Albina was sitting in a cozy café with her friend Natalya, enjoying fragrant coffee and an easy conversation. However, the discussion quickly turned into a heated debate, as was often the case between them.
Natalya, waving her arms, exclaimed in indignation:
— Alka, I just don’t understand you at all! Your father is a millionaire with several huge corporations! You should be living the high life, partying in nightclubs every night! And here you go around like a plain little mouse: no flashy makeup, no stylish clothes. He practically keeps you in an iron grip! Are you afraid of him or what?
Albina sighed and, as she had for the hundredth time, tried to explain to her friend:
— Nata, how can you not understand? Father works from morning till night; he wants me to study and not lead a wild life. He worries about me. I love him and I don’t want to upset him with my antics!
Natalya wrinkled her nose in disdain:
— Ugh, you’re so boring and dull! How do I even put up with you? Come on, let’s at least go to that new café in a week, please! I’m going to die of boredom…
Giving in to her friend’s pleading, Albina relented:
— Fine, you talked me into it. We’ll go on Sunday, but only for a little while, okay? I have a lot to do.
Nata snorted:
— All you’ve got on your mind is studying! I, on the other hand, have zero interest in studying…
In her cheerfulness, her friend said goodbye and fluttered off for a manicure, while Albina slowly finished her coffee, lost in her thoughts.
Albina’s mother had died in childbirth. The girl had only ever seen her on a portrait in her father’s study and in old family photographs. Her father, Herman Aleksandrovich Khlebnikov, was a well-known millionaire, owner of several major corporations and countless tailoring ateliers. He had met his future wife, Alla, back in his student years, in the distant Soviet times. She was only eighteen and lived nearby at a summer house. Herman fell in love with her immediately and forever. She seemed to him as delicate as a slender ear of grain in a field, and her voice was clear and joyful, like the ringing of a little bell.
They began their life together in an ordinary communal dormitory, in a tiny room with a shared kitchen along the corridor. Despite the hardships, those were the happiest years of his life. He still remembered how they had joyfully celebrated Alla’s birthday: fried potatoes in a pan and a bottle of “Tarkhun” lemonade. When Herman started earning his first money, they sewed clothes together in the dormitory’s basement. They rented a room, set up their first sewing machines, and worked with the help of other hungry but talented students.
Gradually, things began to take off. They bought an apartment, rented a building for their first atelier, and purchased equipment. The business grew, and Alla was always by his side, selflessly helping her husband. She never complained about her health, working until late at night without sparing herself.
Soon a happy event occurred—Alla became pregnant. The pregnancy went smoothly, without complications. When the water broke on time and she was taken to the maternity hospital, she teased her frightened husband: “Don’t worry, I’ll be quick—you won’t have time to miss me.” Nothing foreshadowed the tragedy. A happy Herman waited outside the hospital with a bouquet of gladioli, which he had managed to obtain with difficulty.
When the doctor finally came out and delivered the terrible news, he couldn’t believe the reality of what was happening. His Alla had died during childbirth—a blood clot had broken free. It was a tragic accident. The funeral passed in a daze. Herman remembered almost nothing: some people, a coffin… Grief-stricken, he gave up and even started drinking for a week. He didn’t want to see his daughter and even considered renouncing her. He believed that everything had happened because of her. If it hadn’t been for the pregnancy, Alla would still be alive!
But a week after the funeral, he dreamt of Alla. She stood there in her colorful robe, scolding him sternly and wagging her finger:
— Gera, have you lost your mind? Immediately take the child away from the little one’s home! She’s your daughter! Otherwise, I won’t have any peace! Is it a joke—a father living with an orphaned child! Aren’t you ashamed? Are you soft? You shouldn’t be drinking, you know you have a weak heart!
Herman woke up in a cold sweat. From that moment on, he never had another drink and rushed headlong to the child’s home. When he held the little, crying bundle and looked into her sky-blue eyes, a wave of tenderness overwhelmed him. He realized: this was the meaning of his life. His most precious treasure. The very reason to get up in the morning and work until he sweated.
In the early days, Alla’s mother, Vera Petrovna, helped him with Albina. She moved in with Herman and took care of the little girl day and night while he built his business. The mother-in-law pitied her son-in-law, trying to get everything done at home so that he, coming home exhausted, could finally rest.
When Albina started first grade, Vera Petrovna began falling gravely ill and often suffered from various ailments. Herman did everything he could: sourcing scarce medicines, taking her to the best doctors, but it was all in vain. When Albina turned ten, Vera Petrovna passed away. The girl deeply mourned this loss. Her grandmother and her father were the closest people to her. They often visited the cemetery, cared for the gravestones of her grandmother and mother, and told them about their joys and sorrows. It made coping with the loss a little easier.
