07/28/2025
I’ve been cheating on you for quite a while, Klara,” her husband spat out. After those words, his wife made it clear she would not tolerate such a thing.
That day dragged on endlessly. Klara had no idea why Leonid had arranged this meeting on the Embankment—the very place where they had first met. What was he planning? In the past, her husband had seldom shown any romantic inclinations: at most, he would give her a bouquet on a holiday or perfume for her birthday. And now, all of a sudden, he wanted to surprise her! Klara decided not to miss the opportunity and prepared carefully: she went to the hairdresser, chose an elegant outfit, as though she were getting ready for a first date, paying attention to every detail.
Leonid was already waiting by the fountain with an arch, glancing at his watch from time to time. He didn’t have a bouquet in his hands, which suggested the meeting wasn’t as grand as Klara had imagined.
“Hi!” she said, appearing suddenly; Leonid flinched involuntarily.
“Hi,” he answered curtly, then quickly added, clearly nervous, “We’re running late, Klar. Let’s go.”
Leonid didn’t even notice his wife’s transformation, didn’t offer a single compliment on her appearance. “It’ll happen later,” Klara reassured herself.
“Where are we going?” she asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. “Did something happen? Is this a surprise?”
“Something like that,” Leonid shrugged, taking her by the hand and leading her along.
They crossed the Embankment square, walked over a bridge, and headed toward a new high-rise. During that time, countless thoughts flashed through Klara’s mind. Once Leonid stopped at the building entrance and entered a code into the intercom, she decided not to ask any more questions—she’d let it be a surprise. But her heart was pounding anxiously.
Riding the spacious elevator to the thirteenth floor, Leonid let Klara step out first, took some keys from his pocket, and walked to the door at the far end of the corridor.
“Whose apartment is this?” Klara blurted, stepping into the stylish entryway.
“Do you like it?” her husband answered with a question, motioning toward the room. “Look around!”
Klara walked through the apartment: the wallpaper she’d always loved, a chandelier just like the one she’d recently wanted in their bedroom (which Leonid had talked her out of). The balcony offered a spectacular view. Though the apartment was small, it felt wonderfully cozy. Klara was already picturing herself with a cup of tea, enjoying the scenery from the balcony.
“You could spend eternity here,” she said in amazement, turning to her husband. “Just imagine how magical it’ll be at night, when the river’s lit up and the street lamps start shining!”
“I knew you’d like it,” Leonid said at last, handing her the keys. “No need to thank me. It’s all for you.”
“What do you mean?” Klara asked, confused.
“Exactly what I said,” he nodded, glancing at his watch again. “I have to go. I’ll send your things over by car later.”
“Wait!” Klara pressed her hand to her chest, feeling something was off. “What things? Where are you rushing off to?”
“Klara, stop pretending you don’t understand!” Leonid snapped. “You know perfectly well I’m leaving you. I’m starting a new life!”
Klara opened her mouth, but she had no idea what to say. Any question would only trigger more accusations, yet she truly was completely stunned.
“Well, that’s how I am,” she managed at last, “but, for goodness’ sake, explain what all this means!”
“It means this apartment is yours,” Leonid answered coldly. “The paperwork is in the dresser, in your name. I used your power of attorney. And today, the woman I really love is flying in to meet me, so I have to get to the airport. Sorry, I don’t have time for a long goodbye.”
“Lyona, you’re not joking?” Klara whispered, her voice trembling. “How can this be? Just yesterday everything was fine…”
“Klara, I’ve been cheating on you for a long time!” Leonid burst out. “Don’t tell me you never suspected! I thought you were a lot smarter—just pretending not to notice.”
Klara felt hot tears rolling down her cheeks. She still couldn’t believe this was happening to her. Had their life as a family really been that perfect? Sure, they rarely argued. When their son was little, Leonid never stayed out late. After their son moved to the capital, Leonid’s business trips became more frequent, but they still celebrated holidays together and spent weekends at home. Yes, over the last few years his trips increased, but he always called, always brought back souvenirs from the same city. Now it was clear where he’d met his “beloved.” And her? Had she been relegated to a secondary role all this time?
She wanted to ask a million questions, to pour out all her emotions, but a lump in her throat prevented her from speaking. Klara simply stared into Leonid’s eyes and wept quietly, realizing their world was shattering right before her.
“Well, it’s all settled,” Leonid said. “The apartment is yours, but you’ll give up your share in our joint property. I’ll talk to Lina so we can arrange everything properly, and then we’ll sign the documents at the notary’s office. After that, we’ll start the divorce process.”
Leonid slammed the door, leaving Klara standing in the hallway of the new apartment, clutching the keys in her hand. His footsteps echoed through the stairwell for a while before everything fell silent. In that quiet, Klara felt herself plunging into an emptiness—deep and boundless. She looked around slowly: the place that now belonged to her brought only the bitterness of betrayal instead of joy. How had she managed to live in an illusion for so long, blind to her husband’s other life?
Klara sank onto the sofa, covering her face with her hands. Her thoughts raced chaotically, searching for the moment everything had begun to unravel. But no matter how hard she tried to recall any clear warning signs, she found nothing. They’d had an ordinary family life—no sweeping passions, but no major quarrels either. Any occasional feeling of distance she’d attributed to everyday fatigue. Yet all the while, the gulf between them had been growing day by day.
She spent a sleepless night revisiting the years of their life together, trying to pinpoint when and why it had all changed. Leonid had always been reserved and not very talkative, and she had loved him for that—his dependability and predictability. But what about him? When had he stopped loving her? These questions spun in her head, with no answers in sight.
The next morning… Continued in the first comment below👇
