The invitation had arrived that morning:
Artist residency in Lisbon.
Two weeks of immersion for rising young Brazilian composers.
Elisa read and reread the email. The invitation was irrefusable. Her name, or rather, her pseudonym Clara Vianna... was beginning to gain space in increasingly demanding circles.
Before deciding, she wanted to share this achievement with someone special.
Not Eduardo.
Cecília.
Her best friend since school days, who had spent years living abroad, was now back in Brazil, full of stories and the same vibrant energy as always.
Seaside restaurant, today at 1 PM? ... Cecília suggested by message. I want to see you well-dressed, radiant and powerful, got it?
Elisa laughed with the cell phone in her hands.
Bossy as always.
And she chose a flowing emerald green midi dress with a modest neckline, nude sandals, and a soft wine-colored lipstick. She let her hair down and, for the first time in months, put on perfume thinking of herself.
She didn't know that meeting would change everything.
------
The restaurant in Ipanema was elegant, yet relaxed. When Elisa entered, the eyes of some patrons turned for a few seconds. There was a beauty about her that came from the whole package: the subtle smile, steady eyes, light step. A presence that didn't shout, but silenced the room as she passed.
Seated at one of the outdoor tables, Cecília raised her arms, excited:
My goddess has returned!
The two embraced tightly. They laughed. They talked as if time hadn't passed.
On the other side of the dining room, in a more private area, Eduardo was having lunch with Sophia and two of his friends. They were all laughing at inside jokes, fueled by white wine and arrogance.
Until César, the most mocking one, abruptly stopped laughing and stared at the entrance.
Wait a minute... who is that?
André followed his gaze and let out a discreet whistle.
My God. Now that's a sight.
Sophia turned her face automatically.
Eduardo, distracted with his cell phone, didn't look up at first.
The one in green. With that brunette beside her... who is she? What woman is that?
Sophia lightly bit her lips, uncomfortable with the men's stares.
Eduardo finally raised his eyes.
And his entire body went rigid.
Elisa.
Radiant. Serene. Laughing with Cecília.
But not the Elisa he knew from mornings with tied-back hair and simple nightgowns. This was a complete woman. Beautiful. Unreachable.
For a second, he lost his voice.
César continued:
Is she someone's wife? Because, look, if not, I'm asking for her number right now.
She's his wife... said Sophia, acidly, pointing to Eduardo.
Everyone fell silent for a second.
César widened his eyes.
What?
Elisa. Eduardo's wife. Sophia crossed her arms. The so-called "invisible" one.
Eduardo still wasn't speaking.
César let out a nervous laugh:
Man... you have a jewel like that at home and you keep saying she's dull?
André added:
She looks stunning. And who's the friend? The two of them together... they look like movie stars.
The discomfort grew inside Eduardo like fire. He felt his face heat up. The compliment didn't please him. It was jealousy.
But he didn't recognize it yet. He only knew that he hated seeing Elisa being admired. Especially when she seemed to be happy. Without him.
Let's change the subject... he cut in, curtly.
Sophia looked at him more attentively. That reaction... wasn't indifference.
It was too much of a reaction.
-----
At the nearby table, Cecília raised an eyebrow upon noticing the stares.
Don't look now, but you're causing a stir.
Me? Elisa laughed, confused.
Yes. And quite a big one. The bigwigs in the corner can't stop staring at you. One of them even looks like he regrets his life choices.
Elisa followed her gaze discreetly.
And then she saw Eduardo.
Sitting with Sophia.
The glass between his fingers. His gaze fixed on her.
Elisa's eyes wavered for a second. Her chest tightened. But she showed nothing.
She just raised her chin, smiled at Cecília and said:
So... I have a trip to plan.
Where to?
Lisbon.
Cecília clapped softly, radiant.
I knew it! You were born for this, friend. To shine. And he... he'll have to watch it happen without being able to stop you anymore.
Elisa just smiled. No bitterness. Just truth.
And for the first time since it all began, she felt free.