LOVE IN EVERY WORD

CHAPTER 4

Well into the evening—or more like the depths of night—Andressa was already tucked into her assigned room at the resort, the faint crash of waves from the nearby beach filtering through the open window. The air carried a salty tang mixed with the sweet bloom of night jasmine from the gardens below. Her laptop balanced on her lap, its screen casting a cool blue glow across the rumpled bedsheets. She hadn’t even slipped out of her elegant dress from the ceremony, the silk still clinging to her skin, slightly damp from the day’s humidity, before work had demanded her attention.

She was neck-deep in concentration, eyes scanning the dense documents on the screen, fingers flying over the keys with rhythmic clicks. That’s how her mother found her, the door creaking open softly.

“You’re working?” Marie’s voice held a stern edge, though softened by maternal concern. She stood in the doorway, arms crossed, the light from the hall outlining her silhouette. “I thought we agreed all work would be on hold until you’re back in São Paulo? Why is your laptop open when you should be mingling with family, Essa?”

Andressa felt a pang of guilt twist in her chest, like a knot tightening. I hate disappointing her, but this can’t wait. “I thought so too—I did. It’s just that this is really, really important, Mommy. But I’m almost done, I promise. Just give me a few minutes, then I’m all yours.”

Marie stared at her daughter with fond exasperation, her eyes crinkling with affection. “Alright, if you say so. Anyway, there’s someone I’d like you to meet—he’s downstairs. Admittedly, he might not be your type, but I think you’re just his.” She finished with a wink, her voice laced with playful matchmaking.

Here she goes again, playing a matchmaker. Andressa suppressed a sigh, the familiar exasperation bubbling up. Why can’t she let this go?

“Mommy dearest, my sweet, sweet mother—I love you, and I’m saying this with love and respect. Please stop. I already told you I’m seeing someone.” The lie slipped out easily, smooth as silk, because she was as single as they came right now. But her mom didn’t need to know that—not yet.

“And who’s that? Still that boyfriend of yours who has no plans for his life? Who’s still ‘figuring himself out’?” Marie’s tone sharpened, her hands gesturing emphatically. “Come on, Essa, open your eyes. That guy won’t do anything for you. I’m your mother—I would know.”

Damn, she hit the nail right on the head. The truth stung, a fresh ache in her chest where Davis’s betrayal still lingered like a bruise.

“Mommy, thank you for looking out for me. I appreciate you and your concerns for my well-being. But it still doesn’t change the fact that I’m in a relationship. I’m not single.”

“Listen to me, young lady—that boy is no good for you.” Marie stepped closer, her perfume—a light floral scent Andressa associated with home—wafting over. “I’m not trying to force you, but you need to break up with him and find a real man who’s got his head straight. You need stability, intention, a clear path in life—not some confused boy who can’t foot his own bills or provide you with any ounce of stability, much less a marriage.”

Oh God, please stop rubbing salt into my wounds. The words cut deep, echoing her own doubts, making her throat tighten.

Without waiting for a reply, Marie continued her tirade. “Look at Camilla’s ceremony earlier today—how grand it was. Don’t you want something like that, or even better, for yourself, my Essa? I only want what’s best for you.”

“I know, and I’ve heard all you’ve said. Now, can I please go back to work? The more I don’t do anything, the longer I’ll be here, keeping your guests waiting.”

Marie sighed, her shoulders dropping, but she relented. “Okay, fine—I won’t say anything else. All I’m asking is that you come out to meet the man. And if you don’t like him, I have three others I can introduce you to. Don’t lock yourself in here, get it?!”

“Three more guys?! You can’t be serious, Mommy.” Andressa let out a surprised laugh, shaking her head in fondness at her mother’s relentless antics. She’s incorrigible.

“Nope,” her mother replied, popping the ‘p’ with a grin.

“I’ve heard you, Mom. Just give me a few minutes—ten minutes, tops.”

“Ten minutes, and don’t make me come looking for you, young lady. No hiding away. I’ll see you downstairs.” With that, her mom left the room, the door clicking shut softly behind her.

Andressa was left to finish her work, the cursor blinking insistently on the screen.

Unsurprisingly, she did hide away—from her mom, from everyone. She’d slipped out to an empty bench near the beach, the resort’s lights twinkling in the distance like scattered stars. The sand was cool under her feet, the waves lapping rhythmically at the shore, their salty mist kissing her skin. A drink in hand—something strong and fruity, its chill seeping through the glass—she sat and pondered her life: the grind of work, the sting of Davis’s betrayal, her boss’s impossible demands, and everything tangled in between. Why does it all feel so heavy?

