Mikhail walked along a narrow, shaded street, holding his phone to his ear, his face lit up with a boyish, genuine smile.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, gently touching his face, while something warm and familiar sang in his heart — as if the past had returned, bringing back those carefree years filled with dreams and endless possibilities.
— Max, just imagine! How many years have flown by!
Feels like an entire lifetime has passed.
Back then, we were just wild boys — and now? Grown men with life experience!
On the other end of the line came the voice of his old friend, slightly raspy but instantly recognizable:
— Not just years — a whole era! Ten years have passed — can you believe it?
I’ve already called Alexander: “We’re getting together. No excuses!”
Time flies — can’t waste a second.
— You haven’t changed, — Mikhail laughed, overcome with nostalgia.
— But now everything’s different. I’m not that reckless dreamer anymore.
Now I’m a family man, with a wonderful wife and two amazing daughters.
They remind me every day that being a father is truly an art.
So our reunion will be quiet, homely — a blanket, some tea, and good company.
What about you? Have you settled down?
That question always brought a faint pang of sadness to Mikhail.
He cherished his freedom, but the solitude had started to weigh on his heart.
His career had taken off — high position, financial security, respect.
But love never came knocking.
He’d almost gotten married once, but after learning more about his fiancée, he backed out.
The second time fell apart when he discovered the girl loved his bank account, not him.
Since then, he had sworn off serious relationships.
— Not married yet, but getting close, — he replied, with a hint of mystery.
Max lit up:
— No way! That’s great news, brother!
A wife isn’t just a partner — she’s your anchor, your support.
Let’s gather everyone — kids, food, the works!
They both laughed — deep down, they were still those same boys dreaming of adventure.
Max had moved to Europe years ago, but Mikhail and Sasha still met often, reminiscing and indulging in the occasional bit of mischief.
But this time, they were planning something different — a warm, family-style evening.
— Let’s have it at my place, — Mikhail suggested.
— I bought a house outside the city recently. Fixed up the yard. The weather’s supposed to be perfect. The weekend’s ideal.
— Can’t wait! — Max exclaimed. — And Misha, I’m really glad you’re finally heading toward something real.
Just don’t tell my wife I said I envy you — she doesn’t get jokes!
Mikhail chuckled, but as soon as he hung up, reality hit: he didn’t have a fiancée.
Admitting that would mean losing face. And he always had to look confident.
A beautiful woman by his side wasn’t just about looks — it was a symbol of status.
He started thinking: where could he find someone suitable?
An actress? Too risky. A friend? Too complicated.
There was one option left — someone from the office.
He walked through the building, carefully observing the women.
Accounting? Too old.
HR? All married.
Plenty of beauty, but none who fit.
By evening, exhausted and frustrated, he returned to his office.
And that’s when she appeared. The cleaning lady.
Quiet, graceful, nearly invisible.
But something about her instantly caught his attention.
Young, well-groomed, moving with dignity and poise.
— Excuse me, who are you? — he asked.
— Kristina. I’ve been working here for three months.
We just haven’t crossed paths.
Her speech was clear, articulate — unexpectedly refined.
That intrigued Mikhail.
— Why this job?
— I have a small son.
Had to make ends meet. I study remotely, too.
My aunt used to help, now a neighbor does.
— Must be tough?
— It’s not easy, but we manage, — she replied with a steady, calm smile.
When she finished cleaning, Mikhail suddenly made an offer:
— Want to pretend to be my fiancée?
Just for one evening.
Kristina listened carefully… and laughed.
— And after that? What will you tell your friends?
— I’ll think of something. The key is to sell it.
— Well, if not on stage, then I’ll put my acting skills to use here, — she said.
— And your son?
— He comes with me. That’s the deal, right?
— Absolutely, — Mikhail smiled.
And so a new chapter began. A few hours later, they arrived at his country house.
Spacious, quiet, the scent of wood in the air. Kristina looked around:
— You live here alone? Feels more like a museum…
And he realized: she was right. It was cold. Lifeless.
The house looked good, but had no soul.
— Let’s light the fireplace, — he offered. — Add a little warmth.
They stayed for a few days.
And during that time, Mikhail experienced something new — coming home to a home.
Where the smell of pies fills the air, where someone laughs in the kitchen, where a child’s giggle sounds like music.
He began wondering: how did he ever live alone?
On the eve of the reunion, he asked:
— Where should I order the food?
— Why order? — she replied. — It’s not that many guests. We’ll cook ourselves!
— Seriously? What if we mess it up?
— We won’t. We just need to shop ahead.
That evening, the kitchen was alive with laughter: Kristina and Yegor preparing appetizers, Mikhail chopping vegetables and marinating meat.
It all became a ritual. As simple — and as meaningful — as happiness.
When dinner began, the guests were delighted: the kids ran through the garden, the wives chatted, and Kristina charmed everyone with ease.
— Bro, you’ve finally found The One, — Sasha winked.
Later, when they moved into the living room, Angelina said dreamily:
— How about some music?
Without a word, Kristina approached the piano and began to play.
Notes filled the silence, and time seemed to pause.
Everyone listened in awe.
Mikhail watched her like a man in love, realizing: this is real.
After the evening, he pulled her aside:
— Stay. Not just for the night — for good.
— Misha, we’ve only known each other three days…
— But it feels like I’ve known you forever. I don’t want to live without you.
Kristina stayed silent for a while, then whispered:
— I don’t know how to live without you either…
— Where have you been all this time?
— Waiting for you to find me.
And in that moment — as the house finally began to feel like a home, as stars lit up the terrace, and a child breathed softly in the next room — Mikhail realized: he had finally found a real family.
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