The air shimmered with joy, and warm laughter echoed throughout the hall. Everything felt like a scene straight out of a fairytale: sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns, while the gentle scent of lilies filled the room. Smiles lit up the faces of the guests just as brightly as those of the newlyweds, … Read more
No one quite remembered how Alyssa came to work at the office. She appeared as if she had always been there—a quiet, unobtrusive presence, neither clearly young nor old. Her appearance was carefully hidden beneath a simple headscarf tied modestly and a high-neck sweater covering her neck. For months, Alyssa quietly swept the floors, polished … Read more
A Beach Surprise on Our Anniversary Mark and I were strolling along the shoreline, savoring the moment on our tenth wedding anniversary, when suddenly a woman in a white swimsuit came running toward him. She dropped to her knees and called his name. My heart froze. Who was she, and what did she want from … Read more
Irina carefully arranged the silverware on the dining table—spoons, forks, knives—making sure every piece was perfectly placed, just like in a fine restaurant. Yet, a faint, self-mocking smile tugged at her lips. “Gena probably wouldn’t even notice,” she thought. He used to appreciate these little details, but lately, it seemed he just didn’t care. “But … Read more
Ignat sat by the window, tapping his fingers nervously against the sill. Outside, a gentle rain blurred the evening into a wash of gray. The apartment was heavy with silence, broken only by the faint rustling of bags as Marina hurriedly packed her things. “Make sure this place is empty in an hour,” Ignat said … Read more
After dropping his mistress off, Buchin gently said goodbye and headed home. He lingered by the entrance for a moment, mentally rehearsing what he was about to say to his wife. Then he climbed the stairs and unlocked the door. “Hey,” Buchin called out. “Vera, are you home?” “At home,” his wife replied flatly. “Hey. … Read more
Every Sunday, I gathered at my sister Mia’s house with her husband Alex and their kids. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and I cherished the time we spent together, catching up on lost moments. But over the past few months, something strange had been happening. During these dinners, I couldn’t help but notice that … Read more
One damp autumn evening, with thick clouds blotting out the sky and the world cloaked in gloomy shades of gray, I was making my way home after a draining day at work. Suddenly, through the roar of rain and the distant hum of traffic, I caught a sharp, piercing cry. It stood out from the … Read more
mbarrassing to think about. My youth wasn’t bright, university was dull, and work felt like a never-ending routine. I never even went on dates. So it’s no surprise that I don’t have a husband. It might sound silly, but I even started keeping a journal — writing letters to myself. Today is February 5th, and … Read more
I put three cutlets on my plate — and my husband suddenly lost his temper, telling me it was time to lose weight. We’ve been married six years and have three kids. Our oldest, Vanya, already goes to kindergarten; my daughter Dasha stays home with me, and little Seryozha is still in my arms. My … Read more