Standing at the doorway of the room, visibly upset by what she saw, Tatiana exclaimed, “What are you doing? Put it down immediately!”
Olya, the prospective sister-in-law, replied innocently, “I just wanted to check what applications you have installed. What’s wrong with that?”
Emerging from the bathroom wrapped in a blue robe, Tatiana grasped its edge. Her wet hair left dark patches on her shoulders as water droplets rolled down. At that moment, she caught Olya sitting on the couch, browsing through content on her phone with keen interest.
“I didn’t do it on purpose! I was just curious about your smartphone,” Olya tried to justify herself, her eyes darting nervously.
Without delay, Tatiana strode across the room and sharply snatched the phone from Olya’s hands.
“One shouldn’t rummage through someone else’s belongings without permission,” Tatiana stated calmly but firmly, restraining her irritation. “It’s personal space, especially pertaining to a phone.”
Olya snorted as if accused unjustly: “What do you have to hide? If everything is open there, then there’s no reason for a scandal,” she said arrogantly, lifting her chin. “Or is there something your brother shouldn’t know?”
An atmosphere filled with tension arose between Tatiana and her fiancé’s younger sister; their relationship had been strained from the start.
“That’s not the point,” Tatiana replied, attempting to keep her tone measured. “Even absent secrets, everyone deserves respect for their privacy. My messages, photos, notes—they concern my personal affairs. Would you want me to take your phone and check it without asking?”
At that moment, Yulia, Olya’s elder sister, entered wearing a loose sweater, her wary gaze alternating between the two.
“What happened? Why are you upset?” she asked Tatiana directly.
Seizing the chance, Olya quickly defended herself: “I merely glanced at her phone, and she threw a fit. Seems like Tatiana has something important hidden there,” she sneered.
Yulia stepped closer, standing beside Olya. Tatiana adjusted her disheveled hair and tried once more to explain: “Imagine if I took your phones and browsed your chats with friends, looked at photo albums, checked browsing history. Would you like that?”
The sisters exchanged glances.
- “I have nothing to hide,” Yulia declared proudly.
- “Exactly!” Olya chimed in. “If you’re so upset, it must mean you’re hiding something from my brother. He’s your fiancé, right?”
Sensing the conversation was heading nowhere as the sisters deliberately twisted the issue, Tatiana sharply spun around and made a swift exit to the guest room, shutting the door and locking it behind her. Only then did she allow herself to breathe deeply.
“Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable,” she murmured, “Such audacity to rummage through someone’s things and then to accuse me!”
Collapsing onto the bed, water droplets from her hair fell onto the phone’s screen as she unlocked it, brushing the moisture irritably with the back of her hand.
Suddenly, the device vibrated; Denis’s smiling face appeared. Startled as if caught doing something forbidden, she quickly smiled to herself.
“Hello, my love,” she responded.
“Hi, Tanyushka. How are you? What happened with the sisters?” His voice was warm, though the question carried caution.
Rolling her eyes, Tatiana noted how news traveled fast here.
“Just nonsense. I stepped out of the shower, and your sister was already digging through my phone. I merely told her that’s not acceptable.”
A pause on the line.
“You got that upset over this?” he asked. “Olya says you nearly started a scandal.”
Counting silently to ten, Tatiana replied, “There was no scandal. I just explained it’s impolite to intrude without consent.”
“If she wants to look, let her,” Denis responded casually. “You have nothing to hide, right?”
The same phrase, the same intonation as his sisters.
“That’s not it,” Tatiana said carefully considering her words. “It’s about personal boundaries. Everyone has private matters—chats, notes, maybe a surprise gift for you or a private discussion with a friend. That’s no reason to intervene.”
“Secrets?” Denis’s tone grew colder. “Are you hiding something from me?”
Mentally cursing how badly the word “secrets” sounded, Tatiana responded, “Don’t pick on words. I mean normal personal things. Now I need to get changed and go—my sister’s waiting.”
“Just your sister?” he teased, suspicion evident.
Exhaling deeply, Tatiana held back her frustration.
