Sweetheart, take Lena with you down south,” Mom had asked the older daughter to bring along the younger on the trip.
“Mom, your Lena behaves way too boldly. And besides, I’m going with my husband – why do I need an extra woman there?” snapped Vika.
“But come on, you’re sisters. And you’re older – you should help her.”
Before having a doll, have a nanny. Vika had hated that saying all her life.
Well, not all of it. The first ten years of her life were absolutely idyllic. Her parents loved her, spoiled her, and paid close attention. However, one day everything changed. Even as she grew up, Vika could not say for sure what exactly happened between her parents back then, but one day her father hugged her and left home with a suitcase. The reason was never explained, but Vika suspected that her father had been unfaithful. He was a handsome man who often traveled on business. As fate would have it! But at the time, it all seemed like a terrible nightmare from which one desperately wanted to wake.
Mom cried, shut herself away in the bathroom, and ignored her daughter. A month later, Dad returned. Or rather, he burst into the apartment as if flying on wings and ran to Mom. He spun her around in his arms and kissed her belly. That’s how Vika learned that she was soon going to become an older sister.
The child who had somehow mended a broken marriage became the darling of both parents. The charming Lena grew into a remarkable child. Neighbors marveled at how beautiful the little girl was, even though she didn’t resemble either parent. At times, Vika even wondered if her mother hadn’t put horns on her father with some handsome fellow. But Mom held strict puritanical views, and Vika quickly dismissed that thought.
Lena was indulged openly, turning the older sister into her nanny and helper.
“Oh, how clever – first you have a nanny, and then a doll!” the neighbors would repeat when they saw the happy family (or often just Vika) out walking with Lena.
It turned out that the “doll” – the child – was only Lena. And she, Vika, was seen as the failed child, good only to serve as a nanny. Her childish mind refused to love this little creature that had turned Vika’s happy world upside down.
Had she known how many hardships this little girl would cause in her life… she would never have agreed to be her nanny.
Years went by. Vika grew more independent and mature. But Lena, no matter how old she got, remained a little girl. Vika clearly remembered how strictly she was raised, how she was reprimanded for every “F” grade and for not achieving a high enough level of skill in music and art school (drawing and music became the very things Vika would come to despise because of that constant pressure from her parents).
The “overachiever syndrome” was cultivated in the elder daughter so successfully that even after receiving a red diploma, Vika still considered herself not “the best enough.”
Studies, dancing, sports, reading – Vika was torn between all these activities, always trying to be the best at everything she did.
And what about Lena? That girl grew up like a dandelion in the sun, with the only difference being that while a dandelion paves its own way in life, everyone else took care of Lena.
Lena barely studied and wasn’t interested in anything. Everything she tried bored her in a matter of minutes. Vika was indignant, watching how easily their parents forgave the younger one for skipping school and receiving poor grades. She tried to make them see reason, but all she got in return were reproaches.
The last straw was when Lena ruined a fashionable, snow-white coat that Vika had been saving for almost a year. Vika had already found a job but still lived with her parents, reliably paying the utilities and buying groceries. The coat was needed so that she could at least somewhat fit in with her new colleagues. The girl’s coworkers flaunted expensive outfits, while Vika diligently hid any signs of wear and cheap labels on her clothes.
Then one evening, the younger one decided to “cut loose” in front of her friends. Barely fifteen at the time, Lena had started experimenting with alcohol and cigarettes, though their parents stubbornly failed to notice. She ran out to party while Vika wasn’t looking, and returned past midnight – drunk, in a dirty, torn coat.
Vika could only choke back her bitterness and hurt. She raised her hand and slapped her sister. Never having been spanked or punished before, Lena instantly sobered up and screamed as if her arm had been torn off.
The parents poured out all the possible dirt and insults on Vika that they could remember or imagine.
“Ah, you ungrateful brat! You’re living here for free! You eat at our expense and have the nerve to hit your sister!”
“I pay for the apartment and cover all the groceries! So I’m not living for free! I saved for a year for that coat so I wouldn’t look shabby at work! And that little brat turned the coat into rags. And now I’m to blame? Where has the world gone mad?”
