Tomorrow morning, I’m heading back home to file for a divorce. You stay with your Olya – I declared to my husband on the very first day of our vacation.
As I stood before the mirror in our bedroom, trying on my new dress, Nikita walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. We had been married for just a week, and I was still struggling to adjust to this new life.
“Sasha, I need to talk to you,” he said, his voice carrying an odd tone.
I turned to look at him. His handsome face bore a confident expression. My mother always referred to him as the ideal partner, while my father saw him as a profitable business arrangement.
“I’m listening,” I responded.
Nikita rubbed his hands together and flashed me that smile that had once made my heart race. But today, it felt different.
“Remember when we talked about the terms of our marriage? You mentioned wanting a modern relationship,” he started.
I furrowed my brow. I had no recollection of such discussions. Before the wedding, our conversations were scarce. Just a handful of dinners and one trip to his parents’ summer house. Everything felt rushed and business-like.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“Well, I mean… we are both free individuals. Adults.”
I set aside the dress and took a seat across from him, a chill running down my spine.
“Nikita, just say it directly. What’s going on?”
He stood and walked to the window, burying his hands deep into his jeans pockets.
“I have a girlfriend. We’ve been seeing each other for the past three months, and I’m not planning to break it off.”
Silence hung in the air. I could hear the clock ticking on the wall, cars buzzing outside, and my own breathing, which had become shallow.
“You… what?”
He turned towards me, devoid of any embarrassment or guilt.
“I’m dating Olya. She is aware of our marriage. We’ve discussed everything, and she is okay with continuing the relationship.”
I slowly stood up, my legs trembling as the realization hit me.
“Wait… you’re telling me that while we were preparing for the wedding and even during the ceremony, you were seeing someone else?”
“Sasha, don’t blow this out of proportion. Our marriage was merely a deal between our fathers. You know that well enough.”
I let out a nervous, hysterical laugh.
“A deal? Maybe. But I thought… I hoped we would at least try to build a normal relationship.”
Nikita shrugged and returned to the bed, sitting down.
“Listen, I don’t want to hurt you. But I’m not ready to pretend. I have someone I care about, and I want to keep seeing her.”
“And you just tell me this? In our bedroom? A week after the wedding?”
“When else was I supposed to tell you? Better now than later when we might be expecting children.”
Children. Good Lord, he was serious?
I took a seat again because my legs felt like jelly.
“So, what do you propose?”
“Your father gifted us a trip to Turkey. I want Olya to come with us.”
The world spun before my eyes. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“You want to bring your girlfriend along on our honeymoon?”
“Don’t call her that. Olya is my girlfriend. This is not a honeymoon; it’s just a vacation.”
“Nikita, are you out of your mind?”
He sighed as if I were a petulant child not grasping the obvious.
“Sasha, be realistic. We married for our fathers’ businesses. Love was never part of the equation. You can live your life, and I’ll live mine. We just need to appear as a happy couple in public.”
“And how do you envision this trip? The three of us sunbathing on the beach?”
“I booked a separate room for Olya. She’ll arrive two days after us. You can do whatever you want — sightseeing, spa treatments. I won’t restrict you.”
I stared at him, unable to recognize the man I had married. In truth, I never really knew him.
“Do you genuinely think this is acceptable?”
“I think it’s honest. I could lie to you and cheat behind your back. But I chose to be upfront.”
“How noble of you,” I shot back, unable to suppress my sarcasm.
Nikita stood up and headed for the door.
“Consider my proposal. We have three days until the flight.”
He left, and I remained sitting in the bedroom, staring blankly into space.
- Evening came, and I called my friend Katya. We had been friends since university, and she was the only person I could confide in.
“Hey, how’s the young wife?” she asked cheerfully.
“Katya, I’m in a nightmare,” I choked back tears.
“What happened?”
I recounted everything — the conversation with Nikita, his girlfriend, and the impending trip.
Katya remained silent for a few seconds before exhaling sharply.
“Are you serious? He told you that straightforwardly?”
