Forbidden Echoes of Desire

By Katheryn Kaufmann

Embark on a captivating journey through the pages of "Forbidden Echoes of Desire," a spellbinding tale that weaves love, loss, and the magnetic pull of forbidden attraction.
Meet Thomas Anderson, who, after life's cruel twists, returns to his homeland seeking solace. Little does he know, fate has a different plan. When Isabella Kowalski, a vibrant graduate with dreams as colorful as her personality, enters his life, the sparks fly, and the forbidden becomes irresistible.
In a dance of opposites, Thomas and Isabella find themselves at the crossroads of morality and desire. Will they succumb to the ageless allure pulling them together, or will societal norms keep them apart?
With every page, "Forbidden Echoes of Desire" unveils a story that transcends time, navigating the complexities of love, passion, and the exhilarating freedom found in embracing the forbidden. Lose yourself in a narrative that challenges conventions, leaving you yearning for more.
Indulge in this magnetic romance that whispers secrets of the heart, and discover whether love can truly defy the boundaries of time and expectation. Don't just read a book; immerse yourself in an experience that will linger in your thoughts long after the final chapter. Are you ready to surrender to the echoes?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katheryn Kaufmann
• Release date: Feb 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224626267

Katheryn Kaufmann

Katheryn Kaufmann, born on September 27th, 1993, in the picturesque town of Gelsenkirchen, Germany, emerged as a literary luminary from a lineage steeped in storytelling. Influenced by her grandmother's enchanting tales, Katheryn's early years were marked by a deep connection to the magic of narrative. Her works stand as a testament to the enduring power of words, inviting readers to embark on literary adventures where imagination knows no bounds. Beyond her literary pursuits, Katheryn is a lover of art, music, and a dedicated traveler who finds inspiration in the diverse landscapes that shape her narratives.

Book preview

Prologue

Thomas

P lease, Isabella, get up from there! Come with me, love, I plead, feeling a distress at seeing my girl all hunched over, curled up on the floor.

N-no, she replies between sobs. I don't want to leave here.

Isabella hugs her body even tighter, assuming a fetal position, making me feel that sense of helplessness once again.

I can't stand seeing my girl like this, suffering day after day. I don't know what to do to get her out of this room. I feel a suffocation in my chest just seeing her so vulnerable.

Isabella doesn't eat properly, doesn't sleep well, and convincing her to take a shower is a torment.

She has succumbed to suffering, and there's nothing I do or say that can get her out of there. That can make her react.

My chest hurts like hell, and seeing all the weight she has lost in the past few days, the dark circles she acquired, the downcast expression...

This isn't the girl I knew.

The one I fell in love with.

The one who colored my days and brought life back to me.

I take a deep breath, and the pain invades me once again as I'm transported to memories of another era of my life, so different and yet so similar.

Back then, I couldn't do anything; it wasn't within my reach...

But now I know I can do something.

I know I can fight for her.

I fall to my knees beside her and embrace her, allowing her to cling to me.

Isabella hugs me and tightens her grip on my shirt, seeking shelter, seeking refuge, and she will always find that in me.

I'm here, love, I whisper, stroking her hair, feeling the tremors of her body, feeling all her pain. I'm here.

I kiss her hair and continue holding onto her, trying to sift through my mind and find some solution.

To find something that will make her react, that will make her return to who she was.

I just wanted to disappear, her low voice tears through my chest. I just wanted to disappear.

I hold her tight and continue racking my brain, thinking of everything I can do for her, even knowing it's not enough.

I would give everything, do anything to take this pain from her chest.

I would do anything to bring back her smile.

Isabella keeps saying her desire now is to disappear, and I find myself wondering if that's exactly what I should give her.

Chapter 1

Thomas

L ooks like you're really eager for her arrival, I comment as Alexandre tells me for the thousandth time that everything is ready to welcome his daughter.

Four years away from home, Thomas, my friend grimaces. Isabella is my only daughter.

I nod and stand up to throw the beer bottle in the trash.

