Helena stepped into the house, still reeling from the confusion that ensued after Bruno's unexpected kiss on the veranda. Her heart throbbed with uncertainty as she tried to process the meaning of that contradictory gesture amidst the divorce request.Before she could calm herself, Marcelo's voice echoed in the living room, causing her to turn in his direction. He seemed surprised to see her there, and Helena struggled to maintain a serene expression.“I thought I heard Bruno's voice,” Marcelo commented, approaching.Helena took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts in the presence of her brother.“Bruno came to pick up the kids to spend the weekend with him on the farm,” she explained, her voice sounding a bit firmer than she actually felt.Marcelo nodded, seeming relieved to hear that.“It's good that he's at least spending time with the kids,” he observed, his expression thoughtful.Helena agreed, although her mind was still occupied with unanswered questions about Bruno's

The weekend sun shone over the farm in Poconé, painting the scenery with golden hues as Bruno and his children enjoyed precious time together. Isabel, Antônio, Emanoel, and Dante ran along the riverbank that meandered through the property, their laughter and shouts echoing through the tranquil landscape.Bruno watched his children with a mix of joy and melancholy. That weekend had been wonderful, but behind the facade of fun, his mind couldn't help but think of Helena. The upcoming week would bring crucial decisions, marking the end of his marriage and altering the course of their lives forever.As the little ones played in the water, Bruno let his mind wander to happier memories. He found himself back on his honeymoon with Helena, on the tranquil waters of Paraty, where time seemed to stand still, and the world was just theirs.Suddenly, a thunderous sound broke the serene air. A gunshot echoed through the valley, causing Bruno to abruptly rise from the riverbank. His heart raced as

Helena finally arrived home after the consultation with the lawyer. Her steps were heavy, laden with the weight of decisions she needed to make as she crossed the threshold of the door and entered the living room.There, she found her mother Regina and her brother Marcelo engrossed on the television, a welcome distraction amidst the turmoil she was facing. Regina looked up as Helena entered, her face expressing concern.“How was it with the lawyer?” she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.Helena sank onto the couch with a tired sigh. “It was... fine,” she replied, running a hand through her tangled hair. “I hired him to represent us in the hearing.”Regina nodded, a glint of determination in her eyes.“I hope he's competent enough to ensure that your ex-husband pays for what he did,” she said, her voice tinged with resentment.Helena looked at her mother, concern reflected in her eyes.“I just want all of this to be over soon,” she confessed, her voice choked with emotion. “I w

Upon hearing this, Bruno was visibly surprised. His eyes widened, and his expression reflected disbelief. He turned to Helena, seeking confirmation.“ São Paulo?” he murmured, unable to conceal his surprise.Helena nodded, maintaining a steady gaze.“Yes, Bruno. It's the best for me and the children,” she replied, her voice firm and resolute.Bruno, visibly bewildered, poured out his words urgently.“Helena, why didn't you mention anything about moving with the children to São Paulo?” he questioned, his voice laden with perplexity and hurt.Helena met Bruno's gaze and responded calmly, though her voice carried a slight tone of hurt.“Just as you also failed to inform me about several things,” she retorted, her determination evident in her words.She had no intention of engaging in a confrontation at that moment, but she was determined to assert her position.The judge, observing the exchange between the former couple, decided to intervene. He turned his attention to Bruno's lawyer, se

The apartment in São Paulo, where Helena and her children temporarily resided, was a cramped space that now accommodated the whole family. Helena struggled to maintain the family routine even in the face of the abrupt changes that had occurred in their lives.On that hectic morning, Helena was in the kitchen preparing breakfast when the children appeared, each with their own concerns and questions. Isabel, the oldest, observed her mother with curiosity, noticing her more formal appearance.“Why are you so dressed up, Mom?” she asked, her voice filled with interest.Helena smiled at Isabel as she set the plates on the table.“I have a hearing at the courthouse early this morning,” she explained, “but before that, I need to drop you off at school.”Antônio entered the kitchen, still sleepy, yawning as he approached the table.“I don't want to go to school today,” he complained, his voice muffled by sleep.Emanoel followed Antônio, expressing his own reluctance.“The people at school are