Herman loved his wife Alla more than life itself. After her death, he never managed to let another woman into his heart. There were fleeting romances, but nothing compared. There was no soulful closeness, no feeling of being on the same wavelength with anyone. Most women were interested in his financial status, and Herman could sense their insincerity from a mile away. And he longed to be loved simply for himself, just as Alla had loved him—without money, just for the person he was. But aside from his daughter, no one could love him as sincerely.
Albina grew up to be intelligent and resourceful. She always missed her father and joyfully threw herself into his arms whenever he appeared at home in the evening, exhausted. Those were the best moments. He would cuddle her, tickle her, adjust her bows, and attentively listen to her childish tales of joys and sorrows.
Herman Aleksandrovich raised himself in strictness and similarly brought up his daughter. Although he loved her madly in his heart, he tried not to indulge her whims. He dressed her modestly yet tastefully. Albina studied excellently at an ordinary school and, after graduating, entered the capital’s university to study design. There was no talk of studying abroad.
Above all, Herman was terrified that his trusting and kind daughter might fall into the clutches of some rich playboy or spoiled brat. Many would like to get hold of his fortune. The businessman often secretly admired his princess: her refined profile, almond-shaped eyes, chestnut hair, and her ringing voice—exactly like her late mother’s.
Her father strictly ensured that she studied diligently. Soon she was to receive her diploma, and he dreamed of gradually handing over his business to her. The years of nervous strain had taken their toll; his health was failing, and he wanted to retire.
Albina excelled in her studies, although disagreements sometimes arose between them. Herman often lectured his daughter:
— Alya, understand this: all these expensive clothes, parties, and silicone are just decoration and dust in the eyes. A person must be a personality. The most important thing is to live by your conscience, speak the truth, and work hard. Nothing in life is given for free, remember that.
Albina loved her father, but at times she was intimidated by his stern nature. Everything had to be exactly as he said, period.
Designing models and clothing was something Albina really enjoyed. In her course, she was the most talented. She had a creative approach to everything. She could transform the simplest dress into a masterpiece. Personally, she preferred calm tones in clothing and understated yet stylish makeup. Her father always taught her that what’s inside is more important than external appearances.
One of his favorite phrases remained etched in Albina’s memory forever:
— Treat others the way you want to be treated.
The girl tried not to upset her father, yet at her age, dreams of a prince began to emerge. She imagined him brave, valiant, and handsome. She even pictured him in her mind: unruly eyebrows, a determined chin, and a radiant smile. They would live happily ever after—it simply had to be that way.
Albina’s friend Natalya was her complete opposite. Unlike Albina, Nata didn’t really care about studying, preferring to go out and have fun. She came from a troubled family; she was raised by her mother, who frequently changed lovers and taught her:
— Natasha, the most important thing is to grab as much from life as you can. Find yourself a rich sugar daddy and live it up. If you smell money, don’t hesitate—climb over heads.
Natalya loved bright colors in her clothes and bold makeup. She often mocked Albina:
— Alka, you could go straight to a convent in that look. Cut that braid, do bolder makeup, or we’ll never find you a groom—even with your father’s millions!
Albina frowned:
— Leave me alone, I don’t need your frivolous grooms. I’m waiting for my own prince!
Natalya laughed:
— Well, well, you’ll remain an old maid then. Fine, agreed—we’re going to the new café. And don’t even think about wearing a strict suit!
Albina already regretted having agreed, but, as always, she yielded to her friend’s urging.
In the evening, as she was getting ready to meet her friend, Albina entered her father’s study to kiss him on the cheek and assure him that she wouldn’t be late. It was their unspoken ritual that had lasted many years.
Herman Aleksandrovich looked up from his papers, removed his glasses, and was stunned. Standing in the doorway was his daughter in a tight black dress with a deep neckline and bold makeup. Her hair was slightly curled and cascaded over her shoulders. She looked devilishly attractive, but Herman was in shock.
— Daughter, what is with this appearance? You look like… I won’t even say it! Change your clothes immediately, or you’re not going anywhere! Is your friend confusing you?— he said sternly.
But this time Albina, always gentle and compliant, sharply replied:
— No, Daddy. Natasha and I aren’t going to a museum; we’re going to a new café. There will be a program, a host, and dancing. If I wear a business suit, everyone will look at me like I’m a fool! We’ll be there just a little while, I promise! So don’t scold me!
Without giving her father a chance to recover, she pecked him on the cheek and dashed out of the room, leaving behind a trail of expensive perfume.
Herman shook his head and returned to his work, hoping that his daughter wouldn’t actually be delayed. After all, if need be, she would just call a taxi.
