Melissa’s face lit up the moment she saw Josias at the window. Fabrício watched the transformation with a sinking heart: the way her smile became animated, the spark in her eyes, the way her breathing quickened with excitement. She had never once looked at him like that. The disappointment was crushing.
Fabrício began to realize he was wasting his time. Pamela had practically guaranteed that they were a perfect match; she had insisted Melissa liked him. Now, the truth was undeniable: Melissa might have found Fabrício “interesting,” but she loved Josias.
Yet, instead of retreating and admitting defeat, Fabrício felt a surge of spiteful resolve. This was no longer just about winning Melissa; it was about crushing Josias. He loathed the man on sight, and he was certain the feeling was mutua
