a

nd happiness mingled within me as I absorbed the ne

en!" my friend said softly, th

I could say. "I'm go

utiful, but at that mom

e that carries immense responsibility, the gift of giving life and caring f

sex that night, but when my cycle was weeks late, I did not doubt taking a pregnancy test. Every

ties surrounded me, but at the same time, a flame of determination arose within me, and I looked at Camila, finding support a

o his office to convey some instructions, all I could do was smile. Nervously and h

re with on our last night in Fernando d

confirmed with feigned calmness. "Max and I didn't stay t

ea who he is or whe

with ir

I don't know much about him besides some scattered information. We didn't have much time for small talk, I thought with disgust. Othon left me

m. It was just one night, and I don't k

yes. It was understandable that she was apprehensive about the situ

has the opportunity to take on his responsibilities as a father. Even if your connecti

idea what happened the next morning. My friend didn't know

easy or that he'll be willing to take on his responsi

pport and understanding. I hugged her back

ing facing the pitying looks of the people around me was my intention. It was enough how everyone sympathized when I caught my fiancé w

emphasized how challenging it would be to raise a baby alone and balance that with the exhausting work at t

together, Karen.

***

impact of the news wasn't the best. They didn't receive the revelation with much excitement, understandably. I would be a si

though deep down I expected it, their reaction still hurt. However, I knew Cami

the long-awaited moment arrived. Otávio was born healthy, bringi

ts and invest in a beautiful house in a peaceful neighborhood, with a spacious backyard to provide the little one with a c

completely changed their attitude after the birth of their grandson, and any reservations they may have had disappeared completely.

hough his phone number was still etched in my memory as a reminder