secretly loved CEO

Author: : carmen esparanola

Genre: Romance

the two of us, as he was very cunning. And he played dirty. After he proposed to Lara, I decided to leave Brazil, it wouldn't do me any good to see the woman I secretly loved marrying another man. Destroyed, I decided it was better this way. I lived in Los Angeles and had a small photography studio, it was the profession I loved, I was passionate about art, during these years living here, I made a fortune. But, in Brazil, my father had a construction company, which Fernando ran, but I found out from my mother that it was already on the verge of bankruptcy. As soon as I was notified about her death, I returned to Brazil immediately, since our mother only had the two of us, and now she only had me. When I found out about her death, my heart hurt, I felt her loss, it was a piece of me that was gone forever, I called the family lawyer, informed him about what happened, and asked for help. I wanted to know more about the accident, although, knowing Fernando, he must have run the light. We were twins, but so different from each other, not only in appearance, but in personality as well. Fernando was blond, and I was dark-skinned, but we had the same blue eye color. As our family members said, one was the spitting image of his father; another, from the mother. Since our first anniversary, competitiveness began between us and most of it was on his part, Fernando cried over everything and, of course, that meant he got everything he wanted. He was smart and got away with everything he messed up when we were teenagers. And, when we reached adulthood, he was considered by people close to him as the evil twin, when our father passed away, he left him as president of the construction company, because Fernando, from a young age, was involved in the family business and was engaged to the woman he was with. I was in love, of course he knew, I had opened my heart to our mother, and he certainly listened. Fernando was like that, he wanted everything I wanted, when he couldn't get it, he took the force. Despite everything, Lara fell in love with him. And somehow I accepted it, but something inside me never accepted it. I admitted that I lost and accepted my defeat. I looked at the storm that would soon hit. After a few words from the priest, I felt my mother's hand squeeze mine as she sobbed quietly, I raised my gaze and saw Lara with moistened eyes, her expression was closed, after looking at me, she lowered her head, she was alone in a corner. Her slender body in a black dress, her pale hands holding her rosary, the engagement ring on her finger did not go unnoticed; She and Fernando already lived together before they even got married, I looked at her and remembered the first time I saw her. It was the birthday of a mutual friend we had, in the middle of the party, we were introduced; While talking, I asked her out, but she told me she already had a boyfriend; at the same time, Fernando arrived at the party. I'm sure she was embarrassed, because he showed it off, wanting to show me that once again he was the winner. After the coffin was lowered into the grave, we said goodbye, my mother got in the car and I said goodbye to her. I looked around looking for Lara, I saw her walking slowly with her cell phone in her hand, I walked quickly and caught up with her. She noticed me approaching and stopped, looking at me. - Lara, hi! - I saluted, stopping in front of her.

Chapter 1 When he dropped

euphoria took possession of my chest and I became restless, not knowing what to do. The rain was getting heavier and I decided to offer to take her to her house. I took off my glasses, putting them in my suit pocket. I looked at Lara, who was shaking from the cold. - If you allow me, I can take her to your house, a storm will soon hit, and finding a taxi will be difficult - I said, since I know she doesn't drive, but I'm not sure about that either, I suspect she must have come from taxi. We walked to my car and the whole time she didn't say anything. I didn't say it either.