Since I arrived at Alexandre's house, he hasn't stopped talking about his daughter. Even though I've known him for almost thirty years, I've never seen her in person.

When Isabella was born, I had already moved to Norway, so I didn't see her grow up. I only know the girl from photos and videos sent by her father; now that I'm back in Brazil, I'll finally get to meet her.

Remember, she's an adult, Ale, I emphasize, squeezing my friend's shoulder, who is sitting on the sofa. She won't want her dad hovering over her all the time.

The grimace he gives me earns a laugh.

Isabella may be twenty-four, Thomas, but she'll always be my little girl.

Fair enough. Well, I'm off. I need to stop by the store to buy Frank's food.

When she arrives, we'll have a lunch to celebrate.

Of course, you will, I scoff, and he rolls his eyes at me.

As soon as we set a date, I'll let you know so you can come too.

Agreed.

I wave to him and bid farewell, leaving his house and heading to the exit gate. I press the button to unlock the door myself because I already have the freedom to come and go in Alexandre Kowalski's house.

We met when we were just two kids in high school, searching for girls. He quickly found Paola, fell in love, and settled down. As for me, I enjoyed the single life until I secured a scholarship at a university in Norway. That's when I left Brazil at the age of twenty, thinking I might never come back.

But life played tricks on me and brought me back to my home country twenty-five years later.

A widower, with a European dog and a somewhat lonely life.

I get into my car and drive to the store to buy food for Frank, my companion for the past five years. When I arrived in Brazil six months ago, I brought him with me. I went through all the protocols for transporting dogs on an international trip, but I don't regret it. I would never leave my partner behind.

When I arrive home and my car passes through the garage gates, I see Frank running towards me, wagging his tail happily. This guy is what keeps me from living completely alone.

Hey, champ?

As soon as I get out of the car, I crouch down to pet the little furball. Frank is a caramel and black Dunker, extremely gentle.

Brought your food, buddy.

The little dog follows me into the house, where I turn on the air conditioner to make it more comfortable for him. I know the first thing Frank found strange when he arrived in Brazil was the climate, so I always keep the house air-conditioned so he doesn't suffer from the heat.

On the kitchen counter, I grab a pair of scissors and open the bag of dog food, pouring some into his bowl. The dog eats eagerly when I place the bowl on the floor, and seeing him like this, it almost seems like he's starving in this house.

I'll take a shower while you eat, I announce and head up the stairs to the second floor.

For a solitary man, the house is quite large, airy, with spacious rooms. I chose this place precisely not to feel suffocated, as when I'm not at work, I'm always around here. The only houses I frequent, besides mine, are Alexandre's and Antonella's, occasionally.

There's a pool in the backyard, but that wasn't what convinced me to buy this house in a secluded neighborhood in Contagem; it was the privileged mountainous view I have from here.

Typical of a small town in Minas Gerais.

A peaceful place to live, far from the chaos of a big city. Quite different from Oslo, where I lived in recent years.

I open the curtains of my bedroom and have the view I so much appreciate, mountains surrounded by trees in a truly welcoming setting.

Especially for a guy like me.

A guy who traveled the world, explored almost all of Europe, fell in love, and was head over heels for someone whom life simply took away.

And now, when there was nothing left, he decided to come back.

I pull my shirt off my body and toss it into the basket, getting rid of the rest of my clothes to take a cold shower. The water runs down my body, and I close my eyes for a moment to feel the moisture seep into each of my pores, remembering how life has been unkind to me.

Tired of it all, I turn off the shower and grab the towel to dry myself. I put on lightweight clothes and head downstairs from the room, finding Frank sprawled out on the rug, in the path of the cool breeze.

What would you do in this Brazilian heat without air conditioning, huh? I joke, rubbing my foot on his belly, and the rascal just grumbles, enjoying the contact.

I leave the little freeloader on the floor and go to the kitchen, thinking about what to prepare for dinner, but soon give up.

I think I'll go for delivery today, I comment as I realize everything in my cabinets will be a hassle to cook, and today, I'm not in the mood.

