Today could confidently be called a successful day. For Nina, working in the house of Pavel Sergeevich Krasnogorsky — a wealthy and influential man known throughout the city — was truly a rare opportunity. Although the young woman had two higher education degrees — in philology and journalism — no educational institution could offer her a salary like the one the businessman proposed.
But even in journalism, nothing worked out for Nina. Working at a newspaper editorial office, she faced rejection from the female staff, especially the women editors. They clearly disliked her, possibly because many male employees often paid attention to Nina.
Things were even worse on television. Vasilkova lasted only one day there: the director made her an ambiguous offer, after which he got a sharp slap and sent her home with final dismissal.
“Oh, Ninochka,” sighed Nina’s aunt — Rita Margulina, “They say, ‘Better to be born lucky than beautiful.’ You are living proof of that proverb. Such a beauty, and yet you haven’t found happiness in life.”
Nina’s mother — Zinaida Ivanovna — usually brushed off such talks gently:
“Don’t worry, Ritочка. Everything has its time. Everyone’s fate is different. The time for love just hasn’t come yet. But it will. Ninochka will have love, family happiness, and children all around.”
“When will that happen?” the aunt protested. “You’ll soon be thirty, and there isn’t a single decent man nearby. If you had listened to me, you’d have been married long ago.”
Nina didn’t like such topics. She understood time was passing and her biological clock ticking, but what if feelings never came? She often wondered if she was even capable of falling in love. Why hadn’t anyone attracted her yet?
There were many young men and older men around, but none sparked her interest, let alone deeper emotions. The only exception was a fellow student she dated in her second year at university. Then, Ninochka really felt something. They were together a long time; he was in love, dreamed of marriage, but it didn’t work out.
However, the responsibility for the breakup lay with Nina herself. Over time, she lost interest. What began as a flash of passion never became true love. Warm feelings turned cold and indifferent, and she was the first to end the relationship.
Friends and acquaintances were shocked by her decision — the guy was handsome, successful, and had a future. Later he married and now has two children, while Nina remains “single,” as Aunt Rita puts it.
After that, Nina tried several new romances, but always stopped early. She realized she couldn’t force herself to feel what wasn’t there. Living without love was unbearable, but she didn’t want to pretend either. Sometimes she thought, “Where are you, love? I want to believe, want to believe in the impossible…”
That’s how she lived — hoping for a miracle, believing in the great feeling that hadn’t yet found her.
This clear May day began with Nina rushing to an important interview. The richest businessman Pavel Sergeevich Krasnogorsky, who had just turned forty, was once again looking for someone to help care for his eleven-year-old daughter Eva. He didn’t just want a governess, nanny, or caretaker; he wanted someone who would become a friend to his child.
Eva was the billionaire’s only daughter — beloved, spoiled, and capricious. In both public and private schools where she studied, she never got along with peers. Eventually, her father moved her to homeschooling, hiring a whole staff of teachers. Now she lived and learned in a suburban mansion, though “learning” was a stretch — the girl refused to obey and showed no respect for tutors. Most refused to work with her, even for big money.
Due to constant work, Pavel Sergeevich saw his daughter only on rare weekends, vacations, or holidays. The rest of the time, Eva stayed at home with staff, while her father lived in the city.
That’s why Krasnogorsky wanted to find not just an assistant but a true close person for his daughter. No one had lasted long before Nina, but she decided to take the risk and try her luck.
Nina learned about the vacancy from a local school teacher. She had lived her whole life in the settlement “Grushki” — which used to be a simple village. Remembering her childhood, Nina recalled climbing onto the roof to see the city lights.
Now the settlement had changed noticeably. The city was slowly expanding, almost reaching Grushki’s borders. If it continued, soon they would become part of a metropolis. It was a pity — the air here was the cleanest, the river still clear, and the forests endless and alive. Such places were a true treasure.
Nina Vladimirovna really didn’t want to leave her family home where her mother, Zinaida Ivanovna, and beloved aunt Margarita Ivanovna Margulina lived.
