After dinner, Carla says goodbye, leaving Isabela and Ms Marta with a renewed sense of support and friendship. Ms Marta looks at her daughter with affection, knowing that the healing journey is a gradual path, but also believing that time and love will be allies in this process.
The phone on Rafael's desk rings again, but this time it's the voice of Marilena's best friend that echoes through the room. Rafael's expression changes, indicating a mixture of surprise and irritation when he answers.
"Rafael, what do you think you're doing?" exclaims Marilena's friend on the other end of the line. "Do you really think you can just end things like that and get away with it?"
Rafael responds with a hint of frustration. "She decided to show up at the company out of nowhere. I tried to explain, but she doesn't want to listen. I don't know what else to do."
Marilena's friend doesn't mince words. "Did you notice how she was when she got to you? She's falling apart, and you're acting like it's simply a done deal. That's cruel, Rafael."
Rafael takes a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "I didn't want it to be like this, but I can't continue in a relationship that's no longer working. Marilena needs to understand that."
Carla's voice takes on a more serious tone. "You need to be more empathetic, Rafael. Marilena is suffering, and you are only making things worse with your cold attitude. She deserves a proper explanation, not this dismissive silence."
Irritation mixes with frustration in Rafael's voice. "Carla, I already told her what needed to be said. She's being stubborn. There's nothing more to discuss."
Carla responds, now with a more critical tone. "Stubborn? Do you think she's being stubborn? Can't you see that she's devastated? Didn't you notice that she looked bad when she came to the company today? What kind of person are you?"
Carla, frustrated with Rafael's attitude, doesn't give up. "You may be ending the story for yourself, but not for her. Marilena deserves respect and an honest explanation. If you ever truly cared about her, at least do this."
Rafael retorts, his patience running out. "I have nothing more to say to her. Our paths have parted, and she needs to accept that."
Carla sighs on the other end of the line. "You're making a big mistake, Rafael. A relationship lasting years cannot be discarded like that. Think carefully about your choices and what you really want."
The call ends with palpable tension, leaving Rafael isolated in his room, facing the emotional consequences of his choices. Meanwhile, Carla drives back home, determined to support Marilena amid the unfolding emotional chaos.
While Marilena tries to compose herself in the comfort of her bedroom, the rain begins to fall outside, echoing the unshed tears that hover in her soul. Ms Marta, observing her daughter, decides to prepare a comforting tea, seeking to alleviate not only the physical exhaustion, but also the emotional pain that Marilena carries.
In his office, Christian faces the increasing rain while reflecting on his brief meeting with Marilena. Concern and compassion remain in his thoughts, creating an inexplicable connection between them.
Meanwhile, in the apartment, Marilena is immersed in tumultuous thoughts. The image of Rafael, the unspoken words and the mysterious presence of Christian form a whirlwind of emotions in his mind.
Ms Marta returns with the tea, offering it to Marilena with affection. "My dear, drink this. It will do you good. Sometimes the answers to our questions appear when we allow calm to set in."
Ms Marta nods, accepting the cup gratefully. The warmth of the tea seems to bring momentary relief as she reflects on recent events.
Outside Marilena's building, Christian parks his car. His thoughts turn to Marilena, a fragile figure facing internal and external storms. He wonders about the role he inadvertently assumed in this story.
Deciding to act impulsively, Christian returns to the building and, with determined steps, rings the doorbell of Isabela's apartment. Ms Marta, surprised by the visit, opens the door.
"Hello again. I hope I'm not disturbing you, but... well, I wanted to check in on how Marilena is feeling."
Ms Marta smiles, appreciating Christian's concern. "You are very kind. Come in, please."
Christian enters the apartment, now filled with the aroma of comforting tea. He finds Marilena on the sofa, still immersed in her own thoughts.
"Hi, Marilena. I just wanted to make sure you're okay," Christian says, trying to offer a reassuring smile.
Marilena, surprised by the unexpected visit, smiles gently. "Thanks for caring. I'm trying to deal with everything, you know?"
Christian sits, respecting her space. "Life can be complicated sometimes. Sometimes sharing the burden helps. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here."
Ms Marta, observing the interaction, feels a mix of gratitude and curiosity. She can't help but wonder about this mysterious man who seems to have appeared at just the right moment.
As the three share a moment of conversation, the rain outside gradually eases, as if nature is witnessing and responding to the intertwined emotions of those inside the apartment.
Christian stands up, feeling the weight of the emotion that permeated the conversation. He smiles at Isabela, expressing a mixture of sympathy and understanding. "Marilena, I'm here if you need someone to talk to or, even if it's just to share a coffee. Sometimes, a friend can make all the difference."
Marilena, touched by Christian's sincere gesture, thanks her with a soft nod of her head. "Thank you, Christian. Your visit was a pleasant surprise, and I appreciate your concern. Let's keep the coffee pending for next time."
"All good! Lend me your cell phone." He asks smiling, extending his hand to me and I hand my cell phone into his hand. His cell phone rings and his smile expands even more, showing that he called mine and his.
