Xavier had to leave early. An hour after he left, Ella got up and went to the kitchen. The day was hot and sunny, and she wanted to make homemade stuffed bread for him. She was sure Xavier would like it. As she was preparing to start mixing the ingredients, she heard the front door opening. She went to the living room and, looking at the door, her blood ran cold. She knew she needed to run, but her legs refused to obey. There, in front of her, were, all her fears materialized: Santiago Xavier, her father-in-law, and Otávio, her brother. To her despair, not even Estefano was home to protect her.
"Aren't you going to invite us to sit, Ella?" said Otávio, with a cynical smile. "I miss you, my dear sister."
"Xavier is coming." she tried to keep her voice steady.
"Don't worry," he mocked. "
