Ricardo Ferraz woke up later than usual.
The room was still quiet.
He stretched slightly, running his hand over the other side of the bed.
Empty.
He frowned for a moment.
"Isabella?" he called, his voice still rough with sleep.
No answer.
He got up, already adjusting his shirt, and went downstairs for breakfast.
"Has Mrs. Isabella woken up?" he asked, pulling out a chair.
The maid nodded.
"Yes, sir. She left early."
Ricardo raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"Early?"
"She said she had work commitments."
He shrugged, picking up a cup of coffee.
"Hm."
Nothing unusual.
Isabella had always been dedicated to her work.
Responsible.
Predictable.
He took a sip of his coffee, calm.
Not imagining that, for the first time…
She was stepping out of the routine he trusted so much.
—
On the other side of the city, Isabella Duarte was making the final adjustments to yet another event.
The venue was flawless.
Flowers perfectly arranged.
Tables set with elegance.
Every detail carefully planned.
The client—a recurring bride—had hired Isabella multiple times for family events.
And not by chance.
She was exceptional at what she did.
A perfectionist.
Dedicated.
And above all…
Passionate about turning dreams into reality.
"It's perfect, Isabella!" the bride said, emotional.
Isabella smiled gently.
"I'm really glad you liked it."
And it was true.
Even with everything happening in her personal life…
Work was still the only place where she could breathe.
Distract herself.
Not think.
Or at least try not to think…
About what she would do in the coming days.
Her phone vibrated.
The name on the screen made her heart feel heavy.
Ricardo.
She hesitated for a second.
But opened the message.
"I want to see you tonight at dinner. Before the trip. I'll be away for three days."
Isabella stayed silent.
Three days.
When he came back…
She wouldn't be there anymore.
A bitter taste filled her mouth.
She knew exactly what kind of "business trip" that was.
Camila Albuquerque would certainly be by his side.
As she always had been.
But it didn't matter anymore.
Isabella took a deep breath.
Locked her phone.
And simply… didn't reply.
She put it away and went back to work.
As if that message didn't matter.
As if he… didn't matter anymore.
—
Hours passed.
The event was an absolute success.
As always.
Guests praised every detail.
The bride couldn't hide her happiness.
And Isabella…
Played her role perfectly.
Another flawless project.
Another proof of her talent.
She loved it.
Loved creating happy moments.
Even while her own world was falling apart.
When everything ended, it was already night.
Late.
Very late.
Fatigue weighed on her shoulders.
But there was also a sense of accomplishment.
Of pride.
She said goodbye to her team and headed home.
When she walked in, she noticed the silence.
She looked at the clock.
One hour late for dinner.
Isabella walked to the dining room.
The table was empty.
No sign that anyone had been there.
No plates.
No glasses.
Nothing.
She frowned slightly.
"He's late…" she murmured.
The maid, passing through the hallway, heard her.
"Mr. Ricardo didn't come home, ma'am."
Isabella turned her head.
"No?"
"No, ma'am. He left this morning and said he would travel tonight. He mentioned taking the first flight at dawn."
Isabella stayed silent for a moment.
Then gave a small nod.
"I see."
No surprise.
No disappointment.
Just… confirmation.
She picked up her phone.
There was a new message.
A voice note.
Sent thirty minutes ago.
Isabella pressed play.
"Love, something came up… I won't be able to make it to dinner tonight," Ricardo's voice said.
And then…
In the background…
A woman's laughter.
Soft.
Familiar.
Camila.
Isabella closed her eyes for a second.
But there was no pain.
Not like before.
Only a cold emptiness.
She locked her phone.
Either way…
It wasn't like she wanted him there.
In fact…
This was better.
Three days.
Three days alone in that house.
No lies being acted out in front of her.
No touches that now disgusted her.
No presence of him.
Isabella took a deep breath.
Maybe…
Those three days were exactly what she needed.
To finally leave.
And never look back.