Sophia's smile was impeccable. In Elisa's eyes, it conveyed friendliness, empathy, and remorse. But behind that sweet expression, there was something denser and darker: pure hatred, cold and patient, accumulated over the years.
To Sophia, Elisa wasn't just an obstacle... she was the wound that never healed, the living reminder that Eduardo had chosen another. And that choice, to her, would never be forgiven.
In recent days, Sophia had begun to implement the first part of her plan: to sow insecurity. Small "unpretentious" comments were left hanging in the air when they were alone.
You know that life with Eduardo can be... difficult, right? ... she said in an almost concerned tone, absentmindedly stirring her coffee cup. He's demanding, can't tolerate mistakes. I think I could never relax around him... but maybe you're different.
Elisa, pregnant and more sensitive, absorbed every word. She didn't want to admit it, but those words kept echoing in her mind when she was alone.