“Yes. As if it were the most normal thing in the world.”
“Sasha, this is complete absurdity. What are you planning to do?”
I shrugged, lost. She couldn’t see me, but I felt trapped.
“I don’t know. Get a divorce? But how do I explain this to my dad? He invested so much money into this alliance with Nikita’s family.”
“Forget the money! This is about your life! You can’t stay with someone who humiliates you like this.”
“Maybe he’s right? Perhaps I took everything too romantically? After all, our marriage really was a deal.”
“Sasha, listen carefully. An arranged marriage is one thing. But what he’s offering is mockery. He expects you to tolerate him sleeping with another woman during your joint vacation!”
Tears streamed down my face as I sniffled.
“I don’t know what to do.”
“You know what?” Katya’s voice turned firm. “Go on that trip. And take a man with you too.”
“What? Katya, I don’t have anyone.”
“So what? Find someone. Show this jerk that you won’t be a doormat. Let him see that you can play this game too.”
I pondered. The idea was insane, yet it made sense.
“I can’t just find someone in three days.”
“You can. Remember Igor from our group? He’s a photographer who travels often. I’m sure he’d agree.”
Igor. Tall, charming, with a good sense of humor. We had crossed paths at alumni meetings a few times.
“That’s too weird. Asking someone I barely know…”
“Sasha, either you put up with your husband’s humiliation, or you fight back. There’s no third option.”
I wiped my tears and took a deep breath.
“Let me think about it.”
**The Next Morning**
The morning of our departure began with Nikita bustling around the bathroom, humming a tune. He seemed to be in great spirits.
I sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, gazing out the window. Outside, the October sky was gray, and rain tapped against the glass.
“Ready?” Nikita asked, appearing with his suitcase.
“Yeah.”
“The taxi is waiting.”
In silence, we made our way downstairs and into the car. The driver turned on the radio, playing lively music that sharply contrasted with my mood.
The airport was bustling. October holidaymakers hurried to catch their flights. Families with kids, elderly couples, and young people were all around.
“I’ll go check in,” Nikita said. “Let’s meet at the boarding gate.”
He left, and I stood frozen at the information desk, fiddling with my phone.
Igor texted that he had arrived at the airport and was waiting for me at the café on the second floor.
I ascended the escalator and spotted him. He stood with a small backpack, dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt. His hair slightly tousled and a light stubble adorned his face.
“Hi,” I approached him.
“Hey, Sasha. How’s it going?”
“Honestly, not great.”
He smiled.
“This is going to be an interesting adventure.”
“I hope you won’t regret it.”
“We’ll see. By the way, do I need any instructions? How should I act?”
I thought for a moment.
“Just be yourself. And act as though we’re dating.”
“Got it. Should we hold hands?”
“Probably.”
He nodded.
“Alright. Let’s go check in. Where’s your husband?”
“Already checking in. Let’s head down.”
We descended, spotting Nikita at the counter, speaking on the phone. When he noticed me, his gaze immediately shifted to Igor.
I moved closer, and Igor took my hand. His palm was warm and dry.
“Hi,” I greeted Nikita.
Nikita slowly pulled the phone away from his ear.
“Hello. This is… your friend?”
“Yes. Meet Igor. Igor — my husband Nikita.”
The men shook hands. I could sense the tension in Nikita’s movements.
“Nice to meet you,” Igor said in an even tone.
“Mutual,” Nikita clearly wasn’t happy with the situation.
At that moment, a girl approached us. A blonde, slender, with large gray eyes. She wore a pink dress and white sneakers.
“Nikita, hi!” she hugged my husband and kissed him on the cheek.
That was her. Olya.
I felt Igor squeeze my hand a bit tighter, sensing who she was.
Olya turned to me and smiled.
“You must be Sasha? Nikita talked so much about you!”
I stared at her, struggling to produce any words.
She continued smiling, seemingly unaware of the awkwardness in the air.
“I’m so excited that we all get to vacation together! This will be fun!”