However, Aunt Rita didn’t live in the settlement itself but in the forest. It might seem strange, but that’s where she chose to live. In her youth, she married a forester — Semyon Nikolaevich Margulin — and after his death, she never returned to people.
Now she was about seventy but still lived among the forest thickets in a sturdy house, keeping a small farm and working with herbs. People came to her from afar, knowing Margulya was a famous herbalist who could help many.
Sometimes she came out of the forest to visit her sister or beloved niece or to shop in the local store. Sometimes Nina herself came to her. Aunt often said their family gift passed through generations — the eldest daughter receives a special power. Now it was Nina’s turn.
But the girl just brushed it off:
“What kids, Aunt Rita? I’ll soon be thirty and not even see a prince. Sometimes I think I’ll never marry. Maybe it’s just not for me.”
“Don’t say that,” her aunt replied. “Don’t take my jokes seriously. I see something different: you will definitely become a mother and give birth to a girl who will continue our family line. Nothing will be broken. You think I just gather herbs? No, I know much more, just better to keep power controlled, or it will get out of hand. I wish no harm on anyone, though we had dangerous witches in our family.”
“Stop scaring me,” sighed Nina. “Say what you want, just don’t cast spells. Maybe you should write books? Better give my mother some headache herbs — I have to go.”
“Alright, alright, Ninochka. I’ll bring the herbs now; may they help as always,” Margulya said and went to the part of the house where no one was allowed.
Nina thoughtfully looked at the eagle owl sitting in the corner with closed eyes. Aunt really was strange but truly looked like a witch. She talked to animals who came to her yard without fear, and they seemed to understand her like people.
Everything would be fine, but one thing worried Nina — in their family, women’s personal lives never worked out. Either they never married or became widows very early.
And Aunt Margulya’s husband died young — not even forty. He was shot by poachers. After that, she no longer thought about marriage, though she remained beautiful and received many proposals. But Rita didn’t want to cause new tragedies.
Nina’s mother never married. Back in school, Zinaida dated a guy named Vladimir. They were engaged and planned a future. But fate had other plans: he was drafted into the army and never returned. What happened remains a mystery. It ended tragically.
Zinaida was left alone, pregnant and brokenhearted. The news almost caused a miscarriage. Her older sister — Margulya — saved her. She supported her, helped her carry and give birth to the child. The girl was born healthy and on time. Rita gave her the name Nina, meaning “Queen” or “Great.”
“I wanted to name her Lyudmila,” Zinaida admitted shyly.
“Don’t,” Margulya interrupted. “She will be Nina. The name fits. She will have character, strength, and backbone. It’s very important to give the right name. Don’t worry, Zinochka. We will raise her. But don’t marry again — it’s not your fate.”
Since then, Zinaida and Rita raised Nina together. Both women remained single. Zinaida was very young when she gave birth — just nineteen. The sisters were twenty years apart: when Zinaida was born, Rita was already twenty-one.
Nina grew up in her mother’s house in the settlement of Grushki. Nearby lived her paternal grandparents — they always supported her, especially in childhood and while she studied in the city. Now Nina tried to help them in every way she could.
Nina took the herbal remedy for her mother’s headache from her aunt and was about to leave when she remembered an important question:
“Aunt, they offered me a job in the Krasnogorsky suburban mansion. Do you know him?”
“I’ve heard,” Margulya answered shortly.
“Well, that’s why I ask. Should I take it or refuse?”
Aunt took her hand, thought for a second, and calmly said:
“Go to work. You’ll succeed.”
“Really?” Nina asked worriedly. “They say the girl is difficult, capricious. I’m afraid I won’t cope.”
“You will,” her aunt answered confidently. “Just wear the pendant.”
“Alright, Aunt,” Nina said as she left home. She felt calm inside.
This happened a few days ago. Today, approaching the tall wrought-iron gates of the Krasnogorsky mansion, Nina felt very unsure. She paced back and forth, afraid to ring the bell. It was seven in the morning — she arrived exactly on time but now doubted: what if everyone was still asleep? Or no one would come at all?
