Since the night of their conversation, Eduardo had been restless.
The image of her, determined, firm, asking for divorce, wouldn't leave his head. But he refused to accept that it was due to genuine hurt.
It couldn't be love.
She's playing games with me... he muttered, alone in his car, while driving toward the hospital where Sophia was having new exams.
In his mind, the same argument repeated:
She wants to escape the contract early. Wants to leave as the victim. Make me the villain. And maybe, even... she's with someone else.
The more he thought, the more irritated he became.
And the more irritated he got, the more he clung to Sophia.
That same day, he picked up the phone:
I'll come by to pick you up. I want to talk to you. At home.
Sophia smiled on the other end of the line.
It was all she wanted.
The game was turning in her favor.
------
In the penthouse, Elisa was listening to classical music in the bedroom, laptop on her lap, finishing the translation of a medical article on neurological degeneration.
She tried to focus, but her heart insisted on beating erratically.
At 6 PM, she heard the sound of the elevator.
Footsteps.
Voices.
Sophia.
Elisa descended the stairs slowly. Sophia was sitting on the sofa as if she owned the place, legs crossed, tight dress, excessive perfume. Eduardo standing with his arms crossed, expression tense.
What is she doing here? ...asked Elisa, coldly.
We need to talk. The three of us.
About?
About what's happening. You disappeared, came back asking for divorce, and still want to come out as the saint in this story.
Elisa crossed her arms, remaining calm.
Eduardo, is this serious?
He took a deep breath.
I just want clarity. To understand what's behind all of this.
You want clarity? You're accusing me of manipulation? After everything?
Sophia interrupted:
Maybe you were never sincere, Elisa. Always mysterious, quiet, hiding... and now, you want to leave as if you're the victim of some great tragedy.
Elisa didn't respond. She simply turned her back.
I'll make some coffee... she said, and headed to the kitchen.
While the water boiled, the scent of coffee grounds filled the space with a comforting aroma. But her heart felt tight.
Sophia's presence in the house disgusted her.
When she returned with two cups, she found the living room empty.
Eduardo?
No response.
She sensed something was wrong.
She walked to the study.
The door was slightly ajar.
And what she saw made her stop.
Sophia was kissing Eduardo.
Holding his face with both hands, pressed against his mouth.
He pushed her away a second later.
Are you crazy? I told you not to do that!
You brought me here, Eduardo! What did you expect?
But it was too late.
Elisa had already seen.
She returned in silence, left the cups in the sink, went up the stairs without making a sound.
She didn't scream.
She didn't cry.
She just... decided.
------
At midnight, Eduardo came out of the shower and went to his study.
He needed to review some contracts.
But what he found on his desk wasn't company paperwork.
It was Elisa's signature.
The divorce.
Signed.
Beside it, the bank credit card.
And a note:
"I don't want anything of yours. Not the money. Not the name. Not the memories."
The world stopped.
Elisa? ... he shouted, climbing the stairs. ... Elisa!
He opened the bedroom. Empty.
The closet, cleaned out.
The bed made.
He checked the guest room. Nothing.
He went to the housekeeper, who was startled to see him in the hallway.
Mrs. Elisa left earlier. With two suitcases. She only said she needed peace.
Did she say where she was going?
No, sir.
------
Hours later, in Cecília's apartment, Elisa placed her cell phone in her friend's hands.
Do what we agreed on.
Are you sure?
Absolutely.
Cecília connected the device to the computer, typed some commands, and entered the deep web with help from a trusted hacker.
In less than ten minutes, Elisa's digital footprint disappeared.
Flights.
Locations.
Cards.
Cell phone.
It was as if she had evaporated.
------
In the penthouse, Eduardo searched through everything.
Emails.
Messages.
Calendar.
Cards.
Nothing.
He went to the bank. The card was untouched. Not a cent spent.
She didn't take anything... he whispered.
And for the first time, desperation was greater than pride.
Because now he no longer had control.
He didn't know where she was.
Or if she would return.
Or if... she would ever forgive him.
Sophia entered the room with a victorious smile, holding a glass of wine.
I bet everything's resolved now.
Eduardo looked at her for two seconds.
And for the first time...
He felt disgusted.
But this... was just the beginning.