After finishing her workout, Vika hurried home, eager to keep her promise to cook fish soup for her husband. Upon entering their apartment, she found Leonid sitting at the kitchen table, sipping wine.
“Well, look at you… Leonid, couldn’t wait for me? At least let me fix a starter,” she teased.
“No need,” he replied solemnly. “Please sit down. We need to talk.”
Vika had never seen Leonid look so troubled—his eyes were clouded with worry and confusion. What on earth is going on? she wondered.
“I’m not even sure how to begin,” he started hesitantly. “My assistant, Katya, is pregnant with my child. I’m leaving you for her.”
Vika blinked in disbelief. “Seriously? Like some cheap soap opera? How long has this been going on?”
“About a year, give or take. When she first came, she made it clear she was interested, and I couldn’t resist. Young, lively, beautiful… reminded me of you when we were younger. I fell for her like a teenager. I wanted to tell you honestly right away, but I was scared. It wouldn’t have been fair.”
“And now there’s no turning back?” Vika asked sharply.
“Yes, we’re going to have a baby soon. You know, I’ve always wanted my own child. Igor is like family, but not my blood. I need someone to inherit my business. With Katya, I feel young again. Maybe it’s a midlife crisis—you’ve heard of those?”
Vika stared at him silently. “You’re a scoundrel, Leonid, but I guess you’re doing what you think is right. You won’t abandon me or Igor?”
“No. You’ll have the apartment, the car—everything. I’ll support you financially. Education, too. I’ve already bought a place for Katya and the baby—she’ll be the mother of my heir.”
Vika sighed, “I get it. Katya’s hard to resist, and you’re a man. You want to be a father in your own right. Thanks for the money; I won’t refuse it. I think it’s time I started living for myself. When are you moving out? Need help packing?”
Leonid looked at her in surprise. Her calmness was unsettling. Perhaps this was better—no drama, no fights.
“Goodbye, then. Thanks for the years. I enjoyed being with you. Life moves on… maybe I’ll find love again. Take care, or Katya might worry I’m clinging to you.”
He grabbed his bags and left without looking back.
Vika walked to the kitchen, pulled out a bottle of champagne, poured a full glass, and drank it down. Her husband had left. Strange how normal it felt.
Years of quiet companionship without passion. Just respect and habit. No use drowning in sorrow.
She vowed to embrace her new life. Leonid’s money was hers now—why refuse? With it came freedom and opportunity. She had to learn to be the woman left behind.
She signed up for dance classes, filled her weekends with museums, movies, and fitness sessions. Her neighbor, Irocha, a lonely woman, kept her company.
Her son Igor lived elsewhere, visited rarely. Vika was alone, cooking only what she wanted, living on her own terms. No thoughts of new romance—being single suited her.
The divorce was quiet. At the courthouse, she caught a glimpse of Katya—undeniably beautiful. Leonid certainly had good taste.
He sent money monthly, as promised. Vika appreciated the gesture, knowing his business thrived. This was his way of thanking her for their years together. Katya probably didn’t know—she would have objected.
A year passed. Vika’s routine remained steady: dance, exercise, occasional trips abroad. Suddenly, the financial support stopped. No explanations.
Likely Katya’s doing. No matter, Vika would manage. Igor earned well enough for his studies. Her income covered her needs.
One day, a day off, Vika cooked fish soup. Realizing she had no bread—the one thing she loved—she ran to the bakery. There, unexpectedly, she ran into Leonid.
“Leonid? What are you doing here?”
“Vikusya, hi. I… I live nearby now. Bought an apartment.”
“Oh? And Katya? The baby? Who was born?”
“A daughter. But… it’s complicated. Katya was planted by a rival. She seduced me, I fell for her. Then she pressured me to hand over the business. Afraid I’d leave her with nothing.”
“I agreed. After the baby, I transferred everything to her name emotionally. Kept some money in a secret account. Then she kicked me out. The daughter isn’t mine. The business went to the competitor. What a mess. Like a bad soap opera.”
“I got an apartment, a job. Not destitute, but my old life is gone. Sorry, I can’t help you. You probably hate me.”
Vika felt a pang of pity. He looked broken. Katya was a true manipulator. Yet, Leonid had fought hard for his business.
“You fool, Leonid! Come with me. I made your favorite fish soup.”
They talked honestly in their old kitchen—the place where so many years were spent. Now, they were strangers.
Afterward, they spoke occasionally on the phone. No talk of rekindling. Separate lives.
Vika met a man in dance class, married him, and was happy.
She invited Leonid to her wedding. He came, even smiled. He met the groom’s sister. Six months later, Vika was seen at another wedding, arm in arm with her new husband.
Life is unpredictable. No matter what happens, never lose hope. You never know what tomorrow brings—just live and enjoy each day.