Seeing her in the new look, Natalya whistled in amazement:
— Wow, Alka! I didn’t even recognize you! Now that’s more like it! Come on, let’s go quickly—there’s an interesting program promised for the opening!
The evening flew by unnoticed. The girls had fun, sipped cocktails, ate ice cream, attracted admiring glances from men and envious stares from women. They danced until they could dance no more, their legs buzzing by the end of the night.
After leaving the café, the friends laughed merrily, recalling the funny moments. The weather was lovely—a quiet May evening. They decided not to call a taxi and to walk home instead. Even the always cautious Albina was in a playful mood.
However, as they turned into an alley, they suddenly encountered three slightly drunk young men. The lads cackled, making crude jokes and clearly displaying hostile intentions. One of them shouted:
— Where did you beauties come from? Don’t you want to relax with us?
At first, the feisty Natalya sharply retorted:
— Get out of here, guys! We’re not like that!
But one of the hooligans—a burly guy with a rough face—grabbed Natasha by the shoulder:
— Hey, beautiful, you’d better not get smart, or we’ll be picking your feathers off right now!
He turned to his buddy and added:
— Hey, my dear, you, split the other one somehow! She seems like she’s something too!— All three laughed in unison and pinned the frightened girls against the wall.
Albina was horrified. For the first time in her life, she found herself in such a situation. Her thoughts raced: “Idiot! Why did I agree to go? Father warned me! I should have taken a taxi! What do I do? Oh dear…!”
Feeling the fetid breath of cigarettes and alcohol in front of her, she felt physically ill. She closed her eyes and screamed at the top of her lungs:
— Help! Somebody, please help!— Even though she knew that at such a late hour, hardly anyone would come to help.
Natalya tried to resist, but one of the guys smacked her cheek:
— Don’t make a fuss, or things will get worse! If you don’t behave nicely, things will get bad! Relax, you’ll like it!
The thugs cackled again, only getting more excited by the girls’ resistance. The circle of assailants closed in, and it seemed there was no escape…
Suddenly, as if in answer to Albina’s prayers, two young men appeared from the darkness. One of them shouted loudly:
— Hey, back off from the girls!
The trio of attackers turned around displeased:
— Beat it, suckers, or you’ll get it too! Look, we’ve got some protectors now!
Distracted by the newcomers, the hooligans loosened their grip. Natasha and Albina, suddenly pushing them away, wriggled free and dashed off running.
A scuffle broke out. The forces were unequal, and the girls, trembling like trembling aspen leaves, hid behind a newsstand, too afraid to step out into the deserted street for fear of being chased.
Albina frantically searched her purse for her phone, trying to call the police, her father, or a taxi. But her hands were shaking, her thoughts jumbled, and her voice had deserted her.
Watching the brawl, Natalya noticed that her friend still had her phone and pulled her aside:
— Wait, don’t call anyone! Those two seem to be handling it. Let’s go home now. Otherwise, your papa will definitely beat me up and won’t let you go anywhere. He already doesn’t like me much. And what are you going to tell the police? They’ll ask what the heck you girls were doing out so late in that state! I know those cops—they wouldn’t hesitate to pin someone!
To their surprise, the young men who had come to help quickly dealt with the attackers. The thugs scattered in all directions.
The rescuers approached the girls. One of the men had a huge bruise over his eye and a few abrasions.
The second guy said:
— Phew, you got yourselves into a mess with the local thugs. We happened to be nearby. Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself: I’m Artyom, and this is my friend Seryoga. As you can see, he also got into trouble. Let’s get you home, shall we? Don’t worry, we won’t hurt you.
Natalya was the first to react:
— We don’t mind. I’m Natasha, and this is Albina, my friend. We actually decided to walk home this late for once—on our own! Thank you, guys. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t even know how this would have ended.
Albina looked at one of the young men—the one with the bruise. He was exactly like the knight she had imagined long ago. He had saved her like a real princess from a dragon! Sergey impressed her greatly. He, too, looked at Albina with obvious interest, joked lightly, and mentioned that he had a black belt in karate, worked as a manager at a firm, and rented an apartment.
The second guy, Artyom, was more modest. He said little and stayed close to Natasha, catching her every word.
The young men exchanged phone numbers with the girls and agreed that the following weekend all four would go to the movies to see a new comedy. With that, they said their goodbyes.
At home, a furious father awaited Albina. He had not slept, waiting for her, and was pacing anxiously. Can you imagine—it was already past midnight and his daughter still hadn’t returned! Never before had Albina stayed out so late. The businessman even had a glass of cognac, something he hadn’t done since his wife’s death many years ago, just to calm his nerves.
As soon as the front door slammed shut, her father lunged at her:
— Albina! Have you lost your mind? Were you even looking at the clock? Where have you been for so long? I nearly lost my mind!— he shouted.