I grab a bottle of sparkling water from the fridge and pour myself a glass with plenty of ice and a few lemon slices. I take it to the couch, where I turn on the TV and feel my phone vibrate in my pocket.

Hey, Antonella, I greet my sister, and the voices on the other end of the line tell me she's not alone.

Are you at home?

I am... Why?

Don't you want to come over tonight? I'm making stroganoff for dinner.

Tempting.

But just the thought of leaving my silence and going to an extremely noisy house with children, I give up.

Today, like many of my days, I just want peace.

Oh, I just ordered dinner, I lie, so as not to have to give further explanations. Maybe next time.

Ah... She lets out a sigh, looking upset. Can't it be canceled?

I requested it a while ago; it should be arriving soon.

Alright. Next time, I'll let you know earlier. How was the store today?

It was good, I respond matter-of-factly. Not much activity today.

As the end of the month approaches, it's inevitable that the commerce experiences a downturn. And it's no different in my liquor store, which I set up since I arrived in Contagem.

When I left Oslo and my entire life behind, I came in search of a fresh start and, with that, decided to work with something entirely different from what I used to do. Being a whiskey and wine enthusiast, I chose to open my own store, specializing in imported and hard-to-find distilled beverages. It's been great for me to spend time at Drinks & Co, helping to occupy my mind since I arrived here.

I'm going to visit an old college friend next week, Antonella comments. I'll stop by the store to pick up a good wine.

We have incredible options for you, I affirm.

And we really do.

The uniqueness of my store lies precisely in having brands that are hard to come by in the city's markets.

Great. I'll schedule with you to pick a time when you'll be there.

Perfect.

"And tomorrow, if you're not too tired, swing by here. I miss you."

Her pleading voice makes me sigh.

I know I promised her that I would show up more, see her more often, but I've been falling short in the past few weeks. Going to her home, full of children and the appearance of a happy household, brings a wave of not-so-pleasant memories for me.

I'll let you know, I say, sincere.

I can't promise anything, but at least I'll consider it.

I bid her farewell and toss the phone onto the sofa, finally turning my attention to the TV in front of me. I search for movies until I come across a suspenseful horror, just the way I like it.

I immerse myself in a new plot and forget for a while how lonely I am.

Just Frank and me in this world, trying to rebuild a life.

Chapter 2

Isabella

W elcome, my daughter ! Mrs. Paola greets me at the doorstep with a warm hug. Did you have a good trip?

My mother gestures towards my father, who opens the car trunk and retrieves my luggage.

It was a bit tiring, but it was good.

I've already prepared dinner. You can take a shower and relax a bit before we eat.

Thank you, Mom!

I glance at my father, who continues to unload things from the car, and laugh at the faces he makes.

Aren't you happy to have your daughter back home, Mr. Alexandre? I tease him.

But are you sure all of this came from here? It won't fit even half in your room!

It's been four years away from home, old man, I joke, lightly touching his slightly graying beard, and he rolls his eyes at me. Of course, I came back with more things than when I left.

Holy Christ... Help me with this stuff, Isabella!

I shake my head and assist him in carrying my things into the house. Even though my mother gives us a little help, my father ends up having to make two trips. Because, in addition to the clothes in the suitcases, I brought sealed boxes with my belongings and important things that I didn't want to leave behind.

It's still strange to be back after so many years away, but at the same time, I feel immense relief to be here.

I left Contagem at the age of twenty to study Interior Design in the capital city of Minas Gerais, about seven hours away from here. My visits were limited to the year-end holidays, as Belo Horizonte is quite far from my hometown.

And now, with the diploma in hand, I return to my city to try to enter the job market and restart my life. Although some job opportunities arose in the capital, I ended up declining. Belo Horizonte is a nice place, but I really enjoy the tranquility of my small-town life. I don't see myself living in the capital for long, so that's why I decided to come back, even though my chances here are slimmer.

