Erica was already waiting at their favorite corner when Elara arrived. The luxurious cafe usually felt like a sanctuary, but today the air felt heavy.
"What's going on, El?" Erica asked immediately, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Why did you summon me here so urgently? What do you want to talk about? Is it about David again?"
Elara tried to smile, adjusting her seat. "Usually when I ask to meet, you always say your husband is home, maybe next time. How come you could come straight away this time?"
"My husband is on an out-of-town business trip. You know he's rarely home," Erica answered, rolling her eyes. "So when he is home, no way I'm leaving him! But he's away now, so I'm free!"
"What about your kid?" Elara asked, still trying to divert the conversation.
"My kid is with the babysitter, of course. My husband doesn't want me getting baby blues again, so he handles everything, got me a full-time babysitter," Erica explained, sipping her latte. "Come on, El, no dodging. Seriously, what did you want to talk about that you had to call me here so suddenly?"
Elara took a deep breath. Her fingers played with the cup handle, staring at her espresso that was getting cold. The atmosphere grew tense.
"Erica..." she murmured softly. "Do you... still remember Kael?"
Erica almost choked on her drink. "Kael? You mean Kael, the bad boy from college? Your ex-boyfriend whom you left just like that after you met David?" She stared sharply at Elara. "Of course I remember. Why are you asking about him now? Isn't he also married with a kid now?"
Elara lifted her gaze. The same eyes that once shone with love for Kael were now filled with tears and regret. Her voice trembled, almost inaudible.
"I... saw him again, Ric."
Erica froze. The cup almost touching her lips was slowly lowered. "What?!" she hissed, making sure no one was listening. "How? When? Where?"
"A few weeks ago," Elara sighed. "First at a charity gala. Then... we accidentally met again at the supermarket. And... and the last time, we met here, at this cafe."
"HERE?!" Erica almost shouted, then lowered her voice to a worried whisper. "El, don't mess around. This is dangerous. What did you guys do? Just talk?"
Elara nodded slowly, tears starting to fall. "At first, just talking... but... but the feelings are still there, Ric. Both in me and in him."
"Oh my God, Elara!" Erica sighed, her face showing a mix of worry and disbelief. "This isn't a game. You're both married! You have families! David is a good husband, and as far as I remember, Kael's wife is a perfectly nice woman too!"
"I know..." sobbed Elara. "But these feelings... I can't deny them anymore. Every day is like torture. Looking at David, but all I can think about is..."
"Don't!" Erica cut in sharply. "Don't finish that. You have to stop, El. Right now!"
"But we already decided not to see each other again," Elara tried to reassure.
Erica leaned her face closer, her eyes wide. "You've ended it? But from the way you're talking, it sounds like there's unfinished business. El, listen to me. Don't ruin your life. Don't destroy your family for a memory from the past."
Elara looked at her best friend, tears streaming down. "But how do you forget someone who made you feel the most alive, Ric? How?"
Erica gripped Elara's hand tightly. "By remembering the price you have to pay. By looking at Alisha. By being the wife that David deserves."
Their friendship, usually filled with laughter and jokes, was now shrouded by the bitter truth hanging heavily between them.