I think she prefers it this way, to be quiet with her thoughts. Since she just lost her fiancé, she must be grieving the loss. Indignation took over me, I was angry, but I wouldn't let fury enter my being, I'm not used to feeling these sensations, but Lara was my weak point. I opened my car door, and she got into the vehicle; When closing the door, I noticed that her wrist had a small purple mark, I wanted to question her right away. However, my mind reminded me that none of that concerned me, but I still didn't accept it. I turned the corner obeying the voice of the GPS and continued entering the street; As she turned the next corner, Lara's voice sounded saying that the house she lived in was next. I agreed, stopping in front, parking the car next to the sidewalk. I got out of the car and opened the door for her, and she got out, even though she didn't invite me in, I followed behind her, activating the car alarm. Lara stopped in front of the door, opened her bag and took the bunch of keys from inside, putting them in the lock, turning them. The door opened and she looked at me for the first time since we left the cemetery. Her eyes were downcast, she forced a smile before saying, "Want to come in?" - She entered without waiting for my answer. My eyes followed her walking around the slightly messy room, running her hand over the furniture, I couldn't say anything, I just watched her airily in her thoughts. She entered a hallway and opened the door and closed it immediately. I didn't sit down, I waited for her return, I thought she would take a shower. Then I heard a loud, uncontrolled laugh, right after a cry as loud as the laugh was. Desperate, I ran to the room knocking on the door, calling her name. She told me not to go in, she wanted to be alone. However, hearing her cry caused me a lot of pain. I opened the door slowly, I put half my body inside, watching Lara lying on the bed, the sheets were thrown on the floor and the pillows too. Her gaze roved in my direction. Suddenly her expression changed, giving way to a frown. I threatened to get closer to her, but she screamed. - Don't come any closer, go away, I hate your family, my life has turned into hell since I met you - she lamented, getting up from the bed, then pointed for me to leave. - Do you need something? I can help you, I know you're alone, and your parents live in another city - I said, waiting for her response, but she only gave a bitter laugh. And with that act I knew that that sweet young woman full of dreams no longer existed. - I feel relieved by his death, just knowing that I won't see him again, my heart shakes inside my chest, beating in resignation. Her brother was the devil himself, I'm sure he's with him now, burning in hell. I want you to go away! She - she ordered, walking past me, opening the bedroom door. I completely understand the way she is acting towards me, she is just letting it all out, I don't blame her, on the contrary, I agree with her in everything. I left her room. Before, I left my card with my cell phone number on the table. If she needs something, she can call me. I felt bad about everything I heard and punched the steering wheel hard. As much as she must have endured with Fernando, she has reason to freak out a little. I started the car, getting out, however, her words wouldn't leave my head. CHAPTER 2 Lara Barcelos I opened my eyes quickly when I heard knocks on the door, they became louder and I was startled, getting up slightly from the bed. I put my hobby over my shirt and still didn't have the courage to go check the door. The knocks were now strong kicks, my blood froze inside my veins. With shaking hands, I opened the bedroom door, walking slowly to find out who was in such a hurry to scare me so much. Memories flooded my mind, reminding me of how Fernando would knock on the door when he arrived home late and drunk. Small shivers ran through my body just remembering those painful moments I spent with him. I put my hand on the doorknob and asked before opening it. - Who is it? - I asked in a low, trembling voice. Was it Frederico? But he wouldn't do all this suspense just to scare me. When he dropped me off at home yesterday, he seemed so worried about me. Was he as mean as his brother? I don't doubt anything, they are twins, and they say that twins are so equal in their attitudes. As soon as I opened the door, I was dragged back with such force and violence that I screamed as I felt the grip on my neck tighten, my vision blurred as tears fell from my eyes, rolling down my cheeks. - Who are you? - My voice came out squeaky, as the grip had tightened around my neck, I felt the lack of air, and I finally started breathing again when I was thrown to the ground so aggressively, I felt so much pain in my wrist and I remembered why he is sore and purple. On the night of the accident, Fernando came home drunk and saw my bags packed, I would leave, I would live on the street if necessary, but I would never accept being his prisoner and going through the humiliations he subjected me to, he squeezed my wrist , pulling me into the room, then came back with the suitcases, throwing them on the bed, saying that

Chapter 2 I remembered

tongue over his dry lips. Then he ran his rough fingertips across my face, I closed my eyes, afraid of being beaten. - It would be a shame to touch that porcelain face, you know? But I'm sure you'll be a good girl and be able to pay us back - he said, squeezing my cheeks, and threw me onto the sofa. - Pay what? - I asked, since I didn't know what it was about. The other, who was chubby, came closer to me, he lifted his shirt, showing me the gun on his waist.