Complete silence reigned behind the gates — no wind, no rustle of leaves, nothing.
Suddenly, a man in a tracksuit and sneakers approached. He seemed to be one of the early joggers often seen in this area:
“What are you doing here?” he asked with light mockery.
“And why do you ask?” Nina replied. “Maybe you’re catching spies?”
“First of all, good morning,” the man smiled. “Second, I know the owners of this house. If you need help, I can assist. How can I help?”
Nina was a little embarrassed but decided to use the situation:
“Hello, I came for an interview. I want to try as a caretaker for the Krasnogorsky daughter. If they accept me, of course.”
“Good luck,” said the man. “I think you have a chance. They are kind people.”
“Kind?” Nina snorted. “To you, maybe, because you’re a neighbor or a friend. But I’m just a stranger, a worker. He’ll look at me, and it will be clear I’m not needed. Though I have two degrees: philology and journalism. Speaking is my thing. But standing next to these rich palaces, my tongue sticks to the roof.”
“Philology and journalism?” the man said, hiding a smile. “So you have advantages.”
“Even if so, how do I introduce myself now? Call at the gate or phone? What if I wake them? I want this job badly. Krasnogorsky pays sums even a school director hasn’t seen. A god among men, simply.”
“Don’t call. Better knock on the gate with a coin. Loudly.”
“Why?” Nina was surprised.
“You’ll call the guard. He will let you in or ask you to wait comfortably,” explained the stranger.
Nina smiled, took out her keys, and not finding a coin, knocked on the gate with them. It was loud — she was frightened herself.
“Good thing you were nearby,” she thanked him. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you very much!”
At that moment, a disgruntled grumble and footsteps were heard. A guard ran out to the gate, cursing:
“Who can’t sleep? Who’s making noise? You’ll get it now!”
He opened the wicket and rushed out, ready to yell more. But seeing Nina, he suddenly fell silent, smiled, and bowed:
“Good morning, Pavel Sergeevich. Sorry, I didn’t recognize you.”
Nina turned in surprise. Behind her stood the “neighbor” who turned out to be none other than Pavel Sergeevich Krasnogorsky himself.
“Is that you?” Nina whispered, clutching her chest. “Why do you do this? Is this a joke?”
“Let’s go inside and talk,” the businessman said gently. “Don’t be offended. I just wanted to lighten the mood. You looked so tense, I thought a little humor might help. As you see, I’m not such a god.”
Pavel laughed, followed by the guard, but Nina remained serious:
“You know what? I changed my mind about working here. If you are such jokers, what can I expect from your daughter?” Her voice trembled, and Nina started crying.
The owner and guard gently led her into the yard, seated her on a chair on the veranda. Pavel called the housekeeper and promised to return in ten minutes after showering and changing.
Nina kept crying. She felt like a laughingstock. She was tricked, made a fool in front of security. How could she believe someone who advised knocking on the gate with a coin?
Soon she calmed down. Before her lay a magnificent garden, a pool with an inflatable swan, flowers, and trees lit by the morning sun.
The girl suddenly wanted to touch the swan. Approaching the pool, she pulled the toy’s beak, but it was attached. Surprised, Nina lost her balance and fell right into the water. However, she swam well and quickly got out.
Wet, with a soaked sundress and hair, she tried to wring out her clothes. From behind the bushes appeared the housekeeper — a woman about fifty, dressed like a heroine of a 19th-century English novel. She carried a tray with coffee and pastries. Seeing Nina, she froze…
“What’s going on here?” the woman in the old-fashioned dress asked strictly, holding the tray. “Are you the new governess?”
“I’m not sure,” Nina honestly replied, still wringing out her wet skirt.
“Then who are you?” the housekeeper wondered.
“My name is Nina Vasilkova,” the girl introduced herself.
“So, you are the caretaker Pavel Sergeevich talked about,” the woman nodded. “Very pleased. I am Andriana Valeryanovna.”
