Andrey was never an exceptional liar. As he packed his luggage in the bedroom, he tried not to look Marina in the eye, the woman he had lived with for almost ten years.
Well, a conference. “A whole week,” Marina replied, leaning against the doorframe. “And definitely in Sochi, when everyone’s on vacation.”
“Well, yes,” Andrey murmured, putting his beach shorts under a pile of shirts. “The corporation covers all the expenses. It would be strange to refuse.”
“Is your colleague, Vika, coming too?” Marina’s voice contained no question, only a tired statement.
Andrey hesitated for a moment before continuing to prepare as if nothing had happened.
Yes. She’s responsible for the presentation. Work is work.
For illustrative purposes only
“Of course,” Marina replied, crossing her arms. “Just like at last year’s company party, when you worked until four in the morning?”
“Are you starting over?” Andrei slammed his suitcase shut. “I explained everything to him then. We had a crucial project.”
— The one who ordered all his messages to be deleted from his phone?
Andrey moved the bag off the bed and finally looked his wife in the eyes.
– I’m not going to talk about that. The plane leaves in three hours.
“Say hello to your colleague,” Marina said, stepping away from the door to let him in. “Have a good rest.”
Andrey muttered something and ran towards the exit.
Marina stood alone in the middle of the bedroom for a long time, staring at the family portrait on the nightstand. Then, stubbornly, she picked up the phone and began searching for the number of someone who could help her.
Mid-June in Sochi, satisfied with the ideal water temperature: warm but not too hot, with gentle waves. Andrey lay peacefully under an umbrella, watching Vika relax in the waves. Her tanned body played with the light, attracting curious glances from the people around her.
“Come here!” she exclaimed, waving her hand. “The water is simply magnificent!”
“What are you thinking about?” Vika asked, swimming closer and hugging him around the neck. “Don’t tell me it’s about work.”
For illustrative purposes only
“No, it’s just that…” Andrey hesitated. “I forgot to send the report before I left.”
“Liar,” Vika said, smiling and giving him a soft kiss on the cheek. “You’re thinking about your wife, aren’t you?”
Andrey frowned.
—We agreed not to raise this issue here.
“Okay, okay,” Vika said conciliatorily. “Perhaps we should swim to the buoys?”
That evening, they dined at the hotel restaurant, which overlooked the sea. Vika wore a new dress she had bought that very day at a boutique on the boardwalk. Andrey watched as the sunset gave her skin a golden hue and thought she looked magnificent. However, something still bothered him.
“Shall we go to the mountains tomorrow?” Vika asked, taking a sip of wine. “I want to take some nice photos for social media.”
“Sure,” Andrey agreed. “We’ll buy some souvenirs at the same time.”
“Does Marina like souvenirs?” Vika asked innocently.
Andrey made a face.
—I asked you not to start this conversation.
“I’m sorry,” Vika said, covering her hand with hers. “But sooner or later you’ll have to resolve this situation. We can’t hide forever.”
“I know,” Andrey replied sadly. “I’ll talk to her after the holidays.”
“Really?” Vika’s eyes lit up with hope. “Do you promise?”
– I promise.
Continue on next page
Leave a Comment