But the daughter only smiled absentmindedly, half-listening to him, and softly, dreamily said:
— Daddy, don’t yell! I think I’ve fallen in love! He is so…— And, giving her father a peck on the cheek, she went off to her room.
“Just what I needed!” thought Herman Aleksandrovich irritably.
Albina couldn’t sleep until morning, all the while remembering Sergey. Her studies were falling apart; everything was slipping from her grasp. She could barely wait for the next weekend and the long-awaited meeting with Sergey. The four of them had gone to the movies, and everyone enjoyed the film. Then they strolled through the city at night, after which Artyom walked Natasha out while Sergey stayed with Albina.
On the way, the girl felt cold, and the guy draped his jacket over her shoulders. He smelled of a pleasant, masculine perfume. As they said their goodbyes, Sergey decisively hugged Albina and kissed her passionately. Her head even spun—a first kiss for her!
The romance between Albina and Sergey developed at a breakneck speed. Movies, concerts, declarations of love—the girl completely lost her head.
No matter how much her father protested or tried to persuade her not to rush, it was all in vain. Albina wouldn’t listen to him.
Herman Aleksandrovich grew increasingly irritated and shouted:
— My God, my dear girl, what are you doing? What devil has taken hold of you? You only barely know that guy! I sense he isn’t a good person. Shifty. He never answers questions directly—always dodging and twisting! Why don’t you wait a bit longer, get to know him more, and then decide!
But Albina was adamant:
— What are you saying? He saved me from thugs, risked his life for me! He is wonderful! You’re just jealous, aren’t you, papa? Don’t worry—I won’t love you any less!— and once again, the daughter smiled dreamily.
The matter was heading toward a wedding. Sergey promised to love her, carry her in his arms, shower her with roses, and give her nights beyond imagination. He whispered in her ear passionately:
— You’re mine alone; I won’t give you up to anyone!— Albina swooned and melted in his arms.
The wedding was celebrated in grand style in an expensive restaurant. All the newspapers blared: “Daughter of the famous millionaire Khlebnikov, Albina, is marrying a common man!”
In the photograph, a happy Albina appeared in a dazzling white dress adorned with rhinestones, tailored from her own design by the finest tailors. Next to her stood a content and pompous Sergey in a sharply tailored suit and expensive shoes—of course, bought with Albina’s father’s money.
After the lavish celebration, the newlyweds moved into a mansion owned by her father. It was a beautiful country house with a fireplace, terrace, and swimming pool. The yard was overflowing with blooming roses, fountains, and cobblestone paths. Sergey, who had never seen such luxury before, was amazed and astonished at first.
A month later, Albina received her diploma and began actively integrating into her father’s business. The girl was sharp—she grasped everything quickly, though it took a lot of time.
When Herman Aleksandrovich began involving his daughter in the business, many of his partners scoffed and did not take young Albina seriously. Behind the businessman’s back, they whispered:
— Our boss has completely lost it in his old age. He decided to leave the business to his little girl. But she’s a woman—what can you do? She’ll squander it all, and soon we’ll all be left penniless, just you wait.
But within a few months, everyone fell silent. Albina turned out to be an excellent manager. She got along perfectly with the partners and knew how to negotiate with competitors. She professionally supervised the network of ateliers and often took matters into her own hands if the results did not satisfy her. She handled everything responsibly and never let anyone down. Even the seasoned sharks of business began to take notice of this stubborn and determined young woman. Now, many of Herman’s partners shook his hand and often said:
— What a remarkable daughter you have! Well done, girl—you shut down many a mouth. One can really count on her.
The proud and pleased businessman replied:
— Yes, that’s my Alya! She’s all me.
However, in Albina’s personal life, things were deteriorating despite her recent wedding.
She naively assumed that Sergey would also want to help her and that together they would develop the family business. Moreover, according to him, he had quit his previous job because the salary didn’t satisfy him—and he couldn’t find a new one. But as time passed, Sergey showed no haste in finding work. There were always excuses: no time, unsuitable conditions—just excuses.
For Albina, this was strange. She had grown up seeing her father never sit idle, believing that a man who did nothing was like a drone. Moreover, it would be humiliating for Sergey to live off his wife. Despite Albina loving her husband to the point of madness, all of this began to irritate her.
Scandals started occurring more and more often at Albina and Sergey’s home. Albina truly couldn’t understand what was happening:
— Seryozh, how long are you going to sit around doing nothing? Aren’t you tired? Come to the office—I’ll find you a place. We always dreamed of being together everywhere! And now what? I’m working all day, hardly see you at all! How can this be tolerated? Have you completely relaxed?