The bottle in her hand was long empty, its label peeling slightly from the condensation, when a hand thrust another drink toward her. She startled, her heart jumping—the sand had muffled the approaching footsteps, and she’d been too lost in thought to notice.

The newcomer’s voice was soft yet authoritative, carrying over the gentle roar of the ocean. “Here, you can have this.” Andressa, abandoning all caution in her haze, accepted the offered drink, murmuring a soft “Thank you” as the cool glass met her palm.

“Sorry if I startled you,” the man continued. “I thought you heard me approach but chose to ignore me. Is it okay if I sit with you, though? I don’t want to intrude.”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I don’t mind you sitting here—I don’t own the bench,” Andressa said, her tone soft, a smile creeping into her voice despite the evening’s weight.

“Thank you.” He settled beside her, the bench creaking faintly. There was a pause, the waves filling the silence, before he turned slightly toward her. “You seem like you’re hiding from someone.”

“Well, I am indeed hiding—but not from just one person in particular.” She took a sip, the liquid sharp and refreshing on her tongue. “See, I left São Paulo to attend my cousin’s wedding today. But aside from that, I came here to get away from my boss, whom I’m convinced is either having a midlife crisis or is struggling. And I’m trying to recover from a two-year relationship that just ended.”

“So you’re single, then? That’s a relief. Good news, even.” The man replied with a soft laugh, the sound warm and low.

With an arch of her brow, Andressa felt bewilderment wash over her. What an odd reaction. “Excuse me? I’m clearly sad. Why is that good news?”

“I apologize—it wasn’t my intention to sound unsympathetic. I understand that breakups can be disappointing and painful, especially if you’ve invested so much. Plus, it was a two-year relationship, no less, so it’s bound to hurt.”

“It’s fine. Thank you.”

“But honestly, I’m also happy to hear that I’m not making advances on another man’s woman. That’s the last thing I want to do. So let me make something clear right now: I’m going to marry you one day.” The stranger spoke with such confidence and certainty, his voice steady as the tide, that she almost believed him. Almost. Is he serious? This has to be a joke.

“Marry me? You? You don’t even know me.” Disbelief colored her tone, clear as the starlit sky above. He must be out of his mind.

His words sparked a deep laugh in her, shoulders shaking, hand clapping over her mouth to stifle the snorts threatening to escape. Surprisingly, he joined in, his amused chuckles blending with the ocean’s murmur.

“I know it sounds funny now, but it will happen. And as for not knowing you—I know the basics. You are Miss Andressa Sofia Lopez, a dedicated marketing executive, CEO of Arenas Scented Candles, ambitious, and very, very beautiful.” He said it softly, a charming smile on his lips, his light brown eyes twinkling under the moonlight.

“And how did you know all that, sir?” She asked playfully, though genuine surprise fluttered in her chest. We’ve never met—have we?

With a short but delightful laugh, he responded, “Well, if you must know, I got these details from your mom. I’m the one she was trying to get you to meet earlier.”

Shocked, Andressa sat up straight, then shrunk back with a sheepish smile, muttering a soft “Sorry” his way.

“It’s fine. I’m glad I got to meet you without her. I think that meeting would have been tense and awkward for you.”

“Yeah. Back to you, though—I don’t know anything about you, but you seem to know so much.”

“Sorry about that. I thought you’d have asked about me from your mom. Well, my name’s Miguel Nicolás Valdés, CEO of Valdés Groups, CEO of Miguel Constructions, and owner of a couple of real estates here in Bahia and other places in Brazil.”

“Wow, that’s amazing. I’ve heard a lot about Valdés Groups—you guys own a lot of chain stores and businesses around the country. Good for you.”

“Thank you. I was wondering if we could maybe continue this conversation in my room. That’s if you wouldn’t mind. Mind you, this isn’t me trying to hint at something else—I have no such intentions. I just want to get to know you more.”

Andressa thought about it, the waves’ steady rhythm calming her nerves. What’s the harm? He seems genuine, and if I say no, he won’t push. The way he asked gave her confidence.

“Sure, why not. Lead the way, Miguel.”

And so they walked, the sand shifting under their feet, arriving in his room a few minutes later. The space was simple yet elegant, with the faint hum of the air conditioner and the distant ocean sounds seeping in. They talked and talked for hours, conversation flowing seamlessly and naturally as they delved into each other’s worlds. The night ended with both of them falling asleep on the bed, exhausted from laughter and smiles that had lit up the room throughout their time together.