“Sorry it turned out this way…” Nina began, “Your name is so unusual…”
“The unusual thing,” the housekeeper interrupted coldly, “is that a grown woman coming for an interview decided to swim in the pool fully dressed, shoes and all. As for my name — it’s common, but clearly you lack manners.”
Andriana set the tray down and left without saying goodbye. Nina felt foolish and awkward. Indeed, the day started strangely: everything was going wrong. But despite everything, it seemed she got the job. At least, the housekeeper said so.
Her stomach growled — she hadn’t eaten since morning. She pushed the plate of pastries closer, quickly ate them, but the coffee was too bitter. She frowned and pushed the cup away.
Meanwhile, the owner of the house — Krasnogorsky — was watching the whole scene. He stood by the second-floor window, talking on the phone, unable to hide a smile. Something about this girl touched his soul. Why — he didn’t understand himself. The main thing was for Nina to find a common language with Eva. That was no easy task. After a while, Pavel left for work, and Nina had to face her pupil.
The owner had every reason to worry watching the morning’s events. By noon, Eva had driven her new teacher to the brink of irritation. Now Nina was crying in the bathroom, locked inside by the girl. She had been there exactly thirty minutes because Eva deliberately closed the door from the outside and wasn’t going to let her out.
The girl lay on the bed, immersed in a phone game, pretending not to hear any requests or pleas. At one point, Nina, furious, shouted:
“I’ll turn your nasty family into frogs!”
“Enough with the fairy tales, teacher,” Eva finally responded. “I don’t believe in fairies or Santa Claus anymore.”
“These aren’t tales, little hooligan,” Nina retorted. “I have an aunt who lives in the forest with an owl and really knows a lot. She advised me to come work here.”
Unexpectedly, Nina heard the bathroom door open. Eva’s curious face peeked in:
“You’re lying, probably,” the girl said doubtfully.
“Give me my phone,” Nina asked, washing her face and wiping tears.
Eva brought the device left in the room. Nina scrolled through photos and turned the screen toward the girl:
“Look. This is my aunt Margulya’s house. Look who walks in her yard. See? So get ready — soon you’ll be jumping around the pool and croaking every morning.”
Nina laughed, and Eva froze, studying the photos.
“Margulya is your real aunt?” the girl asked cautiously.
“Yeah. And if you behave well, I might even take you to her.”
“Really?!” Eva’s eyes lit up. “If you take me to her, I’ll always listen to you. Honestly.”
“First, I don’t believe you,” Nina smiled. “Second, why do you need my aunt? Tell the truth, then I’ll think about it.”
Eva lowered her eyes and quietly said:
“I want to ask her to bring back my mom.”
Nina froze. Tension hung in the room. After a long pause, she finally said:
“Alright. I’ll talk to Aunt. If she can help you, we’ll definitely go. I promise.”
“Okay,” Eva nodded. “Alright, peace. Come out now. I won’t do that again. Just you don’t complain about me, okay?”
“I promise,” Nina smiled. “I will never complain.”
In the afternoon, Eva had lessons. That day she sat through three classes in a row without any tricks or upsetting math and geography teachers. While the girl studied, Nina decided to use her free time to meet the house cook — Vera Petrovna.
Vera Petrovna was kind and friendly. She had worked in the house for many years and knew everything about the Krasnogorsky family. Nina hoped to learn from her why Eva said her mother disappeared.
“Oh, my dear,” the woman sighed, stirring her tea, “that’s such a story, hard even to remember. Poor little Eva…”
“Please tell me,” Nina asked. “If I want to reach the child, I need to understand what troubles her. I already suspected Eva’s capriciousness wasn’t just for attention.”
“That’s true,” the cook nodded. “But the main thing is different. The little one misses her mother. Anna is no longer with us. She died when Eva was just one year old.”
“Was she ill?” Nina asked.
“Much worse,” Vera Petrovna shook her head. “Want the full story? Sit comfortably. I’ll tell you how Pavel Sergeevich met his first wife.”