- The doll will tell me that she didn't know that her fiancé gambled, and that, most of the time, he lost and borrowed money from us to pay off his gambling debts - she said, making my eyes look bigger than they already were. - Fernando died, and I don't have to pay debts that aren't mine - I said, but I regretted it, because they started laughing. - The debt is in your name, you bitch. Do you think that just because your addict fiancé died we will forgive you? One week is the deadline for you to get the amount of fifty thousand reais, you better already have the amount, or you will end up in the same hole he is in now - he shouted, throwing several pieces of paper in my direction, and they left slamming the door with strength. I took the papers and noted my signature on each one of them, I owed these guys a fortune, for sure tomorrow, at a time like this, I will be dead, since I won't have the money to pay. Frederico immediately came to my mind, only he could help me, but would he do that for me after everything I said to him? I also kicked him out of the house. Without thinking twice, I picked up his card that was on the table. I got up, going back to the room to get my cell phone, I can sell this house if Frederico can't help me, for sure, it's worth ten times more than the value of the debt. I get a job, I might as well rent a place to live. I thought, opening the door. *** Half an hour later, the house doorbell rang, I adjusted my dress and went to open the door. The same moment I opened it, Frederico smiled and I noticed that his blue eyes shone brighter when he saw me, at the same moment, the color changed, it became a stronger tone. His expression changed and he didn't even wait for me to invite him in. His footsteps were hard and fast as he entered the room. He turned around, looking at my neck. - Who did this to you? - He asked in a soft voice, however, I noticed that he was trying hard to keep his tone calm. I held my wrist, embarrassed to have to tell him about the debts his brother left on my shoulders. - Would you like some water or juice? - I postponed that conversation, but he didn't accept anything. So we sat down and I started talking. - This morning I was woken up by knocking on the door. - I put my hands on my head, still feeling scared. I looked at Frederico and continued speaking. - Two bad-looking men came in here, one of them grabbed me by the neck, squeezed hard, throwing me to the ground. They wanted me to pay the debts that Fernando left, gambling debts, which he put in my name. - I picked up the paperwork on the side table and handed it to him, who immediately began analyzing it. - These are gambling debts, Fernando would often come home with papers for me to sign, he said they were the construction company's business, as we were married, he needed my signature, when I claimed I would read them calmly, he made me feel guilty for doubt him. And I signed so as not to see him irritated, since he was easily irritated. I know, I was a fool for not imposing myself. Now I'm paying for my mistakes. I understand if you don't want to help me with at least half the amount, since I was so rude to you yesterday, I apologize, I feel embarrassed for acting that way. I can sell the house and try to reach a deal with them. - Frederico got up angrily, pacing from one side to the other. - Do you believe these men will fulfill their agreement? If they said they want the full amount, it's because there's no agreement, Lara. We need to think of a solution, it's a lot for me to assimilate right now. I don't know if you know, but the company went bankrupt, Fernando ended everything, and now, with the gambling confession, I fear that he could be taking money from the company. We'll do it this way, I'll think about everything, and I'll come back tomorrow. - He finished speaking and looked at me. I got up and looked out the window, I saw the small drops of rain fall on the grass in the yard, thunder cleared the sky and I was startled. I was afraid of lightning and thunder and, also, every time it rained the energy went away. Without thinking, I invited him to stay. - Why don't you sleep here in the guest room? It's raining a lot, and I'm afraid the bandits will come back. - Frederico closed his eyes, as if he were thinking, and, finally, he replied. - It's okay, there's no need to be scared. They won't harm you, I'll be here to make sure of that. I smiled and excused myself to go see if the guest room was tidy. He said he would make some calls. As I walked down the hallway, my whole body relaxed and the tension disappeared.Frederico Barreto Standing in front of the window, I watched the sunset, I couldn't sleep during the night. My thoughts at all times were of Lara, how could Fernando do this to her? Leaving her at the mercy of these bums, making gambling debts in the name of the woman he swore to protect, love, respect. I also thought about the proposal I would make to her, I know she could refuse, but I'll take the risk. Irritated, I went in the direction where my shirt was, put it on, put on my shoes and left the room, I didn't take off my pants, I didn't feel comfortable doing that, for sure Lara would still be asleep. I remembered that I didn't even eat yesterday, and my belly growled in protest. I went into the kitchen, thinking about preparing breakfast for both of us, I opened the cupboard door, looking for a bowl to put the dough to make the pancake. I took two eggs, milk, and put them in the container, I started mixing the dough, I put water in the coffee maker and waited for the coffee to be ready, then I started preparing the pancakes

Chapter 3 crazy

shaken. - I looked at her, who had both hands on her chin thoughtfully, the purple mark on her wrist was still visible, for a moment I thought about approaching her to give her a little massage, but that would be very daring on my part. I put coffee in the cups, handed one to Lara, took a pancake, added honey and served it. She thanks. I sat down opposite her and we started drinking coffee, as I'm not one to think about things to talk about, I immediately explained what I had been thinking all night to her. I stared at her, working up the courage to expose all my feelings for her.

