Seven months earlier, Lucas’s wife, Renata, had died suddenly in a brutal highway accident. There had been no farewell. After that, Isabela changed. The joyful toddler became distant, withdrawn. Three weeks ago, the eating stopped.
At first, Lucas convinced himself it was temporary. Children went through phases. But days passed, and Isabela refused milk, fruit, even her favorite purées. Dr. Sofia Lemos, one of the city’s most respected pediatricians, was alarmed. Every test came back normal. Physically, Isabela was fine.
The house no longer felt like a home. Nurses whispered through hallways. Doctors arrived with grave expressions. Lucas barely worked anymore. He stayed close, watching his daughter fade, helpless. He could negotiate million-dollar deals but couldn’t convince his child to swallow a bite of food.
Family members urged hospitalization. Lucas refused. Isabela had already lost her mother. He wouldn’t put her through more trauma.
That week, the previous housekeeper quit, overwhelmed by the atmosphere. An agency sent a replacement: Marina Silva, twenty-eight, strong references, available immediately. Lucas approved the hire without much thought.
