Chapter 105: A Fresh Start
Júlia
Today was my first day as an employee at Alcântara Construction, and honestly, it exceeded all my expectations.
I woke up before sunrise, anxious and a little nervous — that typical feeling of someone about to start something new. I chose a discreet yet elegant outfit: black dress pants, a white blouse made of light fabric, and closed shoes. I tied my hair in a low bun, as a symbolic attempt to show seriousness. I wanted to make a good impression, especially knowing who was behind my hiring.
On my way to the building, I couldn’t stop the thoughts that had been haunting me ever since I accepted the job: had Ricardo really chosen me for my potential, or was there something more… personal behind his insistence? Even though he had assured me that the professional side wouldn’t be affected, I still had my doubts.
When I arrived at the imposing building that housed Alcântara’s headquarters, a chill ran through my stomach. The lobby was spacious and modern, with light marble floors and glass panels that reflected the daylight. Well-dressed people hurried by, talking on their phones, and I felt like a stranger in that world of ties and high heels.
The receptionist greeted me kindly, confirmed my name, handed me a temporary badge, and asked me to wait. I sat on the elegant sofa in the lobby, looking around and imagining that Ricardo might appear at any moment — maybe with that confident smile and that teasing look he had whenever he wanted to throw me off balance.
But that’s not what happened.
To my surprise, the person who came to meet me was a blonde, middle-aged woman with impeccable posture and a professional smile.
“Júlia Medeiros?” she asked, extending her hand. “I’m Esmeralda, Human Resources Manager. Welcome to Alcântara.”
Her tone was polite but impersonal. And in that instant, I realized: I would be treated like any other employee, not as someone “protected” by the Director of Engineering.
Esmeralda led me to an interview room and explained the process. I underwent admission exams, filled out forms, signed contracts, and received my official badge with my photo. Everything was perfectly organized and formal.
“After lunch, we’ll go through the orientation session, and then you’ll head to the Engineering Department,” she explained as she showed me around the company. “Mr. Ricardo Alcântara’s secretary will brief you on your initial duties.”
At the sound of his name, my heart jumped involuntarily. Even in his absence, Ricardo still managed to unsettle me.
“Is he in the office today?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“No, he left early to handle some external matters,” she replied. “Mr. Ricardo is usually very involved, but he’s also the kind of director who likes to get his hands dirty.”
I nodded, trying to hide the mix of relief and disappointment that washed over me. I wanted to prove I was capable, that I deserved to be there. But part of me also wanted to see him, hear his husky voice, feel that gaze that seemed to strip me bare even from afar.
When Esmeralda left me at the Engineering Department, I was greeted by an elegant woman with dark hair tied up in a bun and a sharp, knowing look.
“You must be the new assistant to the director,” she said, standing up. “I’m Fabíola, Ricardo’s secretary. He mentioned your arrival briefly but asked me to take care of everything until he’s back.”
From that moment, my day gained momentum. Fabíola introduced me to the engineering team, showed me my desk — which happened to be in a room next to Ricardo’s office, connected by a private door — and explained the department’s routines. With each new instruction, my excitement grew.
For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I wanted to be: starting over, on my own merit.
And even though Ricardo had been the starting point, I was determined to prove that my place there came from my abilities — not from a personal offer made between a cup of coffee and a kiss that still haunted me.
The fact that Henrique worked in another department didn’t stop him from showing up in Engineering at least three times that afternoon.
It didn’t take me long to realize that the news about my hiring had reached him somehow. And, true to his nature, Henrique didn’t even bother to come up with an excuse for being there.
“I’m really happy to know you decided to join our team, Júlia,” he said with that confident smile, appearing in the room just as I was listening to Fabíola’s instructions.
I had barely settled at my new desk, and there was Henrique — all charm and audacity.
“Thank you for the trust,” I replied, keeping my tone professional.
“You’re already making this place look better,” he said boldly. “Before, the only pleasant person in this department was Fabíola. Now we have you, too.”
“He only says that because I’ve always been the only woman here,” Fabíola replied, laughing.
“Oh, come on, Fabíola, I can’t exactly call these guys handsome,” he shot back dramatically. “That would compromise my masculinity.”
“How very sensitive of you,” she retorted, crossing her arms. “Now, if you don’t mind, we’re busy.”
“I promise to stay quiet,” he said, pulling up a chair and sitting next to my desk. “You won’t even notice I’m here.”
“Oh, we’ll notice,” Fabíola replied, grabbing him by the arm and unceremoniously kicking him out — completely unfazed by the fact that he was one of the company’s owners.
Henrique still waved enthusiastically before disappearing down the hallway.
“That boy is shameless,” Fabíola said, shaking her head. “Always has been.”
“How long have you worked here, Fabíola?” I asked, curious.
“Thirty years,” she replied proudly. “I saw that kid being born. And, just for the record, I’ll be turning fifty next month.”
I smiled. Her authority in kicking him out suddenly made perfect sense.
But, as it turned out, the “boy” wasn’t one to give up easily. Henrique came back twice more, each time with a different lame excuse: an “urgent meeting,” a “forgotten document,” a “matter to discuss with Ricardo.” Fabíola finally lost her patience and threw him out again — while I watched, both embarrassed and amused.