“Sergey Viktorovich, you don’t understand — my girlfriend’s birthday is tomorrow! How can I leave now?”
“Maxim, you’re an adult, you understand everything yourself…”
It was obvious that the boss was completely indifferent to his subordinate’s personal problems.
For him, work was always the priority. Of course, Maxim could have insisted on his own, refused the trip — after all, a business trip on a day off was not his direct duty.
But he couldn’t afford it.
Because very soon there was to be a long-awaited promotion, which promised not only a prestigious position but also a significant increase in income.
And now was not the time to show his character.
Sergey Viktorovich seemed to understand this well and therefore kept insisting.
“All right,” Maxim gave in. “I’ll go, what can I do.”
“Apologize to your girlfriend, but this really is necessary.”
Although Maxim did not intend to apologize for his boss, he perfectly understood: Dasha would be furious.
Dasha was one of those girls who loved being the center of attention.
And her birthday was a real celebration of life, which she planned down to the smallest detail months in advance.
And Maxim was supposed to be the main hero of this celebration.
How could he explain the work necessity to her? One thing was clear — the conversation was going to be difficult.
And his premonitions did not deceive him.
“So, work is more important to you than me? You’re abandoning me on such an important day?”
“Dasha, please understand, I can’t refuse! The promotion is imminent, I need to show myself in the best light.
This is for our future! In the new position, I can provide for us much better.”
But no arguments could soften the angry girl.
She sulked for several days, ignoring Maxim’s attempts to find a compromise.
Neither postponing the party nor promising to arrange a romantic evening later found a response in her heart.
However, there was no real choice.
When it was time to say goodbye, Dasha still hugged Maxim.
“I’ll miss you,” she said.
“Me too. Sorry again. Celebrate well, have fun!
And then we’ll definitely celebrate together, agreed?”
“Agreed,” Dasha said, not very happily.
Undoubtedly, Maxim also felt uncomfortable about the situation.
Deep down, he dreamed of sharing this special day with Dasha, but circumstances were different.
On the birthday itself, he did not stop trying to please his beloved — he called her, sent a bouquet by courier, trying somehow to compensate for his absence.
Dasha said she planned to have dinner in a restaurant and then continue the party at a nightclub with friends.
This idea did not please Maxim very much.
Although he completely trusted her, he worried about her safety in such places.
However, he decided not to impose his opinion — after everything that happened, he felt obliged to show understanding.
He spent the morning and part of the day working, and by evening he learned the good news — he could come home today!
This prospect inspired him.
Quickly changing the tickets, he thought about warning Dasha about his return.
But then he changed his mind — there was little time before midnight, and meeting in the restaurant was no longer possible.
Then came the idea to organize a romantic surprise: decorate the apartment, prepare treats — create a festive atmosphere for their private celebration.
Maxim was sure that such an unexpected turn of events would cause a storm of positive emotions in Dasha.
After all, she expected him only the next day, and here — practically perfect coincidence with her birthday.
Around one in the morning, he returned to the apartment, but Dasha was still not home.
To accurately calculate the preparation time, he called her.
He barely heard the answer — the noise of music and loud voices clearly indicated she was still in the club.
“You’re still there?” he asked, trying to keep the intrigue.
“Yes, in the club!”
“For long?”
“About two hours, probably.”
“Text me when you call a taxi, okay?”
“Okay!”
Practical Maxim even considered her fatigue after the business trip but decided that his beloved’s birthday was more important.
He made orders from 24-hour delivery services.
An hour and a half later, everything was ready. Despite being very tired, he waited patiently.
The apartment had transformed: Dasha’s favorite peonies in a vase, a festive table, candles everywhere — he had taken care of everything in advance.
The message “I’m in the taxi” came on time.
Maxim warmly wished her good night, anticipating her surprise.
About twenty minutes later, a key turned in the lock.
With a bouquet in one hand and a phone for recording in the other, he stepped into the hallway — he knew Dasha loved sharing bright moments on social media.
But the scene before his eyes paralyzed him.
Dasha, entering the apartment with her back turned, was passionately kissing a stranger.
Shocked, Maxim didn’t even put his phone down immediately.
When Dasha finally noticed him, fear appeared on her face.
She pulled away from the man.
Regaining his senses, Maxim put away his phone.
His gaze shifted from the girl to her companion, who instantly understood he was unwelcome.
“Well, I’m going… Sorry, bro,” the man muttered and quickly disappeared behind the door.
Dasha awkwardly looked away, then examined the festively decorated apartment.
“You decided to test me?” she blurted out first, choosing a defensive tactic.
“I got off work early.
I came two hours ago, wanted to surprise you.”
“Well… you did great.”
Her state clearly revealed she had drunk quite a lot.
“Who was that?” he asked, nodding toward the door.
“Just a guy… We met in the club.”
“And you talk about it so calmly?”
It seemed the alcohol completely clouded her mind — her attempts to justify were so unconvincing.
Dasha carelessly shrugged and, ignoring Maxim, walked past him.
“It’s your fault!” came from the bathroom. “You left me alone on such an important day!
I was so sad… And that guy was nearby, took care of me.
I just wanted you to be with me.”
“And as soon as I was not there, you immediately found a replacement!”
Only now did the initial shock recede, giving way to overwhelming anger that, like a poisonous wave, engulfed Maxim completely.
“It was a stupid mistake… I drank too much.
Forgive me. Nothing happened, really.”
Maxim bitterly smiled in response.
“Nothing happened only because I came back on time.”
“You can’t know for sure! I didn’t plan anything! And anyway, today is my day!”
Maxim refused to believe his ears. Dasha spoke as if nothing really happened.
As if she hadn’t just passionately kissed a stranger on the threshold of their shared home five minutes ago.
Maybe this was not the first such case? Who knows? Because there was no hint of remorse in her voice.
He often went on business trips but always trusted her unconditionally, considering her the most devoted girl.
He wanted to throw her out immediately.
But realizing she was very drunk stopped him — he would still feel responsible if something happened to her on the way home.
He didn’t have the strength to talk to her or stay under the same roof either.
So Maxim preferred to leave for a hotel.
He couldn’t sleep. Especially since Dasha kept calling until he finally turned off his phone.
The next day her behavior changed drastically.
Sobered up, she realized the seriousness of what happened.
She tearfully apologized, swore it was the first and last time, that she was too upset and didn’t realize her actions.
But Maxim could no longer believe her.
Having heard all explanations, he asked her to pack and leave.
He could not understand how she could do such a thing.
After all, they loved each other and planned their future.
He always tried to be a good partner: to provide, care, protect her. Apparently, that was not enough.
Several times Dasha tried to win him back, but even gentle-natured Maxim remained firm.
Trust was irretrievably lost, and with it, the feelings faded.
Unfortunately, this experience did its work — now Maxim believed complete trust in people was impossible.
This would undoubtedly affect his future relationships.
Unless one day he meets someone who can teach him to believe again.