“Please, don’t start. Remember, we’re getting married soon. I really have to go. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
“Kiss the screen,” she said playfully and hung up before he could reply.
Shaking her head, scattering drops of water, she thought, “It will work out… It must.”
Twenty minutes later, Tatiana left the bedroom. Her hair was tied in a messy bun, dressed in jeans and a loose tunic. She longed to get away from home quickly.
“Wait, I’m coming with you!” Yulia called from the kitchen as she dashed out.
Stopping with a raised eyebrow, Tatiana asked, “Why? I have personal matters.”
Throwing on a jacket and fixing her hair, Yulia said proudly, “Denis told me to look after you. Said you’re upset and shouldn’t be alone now.”
Look after? Like a child or a suspect?
Noticing Tatiana’s frown, Yulia turned to Olya: “Look at her pursed lips! Not heading to a sister, probably. Maybe our Tanya has a secret romance?”
Olya laughed behind her hand.
Arguments were pointless; each word Tatiana said could be twisted against her.
“If you want to go, let’s go,” Tatiana replied calmly. “But I walk fast.”
Without waiting for a response, she left the apartment, Yulia panting to keep up behind her.
“Hey, wait!” she called, struggling in unsuitable shoes.
Tatiana didn’t turn back.
“I said either catch up or stay behind.”
Grumbling displeased, Yulia quickened her pace. Tatiana strode forward, hearing her quick breaths.
“Such absurdity,” she thought crossing the yard. “Look after me? Like a captive? We’re not even married yet, and I’m already under house arrest. What’s next?”
Outside, Yulia caught up, breathless and annoyed.
“Are you walking that fast on purpose?” she complained.
“I always walk this way,” Tatiana calmly answered. “My sister’s waiting at the mall in five minutes.”
Vera already stood by the entrance, scrolling on her phone. Seeing her sister, she waved but her smile dimmed noticing Yulia.
“Hello, sis,” Tatiana hugged Vera. “This is Yulia, Denis’s sister. He asked her to come with me,” she added sarcastically, making quotation marks with her fingers.
Vera looked surprised, assuming it was a joke.
“Seriously?” she laughed. “You’re practically married!”
“Apparently, trust means something else in my fiancé’s family,” Tatiana replied dryly.
“Then let’s pick your bachelorette dress,” Vera suggested, linking arms with Tatiana.
Upon entering the mall, Vera whispered to Tatiana, “We’ll talk later. Away from prying ears.”
Tatiana barely nodded, appreciating the understanding.
While browsing shoes in a boutique, Yulia stepped aside and took out her phone. Tatiana noticed but continued examining a pair of strapped shoes.
“Think these will match the dress?” she asked Vera.
Vera nodded but kept her attention on Yulia, whispering into the phone.
“Yes, Denis, we’re at the mall… in the shoe store… Nothing special… just talking with my sister…”
Vera leaned closer to Tatiana. “Is she reporting on you?”
“Seems like it.”
“Tanya, what’s going on?” Vera asked seriously, pulling Tatiana aside. “This feels more like surveillance than care.”
Tatiana briefly recounted the morning’s incident with the phone.
“She entered the room and was already digging through my phone. Then they both accused me of hiding something.”
Frowning, Vera said, “I don’t like it. Seems like jealousy or control.”
“No,” Tatiana shook her head. “Denis isn’t like that; no jealousy. We’ve been together for a year and a half; I would have noticed.”
“In a few days you’ll be his wife,” Vera reminded her, casting a suspicious glance at Yulia, who secretly tried to photograph through the store window. “Sometimes men change when they think the relationship is ‘secured’.”
“Nonsense,” Tatiana dismissed. “His sisters are just overly protective. They’re used to watching out for Denis and now decided to control me too.”
Picking up a pair of shoes, she said, “I’ll try these on.”
After hours of shopping, the group went to a café. Vera went to order drinks, leaving Tatiana alone with Yulia.
“So, reported to your brother again?” Tatiana asked jokingly but with underlying tension.
