The story revolves around Pedro, a Brazilian boy from a poor family who has big dreams. He befriends Maria, a girl from a poor family, and they share a close bond. However, when Maria's family becomes wealthy, her behavior changes, and she becomes popular and arrogant.
Pedro receives a scholarship to attend a prestigious school, where he meets Isabella, the daughter of his host family. Isabella is a kind and happy person who accepts Pedro for who he is. Meanwhile, Maria tries to manipulate Pedro into dumping Isabella and becoming her boyfriend.
However, Pedro discovers Maria's true nature and distances himself from her. He focuses on his studies and eventually becomes a successful heart doctor. Years later, Pedro returns to Brazil and saves Isabella's father's life through a successful operation.
Maria apologizes for her past behavior, but Pedro has moved on and is now in love with Isabella. The story concludes with Pedro and Isabella starting a romantic relationship, and Pedro reflecting on the importance of not letting one's current situation determine their future.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Pedro is from Brazil and grew up in a poor family.
2. Pedro's best friend in childhood was Maria, who also came from a poor family.
3. Pedro and Maria would often admire fancy cars passing by their bus stop.
4. Maria's family became wealthier when her dad got a big job in the city.
5. Maria moved away, and Pedro and she promised to write to each other every month.
6. Pedro focused on his studies after Maria left and became the top student in his school.
7. Pedro was selected to participate in a national math tournament where he saw Maria again.
8. Maria looked different and didn't recognize Pedro at first.
9. Pedro was offered a scholarship to a prestigious school, and he moved into the house of his dad's friend.
10. Pedro met Isabella, the daughter of his dad's friend, who was his age and always happy.
11. Maria and Pedro met again at school, and Maria took Pedro under her wing.
12. Maria changed Pedro's look and introduced him to her friends.
13. Pedro felt awkward with Maria's friends, especially when they invited him to a beach party.
14. Maria kissed Pedro, but he was caught off guard and didn't react.
15. Pedro's dad called to tell him that they would be losing their house due to his job loss.
16. Maria offered to help Pedro's family if he sent Isabella back home and told her she was a loser.
17. Pedro refused Maria's offer, and she humiliated him in front of their classmates.
18. Pedro found out that Maria had told everyone at school that Isabella's mom was in a mental institution.
19. Pedro completed his last year of high school with Isabella's help and support.
20. Isabella's dad helped Pedro's parents not lose their house.
21. Pedro got a scholarship to study medicine abroad and became a successful heart doctor.
22. Pedro visited Isabella and her dad in Brazil and saved her dad's life with a successful operation.
23. Pedro met Maria again at the hospital, but she was someone he had forgotten about.
24. Maria apologized to Pedro and Isabella for her past behavior, and they forgave her.
25. Pedro told Maria that he was in love with Isabella, and Maria understood and left.
26. Pedro asked Isabella out on a real date, and she accepted.