14/09/2025
The husband spent a week at the sea with “another woman,” and when he returned home, he was in shock at what he found.
Andrew had never been a good liar. Packing his suitcase in the bedroom, he carefully avoided Marina’s gaze — the woman he had lived with for almost ten years.
— There will be a conference. The whole week, Marina said, leaning on the doorframe. — And it’s in Sochi, where everyone is going on vacation now?
— Yes, exactly — Andrew mumbled, awkwardly pressing his swimsuit under a stack of shirts. — The company covers everything. It would be strange to say no.
— And Vika, your friend, is she going too? — Marina’s voice didn’t sound like a question, more like a tired statement.
Andrew paused for a moment but continued packing as if nothing had happened.
— Yes. She’ll be giving a presentation. Work is work.
— Of course — Marina said, crossing her arms. — Like last year at the company meeting, when you “worked” until 4 a.m.?
— Starting again? — Andrew slammed the suitcase shut. — I explained everything to you then. It was an important project.
— So important you had to delete all her messages from your phone?
Andrew lifted the suitcase off the bed and finally looked his wife in the eyes.
— I’m not going to discuss this. My flight is in three hours.
— Say hello to your “friend” — Marina said, stepping out the door and letting him pass. — Enjoy your vacation.
Andrew muttered something and hurried away.
She was left alone. Marina stood for a long time in the bedroom, staring at a family photo on the nightstand. Then she decisively picked up the phone and started looking for someone who could help uncover the truth.
Mid-June, Sochi. The water was the perfect temperature — warm, but not too hot, with gentle waves. Andrew lazily lay under the umbrella, watching Vika splash in the sea. Her tanned body shone in the sun, attracting curious glances.
— Come here! — she shouted, waving. — The water is just magic!
Andrew slowly got up and walked toward the water. Despite three carefree days — no work, no house chores, and Marina’s constant anger — he felt inner tension.
— What are you thinking about? — Vika asked, swimming closer and wrapping her arms around his neck. — Just don’t talk about work.
— No, I just… — Andrew hesitated. — Forgot to send the report before leaving.
— Liar — Vika smiled and kissed him on the cheek. — You’re thinking about your wife, right?
Andrew frowned.
— We agreed not to talk about that.
— Alright, alright — Vika agreed. — Shall we race in the water?
In the evening, they sat in the hotel restaurant overlooking the sea. Vika had a new dress, bought earlier in the boutiques along the promenade. Andrew watched as the sunset gilded her skin and thought it looked really beautiful. But something was bothering him.
— Are we going to the mountains tomorrow? — Vika asked while sipping wine. — I want to take cute photos for social media.
— Of course — Andrew nodded. — By the way, we’ll buy souvenirs.
— Does Marina like souvenirs? — Vika asked innocently.
Andrew trembled.
— I told you not to bring that up.
— Sorry — Vika said, putting her hand on his. — But sooner or later, everything will have to be explained. We can’t hide forever.
— I know — Andrew replied gloomily. — I’ll talk to her after the vacation.
— Really? — Vika’s eyes sparkled with hope. — Promise?
— I promise.
The week passed without incident. They swam, sunbathed, traveled, tried seafood in cozy restaurants, and spent hot nights at the hotel. Andrew almost stopped thinking about home — and what awaited him there. Almost.
The day Vika left, she hugged him at the airport.
— Don’t forget your promise — she whispered, kissing him on the lips. — I’m waiting for your call.
— I remember — Andrew said, and it was hard to part. — I’ll call as soon as I talk to her.
They flew on separate planes — such caution seemed necessary. Andrew ordered whiskey on the plane and thought about what to say to his wife. After ten years of marriage, their relationship had become like strangers. Marina was consumed by her career, and he… met Vika and realized he still felt attraction. Divorce seemed inevitable, but that didn’t make it easier.
The taxi stopped in front of their house late at night. After paying the driver, Andrew stood for a few minutes, peering into the apartment windows…