Yulia glared without a smile. “Why? Any reason to worry?”
“You’re all obsessed with the word ‘hide’.” Tatiana leaned forward slightly. “How about you? Anything you prefer to keep from your husband?”
Yulia flushed deeply and looked away. “I don’t know what you mean,” she said dryly.
“Okay, just joking,” Tatiana waved her off, surprised by Yulia’s reaction. “Your business to roam wherever.”
Yulia’s phone rang suddenly. She grabbed it instantly.
“Hello? Yes, Denis… We’re at the Moscow café on the third floor… Of course, everything’s fine…”
Returning with drinks, Vera glanced questioningly at Tatiana and whispered, “Is that the third call within two hours?”
Tatiana shrugged, feigning indifference though a premonition grew inside.
They returned home silently. Olya and Yulia were already there, whispering in the living room. Upon seeing Tatiana, they fell silent, exchanging strange triumphant smiles.
Without a word, Tatiana nodded and quickly went to her room, closing the door. She threw bought items onto a chair with little interest.
The room greeted her with silence. Taking her phone from her pocket, she stared thoughtfully at it, as if it had become the root of all troubles.
Sitting on the bed, Tatiana pondered: what had happened to Denis? He used to be different. For a year and a half, they shared everything — joys, plans, even small disagreements. Why, before the wedding, had he suddenly turned into a suspicious man watching her?
This sudden distrust hurt her far more than she had anticipated.
An unexpected idea, silly yet intriguing, came to her. Grabbing her phone, she called her sister.
“Vera?” she whispered cautiously, worried Olya or Yulia might overhear. “I need help.”
“I’m listening…”
“I thought… could you send me a few messages? Without names, just… you’ll understand.”
“Okay, but be careful.”
After ending the call, Tatiana placed the phone face-up on the table and waited. Within minutes, messages arrived:
“How happy I am…”
“Can’t wait…”
“Kisses…”
She smiled faintly, typing back:
“Same here… Waiting…”
Then she stood, leaving the phone open, and headed to the bathroom.
That evening Denis returned home earlier than usual, his steps purposeful and swift. Tatiana sensed something was wrong while setting the table.
“Hi,” she greeted him.
He said nothing, merely hung his jacket on the chair’s back, eyes cold as they fixed on her.
“We need to go,” Olya suddenly said, standing from the couch. “Yulia and I promised Mom we’d come…”
“Yes, yes, it’s late,” Yulia hurriedly added.
Olya whispered something into Denis’s ear as they passed him; his face tensed.
“We’re leaving,” Olya declared theatrically.
“Report delivered, report accepted,” Tatiana muttered, but the joke fell flat.
The sisters left; the door closed behind them.
Calmly, Tatiana went to the kitchen, switched on the kettle, and took out some coffee.
“Want some?” she asked over her shoulder. “Tea or coffee?”
Denis slowly moved to the doorway and leaned against it.
“How’s work?” Tatiana continued while pouring coffee. “Finished your tasks?”
“Who is he?” Denis abruptly asked.
Tatiana turned, feigning surprise. “What?”
“Don’t play dumb!” his voice rose. “Who is the person you’re chatting with? ‘My dear,’ ‘kisses’… Who is he?”
Tatiana realized someone had checked her phone—probably Olya—and immediately informed Denis. Her experiment had worked faster than expected.
“What are you talking about?” she responded innocently.
“Stop it!” he slammed the table. “You have someone! You’ve been lying to me all this time!”
“Maybe explain what exactly you mean?” Tatiana spoke calmly but anger simmered within.
“Our wedding is in two days!” he shouted. “And you…”
“Exactly! Wedding!” Tatiana tried to hug him, but he pushed her away. “We’ll finally be together!”
“Did you have someone before me?” he looked her in the eyes.
“Of course. Like you. We’re not kids, Denis. Both of us have a past.”
He hesitated, then abruptly turned and left.
Tatiana’s phone, lying on the table, vibrated; a new message from Vera appeared—a funny sticker with the caption: “So, did it work?”