But Sergey would only sigh and try to soothe his wife:
— Sweetheart, don’t yell! I’m just trying to find myself! You understand, I don’t have any passion for tailoring; I’m not cut out for it. Just be patient—I’ll figure out what I really want to do and eventually get a job.— He held Albina close, kissing her and trying to smooth over the situation.
Kind and trusting Albina believed him and waited for him to really find his calling.
However, Sergey’s days passed very differently. While Albina was away on business trips, he would lazily get out of bed around noon, drink coffee with cream on the terrace, swim in the pool. Then he would binge-watch endless TV series, snacking on delicacies, and in the evening drive his expensive car to a nightclub. He would return home after midnight, often drunk, and sometimes bringing along dubious friends. In the morning, he would sleep until after lunch, and the cycle would repeat.
This lifestyle suited Sergey perfectly. He never intended to look for work, believing that Albina and her father should support him. On the rare evenings when Albina was home, he pretended to be a loving husband so as not to raise suspicions and lose his comfortable life.
A couple of months later, one day Albina, returning from a business trip, accidentally discovered a broken, unfamiliar lipstick in the trash bin. Moreover, the lipstick was clearly cheap and of dubious quality. When she asked Sergey about it, he widened his eyes:
— Honey, how would I know whose lipstick that is? It’s probably yours that you threw away and forgot about! I certainly don’t use it…
Albina was outraged:
— That’s not my lipstick, I’m sure! Did we have a visitor? What does all this mean?
But Sergey, as always, found a way out:
— Darling, you’re tired, worn out, and that’s why you’re angry with me. Let me make you a bubble bath to help you relax. Just throw that nonsense out of your head! Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill and start a scandal for nothing! Just come to me and let me kiss you…
Even before this incident, Albina had noticed a chill in their relationship. They hadn’t been intimate for a long time. Sergey cited depression, saying he couldn’t decide what to do, and wasn’t in the mood for intimacy. Meanwhile, Albina grew increasingly exhausted at work, often simply collapsing from fatigue.
But the nagging thought of possible infidelity began to settle in her soul. She started analyzing recent events and looked at the situation with a clear head. Was it possible that Sergey was cheating on her? This suspicion gnawed at her, robbing her of peace and sleep. She lay awake at night, watching her sleeping husband, thinking: “Could it really be true? My beloved Sergey—a scoundrel?”
Unable to control herself, Albina broke down crying into her pillow. Over the next couple of weeks, she made a point of not staying late at work, arriving home earlier, hoping that their relationship would improve. But this only irritated Sergey further. He had to stay home and pretend to be a loving husband, even though Albina had grown tiresome to him. She seemed to him too proper and boring, only talking about business and future children.
Albina tried to create a romantic atmosphere. She prepared everything in advance, lit candles, put on a beautiful negligee, and waited for her husband. But Sergey stumbled in at dawn, thinking that his wife was already asleep. He was drunk and reeking of women’s perfume.
A serious quarrel broke out. Albina shouted:
— Where were you? And do you always roam around at night like that? I waited for you all night!
Sergey, as always, smiled charmingly:
— Well, darling, don’t yell! I was at a business meeting, trying to get a job! Only it unexpectedly ran late. You’re so beautiful—come to me, my sunshine…— And once again Albina couldn’t resist his charms. They made up, but the unease in her heart did not subside.
She felt that something was happening behind her back, but she couldn’t prove anything. The business demanded her constant presence, and she had no idea what Sergey did in her absence.
For another week, Albina spent time in contemplation, preparing a plan of action. She couldn’t just leave things as they were. She needed to find out the truth. She called her old childhood friend, Vadim, who worked as a professional makeup artist, and arranged to meet him.
Arriving at his workshop, Albina was astonished by the number of wigs, false mustaches, stick-on beards, and other paraphernalia. The shelves were filled with tons of cosmetics and makeup.
Vadim greeted her warmly:
— Alka, hello! It’s been ages! You’re as beautiful as you were in school! You know, I’ve been in love with you since first grade, but besides studying, you never noticed me. What brings you here? I’ll make us some coffee. Do you take it with milk or black?
Albina blushed from the compliments:
— Hi, Vadim! Oh, you chatterbox! I have an important matter to discuss with you. It’s a delicate issue—promise me that no one will find out?
— Alka, you’re hurting me! My work is always confidential. Clients can be all sorts; makeup is needed not only for shoots but also for children’s parties. So my lips are always sealed. What’s happened?
— You see, Vadim, I recently got married… — Albina hesitated, pausing, unsure of how to begin. She sipped a gulp of scalding hot coffee. — And now I’m beginning to suspect that my husband is cheating on me. But I have no clear evidence—only a premonition and a woman’s intuition. I want to infiltrate my home disguised as a cleaning lady. I need you to do my makeup so that I look like an old woman. And, if possible, change my speech a bit so that my husband won’t recognize me. Can you do it? I must find out what he does in my absence.
