I've lived in Minas Gerais for as long as I can remember. Everything I know about farm life, I learned from my dad.

Manoel Venancio

My dad always worked the land. He married my mom when he was barely twenty. She got pregnant with me and died in childbirth the moment I was born.

He raised me on his own until I turned ten. That's when he met my stepmother, Isabel. She had a daughter named Rosalina, who's twenty now.

Stepmother Isabel

Rosalina

At first, Isabel treated me like I was loved. She took care of me. But Rosalina was already fourteen when she moved in with us at the ranch, and she hated me for no reason. My bedroom became hers.

As things between us got worse by the day, my dad started taking me out to the fields with him to avoid fights, because my stepmother kept telling him I didn't like either of them.

While my dad worked until dark, those two sat on their asses on the couch all day. Late at night, we'd come home covered in dirt, and my conniving stepmother would kiss my dad at the door.

"Honey, I cleaned the whole house. Look at your daughter — she's filthy," Isabel said.

"She won't track anything in, sweetheart," my dad replied.

I took my boots off outside and headed for the bedroom I shared with Rosalina. The second I walked in, my wardrobe was gone. My bed too.

"You're moving to the stable," Rosalina said. "You'll feel right at home. You already smell like a horse."

I didn't say a word. I just grabbed what was left of my things and walked past them in the living room. Inside that house, my dad surrendered to their charms, and I became nothing but the country hick from the sticks.

My name is Betina. I'm turning eighteen soon. Right now I live in the horse stall. The only time I go to my dad's house is to eat.

Nothing has changed since then. My dad gives Rosalina and Isabel the good life while I work alongside him, plowing the soil and planting. Sometimes I help drive the cattle to the other side of the ranch.

For years, we've worked at the Schimidt Ranch, for a man named Sulivan Schimidt and his wife.

Sulivan Schimidt and Vanessa Schimidt

Mr. Sulivan visits the ranch once a year, stays about three months, then leaves. His whole life is in Sao Paulo. The last time they came, they brought clothes for me and Rosalina. Mr. Sulivan gave me a tablet so I could study and learn to read better, since I'd dropped out of school to work the fields.

That tablet was taken from me because of Rosalina. She claimed I was making fun of her, so my dad handed it to Rosalina. Like I said — he shielded them while his own daughter slept in a barn.

The Schimidts rushed back to Sao Paulo after getting a phone call. Something serious had happened. Whenever they were here, I took care of the entire ranch house, catering to Mrs. Vanessa's every whim. That woman was insufferably vain.

Everything she asked, I did. I'd clean the house three times over, and she'd still say it was dirty. Thank God when they finally left. I cleaned up and headed for the stable. It was late, so I avoided passing by my old house.

"Hey, big guy," I said.

I ran my hand over my one true companion.

"You missed me, didn't you? One day I'm gonna fly real high, study hard, and be a smart girl."

The horse pulled me in with his head, hugging me the only way he knew how. I let my tears fall. My dad had never once come to check on me since I started sleeping here. Not even when I got really sick.

I bathed with a bucket in the small outdoor bathroom, changed, and went to sleep. Morning was the same as always — the farmhands came to wake me and feed the horse.

"You should stand up for yourself, girl," the foreman said.

"I don't want trouble, Mr. Carlos."

"You've been in this stall for years, girl. When the hard freeze comes, you'll die in here."

"I've made it through a bunch of them already, and I'm still here. I've got my big guy to keep me warm."

"Here — my wife wanted you to have these clothes. They're not new, but they'll do. And this phone. Hide it."

"Thank you. I'll hide it."

"I could find a school for you."

"I can't. I have to help my dad."

"You think about your dad too much, and he doesn't even see it. You don't keep a single cent while those two spend everything."

"I don't mind, Mr. Carlos. I'm used to it."

Mr. Carlos hugged me and headed out to the pastures to wrangle cattle. I grabbed the hay and started filling the stalls.

I didn't see my dad all day. He'd gone to the harvest. At lunchtime I went to the house to eat — nothing was made. The pampered princesses were still asleep. I cooked the whole meal, set the table, ate, covered the dishes with a cloth, and went back to work.

That night I took a bath and turned on the phone Mr. Carlos and his wife had given me. It already had a number and everything. I started poking around and struggled just to figure out the basics.

I found some videos that taught reading and writing. I started copying everything down, slow and careful, and read just as slowly. I fell asleep with the phone on my face.

"Betina!"

I shot up when Carlos shook me.

