Her name is Alice. She’s been through a lot, and when her marriage finally unraveled, it was like the weight of the world had been lifted—though it didn’t feel like a victory at first.
When she first married Kostya, everything seemed perfect. He was her protector, her constant. They had a modest but comfortable life, a home they were proud of, and two children, Maria and Dmitry. But when illness struck Kostya, things began to spiral. He couldn’t get better, and neither could their relationship.
Aunt Galina—his mother—had always been an obstacle in their marriage. From the day they met, she made it clear that Alice wasn’t the daughter-in-law she had envisioned. She often found ways to belittle her, dismissing her attempts to keep peace and maintain their home.
Then, one day, Alice came home early from work, hoping to surprise Kostya with something nice. But when she opened the door, the scene that greeted her was far from what she had imagined. He was sitting on the couch with another woman, their intimacy undeniable. The moment was too much for Alice to bear.
She quickly turned around, leaving the apartment without saying a word. For the next few hours, she wandered through the streets, her heart heavy with betrayal. She tried calling Kostya, but his phone was off. She couldn’t face him, not yet.
When she finally found herself in a cafe, sitting alone at a table, she felt a sudden wave of clarity. The life she thought she had was an illusion, and it was time to move on.
But moving on wasn’t easy. Kostya had always been her anchor, the one she relied on. And now, the idea of starting over without him seemed terrifying. She had no idea what her future would look like, but one thing was certain—she could no longer stay in this toxic relationship.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Misha, a man she hadn’t seen in years. Misha was a childhood friend, someone who had always been there when she needed support. He reached out, offering to meet up and catch up.
“I’m sorry to hear about everything. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.”