But I know that, at the right moment, the perfect opportunity will arise, and I can embrace it wholeheartedly.

Need help organizing your things? my mother asks when the last box is placed in my room.

No need. I'll take advantage of these vacation days to organize gradually.

I put my hands on my hips and look around.

Alright. In an hour, you can come down for dinner.

I nod to her and stay alone in the room. I observe my room and see that everything is exactly as I left it the last time I was in this house. The walls are painted in a light pink tone, and the furniture is dark wood. The wall-mounted TV, the bookshelf, the plush toys, everything is in its proper place.

I walk to the ensuite bathroom and smile at the scent of lavender, which is my favorite. Mrs. Paola knows me well and took care to leave everything as I like it.

I return to the room and open the larger suitcase to grab an outfit for a relaxing shower. I choose a loose dress, remove the headband, and create an improvised bun to step into the warm shower. Regardless of the season, I always prefer hot baths.

Finding all my favorite cosmetics in the bathroom just makes me smile, giving me that pleasant feeling of finally being home. After spending a long time under the water, I come out to get dressed. I comb my hair and tie it with a colorful ribbon elastic that I adore.

When I'm finally ready, I go downstairs and check if my mother needs help in the kitchen, but I already find her with the lasagna dish in the oven.

It shouldn't take long to bake, dear, Mrs. Paola's serene voice makes me smile.

I'm not in a hurry. I pull the stool from the island to sit, and she settles beside me. How are things around here?

The usual... I have many orders in the studio, and your father is working harder every day.

Isn't he close to retiring?

Her sarcastic laughter makes me grimace.

Your father? Retire? Tell a better joke, Isabella!

And even though she says it in a playful tone, I sense a hint of sadness in her gaze. I know she would give anything for my father to spend more time at home, but he is a workaholic of the highest order. As the region's top lawyer, Alexandre Kowalski is a reference in the field of business law and serves clients throughout the state.

And, to maintain all that prestige, I know he ends up working much more than my mother would like. In turn, she immerses herself in her work too, not to feel so lonely at home. The woman beside me, with dark hair, a Chanel cut, and caramel-colored eyes, owns a studio specialized in women's gala dresses. Mrs. Paola has a busy schedule, and anyone needing an appointment with her has to schedule it months in advance.

And, even though she works a lot, she has one advantage:

My mother knows when to stop.

My father, not so much.

It's good to have you back, daughter, she comments. I'll be less lonely in this house.

My mother sighs as she looks at the enormous house around us.

With two floors, a huge backyard with a pool, my parents didn't skimp on space. The house is perfect, but it's too big when you're alone.

Well, I'll enjoy so much that you'll get tired of me, I joke, and she laughs.

As if.

Aren't your vacations coming up soon? I inquire, remembering my parents' annual trip.

It's in a few months... But you know how it is. I prefer to believe it when it's closer.

Her faint smile makes me realize that I need to have a little chat with Mr. Alexandre when the opportunity arises. My mother is just over forty and already tired of this situation. If it continues like this, their marriage won't last much longer, and I want to help in some way.

I know my father is in love with her and would do anything for her, he just needs to learn to prioritize.

Your trip will be beautiful, I assure her.

You can join us this year, and...

No way! I interrupt. It's the time for you two to be alone and enjoy yourselves. No chance I'm going to interfere with that.

I'm not even sure if there will be anything for you to interfere with, Isabella...

There will be, for sure.

I give her a determined look, and I already know exactly what to do when I catch my father alone. He better be ready. He needs to hear some harsh truths about life.

And speaking of him...

I invited Thomas to come for dinner, but he couldn't make it tonight, he comments, entering the kitchen with some grocery bags.

Which Thomas? I ask, getting up from the stool to help him with the groceries.

Thomas Anderson, my friend, he comments, and I have a moment of realization.

Oh, yes... He's back, right?

He returned to Brazil six months ago, he explains. Still getting used to it, so I give him special attention.

Your father almost sleeps with Thomas if he allows it, my mother teases, and he makes an amusing face.

