Two days later... Alex arrives in high spirits.
"Hi. How's your mother doing?" I ask, concerned.
"Much better! The infection is under control, and they'll be bringing her out of sedation soon."
"Thank God," I say with a relieved sigh.
"Thank you for your prayers, Ana!"
"You're welcome. And we'll keep praying!"
"Yes! Thank you so, so much for your kindness."
Alex had asked me to join him in prayer for his sick mother. He's an old friend...
"Will you still be able to travel during Carnival?"
"I am. I'm going with Cássio and the guys..."
"That's great. By then, your mother will probably be fully recovered."
Cássio walks over, greets everyone, and sits down with Alex to finalize the last details of the trip.
Friday finally arrives, and with it, Carnival. I'm thrilled about the long holiday weekend. I'm going to get so much rest.
When everyone returns to work after the holiday, he sits beside me while I'm typing away in my office.
"Hey, sweetheart," Cássio says, brushing a stray lock of my hair with his hand.
"Hi. How was the trip?" I ask coolly.
"It was great. That blouse looks really good on you..." His gaze lingers on my chest before he continues. "Can we talk later?"
"Sure," I agree, wondering what he wants.
The warmth in his voice tells me the resentment is gone. His wounded pride has healed. I decide to change the subject.
"Are you still going to church?" I ask teasingly.
"Every Sunday. Faithful as ever."
He stands up, and I do the same to greet him properly. He places a hand on my back and gently pulls me closer, wrapping me in an embrace... a wonderful embrace. I brush my lips against his cheek and give him a warm kiss.
That night, I lie awake asking myself, My God, what am I doing? After everything that happened, how does he have the nerve to get close to me again? And why did I accept his embrace?
The week passes peacefully at the office.
When Sunday arrives, Edgar, my ex-husband, brings Luigi home.
"Are you seeing someone, Ana?" he asks angrily at the entrance to the condominium complex.
"I'm alone. And it's none of your business," I snap back.
"It is my business because I still love you! I was searching the internet, trying to find pictures of you, and I found several photos of that friend of yours—Cássio—on the Dark Web. He was partying during Carnival with naked women! Kissing and drinking at clubs!"
"So what? He's single," I reply sadly.
"That guy is no good! How can a company allow someone like him to be on its staff?" he asks indignantly.
"That's none of my concern. My relationship with him is strictly professional. But how do photos end up on the Dark Web?" I ask curiously.
"Usually through insecure websites or by installing illegal software, pirated programs, or cracked applications. Streaming movies and downloading music can also expose personal files and documents."
"What about Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?"
"Yes. That's common too."
"So if someone sends photos over Wi-Fi, they can be intercepted by someone else?"
"Yes. Wireless connections and Bluetooth can be used to capture files. One of the methods is called a 'man-in-the-middle' attack. It's very common and surprisingly easy to carry out. It usually happens in cafés, bars, and other places with shared Wi-Fi."
"I see."
"Some attacks don't even require a computer."
"Through a phone? Can photos sent from a phone be intercepted too?"
"Absolutely. On unsecured networks, it's very easy."
"I understand. Thank you for explaining."
Edgar falls silent for a few moments before returning to the subject.
"Tell me... are you with him? He's going to use you."
"I'm not! That's ridiculous! Where did you get that idea?"
"Fine." He takes a deep breath, looking up at the sky, then continues. "When we were married, you once mentioned that he looked at you differently. I checked the company's website and saw he still works there... so I thought maybe the two of you had gotten together."
"That's just your imagination. And did you find any photos of me?"
"No. But I'll keep looking... and if I find out you're with someone, I'll never come see Luigi again. Never. I've already told him. The only reason I come around is because of your mother."
"You won't find anything because there's nothing to find! And those are horrible things to say—especially in front of him! Luigi loves you so much!" I say, fighting back tears.
Luigi would be devastated if Edgar stopped coming, my God. What am I going to tell him? I think desperately.
The angel answers immediately: You'll say this... "Edgar"—use his name so you'll feel confident—"I don't have anyone, and I want to be alone, so calm down." That's what you're supposed to say. Do you understand?
I repeat the words, and Edgar falls silent.
We say goodbye and head inside the condominium. He remains standing behind the gate, watching us suspiciously until we disappear into the building.
"Are you dating Mom? Tell me the truth..." Luigi asks uneasily.
"No, I'm not dating anyone. Let's talk about something else. Your father loves you very much," I say, trying to soften the damage his words have caused.
"I know. What does he do for work, Mom?"
"He's a systems analyst. Your father is very intelligent."
I unlock the apartment door. Luigi turns on the television and stretches out on the couch. I go to my bedroom to cry in private... hearing Luigi listen to that confession had hurt me deeply.
"He won't do that. He's only making threats. He loves his son too much," the angel says.
I breathe a little easier and walk back into the living room. Luigi is calmly watching cartoons. I sit beside him, but a sudden thought sends a chill through me:
Edgar is stalking me.