Unable to take their reproaches any longer, Vika gathered her things and left home. The first days were hard. There were times when her salary wasn’t even enough for food. To avoid fainting from hunger at work, Vika drank coffee by the liter.
Yet somehow she managed to remain the best. Her efforts were noticed, and she was promoted. At a company party, she met a striking young man who turned out to be the head of one of the branches. The romance was swift – within a year they married and bought their own apartment.
Vika finally had everything one could dream of. That she had become unnecessary to her family was something she tried not to think about; now her family was her beloved, caring husband.
Five years later, everything in Vika’s family was perfect, and at work she had long been promoted to a managerial position. Travels, expensive clothes, and jewelry – she had achieved everything she ever dreamed of. Yet little did she know how little time she had left for happiness.
Another year passed.
“Sweetheart, take Lena with you down south,” Mom asked again, requesting that the older daughter bring the younger on the trip.
“Mom, your Lena behaves way too boldly. And besides, I’m going with my husband – why should I have an extra woman there?” snapped Vika.
“But Lena is already 21. Let her help herself.”
Vika couldn’t understand why she should pay for her sister’s vacation. That bitch hadn’t studied or worked anywhere; she preferred to live off her parents’ pension and salary, plus the regular help from her sister.
However, after persistent pleading, blackmail, tears, and complaints, Vika finally caved and agreed to take her sister along.
A few days later, Vika caught her husband and her sister in the hotel restroom engaged in a very unmistakable act. It turned out that the sly Lena had been involved with them for half a year now, seducing Vika’s husband and convincing him to leave “that old hag” and marry her instead.
Vika returned home alone to pack her things and figure out how to go on with her life.
Barely the next day, her mother called. She didn’t even try to hide how happy she was for Lena and how well-deserved Vika’s fate was.
“Just think about it! You’re old now, you can’t have children! But Lena is young and healthy – she’ll give your Pavlik a bunch of kids.”
“Mom! Your Lena is an insolent little show-off who’s going to turn into a hulking brute in a couple of years! All your life, you’ve loved and spoiled Lena, considering her weak and delicate. But you treated me like a misbehaving brat who always needed discipline and punishment!”
“Oh, dear, is your heart not feeling well?” came a muffled voice over the phone.
“Forget it! You listen to me! – Vika couldn’t stay silent any longer.”
“You sheltered that little brat from the dangerous world her whole life? She herself is the danger! Capricious, lazy, insolent, envious! She’s long stopped being a charming little girl and has become just plain trash – someone who can’t string two words together. You raised a monster who refuses to grow up and let go of you!”
Vika couldn’t speak any longer, and after hanging up, she burst into tears, sitting on the floor with her phone in hand. She wanted to disappear, to dissolve, to hide under the baseboard so that no one could ever hurt her again.
Pavel wisely kept his distance for several days. Then he sent a message proposing that they meet to discuss divorce and the division of their apartment. At first, Vika felt like giving him everything just to turn the page on that disgusting chapter of her life. Let him have it – she could always earn more. As long as she didn’t have to see him or her sister again.
But then she thought it over and decided that she wasn’t going to give up everything so easily.
“Damn it! Then Lena will get everything on a silver platter: my husband, our apartment, and the expensive renovation with a designer’s interior, into which I put my heart and soul. No way, dear sister – you’re on your own with him from now on.”
Vika recalled an article she had recently read in a magazine. It talked about how, for a mistress, another man’s husband seems perfect – as if assembled exactly according to a blueprint. But when one tries to take this perfect construction home, the “parts” start falling off – those qualities instilled in him by his wife that the mistress considered fundamental. In the end, the rival is left with a heap of pieces from which she must assemble something worthwhile on her own. And it wasn’t even guaranteed that she’d end up with the same perfect version she once received.
At that moment, Vika decided to let the article sink in. Let Lena have Pavlik. Let’s see what remains of that perfect man who, at the dawn of their relationship, didn’t have even half of the prospects and qualities he now possessed.
