CHARLOTTE
“Hello, Signora,” a familiar voice said as the speaker opened the door and walked in. I let out a relieved sigh, then chuckled as Maria’s face and warm aura filled the room. My mouth fell open in shock, and I broke into confused laughter for a few seconds before rubbing my eyes to make sure my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me.
For a split second, I thought Sonia had reached out to Thiago about the situation, or, even worse, Rogerio. But seeing Maria filled me with renewed energy. She walked towards the bed with quick strides and enveloped me in a hug. “You should have called me,” she said, tightening her arms around me a little longer before pulling away.
“You were so far away, I didn’t want to bother you with all this. I kept telling myself I’d call you soon, and I never got