I looked at Olya, unable to believe her audacity. She stood there smiling as if everything happening was perfectly normal.
“Fun?” I echoed. “Do you really think this will be fun?”
Olya’s smile flickered slightly.
“Well… Nikita said you were aware… That you had reached an agreement.”
“Agreement,” I nodded. “Yes, we did. That’s why I brought my friend along too.”
I pointed to Igor, who stood by my side, holding my hand firmly.
Olya looked back and forth between him and Nikita. Her cheeks flushed.
“I… didn’t know that…”
“That I wouldn’t be sitting alone in the room while my husband enjoys himself with you?” I offered a cold smile. “Surprise.”
Nikita took Olya by the elbow.
“Let’s go check your luggage in,” he said in a tense tone.
They walked away while I stood with Igor.
“Are you alright?” he quietly asked.
“No. But thank you for being here.”
He tightened his grip on my hand.
“Hold on. We’ll manage.”
**On the Plane**
On the plane, I was seated by the window, Igor beside me. Nikita and Olya settled several rows behind us.
I could feel their stares and hear their muffled voices. Olya clearly appeared upset by the turn of events.
“Want to sleep?” Igor asked. “I’ll wake you when we land.”
“Can’t. Too many thoughts swirling around in my head.”
He nodded and pulled out a tablet.
“Then let’s watch a movie. Let’s distract ourselves.”
We started a comedy, but I couldn’t focus on the screen. All my thoughts were consumed by the chaos of the past two days.
A week ago, I was a bride—happy and hopeful. Now, I was flying off to vacation with a stranger, pretending to be in a romantic relationship just to avoid looking pitiful against my husband with his mistress.
“Sasha,” Igor said softly. “I want to tell you something.”
I looked at him.
“What?”
“When we arrive at the hotel… I’ll understand if you want me to get a separate room. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
I thought it over. A separate room would mean admitting defeat. It would signal to Nikita that I couldn’t play his game.
“No. We’ll stay in the same room. But on separate beds, if that’s alright with you.”
He smiled.
“Of course. I’m not a monster.”
**At the Hotel**
The hotel turned out to be beautiful. White buildings, palm trees, and a pool with azure water. Our room was spacious, with two large beds and a balcony overlooking the sea.
Igor immediately stepped out onto the balcony while I unpacked my things.
I knew that Nikita and Olya’s room had a large bed. They had specifically requested that. The thought made me feel nauseous.
“Sasha, come here!” Igor called. “The sunset is incredible!”
I joined him. The sun was setting over the water, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. It truly was beautiful.
“Thank you for agreeing to this madness,” I said.
Igor turned to me.
“You know, when Katya talked about your wedding, I thought you were making a mistake.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Who am I to advise? We haven’t seen each other much over all these years.”
I nodded and gazed at the sea.
“You were right. It was a mistake. A massive mistake.”
“But you can fix it. You’re still young. There’s a whole life ahead of you.”
“Divorcing just a week after the wedding? Dad would kill me.”
“But you would be alive and free,” he smiled.
We stood together on the balcony, and for the first time in two days, I felt a flicker of peace.
**Dinner Time**
In the evening, we headed down for dinner. The hotel restaurant was packed. Tourists laughed, took photos, and chose their food from the buffet.
We sat at a table by the window. Igor poured me a glass of wine.
“To the vacation,” he said, raising his glass.
“To the vacation,” I echoed.
At that moment, Nikita and Olya entered the hall. She wore a short white dress, and he was in a shirt and pants. A beautiful couple. If only I didn’t know the truth.
They passed by our table. Nikita shot me a quick glance but said nothing.
“Ignoring us,” Igor noted.
“He feels awkward. Good.”
We enjoyed our meal, sipped wine, and talked about work, life, and our university years. Igor turned out to be quite the engaging conversationalist, and I found myself feeling comfortable in his company.
As we exited the restaurant, Nikita suddenly stood up and intercepted me at the door.
“Sasha, I need to talk to you.”
“Now?”