Vadim scratched his head:
— Well, of course, for you I’d do anything. I’ll make you look so good that not even your mother will recognize you. But are you sure you want to know the truth? In my experience, such matters often turn out unpredictably…
Albina became serious and sad:
— Any truth is better than a lie. That’s what my father taught me since childhood. I can’t do it any other way. Otherwise, I’ll be tormented by doubts and regret.
Vadim embraced her in a friendly hug and patted her shoulder:
— Then call me, and I’ll do your makeup anytime. You can count on me. Don’t worry in advance—maybe everything will turn out fine, and you’ll have worried for nothing.
— God willing, so it shall be, — said Albina and left.
The following Monday, Albina informed Sergey that she was leaving on a business trip for a few days. He pretended to be upset:
— What, again? But you just went last week! You really don’t take care of yourself, my dear. I’m going to miss you.
Albina packed her suitcase, and just before leaving home, she deliberately knocked over all the flower pots from the windowsill with a crash. They shattered into pieces, and the soil scattered all over the room, including on the pristine white Persian carpet.
A startled Sergey rushed in:
— What’s all this noise? What happened? Oh my! How could this be? Did you hurt yourself at all?
Albina replied:
— I just opened the window too carelessly… I’ll call a cleaning company on the way, a cleaning lady will come and clean everything up, don’t worry. — She kissed her husband, got into her car, and drove away.
But she didn’t go to the airport—she went to Vadim’s. Two hours later, a gray-haired elderly woman emerged from the car. With specially applied dental plates, her speech now had a lisp. In this disguise, not even her father would recognize Albina.
After changing clothes and grabbing the necessary cleaning supplies, Albina, now in the guise of a cleaning lady, nervously called the door of her own home.
Sergey opened the door holding a glass of whiskey and with a displeased expression:
— Who are you and what do you want?
Albina, stammering and with a lisp, managed to say:
— Hello! I’m here to clean, as per the call.
— Ah, you’re from the cleaning company. It’s taking a while, come in, — he dismissed the “cleaning lady,” scrutinizing her from head to toe.
Albina began cleaning up the scattered soil and shards, muttering:
— Oh dear, oh dear, how couldn’t the wife clean up? Look at all this dirt! Or are you not married?
Sergey, with a sour face, replied:
— I’m married—to my own head. But you see, she acts like a business lady. She doesn’t do any cleaning at home at all—there’s dust and dirt everywhere! And she’s not even that good-looking—neither in face nor figure! I’m fed up with her, she has no energy! When she comes, I’ll give her a good thrashing!
Albina nearly choked on such rudeness. She wanted to rip off her makeup and grab that scoundrel, but she held back.
She sighed and continued:
— I’ll have to come back tomorrow; you can’t clean the carpet in one go. And clearly the shelves haven’t been cleaned for ages. I can clean the whole house thoroughly.
Sergey thought for a moment and said:
— Actually, I have plans for tomorrow, so come after two in the afternoon, not before! And by the way, why do you hire such old and unsightly people in your company? If only you were younger and prettier, I’d have a proper time with you! So for tomorrow, instead of you, send someone younger and more attractive. — He cackled.
Albina’s breath caught. What nonsense is he spouting? Could it really be that he is like this? And everything that was between us—was it just a mask and pretense for money and an easy life? she thought frantically.
Now before her stood the real Sergey, not the one she had known all this time. A boor and a scoundrel!
Quickly finishing the cleaning, Albina drove to a hotel. She wept all night into her pillow. The rose-tinted glasses of her perception began to fall away, and she felt bitter and hurt. Yet she had no inkling that more surprises from her beloved awaited her…
Early in the morning, Vadim once again worked his magic with the makeup, and within half an hour Albina was back in front of her house. No one answered for a long time, and she was about to leave, but imagine her surprise and shock when the door was opened by her friend Natasha, dressed only in Sergey’s shirt! Her hair was disheveled, and it was obvious she had spent the night there.
With a grimace, Natasha was about to rebuke the old “lady” standing on the doorstep:
— What do you want here? The master is still sleeping; it was a wild night. Come back after noon! — And she was about to slam the door shut, but then Sergey emerged from the room, still half-asleep.
— What’s all this shouting? Ah, it’s the cleaning lady, — he muttered upon seeing the elderly woman. — What an odd one, coming in so early. Didn’t I tell her to come after noon… What’s with these people? Alright then, let her go clean the bedroom, and you and I will have one more round in the hall! Yes, my sweet kitty? — He playfully slapped Natasha on the thigh.