The corners of Tatiana’s lips twitched upward, but her smile froze as Denis returned.
“Him again?” he gritted through teeth.
She grabbed the phone, but Denis snatched it violently.
“Give it back!” she shouted.
“I want to see your ‘little secrets’,” he muttered, trying to unlock the screen.
“This is my phone! You have no right!”
“I know you’re flirting behind my back!” he yelled.
“What’s wrong with you?!” Tatiana pulled the device away and stepped back. “I don’t know you anymore!”
“Give it!”
“No!” Tatiana clenched the phone. “This is paranoia!”
Without waiting for more, she turned and retreated to the bedroom.
The next morning, after Denis left for work, Tatiana approached the wardrobe where her wedding dress hung. She ran her fingers gently over the pure white fabric and traced the lace on the corset.
“What a beautiful day it was supposed to be,” she thought bitterly.
Yesterday’s quarrel troubled her. How could a harmless phone check spark such a scandal? A week ago, Denis seemed like the most sensible man; now, two days before their wedding, he appeared as a jealous, suspicious stranger.
A sound at the entrance door snapped her back. Tatiana tensed, hearing steps. Denis typically did not return so early, but instead, three women entered—the mother-in-law, Elizaveta Kirillovna, followed by Olya and Yulia.
“Reinforcements have arrived,” Tatiana thought bitterly, closing the wardrobe door carefully.
Elizaveta paused at the room’s threshold, scrutinizing the bride.
“Girls, go to the kitchen and make some tea,” she ordered without averting her gaze. “We need to talk.”
Olya and Yulia exchanged displeased looks but departed, though Tatiana noticed their meaningful whispers before disappearing.
Left alone, Elizaveta stepped closer, her scent a mix of expensive perfume and faint cigarette bitterness.
“Don’t act foolishly, girl,” she began bluntly. “Your wedding is in a couple of days, and here you are, flirting. It’s unacceptable.”
“Please explain what you mean by ‘flirting’ and ‘foolish,'” Tatiana requested calmly, maintaining eye contact.
Elizaveta smirked, a dry, almost contemptuous smile spreading across her lips.
“You know perfectly well.”
“I don’t speak your language,” Tatiana replied firmly. “I’m used to directness. So be specific: who is doing what and why?”
The mother-in-law squinted, gauging resistance.
“I know everything,” her voice chilling to ice. “Before the wedding, you hooked up with someone else, deceiving my son. You probably have a harem in reserve…”
Tatiana felt shame not for herself but for their base thoughts and suspicions.
She spotted Olya and Yulia peeking cautiously from the kitchen, listening intently. Yulia’s face bore an arrogant smirk, the last straw for Tatiana.
“I’ve always respected you, Elizaveta Kirillovna,” Tatiana’s voice was slow, firm, “but don’t twist the truth upside down. If anyone has connections outside, look among your own daughters.”
Even Tatiana was surprised at her own resolve. Elizaveta spun toward her daughters, who, pretending ignorance, displayed triumphant excitement.
“Give me the phone,” the mother-in-law suddenly demanded, extending her hand.
“What?” Tatiana could hardly believe her ears.
“Your phone,” Elizaveta repeated. “I want to see who you’re messaging.”
“I’m not going to…” Tatiana started but didn’t finish.
Olya, taking advantage of the hesitation, dashed to the nightstand, grabbed Tatiana’s phone, and handed it to their mother.
“Here, Mom,” she boasted.
“Give me back my phone!” Tatiana shouted, trying to retrieve it, but Elizaveta pushed her away easily.
Olya laughed sharply, the sound as harsh and unpleasant as breaking glass.
“Return my phone!” Tatiana demanded, trying to get around Yulia, who blocked her path.
“Exactly, I told you,” Yulia taunted. “Why are you worried if you have nothing to hide?”
Elizaveta had already activated the screen and swiftly browsed the messages, her skilled fingers navigating the menu. Tatiana tried again to grab the phone, but Olya and Yulia formed a living barrier.
“Let me through!” she yelled. “How can you allow this?”