That evening, Pavel arrived with a suitcase. After gathering the most essential belongings while deliberately avoiding eye contact with his wife, he said:
“Vik, I’ve filed for divorce. We’ll have to settle up our property division. Would you prefer to keep the apartment or receive half its value?”
“I’ll keep the apartment. And what half its value? We paid for the whole thing out of my savings. Proving that won’t be hard for me. Remember – you saved your money for a car, your dream, while mine went toward the renovation. I’ve kept all the receipts and bank statements. If you want to get into legal battles, I wouldn’t advise it. There’s nothing of yours in that apartment.”
“It was acquired during the marriage.”
“With money that we withdrew from my account, which I had deposited before marriage.”
The man left, promising that they’d have to sort it out in court.
“Good riddance!” Vika shouted at him as he departed.
Vika was shocked that her husband didn’t even try to apologize or explain himself. Several hours later, her mother called. Vika didn’t feel like answering, but her mother was insistent in clarifying the situation. She sent several angry voice messages:
“Vika, are you out of your mind? What court? What division of property? You, as a good older sister, should quietly leave and hand the apartment over to Lena. Their young family is about to be born, and God willing, they’ll have a baby soon. They have no time for expenses right now. Don’t be stupid – leave the apartment to Pavel in the divorce. Let your little sister live decently. You can buy one for yourself later. And really, what more do you need at your age?”
“Look at you – barely thirty and already being written off as a retiree. I guess I’ve said enough about your Lena,” Vika thought to herself, deciding not to answer her mother.
Searching her contacts, Vika found the number of an old acquaintance. Kostik had been a university admirer of hers, but back then Vika wasn’t interested in romance because she was fully focused on her studies. After graduation, they lost touch, though she occasionally kept up communication on social media. Judging by his photos, Kostik had become a respectable man and had even opened his own law practice – exactly what she needed in her situation.
Meanwhile, their parents and her younger sister were persistently trying to call Vika, insisting that she was in the wrong for trying to leave her husband without a home.
“Vika, you’re such a selfish person! You knew that Pasha couldn’t afford another apartment, that’s why you started all this! But mark my words – I’m not going to let this go easily. I have my own connections!” Lena threatened, not letting the matter drop until Vika finally picked up the phone.
“My goodness, who are you trying to scare?” Vika laughed, listening to her sister’s endless threats. Lena didn’t bother apologizing for her betrayal either; she screamed so fiercely that her voice became hoarse. The conversation was cut short because Vika had grown tired of the nonsense her little sister was spouting.
For a couple of days, Vika gathered her thoughts to call Kostik and ask for his help. It was awkward – at one time she had almost completely cut him off because her husband was jealous of everyone. But now that she needed a professional, she remembered him.
“In the end, what do I have to lose? If he turns me down, I’ll find another lawyer.”
Finally deciding, Vika dialed Konstantin’s number.
“Vika, hi, is something urgent?” His tone had changed; Vika didn’t immediately recognize his voice.
“Hi, no, not really. I need your advice as a specialist.”
“I’m on the road right now. Can we meet tomorrow? Around seven?”
“Do you work that late?”
“No, dear. I wouldn’t miss a chance to invite you to a restaurant – even if it’s about work!” His tone made it clear he was smiling.
“Alright. Then see you tomorrow.”
After hanging up, Vika felt her heart beat faster. It had been a long time since she had felt this way – and it was just a conversation. What would tomorrow bring? It turned out that the attention of another man could still make her heart flutter. Vika thought that after her husband’s betrayal, she would never be interested in anyone again. But…
The next evening, Kostik picked her up and drove her to the restaurant. Over the years, the man had changed dramatically. He had grown up, become more confident and composed, with authoritative notes in his voice. Almost nothing remained of the timid, nerdy Kostik from university – the one all the girls in the group considered a friend but never a potential partner. Perhaps his smile and open, cheerful glance were the same, but on photo he didn’t seem nearly as self-assured or commanding.
