For a long time, I lied to myself. Pretended that everything in my life was the same — the usual routine, no changes, like it had all been a bad dream.
I couldn’t believe that Sergey had actually cheated on me.
And not just a fling — a serious relationship. He was seeing her!
The very woman who had become his assistant at work. They saw each other every day…
All the signs were obvious: coming home late, someone else’s perfume on his shirt, hushed conversations behind closed doors, frequent business trips…
But I convinced myself it was just fear. That everything could be explained logically, without unnecessary drama.
But one day, I couldn’t hold it in anymore and asked directly:
— Tell me, is it true you’re seeing her?
He didn’t even deny it. Just said coldly:
— You already know. It’s good we talked about this. I want a divorce.
That was it. Just like that. No regret, not a drop of warmth. Just “done.”
Then came the words of comfort.
— He doesn’t deserve you, Olga, — said Marina, my best friend.
— Forget him like a bad dream. Maybe it’s for the best. He would’ve only ruined your life.
— I knew from the start that guy was a bastard! — my mom fumed.
— Let him go to hell. You’ll find someone better, a real man.
— That’s life, sweetheart, — sighed my mother-in-law when I called to tell her about the divorce.
— No kids, you’re young, beautiful. Everything’s ahead of you.
Their words were kind, but didn’t touch my soul. Especially because deep down, I was still hoping.
Hoping that Sergey would come to his senses, realize his mistake, and come back.
Foolish? Maybe. But at the time, I was willing to cling to even the smallest chance.
I kept calling him, dreaming that he’d change his mind. But he didn’t even answer.
Just vanished. Like he’d erased me from his life the moment he stepped out of our apartment.
To distract myself, I started spending more time with Marina and her brother Kirill.
We’d known each other a long time, but used to talk more like friends than anything deeper.
When we were teenagers, I had a little crush on him, but never admitted it — especially not to Marina.
After all, he was her brother.
Now he’d come back to town after his own divorce, a little lost, a little sad.
And strangely, it was with 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 stayed by my side. We’d go for evening walks, to the movies, or just sit in the park with ice cream we’d bought from the nearest shop.
With him, the pain slowly faded. Thoughts of Sergey became dim and unimportant.
That’s why, when the divorce was finalized, I agreed to be with Kirill.
I didn’t expect it to happen. But Marina — she surprised me most of all.
— Finally! — she exclaimed joyfully, hugging me. — I always knew this would happen. I’m so happy!
I blinked in surprise:
— You… knew?
— Of course, I was sure of it, — Marina smiled.
— Who else could be the perfect match for my favorite brother, if not you?
I told you — your divorce was a blessing. The best thing that ever happened to you!
A few months ago, I would’ve cried or been hurt by those words.
But now I knew she was right. Because with Kirill, I truly felt different — wanted, needed, loved.
He was nothing like Sergey. Gentle, attentive, caring…
He even spoiled me — something I’d never experienced before.
I hadn’t thought about the past in a while, when suddenly the phone rang.
Sergey’s name lit up the screen. Unexpected. Unpleasant.
— It’s Sergey, — I muttered, looking at the phone. — Didn’t expect that.
Kirill nodded:
— Answer it. See what he wants.
Gathering my courage, I pressed “accept.”
— Olga? — his voice was sharp, almost businesslike. — We need to meet. It’s urgent.
— What do you want to talk about? — I asked, a bit confused.
— Not over the phone, — he snapped. — Can you meet tomorrow in the park by your house? Near the lake. You pick the time.
Slightly stunned, I agreed. He said he’d be there and hung up.
— Well? Any idea what that was about? — I asked Kirill.
— No, — he shook his head. — But if you want, I can come with you.
— No, — I said firmly. — I need to close this once and for all. Just me.
At the appointed time, I stood by the small pond in the park.
I came alone, just as planned. Sergey wasn’t there yet, and I began to wonder: would he even show?
After all, we had nothing connecting us anymore.
Maybe he changed his mind? Or wanted to ask me to come back?
Just then, I saw him approaching quickly, like he was in a rush.
As soon as he reached me, he began:
— I’m glad you came. We need to talk… about the ring.
— What ring? — I asked, puzzled.
— Your wedding ring, — he clarified. — You still have it, right? I want you to give it back.
My eyebrows shot up.
— So you want me to just hand it over? 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 mine back. Especially the one that was yours.
It’s only fair.
For a moment, I froze.
This was the man I once loved, now asking for a ring he gave me years ago — just to save money on a new wedding.
The thought was so absurd, I burst out laughing, nearly doubling over.
Tears streamed down my cheeks — not from sadness, but from how ridiculous it was.
Wiping my face, I looked him in the eye and said:
— You’re lucky I didn’t throw it out. I actually carry it with me.
From my pocket, I pulled out the ring — yes, it was still there, along with old memories.
— Here, — I said mockingly. — If you need it so badly — take it! I won’t stand in the way of your happiness.
With a swift motion, I tossed the ring into the water. It sank into the depths, leaving only ripples behind.
I didn’t wait to see his reaction. No yelling, no explanations — I just didn’t care anymore.
Let him curse, let him complain about fate.
I turned and walked away, leaving him alone — where he apparently belonged.
Later, after telling Kirill everything, we laughed for a long time. He thought it was funny too.
— You did the right thing, — he said, smiling. — Sometimes it’s better to just let go — of people and the things that remind you of them.
We’re not planning a wedding yet. Though I can feel Kirill is thinking about it.
Maybe he’ll propose soon. And why not?
We’ve both been through divorce, through heartache, and now we deserve real happiness.
My parents, especially my mom, are thrilled for us — she’s already dreaming of grandchildren.
And me? I’m content with what I have. Happy — no matter how cliché that sounds.
And I’m not afraid to say it: I’ve found someone who truly loves me.