“Oh my God!” the mother-in-law suddenly exclaimed, pointing at the screen. “‘Kisses’! Look! Proof!”
She held the phone like a trophy, showing it triumphantly to her daughters, her eyes gleaming.
“Look, girls!” she said, displaying messages: “‘My dear,’ ‘kisses,’ and her reply: ‘Same here, waiting.’ And all this three days before the wedding!”
Yulia and Olya leaned in, inspecting the screen with evident delight, as if they uncovered a grand conspiracy.
Gathering strength, Tatiana pushed Yulia aside and snatched the phone from Elizaveta Kirillovna’s hands.
“Enough!” she shouted.
“How dare you speak to my brother’s mother like that?” Yulia snorted, but Tatiana no longer listened.
“You’re a vile woman, Elizaveta Kirillovna,” her voice turned cold and steady, full of contempt. “And your daughters are petty, spiteful creatures feeding your sick notions.”
Olya and Yulia exchanged looks and, to everyone’s surprise, laughed. Their laughter only fueled Tatiana’s fury.
“You find this funny?” she addressed them. “Probably because you’re used to it. Used to being called ‘bitches,’ to rummaging through others’ bags, eavesdropping, spying. You’re just low, despicable people. Get out of my apartment immediately!”
Olya continued giggling; Yulia covered her mouth with her hand. Only Elizaveta Kirillovna remained serious.
“You wretch!” she hissed, and without giving Tatiana time to respond, struck her hard across the face.
The slap echoed in the room. Even Olya and Yulia fell silent, stunned.
Tatiana froze, slowly raising her hand to her burning cheek. She couldn’t believe she was hit—the first time in her life. No one had ever raised a hand against her before, neither family, school, nor anywhere else.
She slowly stepped back, pressing her palm to the reddened skin. Tears welled in her eyes, but she held them back—not here, not now, not in front of these women.
Without a word, she turned and hastily retreated to the bedroom, slamming and locking the door.
Only now, alone, did Tatiana allow herself to cry. Silent sobs shook her body, tears streamed down her cheeks. She sat on the floor hugging her knees, gasping with grief.
“How did everything fall apart so fast?” she whispered through tears.
Behind the door, muffled voices sounded. Elizaveta Kirillovna sternly spoke to her daughters, but no trace of remorse was in her tone. Rather, she seemed pleased with herself.
“She’s to blame…” fragments drifted to Tatiana. “Shouldn’t have provoked…”
The day passed in heavy silence. Lying on the bed, Tatiana stared at the ceiling, replaying recent events. A year and a half of love and trust—and such a sharp turn. Denis seemed like a different man.
At about six in the evening, she heard the front door open. Familiar footsteps—Denis returned home.
“Tanya? Are you here?”
She didn’t answer. The steps neared the bedroom, the handle turned, but the door was locked.
“Tanya, please open.”
Reluctantly, she rose, approached the door but hesitated to unlock.
“What happened?” he asked. “Mom called, said you had a conflict.”
“Conflict,” Tatiana repeated bitterly. As if there was a milder word.
Finally, she opened the door. Denis stood in a business suit, concerned expression on his face. Seeing her red eyes and messy hair, he darkened.
“What happened?” he asked again, stepping toward her.
Tatiana stepped back.
“You know everything, right?” her voice tired and cold. “You know your mother hit me? That your sisters laughed at it? And you still ask?”
Denis was stunned.
“Mom… hit you?” he couldn’t believe. “She never…”
“She did,” Tatiana cut him off sharply. “Here, in this room.”
“I know my mom. She’s restrained. Maybe you provoked her?”
Tatiana looked at him like a stranger, then laughed bitterly.
“Provoked? Your sister grabbed my phone and gave it to your mom. I asked for it back, but they ignored. I voiced my opinion—and your mom hit me. And you say I provoked?”
Denis was embarrassed, hesitant to take her side.
“I’m sorry it happened,” he finally said, looking down. “But you must understand: they worry about me. Especially after what they found on your phone.”