“Hi. You’ve changed!” Vika wanted to continue their conversation as she had in her student days, but all her words and jokes suddenly failed her.
“Yeah, the years have weathered and toughened me up a bit. So, tell me – why did you need me after all these years?” Kostik’s charming smile made Vika a bit shy.
On the ride to the restaurant, Vika briefly described the situation she’d found herself in.
“With all due respect, why do you need me? Even a freshman could handle it if you have all the evidence. The apartment is yours if that’s what you want. Let your beloved and your sister count on nothing. But if it makes you feel better, I can attend the hearings a few times. I might even give them a little finger-pointing threat. But at best, your ex can only hope for compensation for the money spent on the renovation.”
“Well, I never expected our marriage to end this way,” Vika admitted. An odd feeling was nagging at her. On one hand, she had met Kostik as her divorce lawyer, but the meeting at the restaurant was starting to take on entirely different hues. She no longer felt like discussing her failed marriage and how to divorce with minimal losses.
“Rose-colored glasses – they’re something,” Kostik smiled. “Some people think with a cool head, and others…” He looked intently at a suddenly melancholy Vika. “In general, those who assess everything rationally usually sign a prenuptial agreement, while others hope for a fairy tale. Generally, the former experience fewer disappointments.”
“You know, I’ve always been a pragmatist. I never dove in headfirst. But I never expected such betrayal from both sides.”
“Tell me in detail what happened with your sister and him,” Konstantin urged, wanting to draw Vika into conversation. He’d seen women like her many times; after a divorce, they tend to “fade away,” withdraw, stop trusting the world in general and men in particular. Usually, Kostik no longer dated his clients. Few, after a tough divorce, wanted to enter a new relationship or marriage.
Kostik had loved Vika since their first year. He loved her knowing that such a girl would probably never look his way. No matter how much he pined for her, she saw him only as a friend. And now, with her personal life in ruins, Kostik couldn’t let his one chance slip away. The key was not to scare Vika or pressure her. He needed to become her friend again, earn her trust. Then he could move on to more decisive actions. Kostik knew he had changed for the better over the years. He saw that Vika had noticed and appreciated that as well. Now he just had to wait for his moment.
Meanwhile, the divorce proceedings went exactly as Kostik had anticipated. Pavel couldn’t provide evidence that he’d contributed financially to the purchase and renovation of the apartment, whereas Vika had plenty. Her long-standing habit of keeping all the important documents played to her advantage.
Lena raged and created scandals in the courtroom, being led out into the corridor several times. Pavel rapidly lost his appeal in her eyes. Without the apartment, he was of no use to her. In conversation, he turned out to be a terrible bore – too proper and demanding. Lena soon regretted getting involved with him, having lost a tremendous amount of time and nerves.
“Lena, I’m not used to fast food. Vika used to make me a healthy breakfast. We both followed a healthy lifestyle. We used to wake up very early. I don’t like that you sleep until noon and don’t work. I simply can’t support our family financially on my own right now. And, besides, there are court costs. Vika found a decent lawyer. I’m afraid we won’t get anything out of the apartment.”
“Vika, Vika, Vika!! I’m so tired of hearing your name in every sentence. I’m sick of you already! Can’t you take a single step without her? I will live as I please – eat and drink whatever I want. And I’m not obliged to work. What did I get a man for?”
Lena broke up with Pavel even before he received the official divorce. The “constructor” turned out to be too complicated for Lena. Neatly assembled by her sister, he had once seemed perfect. In reality, he was boring and not as promising as she thought.
Barely had Lena ended the relationship when Pavel realized his mistake and decided to try his luck with his ex-wife. Choosing the most impressive bouquet, the man went to make up with her. Without his wife, he really didn’t have many prospects. Vika had always supported him, encouraged him, believed in him, and gave him confidence. Lena, on the other hand, was like a vampire, only draining his energy and money. After parting with the mistress, Pavel felt as if he were suffering a hangover.
“What are you doing here?” Vika was genuinely surprised to see Pavel on her doorstep.
“We need to talk.” He swallowed and said, “Here, these are yours – your favorites.”
