For a protracted interval, I deceived myself. Pretending that every little thing in my life was regular — the identical routine, no modifications — and that it was all a foul dream.
I couldn’t consider Sergey had chea:ted on me. And never casually, on the facet, however severely—he was seeing her! That very same girl had now taken over as his work helper. They noticed one another each day…
The signs have been clear: late arrivals dwelling, uncommon aroma on his shirt, hushed chats behind closed doorways, and quite a few work excursions… However I assured myself that was solely my anxieties. That every little thing may very well be said logically and with out extreme drama.
However at some point I couldn’t take it anymore and requested him instantly:
— Inform me, is it true that you simply’re seeing her?
He didn’t even deny it. Simply coldly mentioned:
— You already know every little thing. It’s good that we talked about it. I need a divorce.
That was it. One blow. No remorse, not a drop of heat. Simply “that’s all.”
Then got here the phrases of comfort.
— He’s undeserving of you, Olga, — mentioned Marina, my greatest good friend. — Neglect him like a foul dream. Possibly it’s for one of the best. He would solely spoil your life.
— I knew from the beginning that man was a bastard! — my mom was outraged. — Let him go to hell. You’ll discover another person, an actual man.
— That’s life, child, — sighed my mother-in-law after I referred to as her to inform in regards to the divorce. — No children, you’re younger and delightful. You have got every little thing forward of you.
Their remarks sounded good, however they didn’t hit my soul. Particularly since I nonetheless had hope inside. I hoped Sergey would notice his error and return. Foolish? Possibly. However then I used to be prepared to cling to even the smallest alternative.
I contacted him once more, hoping he would rethink. However he didn’t even reply. Simply vanished. It was as if he deleted me from his existence the second he left our flat.
To distract myself, I started spending numerous time with Marina and her brother, Kirill. We had recognized one different for a very long time, however we had at all times interacted extra like pals than shut individuals. After we have been youngsters, I secretly admired him however by no means revealed it to anyone, together with Marina. In spite of everything, he’s her brother.
He had returned to our city following his divorce, feeling slightly disoriented and unhappy. Surprisingly, I felt extra alive subsequent to him.
Kirill didn’t pity me, didn’t use clichés like “you deserve higher,” and didn’t inquire about my emotions. He was merely there. We went on walks within the evenings, watched films, and typically simply sat within the park consuming ice cream from the adjoining retailer. Subsequent to him, the ache subsided regularly. Sergey’s concepts grew dim and insignificant.
That’s the reason, when the official divorce was finished, I agreed to pursue a relationship with Kirill. I didn’t anticipate it to prove like that. However Marina was essentially the most astonished of all.
— Lastly! — she exclaimed joyfully, hugging me. — I at all times knew it could be this fashion. I’m so glad!
I blinked in confusion:
— You… knew?
— After all, I used to be simply positive of it, — Marina smiled. — Who else may very well be one of the best match for my pricey brother if not you? I instructed you: your divorce is a blessing. One of the best factor that ever occurred to you!
Just a few months in the past I might have cried or been offended by that assertion. However now I understood she was proper. As a result of subsequent to Kirill, I actually felt totally different — wanted, desired, cherished. He was nothing like Sergey. Tender, attentive, caring… He even spoiled me, which I had by no means recognized earlier than.
I hadn’t thought in regards to the previous for a very long time when all of a sudden my telephone rang. The display screen confirmed my ex-husband’s identify. Surprising and ugly.
— It’s Sergey, — I murmured, trying on the telephone. — Didn’t anticipate that.
Kirill nodded:
— Reply. Take heed to what he has to say.
Summoning my braveness, I pressed “settle for.”
— Olga? — his voice sounded — sharp, nearly businesslike. — We have to meet. Urgently.
— What do you need to discuss? — I requested, feeling a slight confusion.
— Not on the telephone, — he reduce me off. — Are you able to come to the park close to your own home tomorrow? By the lake. Select the time.
Somewhat confused, I agreed. He mentioned he would come and hung up.
— So, did you perceive something? — I requested Kirill.
— No, — he shook his head. — However if you’d like, I might be there.
— No, — I answered firmly. — I would like to shut this chapter as soon as and for all. Let there be a gathering. Simply me.
Precisely on the appointed time, I stood by the small pond within the park. I got here alone, as deliberate. Sergey was not there but, and I started to doubt: would he even come? In spite of everything, we had nothing connecting us anymore. Possibly he modified his thoughts? Or desires to ask me to return again?
At that second, he appeared within the distance — strolling rapidly as if in a rush. Approaching, he instantly began:
— Glad you got here. We have to discuss… in regards to the ring.
— What ring? — I used to be stunned.
— Your wedding ceremony ring, — he defined. — You saved it, proper? I need you to present it again to me.
My eyebrows shot up.
— So that you need me to only provide the ring? Why?
He shrugged and scowled barely.
— I get married. Karina and I would like wedding ceremony rings. I paid for them, thus I consider I’ve the fitting to take them again. Significantly the one which belonged to you. That’s honest.
I froze for a second. In entrance of me was the person I as soon as cherished, who was now asking me to return a gift given a few years in the past with a view to lower your expenses for a brand new wedding ceremony. The idea made me chuckle so onerous that I practically fell over. Tears streamed down my cheeks—not from sorrow, however from the ridiculousness of the circumstance.
I wiped my face, appeared him within the eyes, and mentioned:
— You understand, fortunate for you I didn’t throw it away. I even carry it with me.
From my pocket, I pulled out the ring — sure, it was there, together with previous reminiscences.
— Right here, — I mentioned mockingly. — Because you want it so badly — take it! I gained’t get in the way in which of your happiness.
With a pointy movement, I threw the ring into the water. It disappeared into the depths of the pond, leaving solely ripples on the floor.
I didn’t look ahead to his response. No shouts, no excuses — I didn’t care anymore. Let him curse, let him blame his destiny. I turned and walked away, leaving him alone — the place apparently he belonged.
After telling Kirill every little thing, we laughed for a very long time. He thought it was humorous, too.
— You’re great, — he remarked, beaming. — Typically it’s greatest to let go of individuals and issues that remind you of them.
We aren’t planning a marriage but. Nonetheless, I consider Kirill is already excited about it. Maybe quickly he’ll suggest. So why not? We now have each been via divorce and ache, and we now deserve the fitting to real happiness. My people, particularly my mom, are overjoyed about our union; she’s already fantasizing about grandkids.
And me? I’m happy with what I’ve. Glad, no matter how trite that time period sounds. And I’m not ashamed to inform it: I’ve discovered somebody who genuinely loves me.
