For a long period, I deceived myself. Pretending that everything in my life was normal — the same routine, no changes — and that it was all a bad dream.
I could not believe Sergey had chea:ted on me. And not casually, on the side, but seriously—he was seeing her! That same woman had now taken over as his work helper. They saw each other daily…
The symptoms were clear: late arrivals home, unusual aroma on his shirt, hushed chats behind closed doors, and numerous work excursions… But I assured myself that was only my anxieties. That everything could be stated logically and without excessive drama.
But one day I couldn’t take it anymore and asked him directly:
— Tell me, is it true that you’re seeing her?
He didn’t even deny it. Just coldly said:
— You already know everything. It’s good that we talked about it. I want a divorce.
That was it. One blow. No regret, not a drop of warmth. Just “that’s all.”
Then came the words of consolation.
— He’s not worthy of you, Olga, — said Marina, my best friend. — Forget him like a bad dream. Maybe it’s for the best. He would only ruin your life.
— I knew from the start that guy was a bastard! — my mother was outraged. — Let him go to hell. You’ll find someone else, a real man.
— That’s life, baby, — sighed my mother-in-law when I called her to tell about the divorce. — No kids, you’re young and beautiful. You have everything ahead of you.
Their remarks sounded nice, but they didn’t hit my soul. Especially since I still had hope inside. I hoped Sergey would realize his error and return. Silly? Maybe. But then I was willing to cling to even the smallest opportunity.
I contacted him again, hoping he would reconsider. But he did not even respond. Just vanished. It was as if he deleted me from his existence the moment he left our flat.
To distract myself, I began spending a lot of time with Marina and her brother, Kirill. We had known one other for a long time, but we had always interacted more like friends than close people. When we were teenagers, I secretly admired him but never revealed it to anybody, including Marina. After all, he is her brother.
He had returned to our town following his divorce, feeling a little disoriented and sad. Strangely, I felt more alive next to him.
Kirill did not pity me, did not use clichés like “you deserve better,” and did not inquire about my feelings. He was simply there. We went on walks in the evenings, watched movies, and sometimes just sat in the park eating ice cream from the adjacent store. Next to him, the ache subsided gradually. Sergey’s ideas grew dim and insignificant.
That is why, when the official divorce was done, I agreed to pursue a relationship with Kirill. I didn’t anticipate it to turn out like that. But Marina was the most astonished of all.
— Finally! — she exclaimed joyfully, hugging me. — I always knew it would be this way. I’m so happy!
I blinked in confusion:
— You… knew?
— Of course, I was just sure of it, — Marina smiled. — Who else could be the best match for my dear brother if not you? I told you: your divorce is a blessing. The best thing that ever happened to you!
A few months ago I would have cried or been offended by that statement. But now I understood she was right. Because next to Kirill, I really felt different — needed, desired, loved. He was nothing like Sergey. Tender, attentive, caring… He even spoiled me, which I had never known before.
I hadn’t thought about the past for a long time when suddenly my phone rang. The screen showed my ex-husband’s name. Unexpected and unpleasant.
— It’s Sergey, — I murmured, looking at the phone. — Didn’t expect that.
Kirill nodded:
— Answer. Listen to what he has to say.
Summoning my courage, I pressed “accept.”
— Olga? — his voice sounded — sharp, almost businesslike. — We need to meet. Urgently.
— What do you want to talk about? — I asked, feeling a slight confusion.
— Not on the phone, — he cut me off. — Can you come to the park near your house tomorrow? By the lake. Choose the time.
A little confused, I agreed. He said he would come and hung up.
— So, did you understand anything? — I asked Kirill.
— No, — he shook his head. — But if you want, I can be there.
— No, — I answered firmly. — I need to close this chapter once and for all. Let there be a meeting. Just me.
Exactly at the appointed time, I stood by the small pond in the park. I came alone, as planned. Sergey was not there yet, and I began to doubt: would he even come? After all, we had nothing connecting us anymore. Maybe he changed his mind? Or wants to ask me to come back?
At that moment, he appeared in the distance — walking quickly as if in a hurry. Approaching, he immediately started:
— Glad you came. We need to talk… about the ring.
— What ring? — I was surprised.
— Your wedding ring, — he explained. — You kept it, right? I want you to give it back to me.
My eyebrows shot up.
— So you want me to just give you the ring? Why?
He shrugged and scowled slightly.
— I am getting married. Karina and I need wedding rings. I paid for them, thus I believe I have the right to take them back. Particularly the one that belonged to you. That is fair.
I froze for a moment. In front of me was the man I once loved, who was now asking me to return a present given many years ago in order to save money for a new wedding. The concept made me laugh so hard that I nearly fell over. Tears streamed down my cheeks—not from sorrow, but from the ridiculousness of the circumstance.
I wiped my face, looked him in the eyes, and said:
— You know, lucky for you I didn’t throw it away. I even carry it with me.
From my pocket, I pulled out the ring — yes, it was there, along with old memories.
— Here, — I said mockingly. — Since you need it so badly — take it! I won’t get in the way of your happiness.
With a sharp motion, I threw the ring into the water. It disappeared into the depths of the pond, leaving only ripples on the surface.
I didn’t wait for his reaction. No shouts, no excuses — I didn’t care anymore. Let him curse, let him blame his fate. I turned and walked away, leaving him alone — where apparently he belonged.
After telling Kirill everything, we laughed for a long time. He thought it was humorous, too.
— You’re wonderful, — he remarked, beaming. — Sometimes it’s best to let go of people and things that remind you of them.
We aren’t planning a wedding yet. However, I believe Kirill is already thinking about it. Perhaps soon he will propose. So why not? We have both been through divorce and pain, and we now deserve the right to genuine happiness. My folks, especially my mother, are overjoyed about our union; she’s already fantasizing about grandkids.
And me? I am pleased with what I have. Happy, regardless of how trite that term sounds. And I’m not ashamed to tell it: I’ve found someone who genuinely loves me.
