A Friend

Camila

Already in the car, I called my friend Leticia Margareth — a successful actress who'd always been my rock.

"Hey, my love. Did you finally escape the crypt?"

"I'm in the car. Heading to your place."

"Come right over, babe. Almerinda's waiting for you — she'll take care of you until I get there."

Once we'd driven far enough, I asked Sebastian's driver to pull over.

"Lucas, can you stop here and call me a cab?"

"Why, ma'am? I can take you wherever you need to go."

"No, thank you. I don't think Sebastian will care where I am, but it's better if you don't know."

He pulled over and called a taxi service. One arrived quickly. He helped me with my small bag, and I told him to head back.

At Leticia's house, Almerinda greeted me with a tight embrace.

"Welcome, sweetheart. I'm going to take care of you just like I take care of my other girl, Leticia."

I thanked her and followed her to the room where I'd be staying.

Leticia called, worried about me. She wanted to do more.

"Came, are you okay? I'm sorry — I wish I could be there with you," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

"It's fine. It's not like I'm dying. Whenever you can come, it'll be wonderful. But focus on your work."

"We've been filming nonstop. Next week we're taking a break for press — we'll do some interviews, TV appearances, social media, all the promotion channels. My agent is scheduling everything. We'll be together soon. I'll help you get through this."

"Thanks, babe. I love you so much."

The week flew by. Afonso gave me no news about Sebastian. I was furious, but I wasn't going to go looking for him — that was probably exactly what he wanted. It would be idiotic. Eventually he'd realize signing was the right thing to do.

Leticia was coming home. I could barely contain myself. Since she'd started filming the series, she hadn't stopped — character workshops, finding the right tone for the role.

The driver went to the airport. I preferred to wait at the house. I'd been avoiding going out — I didn't want to risk running into Sebastian or anyone connected to him.

"Babe! Came!" I raced out of the bedroom and found the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen.

"Lete!" I threw myself into her arms. We stood there, soaking in a hug that was the truest expression of love between sisters.

We had so much to talk about that we didn't stop. We were having lunch by the pool.

"And your brother, that useless waste of space?" Leticia asked, chewing on a shrimp bigger than her mouth. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Haven't heard from that irresponsible deadbeat."

"Did you ever tell Sebastian that it was probably Marcelo who drugged you and put the two of you in that room?"

"He never wanted to hear me out. He always preferred to blame me, to mistreat me for something I was the biggest victim of. But I've woken up, babe. It's over."

"You have no idea how happy I am for you."

Afonso called and said Sebastian was dodging him — dodging everyone trying to serve the divorce papers. He genuinely didn't want to accept them.

I was stunned. Couldn't he make even the slightest effort to be human? He hated me, he mistreated me, and when I tried to take control of my own life, he dismissed my decision like it meant nothing? Not this time. This was different. I was going to have my freedom. I'd disappear from this city — I didn't want the displeasure of ever seeing that man's face again.

Leticia went out for an interview, and when she came back, she told me there was an event at a luxury hotel — a ceremony honoring the year's best professionals.

"You're coming with me to that event," she said, leaving no room for argument.

"Leticia! Are you insane? I'm not going. There's no way I'm facing that whole pack of socialites — friends of that man."

"Hey, look at me. Sebastian is avoiding you. We go to that gala, and you introduce yourself to everyone. Right there, in front of the whole room, you tell them you want a divorce and he's been ignoring you. It'll be a slap across his face — and his mother's. Not to mention that adult film actress who's permanently attached to him."

"Babe, I don't have the courage. I'm shaking just thinking about it."

Leticia called in a hairstylist, makeup artist, and manicurist. She said it was to give me courage.

"You're going to wear a gorgeous dress from the Bia Max line. You deserve the best."

"I don't own any designer gown by Bia Max!"

"But I do. And you're wearing it."

When the time came, we took a limousine. Leticia wanted to make an entrance at the ceremony. I was terrified, but determined to put an end to this miserable chapter. I'd suffered enough. It was time to free myself — from Marcelo, my useless brother, and from Sebastian and his toxic cruelty.

Afonso, my lawyer, was already inside. When the moment was right, he'd signal me to come in and finish this once and for all.

When he said it was time, we walked in. Sebastian had just won first place and was basking in the spotlight, preening, sycophants swarming around him like flies on honey. Leticia led me to the emcee and borrowed the microphone. She checked it herself, then handed it to me.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll allow me one moment — I need everyone's attention. I promise I won't take much of your time." I saw the exact second Sebastian realized it was me speaking. His glare burned through me. If he could have killed me right there, he would have. "My name is Camila Medeiros. I've been married for four years to Sebastian Medeiros, who is here tonight. Sebastian, I'm still waiting for that signed divorce agreement. I don't want this marriage anymore — it no longer serves me. Afonso, my lawyer, is here to arrange a time with you at the civil registry office tomorrow morning. Let's close this chapter and move on with our lives, shall we? And Sebastian — remember what I told you about my hospital visit that night? I have the medical reports in hand. Don't make me go to the press. I don't want that. I just want to divorce you. So tomorrow, when the registry office opens, I'll be there. Don't keep me waiting, Sebastian."

I handed back the microphone and walked out. This time, I wasn't going to let him make me small. I knew he understood what I meant — he wouldn't want a scandal tarnishing his perfect family.

We left and went out for drinks. I needed to celebrate this act of courage. I was vibrating with happiness. Leticia hugged me and told me how proud she was.

Camila would look something like the woman in this photo!

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