Pavel Krasnogorsky and Anna Shatskaya met under the strangest circumstances. One day, the girl threw herself in front of his car. Luckily, he wasn’t driving fast, or it would have ended tragically.
The young businessman jumped out and helped her up. Before him stood a beautiful woman filled with pain and despair. She confessed she wanted to end her life because of a broken heart. Pavel was shocked. He felt responsible — since it was under his car she decided to jump. What if he had been going faster?
He walked her home, but she asked him to stay a while to calm down and catch her breath. They went up to her apartment and ended up talking till late night.
Anna was not only beautiful but an interesting conversationalist. She was a scientist — a graduate student specializing in oceanology, studying seas and oceans. She spoke about her research with such passion that Pavel thought he might be falling in love.
She seemed mysterious, as if from another planet. She loved stories about sunken ships, ancient treasures, pirates. He listened for hours, not interrupting, feeling a long-forgotten feeling arise inside.
They exchanged numbers and agreed to meet again. Pavel couldn’t sleep all night thinking about her. How could anyone hurt such a woman? Who could cause her pain?
Anna told him her lover left her for her best friend. That betrayal was too much.
“What a betrayal,” Pavel thought. “Two closest people betrayed a trusting girl. How did she endure it?”
Their relationship grew closer — first friendship, then romance. Anna asked Pavel to find her a job — she didn’t want to see her ex or the friend, who still worked at the institute.
Pavel threw himself into it enthusiastically. He did everything to keep a smile on her face. They started dating and soon married.
At that time, Vera Petrovna was already working at Krasnogorsky’s house. They lived in a luxurious city apartment in a prestigious area. But the new mistress earned no trust from the cook. Beneath a mask of innocence, she hid a true schemer.
Though Anna tried to appear sweet and kind, especially around her husband, alone she was different. At work, she was cruel to the maid and Vera herself. Vera couldn’t stand it and quit. Vera stayed — she was experienced and not like the others.
No matter how Anna mocked her, Vera stayed strong.
“Ten years since she’s gone, and I’m still here,” the cook smiled. “We now live in our own house, and life is good. Only Pavel Sergeevich still doesn’t marry. Though, of course, he has women — young, rich, beautiful. It can’t be otherwise. But he hasn’t found his soulmate. Eva suffers, and so do we all.”
Nina noticed Vera said “we bought the house,” as if she felt part of the family. It became clear: those who work long in this house start to see themselves as family. The owner is not a cold arrogant man but kind and open.
“Tell me how Anna disappeared?” Nina asked again.
“That’s a different story,” Vera sighed. “Pavel spoiled her too much. Gave her everything she wanted. But he never noticed she loved not him but his money. I’ll explain.”
When Pavel gave Anna a ring with a huge diamond, Vera realized something was wrong. Anna glowed with happiness, kissed the stone, twirled it before her eyes. Since then, Vera noticed Anna examining her jewelry like pirate treasure.
“If she were a jeweler or collector, I’d understand,” Vera added. “But she was just a greedy, shallow, and, as it turned out, uneducated girl. How did Pavel believe she was an oceanology graduate student?”
One incident stood out. Once Vera heard Anna boasting on the phone:
“We’re going to the Maldives for our honeymoon. I dream of seeing the Pacific Ocean again.”
“Do you realize?” Vera was outraged. “The Maldives are in the Indian Ocean, not the Pacific. Any schoolchild knows that, let alone a scientist.”
“Now it makes sense,” Nina nodded.
“I told Pavel, but he seemed in a trance. He said, ‘What difference does it make? Let her be a milkmaid — I don’t care.’ But can you not care when someone deceives you? Well, listen on.”
There were many moments revealing Anna’s true nature. For example, for the wedding, Pavel gave her an old pendant — a family heirloom. It consisted of two halves: one for the husband, one for the wife. Legend said the pendant connected lovers’ hearts. Even if separated, they’d find each other again.
Pavel told her this warmly, divided the pendant, and wore his half on his neck. He gave the other to Anna. But she didn’t show enthusiasm — she cared only about diamonds. She wore it with her husband but took it off and cursed it when he left.