“Yes. Alone.”
Igor looked at me questioningly. I nodded.
“Everything’s fine. Just wait for me in the room.”
He walked away while I was left with Nikita in the hallway.
“What did you want?”
Nikita ran a hand through his hair. He seemed nervous.
“Your Igor… Are you really dating him?”
I crossed my arms, maintaining a defensive posture.
“What’s it to you?”
“I’m just curious. You’re not the type to move on so quickly…”
“Not the type?” I scoffed. “Are you implying that I’m not the type to cheat on my husband just a week after the wedding?”
“I’m not cheating. Olya and I were together before the marriage.”
“And you think that justifies it?”
Nikita clenched his jaw.
“I merely wanted to know the truth. Is this guy just for show? Are you trying to hurt me?”
I met his gaze, unflinching.
“And what if I am? You shouldn’t care. You clearly said we both live our own lives.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but I didn’t let him.
“You know, Nikita, I believed I could handle this. I thought I’d manage a marriage without love. But what you did… that crossed the line.”
“Sasha, I…”
“I’m not done. Tomorrow morning, I’m flying home. Igor is coming with me. You can stay with Olya and enjoy your vacation. Alone. Because when I return, I’m filing for divorce.”
The color drained from Nikita’s face.
“You can’t just get divorced. Our fathers…”
“I don’t care about our fathers!” I raised my voice. “I don’t care about business, money, or anything! I refuse to play the role of a convenient wife while you sleep with whoever you want!”
Nikita grabbed my hand.
“Wait. Let’s discuss this calmly.”
I yanked my hand away.
“There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve made my decision.”
**In the Room**
Inside the room, Igor sat on the balcony with a laptop.
“How did it go?” he asked when I entered.
“I told him we’re leaving tomorrow morning.”
He closed the laptop and looked at me.
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. I can’t stay here any longer. I’m sorry for ruining your vacation.”
Igor stood up and approached me.
“You didn’t ruin anything. I understand you. And if you want to leave — we’ll leave.”
Tears started rolling down my cheeks unbidden. I couldn’t hold back anymore.
“I’m such a fool. I agreed to this marriage, thinking everything would turn out alright.”
Igor embraced me, simply holding me without words.
I cried on his shoulder as he stroked my hair, softly soothing that everything would be alright.
**The Morning of Departure**
In the morning, we packed our things and checked out of the hotel. Nikita sent several messages, but I didn’t respond.
At the airport, Igor purchased tickets for the earliest flight home. We sat in the waiting area, drinking coffee in silence.
“You know,” Igor suddenly said, “I’m glad you invited me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve wanted to spend time with you for a long time. Since our university days.”
I looked at him, surprised.
“Really?”
“Really. But you were always unavailable. First dating that guy from the parallel group, then someone else. And then we graduated, and I thought I missed my chance.”
My heart raced.
“Igor…”
“I’m not saying this to pressure you. I just want you to know. When you divorce… if you want to… I’ll be waiting.”
I was at a loss for words. A lot had happened in those days.
But I took his hand and squeezed it.
“Thank you. For everything.”
He smiled.
“Anytime.”
**Three Months Later**
Sitting in a café with Katya, I laughed at her dating story.
The divorce was swift. Nikita offered no resistance. I hear he’s still with Olya.
It didn’t matter to me.
I found a new job, rented an apartment, and started a new life.
Moreover, I was dating Igor. We were taking things slow, not rushing into plans. We simply enjoyed each other’s company, getting to know one another.
“What are you thinking about?” Katya asked.
“How sometimes mistakes lead to the right decisions.”
“Philosophizing?”
I smiled.
“No. Just enjoying life.”
My phone vibrated. A message from Igor: “See you tonight? I want to show you a place.”
I replied: “Of course. I’ll be waiting.”
And I reflected on how happiness isn’t about a beautiful wedding or a wealthy husband. Happiness is the freedom to be oneself and knowing people accept you for who you are.
I was free. And it was the best feeling in the world.