"What time did you go to sleep? Were you up late studying, Betina?"

"Yeah — look at this, Mr. Carlos!"

I started reading out loud, slow and steady, and Mr. Carlos clapped his hands.

"You're learning! Good job, Betina."

"I learned how to write my first and last name, Mr. Carlos."

"That's great, sweetheart. Keep at it. That's why I gave you that phone. We'll keep paying the bill so you'll always have internet."

Mr. Carlos ruffled my hair and handed me a bag with a bottle of water and bread inside. I sat down and ate.

"You're way too thin. Did you have dinner?"

"I haven't been having dinner, Mr. Carlos."

"This work is hard, Betina. You need to eat."

"I was thinking of building a little stove out here so I can cook some corn and vegetables."

"I'm going to talk to your father, Betina. This can't go on."

"No — please don't stress Dad out. He's already got so much work."

"You need to think about yourself more, girl."

I shrugged, stood up, thanked him for the breakfast, and we went back to the brutal routine of the ranch. I finished working late. The only thing in my stomach was the coffee and some guavas I'd eaten along the way, riding on my faithful big guy. I went to help Carlos rescue a mare that had escaped to the neighboring property.

We found the mare late at night. She couldn't move — she was going into labor.

"We're gonna have to deliver this foal ourselves, Betina," Carlos said.

"But it's already pouring, Mr. Carlos."

We dismounted and started helping the mare. The rain hammered down, blurring our vision. She was struggling hard to push the foal out.

"It's stuck. You'll have to reach in, Betina — your arms are thinner."

So I did. I reached inside the mare, turned the foal around, and pulled it out by its legs. A beautiful little colt — one more I'd helped bring into the world. I was drenched in blood.

"Nice work, girl. You should study to be a vet. You're a natural with animals."

We got to our feet. I carried the foal in my arms and walked beside my big guy while Carlos led the mare. We were far from home, soaked to the bone. Once we arrived, we settled the mare and her foal in a stall and fed them both.

Mr. Carlos ruffled my hair and went home to rest. I took a bath and went back to check on the two of them.

"You two are beautiful. Good night."

I turned off all the stable lights and watched a class on my phone. Fell asleep again. Woke up to a video ad blaring. Brushed my teeth. It was still pitch dark outside.

I lit the little stove I'd built and boiled some water, made my first cup of coffee, and cooked two eggs. I sat down and ate, sipping the coffee. Mr. Carlos arrived and sat with me. He'd brought bread again and some groceries too.

"You don't have to, Mr. Carlos."

"Yes I do. You're getting thinner every day."

I thanked him. Once the sun came up, we went to check on the mare.

"Think he'll look like his mother?" I asked.

"Probably. Come on, let's go round up the cattle."

I was saddling my horse when my dad walked in with Rosalina and Isabel.

"Betina," my dad said.

"Hi. Good morning."

"How are you?"

"Skin and bones," Carlos cut in. "She's been sleeping in this stable for years. That's how she is. You should be ashamed of yourself, Manoel. What happened to you?"

"I'm fine, Mr. Carlos. Please," I said.

Carlos raised his hand in frustration and left. Isabel shot him a dirty look.

"Do you need anything?" my dad asked.

Before I could answer, Isabel interrupted.

"I heard a horse was born," she said.

"Yes. It's in the stall. Excuse me."

I caught the sadness in my dad's eyes, but he didn't have the guts to stand up to Isabel. He was probably afraid of being alone for the rest of his life.

I left them there and followed Carlos. We rode deep into the ranch until we stopped at a creek.

"I'm sorry," Carlos said.

Carlos — ranch foreman

"I'm not complaining, Mr. Carlos."

"You're his daughter. Manoel treats you like garbage. Why don't you come live with us?"

"I already told you I can't. Thank you for the offer, Mr. Carlos, but my place is here."

Mr. Carlos hugged me. I thought of him as a father.

"My wife and I never had kids. We care about you a lot, girl."

"I know. I love you both. You're the family that gives me the most love."

We sat watching the beautiful view from the creek, then rode off after the cattle.

Feeling the wind on my face and the smell of the open fields — that was everything I loved most. I felt like a free spirit. My big guy carried me to all the right places. He followed my every command.

I never had to hit the horse. He followed me everywhere. When I dismounted to check on the cattle, he stayed right beside me. Living here was wonderful, despite everything.

We drove all the cattle into the corral. It was vaccination day, and I loved watching the three veterinarians work — vaccinating and examining the animals. Something about it pulled me in.