But most of all, Vera was upset Anna refused to have children. She often heard Pavel’s dream of a big family:
“I always wanted a big family. Kids running, having fun… even seven at a time!”
Anna always discouraged him:
“We’re still young, Pashenka. Let’s live for ourselves first.”
“We’re not that young, dear. I’m thirty, you’re twenty-eight. Why not start?”
“You mean I’m old?” Anna pouted. “And how will I look after seven kids?”
“I’m joking. Let’s have at least one,” he pleaded.
“And how will I rest? Listen to the baby cry all night? The walls are thin; everyone will hear. Maybe buy a house first? There’s fresh air and nature.”
“Wait a bit, dear. A couple more deals and I’ll pay off debts. Then we’ll buy a house.”
Anna didn’t want to wait. She dreamed of everything at once: luxury, travel, expensive gifts. But reality was harsher. Pavel couldn’t even take her to the Maldives — finances were worse than expected. Anna thought she married a billionaire, but her husband was a budding businessman drowning in debt.
She was even more upset when pregnant. Shocked, never expected to be. Pavel had to convince her to keep the baby — a tough battle rather than a family talk.
When Eva was born, Pavel was overjoyed. He adored his daughter from the first second. She became his universe, his true meaning. But Anna became even more irritable and selfish. Though it seemed impossible to get worse.
She gained weight, worked out hard to regain shape, but never cared for the baby. Eva never had maternal milk. Pavel hired a professional nanny who took full care. Everything went as planned except one thing — the mother no longer existed in this house.
Before, there were only angry looks and cutting remarks between the couple. Now real scandals began. Pavel was upset Anna ignored the child. She blamed him for ruining her body and demanded money for a facelift.
But money was always needed — for dresses, jewelry, vacations, whims. She demanded attention, love, care, but gave nothing in return. When conflicts peaked, Pavel was ready to sign divorce papers, but endured for little Eva.
Despite mother’s indifference, Eva constantly asked to be held. She followed Anna, reached out, saying “Na-na” — asking to be loved. But Anna called the nanny to take her away. Eva cried, was carried off, Pavel’s heart broke.
He hoped Anna would grow closer to the daughter, but that remained a dream. One day she said she was going to a class reunion to boast to old acquaintances.
She dressed in diamond-studded clothes, grabbed keys to a new car Pavel gave her, and left. No one in the Krasnogorsky family saw her again.
Later it was known that the group continued partying by the river, intoxicated. Deciding to swim proved fatal.
It was late; the river was fast and dangerous. Girls undressed and swam on one side of the reeds, men on the other. When leaving, Anna was gone. People ran, shouted, called. She vanished without a trace.
Someone found her phone in the car and called Pavel. Police searched for days but never found her. Only neatly folded clothes and high heels were found. Locals knew swimming here was forbidden — many had died, their bodies never recovered.
Pavel mourned deeply. After some pain, he became cold inside. He no longer believed in love or women. Eva often said she wanted her mother, dreamed of a brother or sister, hoped for a happy family again.
“Does all her defiance come from missing a mother?” Nina asked.
“Of course, dear,” Vera Petrovna answered. “I’ve been explaining that for an hour.”
“Then why does she say her mother just disappeared, if officially Anna is declared dead?”
“That’s the mystery,” Vera shook her head. “A couple of months before disappearing, Anna had a hysterical fit, saying her mother was ill and needed money. Pavel gave it. Then she hid all her jewelry in a bank safe deposit box. Though there was a safe at home, she wanted a deposit box. She took everything, and since then, no one saw the diamonds or the pendant Pavel gave her.”
That’s why Eva thinks her mother just left but will return. She remembers the legend about the pendant halves that always find each other.
“But listen, Nina, she won’t come back. She didn’t drown. She just ran away. The car disappeared too. It was there in the evening and gone in the morning. Listed as stolen — never found.”
“But why run from a rich husband if she loved money so much?” Nina didn’t understand.