“After what exactly?”
“Well… those messages,” he faltered. “Who were they from?”
“None of your business,” she replied curtly.
“Not your business?!” Denis raised his voice. “You’re my soon-to-be wife in a day, and I find out you’re seeing someone else!”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Of course!” he yelled. “Those messages speak for themselves! Your strange behavior lately, your nervousness… You have someone!”
Muffled laughter and footsteps came from the next room. Tatiana glanced and noticed two figures behind a slightly open door.
“Olya and Yulia here?”
Denis shrugged as if it was no big deal.
This family mocked her.
“Ask them to leave,” Tatiana said firmly.
“What?” he asked bewildered.
“Call your sisters and mother and tell them to leave our apartment. Now.”
He looked at her as if she spoke a foreign language.
“But why? We’re almost family…”
“We’re not family yet,” she cut harshly. “And honestly, I doubt we ever will be.”
Ignoring her words, he returned: “So, what’s his name? Your secret lover?”
Tatiana couldn’t believe the man she once loved had become a suspicious, possessive stranger blindly trusting his relatives, not her.
Laughter from the door signaled the family enjoyed the spectacle.
Tatiana pulled out her phone, offering it to Denis.
“Open the latest messages,” she said calmly.
He hesitated but took the phone, swiped, and read aloud:
“My darling… How happy I am… Looking forward to seeing you… Kisses…”
His face darkened with every word.
“Now,” Tatiana whispered, “check the number and call it from your phone.”
He blinked but obeyed, dialing and putting the phone to his ear. After several rings, a familiar female voice answered.
“Hello?” Hearing it, he immediately recognized Vera.
“Vera?” he said surprised, glancing at Tatiana.
“Yes, Denis, it’s me,” she said calmly. “Congratulations, you turned out to be a complete fool. Now you understand the mess you’re in?”
Stunned, Denis stood speechless. Tatiana took the phone and ended the call.
“I didn’t expect you’d assign your sisters to monitor me and report everything to you,” she said looking him in the eye. “I didn’t expect your mother to pry into my personal belongings. And I certainly never expected a grown woman to slap me just because she felt like it. But what shocked me most is that my fiancé accuses me of cheating with no proof beyond a few phrases in another’s phone.”
She paused for the impact of her words.
“And you know what, Denis?”
He swallowed nervously.
“What?”
Her voice was cold and steady: “I don’t need such a husband. I need someone who trusts me and doesn’t betray me at the first suspicion. So now you take yourself, your mommy, and your sisters and leave. Right now.”
At that moment, Elizaveta Kirillovna stormed the room.
“What nonsense are you talking?” she shouted.
Tatiana slowly turned toward her.
“Shut up. I didn’t give you permission to interfere.”
The mother-in-law paled as if doused with ice water. She opened her mouth to retort but swallowed hard.
“You’ve all heard,” Tatiana continued. “So now turn around and leave my apartment.”
Olya and Yulia peeked at the door, giggling like schoolgirls.
“Hysteric,” Olya snorted.
“Completely psychotic,” Yulia added.
Their words hung in the air, but instead of mother’s support, they received the unexpected: Elizaveta abruptly turned to her younger daughter and smacked her sharply.
“Shut your mouth!” she hissed, grabbing Olya’s shoulder. Turning to Yulia, she added, “You too be quiet. Both to the stairs. Now.”
Startled by their mother’s sudden tone change, the sisters hurried away.
Meanwhile, Denis was still on the floor gathering scattered clothes, muttering angrily. Tatiana without hesitation grabbed his bag and threw it out.
“Here are your things! Now get out!” she ordered, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the exit.
He tried to resist: “Tanya, let’s talk calmly… It’s a misunderstanding…”
“Misunderstanding?” she repeated furiously, breaking free. “The misunderstanding is that I ever agreed to be with you! The misunderstanding is our whole history!”
Elizaveta Kirillovna, now on the landing, watched her son being pushed out, surprise and realization etched on her face.
“Tanyusha…” she started gently.