As Natasha left with her lover, she exclaimed:
— You’ve got nothing else on your mind but one thing! When are you finally going to dump that fool and we’ll go off to those warm islands like we planned? Have you already emptied her account? How long are you going to drag this out, or are you planning to keep it that way, satisfied with everything?
Sergey, blatantly ignoring the cleaning lady as if she didn’t exist, replied:
— Be patient, my sunshine, I’m almost there. It’s just that this mess doesn’t let me get close to my paperwork; she’s really getting under my skin! There’s no one better than you—now come to me! — He scooped Natasha up and carried her into the bedroom.
Albina, still in her cleaning lady disguise, could barely hold herself back. Her legs felt like jelly, and inside, rage and pain were boiling. She couldn’t believe what was happening. Right now, behind the wall, her husband was cheating on her with her childhood best friend! And it appeared that this had been going on for a long time.
Barely managing to step into her bedroom, Albina, with trembling hands, removed her makeup and changed her clothes. Then, without knocking, she entered the bedroom, catching the traitors red-handed.
Their faces were like works of art—frozen like plaster statues, unable to move.
Sergey was the first to come to his senses. In a hoarse, breaking voice, he began to justify himself:
— Alya? How did you get here? You came back already? Wait, I’ll explain everything right now… It’s not what you think… Although it’s hard to believe… We just… — He mumbled incoherently, trying to find an excuse.
Albina said quietly but firmly:
— Don’t bother. There’s nothing to explain here. You, you bastard, and Natasha? How could you? How can you do this? Why? Whose fault is it? I never expected such lowliness from you!
Natasha, hastily wrapping herself in a bedsheet, burst into hysterical cries:
— Well, it’s good that you found out! And what did you expect? One gets millions sometimes, and others get nothing! I’ve loved Sergey for a long time! We were together even before you! He invented all this and sent those thug acquaintances to hoodwink you with money! Who needs you? Who would fall for you so easily? A plain little mouse! Acting all proper and smart! And what about me—am I any worse? I, too, want to live a beautiful life!
Albina couldn’t take it any longer:
— That’s enough! Get out of my house, both of you! I want you gone in half an hour, or I swear you’ll vanish! — She slammed the door and went out onto the terrace.
At first, she sat in complete shock. She didn’t even have the strength to cry. Inside, there was only a vast black hole and emptiness. It felt like a bad dream, and that she would wake up soon and everything would be as before…
After waiting until the traitors had cleared out, Albina called a cleaning service and scrubbed the house until it shone. At the same time, she threw out everything that reminded her of Sergey. All the photographs and joint purchases were tossed out. She wanted to erase this man from her life forever. The wedding ring clanged as it fell to the bottom of the pool.
Albina wandered through the empty, almost alien house. She felt so vile and disgusted inside. The two people who had once been her closest and dearest had suddenly become her greatest enemies. How could she ever live on and trust anyone again?
In her grief, the girl produced a bottle of expensive, branded cognac, opened it, and took a few sips. The alcohol burned her throat; she coughed and finally broke into tears. Then, mechanically, she dialed Vadim’s number and, choking on her sobs, said:
— Come over, I feel so awful…
Vadim didn’t ask any questions. He understood everything at a glance. He arrived in literally fifteen minutes and found a half-drunk, tear-soaked Albina in the living room. She was clutching a handful of pills, as if ready to do something irreversible…
Having knocked the pills from her hand, he pressed her to him:
— Have you lost your mind, fool? Who are you mourning over? I’ve already gotten word about your Sergey from my contacts—a mere gigolo and scoundrel. So it’s for the best! He’s not worth your little finger! Now cry, let it all out…
And so they sat on the terrace until morning. Vadim wrapped Albina in a warm blanket, served her hot herbal tea, and patted her head like a little child, saying:
— It’s all over, my dear. No one will hurt you anymore. It’s done. At least now you know who’s who!
At first Albina cried, then she simply sat quietly. She felt so warm and cozy in the arms of this essentially unfamiliar man. He exuded a calmness and certainty that everything would soon be alright.
Vadim was a great support to Albina. He was always by her side, distracting her on weekends and preventing her from sinking into despair. Sergey tried calling and pounding on the door, hoping that Albina, as always, would cave in and forgive him. But Vadim intervened. He talked to Sergey like a man:
— Listen up, you half-baked Don Juan. I found out everything about you. You’re a lazy, unemployed slob with a pile of debts and loans. If you ever come near Albina again, I’ll send collectors after you. They’ll break not only your ribs! I suggest you get out of town. This is your final warning.
Sergey didn’t need to be told twice. Rumor had it that he left town for good. Natasha didn’t grieve for long either. She was used to changing lovers like gloves and was already walking hand in hand with the next one in the park.
Albina’s father, Herman Aleksandrovich, laughed heartily when he learned how his daughter had taught that scoundrel a lesson.