"You like this, don't you?" one of the vets said.

"Yeah. Mr. Carlos thinks I should study this."

"And you'd be great at it. You've got the instinct. Here — take my card."

I took it and watched her work. How could I study to be a vet when I hadn't even finished fourth grade and could barely read or write? I'd probably be old by the time I caught up.

That night I went back to the stable and checked on the mare. I spent some time with them. As I stood up, I spotted my dad setting a plate of food and juice on the little table next to my bed.

"Dad! You scared me."

"Didn't mean to. Sorry."

"Are you okay, sir?"

"I should be asking you that."

I stepped closer.

"I love you, Dad."

My eyes filled with tears.

"I need to go inside. Isabel doesn't know I'm out here. The owners are coming this weekend."

"Okay."

He left. I wiped my tears. I didn't touch the food. I took a bath, then carried the plate back to the house exactly as he'd left it. I set it on the table and slipped out quietly. I headed to the ranch house.

It was huge, so it needed a full cleaning. I grabbed the supplies and went upstairs. Cleaned everything. By the time I was done, it was dawn. I left it all and went back to the stable, had my coffee. Carlos gave me a look.

"Where were you? You didn't sleep."

"I was cleaning the owners' house. They're coming this weekend."

"My God, Betina, look at the state of you. Go sleep."

"No. I'll help. We need to move the cattle to the other side, Mr. Carlos."

"You're staying, Betina. Rest."

I didn't argue. I was exhausted. He left, and I lay down for a bit but couldn't sleep. I got up and went back to the house to finish.

The whole downstairs was spotless. I sprayed that rich-people scent through the house and locked up. Still had the outside to do. I washed the entire veranda.

"Good morning, girl," the gardener said.

"Good morning, Mr. Jose. If you trim some roses, could you set a few aside for me?"

"Of course. The owners really need to hire someone to clean this place. It's way too big."

"It is. But I think they're going through something."

"Word is their son was in an accident."

"They have a son? He's never been here."

"Rich people, sweetheart. They like the big city."

"True."

Mr. Jose kept working, and I went to the kitchen. I thawed the meat in the microwave and seasoned it all, divided it into containers to make cooking easier. Since I'd be the one making lunch and dinner when they were here, I had to be fast. When they visited, I did nothing but serve the house.

My usual farm-girl outfit got swapped for a maid's uniform. I finished, and when I checked the clock, it was already night. I locked everything up.

"Here, sweetheart. Good night." Jose handed me a gorgeous bouquet of roses.

I said good night and went to the stable. I put the flowers in a bucket by my bed and headed for my bath. Threw myself onto the bed. Didn't eat dinner. Couldn't remember if I'd eaten lunch. I was out cold. Didn't wake until five in the morning, when Carlos was leading the mare and foal out of the stall.

"Good morning."

"Morning. I'm taking them to the vet for vaccinations. Want to come?"

"Wait for me."

I threw on some clothes and went. The vet taught me how to give injections. She handed me a kit.

"Your first kit. I'm going to teach you everything, and I want you to study hard."

"Thank you. I will."

The vet asked for my phone and enrolled me in an online school — I didn't even know those existed. For the rest of the day, I paid close attention to everything she taught me.

I live in the great capital of Sao Paulo. At eighteen, I took over my father's companies — well, my mother's, really. She left us a massive empire: Schimidt Industrial.

It's a major producer of imported paint, and it grew incredibly profitable, expanding across Brazil and overseas.

My father officially signed it over to me when I turned twenty. Then he married Vanessa — an opportunist who's with my dad thinking she'll inherit what's rightfully mine.

My name is Carlos Eduardo Schimidt. I'm twenty-eight. I've been engaged for a while now, but that's where it ends — our relationship doesn't go anywhere. My fiancee Sarah is a spoiled princess. She doesn't care how many years we carry engagement rings on our fingers. All that matters is that I bankroll her pampered life.

Sarah moved into my house six months into our relationship. The second she saw the size of our mansion, she gave up her suburban apartment in Sao Paulo to live in luxury.

In the beginning it was good. Sex every day. But living with her got heavy fast. She was a disaster — clothes all over the bedroom floor, and that drove me insane. I can't stand mess.

She became my fiancee for status. I'd go out and hook up with other women because she wasn't what I wanted anymore. Every time I tried to break up with her, Sarah threw it in my face that she had nowhere to go.