Christian agrees, feeling the sensitivity of the moment. "Deal. I'll take care not to be an intruder, but know that I'm rooting for you, Marilena. Speed recovering."
Before leaving, he gives one last comforting look and says goodbye with a "See you later." Marilena apartment, now immersed in its own tranquility again, leaves space for reflections on the unexpected visit.
Marilena, sitting alone, thinks about Christian's words and the layers of compassion he brought with him. She is amazed at how a chance meeting during heavy rain turned into a bond of support and friendship.
As the minutes pass by, Marilena realises that Christian's presence has brought a soft light into her world, offering a perspective of hope in the midst of difficulties. She finds herself smiling at the memory of the kind gesture and allows herself to believe that, perhaps, the future holds comforting surprises.
Ms Marta observes Marilena, her eyes filled with a mother's understanding. With a gentle smile, she begins to speak, "Marilena, my dear, I couldn't help but notice how Christian looked at you. It seemed like he was genuinely concerned about your well-being."
Marilena, still processing the emotional whirlwind of recent events, brushes off her mother's observation. "Mom, he's just feeling guilty for almost running me over. It doesn't mean anything more than that."
Ms Marta shakes her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "My sweet daughter, sometimes our hearts sense connections even when our minds are preoccupied. Christian's concern goes beyond mere guilt. I could see it in his eyes."
Marilena raises an eyebrow, skeptical. "Mom, please. It's just a chance encounter. There's no deeper meaning to it."
Ms Marta chuckles softly. "Call it what you will, but there's a certain energy when two souls cross paths unexpectedly. Keep an open heart, my dear. Life has a way of surprising us."
Marilena sighs, not entirely convinced, but appreciating her mother's attempt to infuse positivity into the complex situation. As the rain continues outside, the mother and daughter share a moment of quiet understanding, each grappling with their own reflections on the twists of fate that have recently unfolded.
In his hotel room, Rafael finds himself faced with the same emotional restlessness that haunts him. Rafael sits on the edge of the bed, his expression reflecting a mix of frustration and uneasiness. He runs a hand through his hair, sighing heavily as he tries to process the impact of his conversation with Marilena.
"Why do things have to be so complicated?" Rafael mutters to himself, his mind echoing with the painful words exchanged moments ago.
His mind oscillates between anger and sadness, emotions converging in a whirlwind of thoughts. Marilena's rejection weighs like a burden, and he wonders if she made the right decisions.
"Should I have said something different? Maybe... maybe I should have tried to explain better. But how?" Rafael asks himself, frustrated with himself.
As he tries to understand what went wrong, a feeling of emptiness sets in. The image of Marilena, with her hurt eyes, continues to haunt him. He can't deny the pain he caused her, and regret begins to seep into her reflections.
"Marilena deserved more than that. She deserved a better explanation, something that would ease her pain. I just don't know if I can offer that now," Rafael murmurs, feeling the complexity of his own emotions.
The room, once full of promises and shared projects, now seems like an empty, gloomy space. Rafael wonders how things got to this point, how the relationship that was once his refuge fell apart before his eyes.
As he sinks into his thoughts, the door to the room remains ajar, like a symbolic gap between the past and an uncertain future. Rafael knows that something has changed irreversibly, but he still needs to understand the true meaning of this change. To feel in peace with himself, he decides to call Marilena.
The familiar chime of Marilena's phone disrupts the quiet solitude of her apartment. She squints at the screen, a mixture of surprise and hesitation crossing her face as she recognizes Rafael's name flashing across it. With a sigh, she answers, her voice weakened by illness.
"Hello?" She rasps.
"Marilena, hey, it's Rafael." His voice sounds uncertain, as if navigating uncharted territory.
Marilena shifts uncomfortably in her bed, torn between the remnants of the love she once knew and the hurt that lingers from his abrupt departure. "What do you want, Rafael?"
There's a pause on the other end, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. "I heard you're not feeling well. Are you okay?"
Marilena's brows furrow as she contemplates his sudden concern. "Why do you care?"
A sigh crackles through the phone, laden with a hint of remorse. "Look, I know things ended badly between us, but I never wanted you to get hurt."
Marilena's gaze drifts to the medicine bottles on her bedside table, a silent acknowledgment of the pain she's currently enduring. "Hurt? Rafael, you broke me. You shattered everything we had."
There's a vulnerability in Rafael's voice as he responds, "I messed up, Marilena. I should have handled things better. I never meant to cause you this much pain."
The sincerity in his words triggers a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within Marilena. She's torn between the desire to hold onto the remnants of what once was and the need to protect herself from further heartache. "Why are you calling now? What do you expect?"
"I just wanted to check if you're okay. I heard you're sick, and I couldn't ignore it," Rafael admits, his tone tinged with regret.
Marilena's gaze softens as the reality of her illness sinks in, transcending the emotional wounds. "Well, I appreciate the concern, but I have people here taking care of me. You don't need to worry."
There's a silence on the line, a space filled with unspoken apologies and the echoes of what used to be. "I never wanted things to end like this," Rafael finally confesses.
The weight of his words lingers, and Marilene finds herself grappling with a mix of compassion and lingering pain. "Rafael, whatever happens now, it won't change what happened. We can't go back."
