Chapter 8 - Bia’s Father Comes Back Into the StoryBia’s father, Lucas, had been largely absent during Camila’s final months because their divorce was bitter.
Helena used that fact to argue he should remain away.
Ricardo distrusted him too.
Then the family court reviewed the full record.
Lucas had missed child-support payments.
He had also repeatedly requested parenting time that Helena discouraged Camila from allowing.
His relationship with Camila had been unhealthy in ways unrelated to Helena’s conduct.
But he had not abandoned Bia entirely.
The court did not hand him immediate full custody.
Instead, contact resumed gradually with professional oversight while his stability was evaluated.
Ricardo disliked not being in control.
That realization almost made him laugh.
Helena’s influence had spread farther than anyone thought.
Bia needed adults who could cooperate without treating her as property.
So Ricardo did something unfamiliar.
He worked with Lucas.
Awkwardly.
They created predictable schedules.
Shared school information.
Stopped criticizing one another in Bia’s presence.
One evening Lucas asked Bia if she wanted Rosie packed for a weekend visit.
She said no.
“I have another toy there.”
Ricardo heard that and felt unexpectedly relieved.
The doll was becoming optional.
So was the funeral story.
Bia still missed her mother fiercely.
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But she was no longer the little girl in front of a casket carrying the only truth adults were willing to hear.
She was becoming simply Bia again.
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