The Line Between Love and Revenge

- Hurry up, Isa! The guys are waiting for us. - I hear Tania shout from downstairs.

- I'm almost ready, babe, I'll be down in a minute. - I reply as I finish painting my lips and check my hair.

I decided to leave it loose this time, to give a touch of naturalness and elegance to my look.

I look at my reflection in the mirror, examining it in detail. My beige dress is tight-fitting, just above the knees, showing a small part of my thighs; red closed-toe heels complete my outfit. I made sure everything was in place, adjusting every detail to make it look perfect.

I decide to apply just a bit of mascara to my lashes, leaving my lips as the focal point, which are a deep red. I search in my chest where I keep my accessories, for some earrings with red accents and a fine gold necklace with a tear-shaped pendant in red. I wanted every detail to complement each other, to give harmony to my appearance.

I give a smile to my reflection. It had been a few months since I had only gone from home to work and vice versa, so I am about to go on a double date with my best friend Tania, her boyfriend Ryan, and his friend Willian.

I descend the stairs, and my friend jumps with excitement upon seeing me. I feel flattered to hear her words:

- You look beautiful, Isa. Will will be drooling over you - she says, winking at me.

I release a laugh as I embrace her, she will never change. Although I set aside the scolding, not to dampen the night; I had already gotten used to her craziness.

- Always trying to get me a boyfriend, - I say with a sigh.

- There's nothing wrong with that, besides, it's been years since... - my friend tries to console me, but I interrupt her before she can mention it.

My face tenses and I do my best not to remember. However, those brown eyes in which I got lost so many times infiltrate my mind. My friend's voice brings me back to reality.

- I'm sorry, tita, I didn't mean to make you think of him - she says, taking my hands tenderly.

- I know, babe. His memory shouldn't affect me anymore - I whisper, trying to convince myself.

- Well, let's forget about that and let's have fun, okay? No sadness tonight. - Tania insists, determined to change the course of our thoughts.

- Yes, babe, you're right - I acknowledge, while using the back of my hand to wipe away a solitary tear that had treacherously rolled down my cheek.

- Relax - she says and takes me by the hand to the sofa, where we sit to wait for the guys.

Tania tries to cheer me up by telling me how annoying her boss had been with a report he asked her to submit.

- I swear I wanted to strangle him - she says, trying to make me smile.

I can't help but laugh at her comment. I knew her boss very well and knew how unbearable he could be, especially when it came to nearing the time of executive meetings. Tania works in an advertising company as an assistant to the retail manager.

With each laugh, I feel the sadness drifting away a little more.

We are relaxed when we hear the doorbell, announcing the arrival of Ryan and his friend Will.

- My love, I missed you - Ryan says to my friend as soon as she opens the door, and leans in to kiss her.

I try to avoid watching them together, my eyes land on Will. He has an above-average height, making him stand out among the crowd. His face, with harmonious features, is framed by a mane of dark brown hair that falls naturally. But it's his green eyes, shining like emeralds, that captivate anyone who dares to look at them. An irresistible combination of charm and physical attractiveness. He smiles at me when he realizes I was observing him.

Ryan looks at us for a moment and decides to introduce us.

- Isa, this is Willian...

He gives me a peck on the cheek and then says:

- Nice to meet you, beautiful - his voice is deep and calm. And his gesture warms my heart.

- The pleasure is mine, William - I reply kindly.

- You can call me Will - he adds, winking at me.

Tania has a smile from ear to ear and a mischievous look that makes me laugh.

Together, we head to the restaurant that Ryan had pre-booked. We arrive and everything looks pleasant and calm. We chat a bit when suddenly Tania interrupts the conversation with the intention of making Will feel uncomfortable.

- Tell me, Will, do you think Isa looks beautiful tonight?

I feel the blush invade my face as I look at her with the desire to kill her. She looks back at me and winks.

- Of course, Tania, Isabella looks very beautiful. - Will responds, a little embarrassed.

- Well, then you're a bit slow - she comments while crossing her arms.

Ryan laughs at Tania's comment, and I take the opportunity to pinch my friend for her impertinence.

- Not all of us can be like you, Tani. I like to make sure of the ground I'm stepping on - Will says, showing a more relaxed side of himself.

- Relax, babe. Will knows how to play his cards - Ryan intervenes.

- I know, love. I just want to help a bit - Tania says, pouting.

Ryan gives her a tender kiss on the forehead and caresses her hair, pampering her like a little girl.

Meanwhile, I excuse myself for a moment and take Tania's hand to go to the bathroom.

- Don't be mad at me, tita - Tania says as we walk towards the bathrooms. - I just want to help Will. It's clear that since he saw you, he's completely captivated and drooling like a faucet.

I roll my eyes with exasperation, although I can't help but think she's right. I pass my hand over her cheek trying to calm her fervor.

- You might be right, but the poor guy doesn't have to suffer your attacks, babe - I say in a soft tone.

- I just want to see you happy, friend - she replies with an adorable childish expression.

Her confession warms my heart. She has always been like this, ever since we met, tirelessly looking for ways to make me happy.

- I know, but you don't have to make Will uncomfortable, we're just getting to know each other - I tell her, trying to be empathetic.

- I know him and I know he needs a little push to act - she responds with a mischievous smile.

I couldn't help but laugh at her comment, it was impossible to win in this kind of debates. I give her a loving hug and tell her that I love her.

We walk back to where the guys are, laughing and reminiscing about past anecdotes.

- But you have to admit that Cristian was a bit clueless - I said to Tania playfully.

- Oh, the poor guy didn't even know how to kiss - she replied amidst contagious laughter.

I joined in their laughter, but couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I looked around. I glance at the table where we were sitting and something catches my attention, making me tense in my place. Tania notices my reaction, so she looks in the direction I'm staring at. Three tables away from ours, there are three men, one of them completely capturing my attention. Even though he had his back to me, I manage to catch a glimpse of his square jaw and perfectly combed hair.

I regain my composure and we quickly make our way back to our table. Ryan and Will interrupt their conversation to greet us, while my eyes go back to the table, wondering if he has recognized me.

- Are you okay? - Will asks as he stands up to help me with the chair.

- You look pale, - Ryan comments.

- I'm fine, don't worry, - I reply, although I know it's not true.

I try to focus on the conversation, but I see Tania watching me out of the corner of my eye. I look back at the table and our eyes meet directly. Those eyes that have captivated me so many times. There's a spark of understanding in them. A smile forms on his face as he realizes my presence.

My heart starts racing, as if it's in a wild race in my chest, while I think:

«Adrien, he has finally found me.»