“Thank you, but there’s no need. Give them to Lena. Although, with flowers, you’re unlikely to impress her. Money, though – that will definitely be appreciated.”
“Vika, I’m sorry, but I’ve broken it off with her. She turned out to be rude, insolent, and mercenary. She doesn’t do anything, doesn’t cook, and sleeps and eats all kinds of nonsense. I can’t even remember the last time I went for a run and ate healthy food. How can you two be so different?! I got fed up with her in just a month. She used to be cheerful, tender, and attentive, laughing at my jokes. And now she only demands money…”
“Sorry, but not everyone in our family was raised on their own. Some had their paths paved by their parents.” Vika found it amusing to watch her ex, so lost and upset. He had expected a younger copy of his ex-wife, but instead got someone fresh yet already worn by life – someone whose ideals and aspirations sounded empty to him.
“Vika, let’s try again, okay? I’ve realized everything, believe me. Nothing like this will ever happen again! Understand me – the devil in the bones, gray in the beard.” Pavel shed a miserly tear, which only made Vika laugh harder.
“What gray? Or have Lena’s antics already made you nervous? Get used to it – at least she’s young enough to bear and raise your child.”
“Who would she bear? She doesn’t need children at all. She fed her parents a load of lies so that they’d support her. In reality, what she wants is money and an easy life. That’s why she decided to steal me from the family.”
“And you didn’t really resist, if I remember correctly. You even threatened to take away my apartment.” Vika remarked with a haughty smile.
“I’ve realized everything. Keep the apartment; I won’t claim it.”
“Of course you won’t – it’s mine. In any case, Pasha, go home. During our marriage, you should have understood – I do not forgive betrayal, nor do I betray in return. So our paths have diverged.”
“Yeah, right! She doesn’t betray! You barely let your husband out the door before you lured in another man!” Pavel suddenly shouted. “Did you think I didn’t see how he looked at you? How he rushed to protect you? You call me a traitor, yet you sleep with another man without even getting divorced!”
Vika listened, unable to tell if he was joking or speaking seriously. How could he in one sentence ask for forgiveness for an affair and in the very next accuse her of infidelity? Perhaps Kostik had allowed himself a couple of loaded glances, but that was clearly no excuse to lump everyone together and call them traitors.
“Just take the flowers to Lena – maybe she’ll appreciate them and take you back!” Vika slammed the door in her ex-husband’s face.
But Lena had lost interest in him and went off in search of a new candidate. Meanwhile, their parents, as if nothing had happened, began calling Vika, hinting that now she no longer had to support the family and could even start financially helping them. Vika did her best to pretend she “didn’t understand” the hints. And when her parents pressed too hard, she would change the subject or hang up. She never visited her parents during all this time. Meeting her sister was just as unbearable. In fact, Vika’s husband’s betrayal hurt her far less.
Kostik stuck to his chosen strategy. Once the divorce was finalized, there was no longer any reason for meetings or phone calls, so he began arranging casual dates as if by chance.
They bumped into each other at a shopping center – “Why not stop by a café for a cup of coffee?”
They unexpectedly met during a jog in the park, since Kostik’s house was only a few kilometers away.
Vika began to get used to Kostik’s constant presence in her life, as if they were back as first-year students. She wasn’t planning on a new relationship, but she didn’t rule out that something might develop with Kostik. She knew his strengths and weaknesses well. The positives far outweighed the negatives, and he had learned to cope with the latter. Almost every day, Vika looked forward to a chance encounter just to spend half an hour near a confident man who gave her positive energy.
Almost a year later, Kostik proposed to Vika, reasonably thinking that further delay might end badly for him.
They decided to have a small, intimate wedding with only their closest friends. Vika didn’t invite her sister or parents – the hurt was too deep. In fact, she decided never to disclose the details of her personal life to her relatives again. How Lena found out about Vika’s marriage, Vika never did understand. But one beautiful morning, she found Lena on her apartment doorstep.