“No!” Tatiana interrupted. “I didn’t expect such nastiness from you or your son. So disappear. All three of you. From my life.”
She slammed the door in their faces and turned the key.
Behind the door, a real frenzy erupted. Olya and Yulia screamed over each other. Denis rushed between them trying to restore order. Tatiana leaned against the door, listening to the chaos she herself had created.
“Tanyusha, open up, let’s talk!” Elizaveta’s voice softened, almost pleading.
“Psychopath!” Olya screamed. “Can you imagine, brother almost became her husband!”
“Shut up already!” Denis snapped, and for a moment, silence reigned in the hall.
Then he knocked gently on the door.
“Tanya…” His tone was different—pleading, lost. “Please open. I understand now. I was an idiot. But I love you. Open, dear.”
Tatiana stepped away, a chill sinking in.
“I forgave you yesterday! And the day before! Even this morning! Enough! No more chances!”
Her gaze fell on the wedding dress, neatly covered. White, adorned with pearl inserts, flawless. “Perfect for someone else,” she thought. What was destined to symbolize happiness now reminded her of betrayal and humiliation.
Determined, she tore off the cover, grabbed the dress by its hanger, and stormed to the door. Throwing it over the railing, it fluttered like a falling bird’s wings, softly landing on the lower steps.
Elizaveta gasped, covering her mouth.
But Tatiana didn’t stop. Returning, she grabbed a box of shoes—expensive, crystal-embellished gifts from Denis.
“Take these too!” she spat, throwing the shoes after the dress. The box overturned, scattering shoes like toys down the stairs.
Olya clung to Yulia, fear replacing mockery. Yulia paled, lips pressed thin. Elizaveta’s face went pale as if witnessing a nightmare.
Lastly — the ring. Tatiana slowly removed it, weighing it in her palm before hurling it directly at Denis.
“Find yourself another fool!” she shouted, slamming the door shut on them.
The last thing she noticed was the pain and fear on Denis’s face.
Beyond the door, voices returned, muffled as if from another world. Denis stood nearby; she felt his presence.
“Tanya… what about the wedding?” His voice nearly panicked. “Hall paid, cars booked, photographers…”
“What difference does it make?” she thought. Life was more valuable.
She entered the living room, collapsed on the couch. Tears welled, though now it was weariness more than pain. Strangely, she felt free.
The phone in her pocket vibrated, showing her sister’s name. She answered.
“So, how’s your jealous hero?” Vera spoke jovially, tinged with irony.
Tatiana sighed heavily. “I kicked him out.”
“Wow! Well done!” Vera laughed. “I even bet with Irina you’d do it tomorrow. You beat me—you lost!”
Tatiana smiled involuntarily.
“To hell with that wedding,” she said carelessly. “I definitely don’t need a husband like that, especially with such a family.”
Her sister laughed, and Tatiana felt a lightness within.
“What about the honeymoon?” Vera suddenly asked.
“What honeymoon?”
“Well, the seaside hotel is already paid. A shame to lose it.”
Tatiana tapped her fingers on the armrest, pondering.
“Maybe,” she finally said. “I’ll think about it.”
After saying goodbye, she put the phone down, gazing thoughtfully at the ceiling. Then decisively, she took her device, opened messages, and texted Yulia’s husband:
“Are you sure she’s faithful to you?”
Sent. A vengeful smile curved her lips. If Yulia enjoyed meddling in others’ relationships, let her sort out her own.
“To hell with this wedding,” Tatiana whispered, setting the phone aside. “Better alone than with this.”
Outside, her ex-fiancé and his family probably schemed about winning her back. But she knew—it was over.
“Now,” she smiled, “it’s time to prepare for a wedding vacation. Without a husband.”
The phone rang again—Denis. She pressed decline and blacklisted the number.
Minutes later, a reply came from Yulia’s husband: “What are you talking about?”
Tatiana chuckled. Seeds of doubt had been sown. The circle was complete.
Heading to the kitchen, hunger beckoned. Life went on. Ahead lay a paid holiday by the sea. Alone. But free.