“He is rich now,” Vera smiled. “But when Anna disappeared, Pavel was almost bankrupt. He was drowning in debt, practically penniless, but she still paraded in furs and jewels. She sensed trouble and left.”
“What a story… Thank you so much, Vera Petrovna. Now it’ll be easier to find common ground with Eva.”
At that moment, happy Eva ran into the kitchen:
“Hooray! Classes are over! Nina, let’s pick clothes for a walk in the forest!”
“What forest?” Vera was surprised. “Eva, does your father know?”
“He doesn’t. It’s our secret with Nina, right?” The girl winked and ran off.
“Nina, where are you going?” the cook asked worriedly.
“We’re just going to the forest. Nothing bad,” Nina smiled. She remembered her promise not to expose the girl.
“Are you crazy? Pavel Sergeevich strictly forbids Eva leaving the gates alone. If he finds out, there’ll be a storm.”
“She’s not alone. With me. I’m her caretaker. What kind of upbringing is it to keep a child on a leash? That’s why she acts out — because she’s oppressed,” Nina protested.
“Alright, go, but if Andriana finds out, she’ll tell the master,” warned Vera.
Nina waved off the warning, kissed the cook goodbye, and ran after Eva. They chose clothes, swam in the pool, and had dinner on the grass — much to the housekeeper’s horror. At eight, Nina got ready to go home. Minutes later, the guard caught up with her in a car. He scolded her but explained the owner ordered to take her himself. Nina shrugged and agreed.
At home, Pavel came late to say goodnight to his daughter. Eva wasn’t asleep:
“Daddy, finally!” She hugged him tightly, not letting go for a long time.
“Well, princess, is the new governess leaving too?”
“No. I want Nina to work with us forever. Okay?” the girl asked, folding hands as in prayer.
“Wow! You even remember her name! Nina Vladimirovna, by the way.”
“No, just Nina. She’s my friend. We have a secret.”
“What secret?”
“It’s a secret. Go to sleep. Tomorrow’s an early day. Nina will come, and we’ll play.”
Pavel left Eva’s room and stood pensively. Could fate finally have brought a person into their home who could love Eva? He had dreamed of this for so long…
At home, Nina told about her first working day. Over tea with her mother and Aunt Rita, they stayed up late.
“I told you — go, you won’t regret,” Margulya smiled, sipping from her cup.
“Let’s see, Aunt Rita. It’s just the first day. Who knows what Eva will do tomorrow?”
She told them about the strange morning: knocking keys on the gate at seven, how the “neighbor” turned out to be the owner, and how she accidentally fell into the pool.
Zinaida and Rita laughed until Margulya looked seriously at her niece and said:
“It’s because you didn’t wear the pendant,” Margulya said firmly, placing her cup on the table.
“What does the pendant have to do with it?” Nina retorted irritably. “Even if I wore it, would I have understood right away that man was Pavel Sergeevich?”
“Exactly,” Aunt answered calmly. “The pendant gives wisdom to its wearer.”
It was an ancient amulet decorated with many small garnet stones. Margulya found it many years ago — about ten — on the riverbank in the forest. She was sure it wasn’t just jewelry but part of an ancient pair, enchanted for love.
“Maybe your fiancé lost it, and you just found it? Or mine?” Nina laughed.
“Silly girl, it doesn’t matter who found it. What matters is who will wear it. And no one lost it. I saw it carefully hung on a branch. On a wild currant bush. I was gathering young leaves for a decoction when something bright flashed, calling me. I looked — the pendant. I immediately knew: it’s for you. Take it to work tomorrow and don’t take it off for a minute.”
“I won’t wear it,” Nina stubbornly said. But then it struck her: “Listen, Margulya, can I come see you tomorrow?”
“Of course, come. Just bring me bread and buy salt. I didn’t have time to the store today.”
“Can I bring a friend with me?” the niece asked cautiously. “She wants to meet you.”
“What friend? What does she want?” the herbalist frowned. “I warn you: I don’t do curses.”
“She doesn’t want anything like that,” Nina shook her head. “She’s a child. Eleven years old.”