I burst into laughter.

Oh, come on. The guy is a bit lost because his wife passed away in a really tough way. It doesn't hurt to lend him a hand. I'd be screwed if I ever lost you.

The way my father looks at my mother with adoration tells me that I really need to have that little chat with him.

You guys are so cute, I joke, and I see my mother smile.

I think she needed to hear something like that today.

So your sidekick isn't coming for dinner? I tease, and my father rolls his eyes at me.

He's busy tonight, but you won't take long to meet him. My father looks at me now, showing that he values this. Thomas is a good guy; I think you'll like him.

I smile and gently touch his arm.

I'm sure I will. If he's important to you, he's important to me too.

Although I haven't met him in person, I've seen him in some video calls with my father, and I know they've known each other since they were young. Thomas left Brazil even before I was born and returned recently, which got my father quite excited.

Mr. Alexandre doesn't have many friends, so I know how happy he is about Thomas's return.

And if he's a good friend to my father, that's enough for me to like him too.

Chapter 3

Thomas

T he barbecue is yours , Alexandre declares as soon as I step into the backyard of his house, making me roll my eyes.

But it's cheeky, I complain, and he laughs.

I can't help it if your barbecue is much better than mine, he shrugs. I'll just grab a few things inside and be right back.

Feel at home.

I check the charcoal in the barbecue and add a bit more to control the temperature. When I step back and turn around, I see Alexandre coming towards me with a girl whom I assume is his daughter.

Thomas, remember Isabella?

I look at the girl and am surprised by how beautiful she has become.

Alexandre talks about her so much as if she were a little girl that I forget she's already a grown woman.

Nice to meet you. I think we've only seen each other in photos, right? I extend my hand to her, and she shakes it, giving me a beautiful smile.

Spontaneous.

One of those smiles that light up everything.

Yes! her sweet voice is almost a melody. You left before I was born, right?

That's right. I make a face. Speaking like that, it sounds like I'm an old man.

Well, you're not exactly young, are you? Alexandre teases me.

Says the guy who's older than me...

So, Thomas, Isabella interrupts and approaches me.

At this moment, I sense her citrusy perfume, which captures my attention.

Seeing her up close, I notice some freckles on her nose, and her fair skin is lightly bronzed. Wavy blonde hair falls over her shoulders, adorned with a colorful headband. The denim shorts are quite short, and the printed top fits snugly to her body.

Isabella exudes colors, joy, and I can see how much she is the opposite of me.

How does it feel to be back in Contagem after so long? she asks, and I scratch my neck.

I turn around, uncover a plastic container to take out some steaks, and place them on the grill, seasoning them.

It's different... I reply, turning my attention back to her.

I prefer to omit the part where I still feel out of place, as if I no longer belong here.

If I find it strange to come back here after four years, imagine you, who've been away for about twenty...

Twenty-five, I correct her.

Thomas opened a spirits store, Bella, Alexandre comments, and the girl's eyes sparkle in my direction.

Really?

Yep. I shrug and flip a steak on the grill. It's in the city center.

That's awesome...

I'll get some beer for us, Alexandre announces and turns to leave.

Bring me an Ice, the girl requests, and he grimaces before nodding.

He doesn't like me drinking, she comments when we're alone.

And you're not old enough for that? I ask, stating the obvious.

I'm twenty-four, Thomas. But my dad thinks I'm still fifteen, she grumbles, and I chuckle softly.

It's so typical of my friend to do that.

Does he nag you a lot? I inquire, genuinely curious.

It's good to hear the other side of the story.

My dad wants to control everything I do... in that gentle way of his, as if he wants to spoil me, you know? But he actually wants to boss me around.

He loves you, Isabella, I say, looking into her eyes, and the girl moistens her lips slowly.

I know... I just wish he trusted me more, she says.

I squint at her, wondering if she's going to say more, but instead, she points to the packages on the counter next to the grill.

Can you put garlic bread to bake? she asks.

Of course!

I open the packages, and I see her following me, once again, the citrusy scent marking its presence here.

