For a long time, I was deceiving myself. Pretending that everything in my life was as usual — the same routine, no changes, that it was all just a bad dream. I couldn’t believe that Sergey really cheated on me. And not just casually, on the side, but seriously — he was seeing her! That very woman who had now become his assistant at work. They saw each other every day…
All the signs were obvious: late returns home, a strange perfume on his shirt, whispered conversations behind closed doors, frequent business trips… But I convinced myself it was just my fears. That everything could be explained logically and without unnecessary 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 words sounded kind but didn’t touch my soul. Especially because inside, I still hoped. Hoped that Sergey would come to his senses, realize his mistake, and come back. Silly? Maybe. But then I was ready to cling even to the slightest chance.
I called him again and again, dreaming that he would change his mind. But he didn’t even answer. Just disappeared. As if he erased me from his life the moment he stepped out of our apartment.
To distract myself, I started spending a lot of time with Marina and her brother Kirill. We had known each other for a long time but before, we interacted more like friends than close people. When we were teenagers, I admired him a little but never admitted it to anyone — especially not Marina. After all, he was her brother.
Now he had returned to our town after his own divorce, a little lost, a little sad. And strangely, it was next to him that I felt alive.
Kirill didn’t pity me, didn’t repeat clichés like “you deserve better,” didn’t ask about my feelings. He just was there. We took walks in the evenings, went to the movies, sometimes just sat in the park eating ice cream we bought at the nearby store. Next to him, the pain gradually quieted down. And thoughts of Sergey became faint and insignificant.
That’s why, when the official divorce was finalized, I agreed to a relationship with Kirill. I didn’t expect it to turn out that way. But Marina — she was the most surprised 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 frowned slightly:
— I’m getting married. Karina and I need wedding rings. I paid for them, so I think I have the right to take back mine. Especially the one that belonged to you. That’s fair.
For a moment I froze. In front of me stood the man I once loved, and now he was asking me to return a gift given many years ago just to save money on a new wedding. The thought made me laugh so hard I nearly doubled over. Tears ran down my cheeks — but not from sorrow, from the absurdity of the situation.
Wiping my face, I 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.
Later, telling Kirill everything, we laughed for a long time. He found it funny too.
— You’re great, — he said, smiling. — Sometimes it’s better just to let go — people and things that remind you of them.
We’re not planning a wedding yet. Although I feel Kirill is already thinking about it. Maybe soon he will propose. And why not? We both went through divorce, through pain, and now we deserve the right to true happiness. My parents, especially my mother, are very happy about our union — she’s already dreaming about grandchildren.
And me? I’m content with what I have. Happy, no matter how banal that phrase sounds. And I’m not afraid to say it: I found someone who truly loves me.