“Vika, hi! How are you, little sister! Oh, it’s been ages – you’ve changed, by the way. Did you get Botox or fillers?” Lena giggled as she breezed past a startled Vika into the apartment.
Lena kept on talking without a pause, trying to quickly glance around the apartment to spot the man her sister had married. Lena had heard from acquaintances that he was some old friend of Vika’s. Curiously, she wondered what kind of guy he was. Recalling a conversation with another woman, Lena was waiting for that very handsome “prince” who had, in a sense, married her older sister.
“Lena, I never invited you. I’ve got things to do – please go home,” Vika tried to shoo the unexpected, uninvited guest away, but Lena had other plans.
“Come on, Vika. Are you still sulking? Stop it! Whoever brings up the past gets an eye out! We’re sisters; we’re supposed to share everything!” Lena laughed at her own successful joke.
At that moment, Kostik emerged from the shower, still wrapped in a towel. The years of working out in the gym had not been in vain – he looked attractive, leaving Lena momentarily speechless.
“Hello! I’m Lena, Vika’s sister. I’m so happy to meet you! We’re now family. You’ll be like a brother to me. I always dreamed of having an older brother!” Lena gushed as she looked up and down Kostik’s muscular frame, not noticing that he had represented her sister in court. Although that day, Lena wasn’t particularly interested in any lawyer. “What’s your name?”
“Konstantin,” the man said shortly, clearly not wanting to continue the conversation.
“Vika, why are you standing there? Pour us some tea! It’s not every day your sister drops by,” Lena brazenly strutted into the kitchen.
Vika barely held back the urge to kick her sister out. Nevertheless, she composed herself and went after her. Her husband headed to the room to change.
“I’ll help you – just let me wash my hands,” Lena said as she opened the bathroom door, but quickly turned toward the room once Vika was out of sight.
“And where does my sister find such specimens?” Kostik, quietly entering the bedroom and closing the door behind him, examined his wife – who hadn’t yet pulled on her underwear.
“Get out of the room,” Kostik said in a low, firm tone over his shoulder. “Or better yet – get out of my apartment,” he whispered harshly.
“Oh, stop playing coy. I saw the way you looked at me. I’ve got plenty to boast about, unlike my sister – the dried-out fish,” Lena cooed, running two fingers along the protruding vertebrae of Kostik’s back as he was pulling on his jeans.
“I’m telling you one last time – get out of here,” Kostik said, turning around as he fastened his belt.
“Kostya!” Vika suddenly called after her husband, noticing that her sister had vanished.
In the next moment, Lena lunged at him and clung to his strong neck. Fortunately, Kostik reacted quickly. Twisting her arms, he dragged the impudent girl out of the room and toward his wife.
“Ahhh, what are you doing! It hurts! Let go immediately – you’ll break my arm!” Lena shrieked like a madwoman.
“What’s going on here?” Vika gasped, watching as her husband struggled with her bent-over sister.
“Nothing! Your sister decided to play out a scene from her little drama. Since she managed to seduce one of your husbands, why not try her luck with the second? And who cares that you’re here? We’re strangers. The key is to present one’s ‘advantages’ in the best light!”
“Enough already! I have plenty of guys like you – a crowd! I just wanted to test your loyalty. And you turned out to be a wild psycho. You nearly broke my arm,” Lena cried, standing by the door and rubbing her wrists as Kostik finally let her go.
“Get out,” Kostik said angrily, nodding toward the door.
“You’re so useful to me!” Lena shrieked as she bolted out, intent on complaining to the parents about her sister and her crazy husband.
“Tonight there will be a scandal,” Vika resigned, “and Mom and Dad will make you apologize.”
“Really? Or maybe it’s time to stand up for yourself and stop talking to her? She’s unstable. She loves no one but herself. Do you really want someone like that around you? Is your fear of upsetting Mom and Dad still holding you back from being happy?”
Vika listened to her husband and felt glad that her life had turned out the way it did. Had it not been for Lena and her unbearable character, Vika would never have had the chance to appreciate Kostik and marry him. And as for what Mom and Dad thought – that was their problem. Let them clean up the mess they created.