That she'd given up everything for me. That I owed her my life. What life? She didn't have one. The car, the house, the money — I paid for all of it. While she maxed out my credit cards, I worked like a dog in the blazing sun.

"Mr. Schimidt," my secretary said from the doorway.

"Make it quick."

I hated when Eugenia barged into my office without knocking, all flirtatious. I'd cut off the arrangement with her after she tried to claim she was carrying my child. The only reason I didn't fire her was out of respect for her parents.

"Your fiancee is in the lobby."

Just what I needed.

"Send her in. And schedule a factory visit for tomorrow."

"Yes, sir. Excuse me."

Before she could leave, I called her back.

"Next time you walk in without knocking, I won't consider your parents. You'll be out on the street."

"It won't happen again."

She left, and Sarah walked in wearing a short dress that showed off her legs and hugged every curve. She sat on my desk, pulled me toward her, and spread her legs.

"Why did you block my credit cards?" she asked.

"They're not yours. They're my backup cards, and I had them canceled. Enough spending what takes me hours to earn."

"You can't do this, Cadu. I don't have a job."

"Then find one. I'm not supporting you anymore, Sarah. And we need to end this."

"This again, Cadu? I'm not leaving you. We've been married for three years."

"We're engaged, Sarah. Not married. Now close your legs and get out of my building."

Sarah slid off the desk, pulling her dress down, shooting daggers at me with her eyes. Then came the epic scene — crying, repeating the same lines I already knew by heart. I was sick of it.

I grabbed her by the arms and put her inside the elevator. Pressed the button. The doors closed with her losing her mind inside. I went back to my office. Eugenia stared at me, incredulous. I couldn't have cared less about her opinion.

I threw myself into work. My dad called about the ranch — maintenance issues that needed handling. Since my mom died, I'd never set foot there. That place was her life. My dad had given it to her as a gift. She'd spent my entire pregnancy there. I think I only went when I was about five.

Plenty of people take care of the ranch. My dad and stepmother go regularly, staying for about three months at a time. Whenever they come back, Vanessa insists on playing my best friend.

"My boy, you have to visit. Your mother's ranch is beautiful," Vanessa said.

"Vanessa, do me a big favor. Don't say my mother's name, and don't force our friendship."

"Carlos Eduardo, you don't have to talk to her like that," my dad said.

"If she stays out of my life and stops pretending to be the world's best stepmother, I won't be an asshole to her."

I went upstairs, exhausted from work. Years back, Vanessa had tried to seduce me. My dad was traveling, and she came to my room crying. I hugged her. She kissed me, said she had feelings for me. That day forward, she repulsed me. I threw her out of my room. She knows I could tell my father, and she's scared of that.

My dream was to kick both of them out of this house, but I thought of my dad. They were master pretenders, and my father adored their act. Sarah was the perfect daughter-in-law, and my dad ate it up.

I showered. Sarah walked into the bathroom naked, touching me. I'm not made of stone. We fucked right there. I left her behind.

"Hey — I didn't even finish, Caduuuu!" she yelled after me.

I didn't care about her. I wanted her gone. I could be cold and arrogant — everyone knew that — but I'd never throw her on the street. I'm not that heartless.

I got dressed, put on my Rolex, grabbed my keys, and headed out to meet my friends at a club in Sao Paulo.

Sarah came downstairs wrapped in a towel.

"Where are you going, Cadu?"

"None of your business."

She started screaming. I walked out the door with her yelling my full name. I drove my Mustang to the club and met my three closest friends, greeting each one.

Romeo — surgeon.

One of my best friends. We met on a trip abroad and became inseparable.

"What's up, bro? Left the psycho at home?" Romeo asked.

"I can't take it anymore, man."

My other friend hugged me.

Thomas — Carlos Eduardo's lawyer.

Thomas and I go way back. He's my attorney — handles everything in my life.

"Why don't you buy her an apartment and ship Sarah off to space?" Thomas said.

"That's not a bad idea. That could work."

"I can check with my dad," Bernardo said. "He's got a residential complex. There's probably one available."

Bernardo — police chief.

Bernardo is the most levelheaded of all of us. He thinks with his heart and acts by the law. His family runs a chain of gated communities, but he was the only one who went into law enforcement. He loves it. We only see each other like this.

"Carlos Eduardo, that could be your freedom. You've been dealing with this for years, man. Get out," Bernardo said.

We went into the VIP section. Each of us found a girl for the night, and we made the most of Sao Paulo's nightlife.