— Well done, daughter! You’re just like your father! That lowlife got what he deserved. Let him know not to mess with other people’s millions!— he rejoiced.
Although, of course, Albina felt some pity for him. She was deeply shaken by the tragedy; she lost weight and became haggard. She even had to seek help from a psychologist to return to a normal life.
Vadim immediately won over Herman Aleksandrovich. The man was honest and straightforward, with nothing to hide. And most importantly—he looked at Albina in such a way that it was immediately clear: he loved her. But he never overstepped the line, remaining a friend and patiently waiting for the girl to recover from her emotional trauma and be ready for new relationships.
Three years passed… Albina and Vadim had long since tied the knot, celebrating a modest wedding with close family. Everyone pursued their own endeavors. Vadim understood how hard it had been for Albina, how exhausted and worn out she was, so he took on most of the household chores. When she came home, a hot dinner, wonderful tea with mint and sea buckthorn, and a loving husband were always waiting for her.
In the family, their beloved little son Mishka— a mischievous and restless toddler—was growing up. Herman Aleksandrovich now held the title of “honorary grandfather” and joyfully fussed over his grandson, devoting all his free time to him. At last, peace and harmony reigned in the household.
On weekends, the whole family gathered at Albina’s mansion. The men played chess, talked about life and politics, and later, all together, played volleyball and sipped fragrant herbal tea prepared only by Vadim.
One day, after returning from a walk in the park, the family stopped by a nearby shop to buy something tasty for dinner and a Kinder Surprise for the little boy. At the shop’s doorstep, a cleaning lady was mopping the floor. Irritated, she muttered:
— They keep coming and going, there’s no peace. They trample and trample…
Suddenly, the voice struck Albina as painfully familiar. She stopped and looked closely at the woman: thick, unkempt makeup, badly singed hair resembling a dishwashing sponge. But the eyes—those were Natasha’s eyes! Only now, instead of playful mischief, they were filled with complete despair.
Astonished, Albina exclaimed:
— Natasha? Is that you? I would never have recognized you! Are you working here?
The woman lifted her head and saw in front of her a blooming, well-groomed, and happy Albina. The same long chestnut hair, perfectly shaped figure, and a sharply tailored suit. Next to her stood a sturdy, respectable man and a little boy who looked exactly like him.
— Alka? Is it really you? — Natasha stammered in disbelief.
The women went outside. Natasha lit a cigarette and said:
— Yes, Alka, it’s me. I never finished technical school—there was never time for fun. My mother died; with no education, no one takes you anywhere. So now I’m dragging a mop around in a shop for a pittance. Suitors don’t hurry to provide, and they’re getting fewer. I just haven’t had any luck in life. And you, you were born under a lucky star—your father is a millionaire, everything is served on a silver platter! You look stunning! Is that your husband and son?
Astonished, Albina was at a loss for words. No trace of the former beauty of Natasha remained.
— Yes, Natasha, husband and little boy. And you—don’t you have any children? And where is Sergey? Why aren’t you together? After all, didn’t you betray me for his sake?
Irritated, Natasha waved her hand:
— Oh, first we split up, then we got back together. That idiot got into a fight while drunk and hit someone hard with a bottle. He’s in jail now, and that’s where he belongs. He ruined my life, that cursed womanizer. Not a single skirt did he let pass by. And as for a child… I won’t have any. I foolishly had an abortion with Sergey… I thought nothing serious would happen—I would have another baby. But complications arose. And that’s it. I’m sorry, Alka, for how things turned out back then…
Albina only smiled:
— God will forgive, Natasha. I’m even grateful to you. If I hadn’t caught you both together back then, Sergey would have kept fooling me, and I would have suffered. And I never would have met Vadim. Now, in my circle, there are only loved and loyal people. No traitors! Goodbye, Natasha!
Taking little Mishka’s hand, Albina left with Vadim, without buying anything in that shop.
The little boy tugged at his mother and asked:
— Who is that lady?
Albina replied:
— Oh, just an acquaintance, sweetheart.
Natalya shouted after her:
— Hey, Al, maybe we’ll meet up sometime and sit in a café like we used to?
Albina turned and shook her head:
— No, Natasha, we have nothing left to talk about. And I have no desire to see you again.
The shop owner came out and sternly shouted at Natasha:
— Hey, enough with the chitchat! Who’s going to work here?
Natasha returned to the dusty storeroom. Kicking the despised mop in anger, she burst into tears, sobbing from rage and despair. She never realized that in her broken, failed life, she was only to blame for herself. After all, nothing is given for free by some magic wand. Everything must be earned through one’s own labor, intelligence, and good deeds. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or who your father is. The most important thing is to be a good human being!