He lets out a heavy breath, conceding to the irreversible truth. "I understand. I just needed to know you're okay."
As the call ends, Marilena is left with a tangle of emotions. The unexpected conversation with Rafael reopens wounds she thought were healing. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a newfound strength begins to emerge—a resilience shaped by the trials of heartbreak and the support of unexpected allies.
At home, as Carla Scrolls through her Instagram feed, memories flood back with each old picture. A particular photo catches her attention – a snapshot of three inseparable friends: Carla, Marilena, and Vanessa. It's a moment frozen in time when laughter echoed and secrets were shared.
Feeling a wave of sentimentality, Carla can't resist the urge to reconnect with Vanessa. She picks up her phone and dials Vanessa's number, waiting anxiously as the phone rings on the other end.
When Vanessa answers, there's a mixture of surprise and hesitation in her voice. Carla, however, dives straight into the reason for her call. "Vanessa, it's been ages! I was just going through old pictures on Instagram and stumbled upon this one with Marilena. Do you remember those times? We used to share everything."
Vanessa, caught off guard, replies, "Yeah, Carla, those were good times. How have you been?"
Carla, sensing an opportunity to address the elephant in the room, brings up a topic that's been on her mind. "Vanessa, I've been meaning to ask – why did you go MIA after Rafael broke up with Marilena? We used to be so close, and then it felt like you disappeared."
Vanessa hesitates for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Carla, it's complicated. After Rafael and Marilena split, things changed, and I needed some space."
Not satisfied with the vague response, Carla presses on. "But we were supposed to be there for each other no matter what. Why the sudden distance?"
Vanessa sighs, realizing that the truth is inevitable. "Carla, there's something I need to tell you. Rafael and I... we've been having an affair. It started when he and Marilena were still together."
Carla, stunned by the revelation, is momentarily silent. The weight of the secret Vanessa has just shared hangs in the air. Finally, she manages to speak, her voice tinged with disappointment and disbelief. "Vanessa, how could you? Marilena was our friend, and you betrayed her."
Vanessa, remorseful, confesses, "I know, Carla. It's a mess, and I regret it every day. I never meant for things to unfold this way."
Carla, grappling with a mix of emotions, decides to confront the situation head-on. "This is not just about Marilena; it's about our friendship too. How could you keep such a significant secret from me?"
Vanessa, acknowledging her mistake, replies, "I was scared of losing you and Marilena. I didn't know how to face the truth, and it spiraled out of control."
Carla, torn between loyalty to her friend and the shock of the revelation, ponders her next move. "Vanessa, I need some time to process this. I can't believe you hid something like this from us."
As Carla hangs up the phone, the weight of the revelation lingers in the air. The photo that once represented carefree moments among friends now carries the burden of betrayal. Carla grapples with conflicting emotions, torn between her loyalty to Marilena and the history shared with Vanessa.
Meanwhile, Vanessa sits on the other end, regret and guilt consuming her. The web of deceit she has woven threatens not only her relationship with Carla but also the bonds that once held the trio together.
Carla, burdened by the weight of Vanessa's betrayal, finds herself unable to bring herself to tell Marilena the truth. Instead, she continues to navigate the delicate balance of maintaining a facade of normalcy in their friendship.
Days turn into weeks, and Carla struggles to hide her internal turmoil. She watches Marilena go about her life, knowing the truth about Vanessa's affair, yet unable to disclose it. The guilt continues to gnaw at Carla, but fear and loyalty keep her silent.
One day, as they spend an afternoon together, Marilena expresses her gratitude for Carla's support during difficult times. "Carla, I don't know what I would do without you. You've been my rock through thick and thin."
Carla forces a smile, the weight of the unspoken truth pressing down on her. "I'm always here for you, Marilena. Friends stick together, right?"
Marilena nods, oblivious to the turmoil beneath the surface. The unspoken truth lingers in the air, casting shadows on their interactions. Carla wonders how long she can keep up the charade and protect Marilena from the painful reality.
As time passes, Carla becomes adept at concealing her inner turmoil, but the strain on her own emotional well-being is undeniable. The guilt eats away at her, and she finds herself questioning the integrity of their friendship.
One evening, Carla receives a call from Vanessa, who senses the growing tension. "Carla, we need to talk. I can't keep living like this, and Marilena deserves to know the truth."
Carla, torn between loyalty and the desire for honesty, hesitates. "Vanessa, I can't just drop this bomb on Marilena. It will shatter her. We need to find another way to handle this."
Vanessa, frustrated and remorseful, understands the gravity of their situation. "Carla, we can't keep living a lie. It's not fair to Marilena, and it's tearing us apart."
The conversation with Vanessa leaves Carla even more conflicted. She grapples with the moral dilemma of whether she should continue shielding Marilena from the painful truth or confront the consequences of revealing Vanessa's betrayal.
In the end, as days turn into weeks, Carla finds herself trapped in a cycle of secrecy and guilt. The unspoken truth becomes a haunting presence in their friendship, forever altering the dynamics between Carla, Marilena, and Vanessa.