Chapter 1: The Fake Sadness

Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro

9:00 PM

Vini stood at Galeão Airport, waiting for Enzo’s return from his first trip abroad. It was unusual—Enzo never had the cash for travel. That alone made Vini suspicious, but true to his loyal nature, he stayed quiet. He waited, gum in hand, ready to grill him once they were alone.

“Enzo!” Vini called, pulling him into a quick hug. “How was Mexico?”

“Awesome.” Enzo grinned. “Beautiful women, killer beaches, Luis Miguel blasting everywhere. Guess I was wrong about your ‘land.’”

“So you’ll quit the jokes now?”

“Ha! Nope. But now I get the full picture behind them. And by the way, it’s not your country. You were just born there—never lived a day. You’re more American than Mexican!”

“Born there or not, it’s my birthplace!”

“Rule’s simple: less than a month in a place, even if you’re born there, you’re no native. Not my call.”

“What kind of dumb rule is that?”

“Forget it.” Enzo waved it off. “Help me with the bags.”

“Nope,” Vini smirked.

They navigated the crowded airport corridors. Despite the late hour, check-in lines stretched long.

“Now you want my help? By the way, where’d you get the money? Last I checked, your cash flowed from me.”

“You’re missing a detail, my suspicious friend.”

“Oh, I know. You’re juggling multiple girls.”

Enzo laughed. “What else? Flirting with the drug dealer’s daughter?”

“Isolated incident,” Enzo shrugged. “Nope—sports betting, Vini. That’s my new hustle.”

Vini crossed his arms, not buying it for a se