“No, I don’t want children. I won’t even talk to them. They don’t belong in my house.”
“Please, Margulya,” Nina pleaded. “It’s Eva — the girl I take care of now. She asks to help bring back her mother. She wants the family to be happy again.”
The silence stretched until the woman finally said:
“Alright. Come. But on one condition: from tomorrow, you wear the pendant and never take it off.”
“I promise,” Nina raised her hand. “I swear.”
The next morning at dawn, Eva and her governess sneaked through wild rose bushes behind the mansion to a secret gate leading into the forest. They moved carefully, trying not to be seen by guards. Only once free did they breathe relief and run toward the forest like conspirators hiding from everyone.
“Phew, unnoticed,” Eva laughed, collapsing on soft grass.
“Quiet,” Nina scolded. “You’re in the forest, not a playground. You run around like a ball. You’ll scare the forest inhabitants.”
“What inhabitants?” the girl didn’t understand.
“Forest ones,” Nina said seriously. “We’re in their home. We must behave respectfully. That’s what Aunt Rita says.”
Eva listened carefully to every word. To her, Nina was a strict teacher, a fun friend, and even a bit of a witch. How could she change like that? The girl didn’t understand but found it interesting.
When they entered Margulya’s yard, Eva felt like in a fairy tale. Near the porch grazed forest deer, goats, rabbits, even a badger. Eva wasn’t expecting that. Surprised, her mouth dropped open, and she wandered around looking at the animals.
When Margulya came out, no animal was afraid. They all knew and trusted the woman. She seemed like a kind old lady from books, not a scary witch as often told.
“So you are Eva, the one who wants to bring happiness back to her family?” Margulya asked.
The girl nodded.
“And you want to bring back your mother too?” the herbalist continued.
“Yes,” Eva whispered. “So she’s kind, loving, always near. So Daddy spends more time at home like other parents. And so I have a brother or sister. I’m very lonely.”
“Come in,” Margulya nodded. “I’ll try to help.”
Eva ran happily into the house, stroking a kid goat on the way. Inside smelled of herbs, tea steamed on the table. An owl sat in the corner, watching the guest. It seemed like a real fairy tale lived in this house.
“This magic cloth prepared everything,” Margulya smiled. “I wasn’t going to cook today.”
Eva gasped. Nina whispered softly:
“Aunt Rita, stop scaring the girl. Now she’ll expect a flying carpet too.”
The herbalist just chuckled.
They spent the day drinking tea, laughing, and telling stories. When the guests gathered to leave, Margulya added:
“By the way, Nina’s birthday is soon. In a week.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Eva pouted.
“I was busy,” Nina shrugged. “Now you know. You’re invited.”
“Great!” the girl cheered. “We’ll celebrate in our garden. Set a big table, invite guests. Daddy will definitely come, and Margulya, and your mother!”
“It feels awkward…” Nina began to refuse.
“No, no, we’ll manage!” Eva decided firmly. “The party must be big, beautiful, and happy!”
The day of Nina’s birthday came. In Krasnogorsky’s garden, a magnificent table was set. Margulya, Zinaida, Vera Petrovna, and Andriana Valeryanovna came. The sun played on the snow-white cloth, flowers bloomed, children laughed.
The owner appeared a little later. Eva held her breath — for the first time, her father didn’t forget his promise. He approached Nina, handed her a huge bouquet, and said warm words. She rose from the table and went to meet him.
Pavel Sergeevich suddenly froze, noticing the pendant on her neck. His face tensed, his gaze darkened.
“Where did you get this pendant?” he asked almost in a whisper.
“My aunt found it in the forest,” Nina answered, not understanding why he was so upset.
Without further explanation, Krasnogorsky quickly went inside. Ten minutes later, he returned, holding the matching half of the pendant he had once given his first wife. Approaching, he opened his palm. Before Nina lay the other half — the very one Pavel had given to his first wife.
Eva’s wish began to come true. The pendant reunited two hearts again. That meant new, true happiness was beginning in the house.