Vera looked at Alexei in disbelief, unable to believe her ears. “Lyosha, don’t you understand that you’re making a huge mistake?” Alexei dismissed her, showing his impatience. “Let’s skip the drama. I’m just tired of your constant dissatisfaction. It’s the same thing every day. Milana is completely different. She’s like a breath of fresh air … Read more
What did you say?” Anna froze, feeling a chill inside. Sergey stood by the door, tightly clutching a bunch of keys. His normally lively face had frozen into a mask of irritation. “I can’t live like this anymore,” he repeated in a tone devoid of emotion. “Neither can I, nor mom. Pack up the kids … Read more
Jennifer always described her daughter Emma as a beacon of light, often dressed in vivid colors, creating vibrant drawings of magical creatures. Yet, a noticeable shift in Emma’s mood—her recent withdrawal, lack of appetite, and preference to be outdoors—prompted Jennifer to suspect something was amiss. Initially, she attributed these changes to typical childhood phases, but … Read more
Elvira didn’t like to remember that place, but the gray institutional walls of the orphanage, the dreary, dirty courtyard, and the worn swings and benches would never be forgotten. Like many children from the orphanage, she never knew her parents, and no one ever visited her. She was left at the gates as an infant, … Read more
Svetlana indifferently pushed the plate of borscht away from her, and in a careless, almost solemn tone, announced: “Svetlana, I am leaving you!” At these unexpected words, the 45-year-old woman dropped the cup from her hands, which shattered into pieces on the floor. Svetlana looked at her husband and realized from his serious expression … Read more
Semyon Markovich, an elderly but very well-groomed man known as a millionaire and owner of several firms and companies, sat in the police chief’s office with his head bowed, ready to sink through the floor. He was being reprimanded like a little boy! The police chief could no longer contain his emotions: “Dear Semyon Markovich! … Read more
Marina and Oleg had lived together for ten years. They had experienced so much during these years—a wedding, children, cozy family holidays, trips to the sea in an old car. Sometimes she was amazed at how quickly it all flew by, leaving no substantial traces on her soul. But if you looked a little deeper, … Read more
Again that smell. Cinnamon with vanilla. I check the cheesecake recipe for the hundredth time, although I know it by heart. My hands shake as I take the form out of the oven. Please, let it be perfect this time. — Masha, did you fall asleep there? — Andrei’s voice comes from the living room. … Read more
Marina observed her son, Ilya, as he tried on his new suit. He was tall and dark-haired, and seeing him dressed so elegantly made it hit home: her boy was getting married tomorrow. Ilya examined his reflection, pleased with the impeccable fit of his attire. “It’s quite the stylish suit,” Ilya commented, admiring the rich … Read more
Can you believe it, I still can’t believe it!” Angela stirred sugar in her cappuccino cup, oblivious to the slowly settling foam. “Just two months… In two months, I’ll be a wife.” Nadezhda smiled, watching her friend. Their favorite coffee shop on the corner of Sadovaya Street had been their meeting spot for the last … Read more