And some halloumi cheese, if you can. It's because I don't eat meat, the last sentence comes out quieter now.

Really? I ask, putting everything she likes on the grill.

Yes, I am... I've been a vegetarian for about a year.

I find that incredible.

Really? Her eyes light up, and she shows that she didn't expect this reaction.

Yes. I think it's a very noble stance.

Isabella gives me another one of her spontaneous smiles and tosses her hair back.

Too bad my dad doesn't think like you, she grimaces.

I didn't know this jerk side of Alexandre, I quip, and the girl laughs. Well, I did, but I didn't know he was like this with you.

He's nice when he's not nagging me.

I shake my head, laughing.

Do you like the cheese more toasted? I ask, pointing to the grill.

Not too much. Just slightly golden, she explains, and I nod. Wow, I'm being quite forward, huh?

Not at all... I enjoy barbecuing. It's no trouble to make it to your liking.

Well, my dad was right, she comments, smiling.

About what? I raise an eyebrow at her.

That you're a nice guy.

Her comment gives me a strange feeling in my chest, and before I can even respond, Alexandre arrives with drinks in hand, handing them to us.

Just this little bottle, huh? he says to his daughter, and I snort.

Leave the girl alone, Ale.

Oh... Did I just leave you two alone for a few minutes, and she's already got you wrapped around her finger?

You're the one who's unbearable.

I turn to the grill, taking a cheese skewer and the garlic bread.

Isabella, I call, and the girl comes to me, ignoring her father. See if it's cooked to your liking.

The blonde skewers a piece of cheese and brings it to her mouth, smiling at the end.

It's perfect! she compliments, and I smile proudly.

Thomas's barbecue is truly the best.

Alexandre reaches for the cheese, and his daughter slaps his hand.

No, sir! You eat your meat and leave my little cheese here.

Is this a joke? he complains.

Of course not. You have kilos of meat there, and you're going to eat mine?

My friend's annoyed expression is priceless, and I hold back from laughing. I never imagined it would be so much fun to see these two together.

I'm going to check if my mom needs help with the vinaigrette, she comments after eating everything I set aside for her. Thanks, Thomas.

I wave to the girl and see her disappear from view, swaying with the short shorts and legs that are too beautiful.

I look away when Alexandre clears his throat, feeling guilty for checking out my best friend's daughter.

Isabella is going through a difficult phase, he comments when we're finally alone.

I think you're exaggerating. She just grew up, and you forgot about it.

I take a steak off the grill and cut it on the cutting board, pausing to take a sip of cold beer.

In the past year, Isabella has changed a lot, he says, his mind seeming to wander as he picks at some pieces of meat. She wears very short clothes, learned to drink, and now she's come up with being a vegetarian.

My friend's disapproving look reminds me of what the girl confided in me earlier.

And what's wrong with that, Alexandre? She's an adult woman, knows what she's doing. You should support her instead of judging.

He looks at me as if I were an alien.

You only say that because you don't have kids, the bitterness in his voice stabs me in the chest.

And at this moment, I feel myself wither. I turn my back, take some steaks off the grill, and toss them on the board, cutting in silence.

If he only knew how fucking painful this is...

Isabella was a different woman when she was dating Gustavo, his comment catches my attention. I raise my eyes to face him as he speaks. She behaved better, didn't have all this rebelliousness...

Who is Gustavo?

I don't even know this guy, and I already hate him.

If the girl was different before because of him, I'm already wary. Isabella exudes joy, and next to him, what was she? A robot?

He is Mauro Bittencourt's son, one of my best clients.

Oh, of course...

His father owns the largest construction company in Minas Gerais. She and Gustavo dated for five years. I don't know what happened for them to break up...

She didn't tell you the reason?

Oh, it was something about not liking him anymore, Alexandre grimaces. I don't know if that's a reason to end such a long-lasting relationship.

These things happen, Alexandre.

The guy is an excellent catch, he adds. "And he's in love with Isabella. He's always commenting