As she was getting ready, Ariana had no idea what her father wanted when he said they were going to Californ's restaurant. Okay, Marcel, the owner of the posh establishment, was a friend of the family, but they never went there on any Saturday. After putting the last touch on her makeup, she went downstairs ready to taste the delicious food the establishment provided.

Thiago was eager to tell his daughter the news, but he felt his heart sink when he saw her. Each day so much like Jane... But it was time to move on. What passed, passed, and what he could do was remember his late wife with fond memories. Now, he, Ariana and Ana could start a new family and be happy. She suffered as much as they did.

When the car stopped, they both got in and headed for the reserved table. In it was a beautiful woman with black hair, green eyes highlighted by dark makeup and a wonderful red dress.

"Who is she?", Ariana wondered.

"Daughter, this is Anastasia. Ana, this is my daughter, Ariana."

"Hi, Anastácia, it is a pleasure to meet you!" She said, smiling. "You can call me Ari."

"It's my pleasure, Ari. You are a beautiful young woman with a great future ahead, as your father said."

The girl felt her cheeks redden. She was not used to receiving praise from strangers.

They started talking. The father ordered the food, and soon everyone started to taste his dishes that were served. He took a deep breath and said:

"Well, Ari, I want to tell you something and I chose here, because that's where it started."

"Thiago and Anastácia looked at each other, and she squeezed her hand under the table, smiling, encouraging him.

"Continues." Ariana said.

"About two years and six months ago, Marcel asked me to come here to help him, since his chef would be absent due to an emergency. It was an important holiday. Then, a client loved a dish prepared by me and asked me to personally thank me for my work. That client was Ana. As soon as we talked, we became friends and it had an extra feeling. A few months later, I asked her to date and I preferred to keep it a secret, because I was afraid of how you would react. Time passed, and our relationship became more and more serious. Five months ago, I proposed to her. Forgive me for not telling you, daughter, but I was unsure and kept putting it off and putting it off more and more, and since our wedding will take place in three months, it's time for you to know. I was very irresponsible for that.

Thiago lowered his head, embarrassed. Ariana blinked several times, trying to take it all in. It could only be a joke! What kind of father would do that to his daughter?! Altered, the teenager rose dramatically from the table, drawing everyone's attention and, laughing sarcastically, shouted:

"Where are the cameras? You're great with pranks!"

Thiago felt more ashamed by the situation. He immediately tried to call his daughter's attention so she could calm down and review her immature behavior. This was what he did not want.

"Ari..."

She ignored it and continued to laugh and clap her hands.

"What? Speak before I die laughing!"

"Ariana! " She stared at the man scared to see him yell at her like that, which was unusual. "It's not a joke! It's true, daughter. Anastacia and I are going to get married."

"B-but it is not even five years since Mom died, and this Anastasia will replace her? " she stammered.

Ari felt a little dizzy, and Thiago looked at her sadly.
Anastasia understood how her future stepdaughter felt.

"I loved your mother, daughter, but it's time to move on. Look on the bright side: since you were little you always wanted to be a princess and will be almost one. I know it may seem strange, but Ana is a princess."

"W-what?..."

Before she could think of anything, the young woman with a great future ahead of her felt her wobbly legs no longer support her and passed out.