Chapter 1

My name is Isabella Ferraz. I'm twenty years old, and I come from a simple family — the kind built on love more than money. My parents are Sebastiao Ferraz and Ester Alcantara Ferraz. I have two brothers: Paulo, the oldest, and Isaac, the youngest.

We grew up in the countryside, living on our family's fazenda. It was a small town, but we all managed to finish school.

I was always the driven one. I loved discovering new things, and every morning I'd pick flowers from the garden just because they made me happy.

My parents worked hard to keep us in school. With three kids, the warmth and affection they gave us was what kept us feeling safe and confident that everything would work out.

I'm the middle child. Paulo, my older brother, is about to get married. Isaac practically lives on horseback, riding across the fazenda lands and helping my father with everything.

My mother runs the household — and she's brilliant at it. Every penny accounted for, every meal on the table.

Even out here in the countryside, I had access to technology. I taught myself through online courses and livestreams — English, Spanish, and even how to make my own perfume. I've got a sharp memory and a big dream: to get my degree and live in the city. I know it won't be easy. My parents are glued to me. They never let me go anywhere alone — one of my brothers always has to be with me.

I've never had a boyfriend. My chances were slim. In our school, everyone knew each other. We were practically family. Couples were rare.

We're from wine country. My palate for wine was impeccable — I could identify any varietal by taste. Wine is in our blood. We don't make a living from it anymore, but we still keep a small vineyard just for the family.

As for my dream of becoming a lawyer — my parents don't share it. They'd rather I study veterinary medicine so I could take care of the animals on the fazenda.

I signed up to study in the city. I'm going after my dream. I want independence. I want to make my own money, earn my degree, be recognized for something I built myself. I've had good ENEM scores in past years — the ENEM being Brazil's national college entrance exam.

Today the results come out. I barely slept, and not because of the scores. It's the storm I know is coming when I tell my parents I'm moving away. I know I'll face a wall of resistance, but I won't give up. I'm counting on Paulo — he's the most level-headed one in the family. He's got his own business now, independent from our parents, which is why he's getting married soon to start his own family. What our parents don't know yet is that my sister-in-law is already pregnant. Paulo wants to tie the knot as soon as possible.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Ready to check your ENEM ranking?" Mom asked.

"Not yet, Mom. I'm so nervous."

"It'll be fine. You get great scores every year — this time won't be any different."

"I'm hoping it will be different," I said. "The score I need is my ticket to studying what I actually want. I'm going to study somewhere else."

"Again with this idea of studying somewhere else, Isabella?"

"Mom, it's my dream to get a law degree."

"Your father isn't going to like this one bit."

"I'm counting on you to help me convince him."

"I don't know, Bella. You're a girl — it's different from your brothers. I don't think he'll allow it."

"Mom, please. You have to help me."

"I'll see what I can do. But it won't be easy."

"I love you, Mom."

I finished breakfast and went to check the university's website. The results weren't up yet. I decided to call my cousin Amanda to make sure everything was set for me to move in with her. It was already nine — she'd be at work.

"Good morning, cousin!"

"Bella! I'm so glad you called — I've been dying to know the results. Did your dad agree to let you come live with me?"

"Cousin, regardless of the results, I'm coming to live with you. Even if I have to run away from home."

"Easy, Bella — let's not go that far. Your dad will understand this is your dream." She paused. "I've got a client to help. We'll talk later. Kisses!"

"Does Amanda not actually want me there? It'll only be for a little while. I just need her help until I find a job. Then I'll rent my own place and live on my own."

I went downstairs and took a walk around the fazenda to clear my head.

"Hey, Bella! How are you?" Aunt Bia called from her porch.

"I'm good, Aunt Bia. Where's Thomaz?"

"He went to the store to pick up animal feed."

"All right, thanks!"

I walked a while longer, then headed back home. I felt better — the fresh air had done its job.

I went up to my room and checked my email. There it was: You have been accepted into FMU University Center — Law Program. Please submit your personal documents within five days.

I checked the ENEM rankings page. Isabella Alcantara Ferraz — second place in the entire exam.

I screamed. I jumped. I cried. I sang. All of it in the space of a few seconds, a whirlwind of emotions crashing together. I ran to find my mother.

"I did it, Mom! I'm going to be a lawyer!"

"Congratulations, sweetheart," she said. Then, quieter: "Now you're on your own with him."

I turned and saw my father standing there, his face like a thundercloud.

"Hi, Dad. I got my scholarship."

"Did you now." His voice was flat. "And how exactly do you plan to study?"

I lowered my head, swallowed hard, then straightened my spine. "I'm going to live with my cousin Amanda."

"You're going to live with who?"

"Honey, calm down," Mom stepped in. "Let's talk about this calmly. This is our daughter's dream."

"Her dream, Ester? Living far from her family — that's a dream?"

"Dad, please. Don't make this harder than it has to be. I'm twenty years old. Don't I get a say in my own life?"

"My daughter doesn't get a say."

"Is that just for me? Your sons get to choose what they do with their lives — what's the difference?"

"Bella, go to your room," Mom said. "We'll discuss this later, when everyone's calmed down."

"No, Mom. We're having this conversation now. You always treat me like an afterthought. This is my decision. I'm going to study in the capital, and I'll live with Amanda until I find my own place."

"And what are you going to live on?" Dad fired back. "Bread and water?"

"I'll find a job to support myself."

"Enough! You're not going anywhere. Are we clear?"

"We'll see about that, Mr. Sebastiao Ferraz."

I fled to my room in tears. I'd never talked back to my parents before. The argument cut deep.

I cried harder than I'd ever cried in my life. It felt like I'd swallowed a bucket of water. My heart hammered out of rhythm. Nothing felt right.

From my room, I heard things breaking downstairs. My parents' voices, raised and sharp. Then I recognized another voice — Paulo. He'd come to defend me.

"I knew this would happen," Paulo said. "You're never going to let Bella grow up. Let her live her life. Let her chase her dream."

"Don't come here telling us how to raise your sister," Dad shot back.

"You call this raising her? Keeping her locked up in this house?"

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