- How are you feeling? If her wrist is really painful, we can go to the orthopedist," she said after taking a sip of coffee. - It doesn't hurt. Don't worry. What hurts me are those debts that Fernando left in my name. I never thought he was capable of such an act. - I noticed the hurt in his voice. I thought about everything and decided to propose what I had been pondering all night. - I could pay the debts that my brother left and that are now falling on you, Lara. But that would mean your departure, and I can't lose you again. So in this case, I allow myself to be selfish. At least once in my life, I'm allowing myself to fight for the woman I love, who I've always loved. I thought of a solution for both of us. Will you marry me, Lara? If you don't fall in love with me for a year, you will be free to live your life. - As soon as I finished, I looked at her, who started coughing, choking on the coffee, I stood up quickly, patting her back twice. She stopped coughing, passing the napkin over her mouth. I handed him the glass of water I got from the fridge. She drank half the liquid. - Marry you? I don't understand, Frederico - she said, amazed. I approached her again, trying to explain better what I just said. I know I was quick and didn't express myself well. - I've always been in love with you, Lara. Ever since I saw you leaving that shoe store where you worked; At first, I went to the mall just to try to talk to you, but I never had the courage; The days went by, I told my mother about my feelings for you, I'm sure Fernando heard it and went on your date first and won you over. That's why I decided to leave Brazil, I couldn't bear to see you together, I didn't want to get involved because you became his girlfriend, and then his fiancée. - My words came out quickly. And I noticed that I was breathing quickly. Lara got up, pacing back and forth nervously, claiming that she never noticed my interest in her. Of course, she only had eyes for my brother. I got closer trying to touch her shoulder, but she backed away, avoiding my touch, my heart sank due to her rejection. I decided to stay quiet, waiting for her to say something to me. - You are very selfish, Frederico. I thought you were different from Fernando, but I noticed it was only in appearance, since, in character, you are so similar. - He threw the words in my face, leaving me hurt. -Nothing hurt me more than your assumption about me, comparing me to Fernando. Know that I would never raise my hand to a woman, except to caress her, and when you get to know me better, you will see that you made a big mistake about me. I'll leave before we hurt each other any more. I'll let you think it all over, and when I have an answer, you know my cell phone number. - Lara didn't turn to look at me, so I opened the door and stomped out, heading to my car. Upon arriving at the hotel where I was staying, I decided to take a shower to cool down. I thought about going to my mother's house the next day and trying to understand all of Lara's pain. I know Fernando had a dubious character, but if he mistreated her, why didn't she leave him? I left the bathroom, going to bed afterwards, I wasn't feeling well, and seeing Lara after months, hurt, injured, just left my heart broken even more. CHAPTER 4 Lara Barcelos After Frederico left my house yesterday quite upset, and rightly so, I was assimilating everything we talked about. I never imagined that he had any feelings for me, I confess that something inside me changed, and I imagined myself, for a brief second, marrying him. I imagined what our life would be like. Would it be the same hell that lived with Fernando? I shook my thoughts away and left the house, my cell phone vibrated, warning me that the app car was in front of the house. I locked the door and went towards the car, I looked at the driver and he was the same one in the photo, I greeted him and got in. I was going to have lunch with Cristina, the only friend I had left after I moved in with Fernando, we worked together at the shoe store in the shopping center in the north zone. I called her, inviting her to lunch, because I wanted to vent. I thanked the driver and walked out to get on the escalator, fixed my bag, entered the store and, as soon as she saw me, she walked towards me, smiling happily. After we hugged, I waited for a few minutes for her to leave for her lunch break. While she waited, I kept thinking that I could go back to work here, maybe the store doesn't need a salesperson, since it's the end of the year and they're always hiring. After Cristina was released, we went to the food court. We sat down and I started to tell her everything, from the beginning of my relationship, the fights with Fernando, the accident and, finally, my brother-in-law's proposal to pay my debts. In that last part, she put her hand over her mouth, but didn't stop smiling. - My God, friend! I never imagined you would go through all this at the hands of that scoundrel. Why didn't you ever tell me anything? The last time I saw you, I noticed you were looking pretty haggard. I called you and your cell phone was just turned off, I thought you had gone on a trip, so I didn't worry, and then the news came out about Fernando's death, I couldn't even be with you, my mother fell and broke her femur, we had to pay for the surgery, it was a crazy rush, she is still recovering. - She finished speaking and looked at my wrist. I still covered it up, but she touched the purple area very slowly. -Was it him, Frederico? - She asked quietly. - No, of course not - I quickly denied. Frederico would never do that to me. - Frederico is the opposite of his brother, despite having proposed marriage to me, he is good, I feel. - Cristina looked at me smiling. - He's very handsome, I always noticed his second thoughts at you, but you only had eyes for the wrong twin. Will you accept his proposal? - I thought about your question and we ordered our lunch. - I don't know, I can sell the house, maybe go back to the store? - She looked at me sad. - The store will close after Christmas and New Year sales. Dona Salete will sell the space; After her husband passed away, she decided to live near her children in

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