Marina folded the last shirt into Alexey’s suitcase—a ritual they’d shared for years. “Don’t forget your charger,” she reminded him. He glanced at his watch. “Thanks, honey. Taxi’s here.” A quick kiss, and he rushed out. “Call me when you get there!” she called. “I will!” He’s usually more affectionate—something felt off.
Alone, the flat felt cold. To distract herself, Marina headed to Meridian Mall for shopping and lunch. On the phone, a colleague suggested Almond restaurant nearby. As she climbed the escalator, she froze: Alexey sat at a window table—but with another woman, laughing, her hand on his arm, eyes bright. Disbelief—and betrayal—hit. She walked away quietly.
She canceled lunch and called Lena. “I saw Alexey with someone. He was supposed to fly!” In tears, she headed to Aquarelle café. Lena arrived, and Marina told her everything. Lena suggested following them—a painful but necessary choice. They trailed Alexey and the woman from Almond to his office. No scandal—only a business meeting: he helped the woman into a taxi, then headed into his office clutching a folder.
Back home, Alexey said the trip was canceled because a visiting investor demanded his attention. He denied lying—he’d thought to surprise Marina once the deal closed. He showed her the signed agreement and the sapphire necklace he’d bought for her. He claimed she was the only woman in his life; the investor was German.
They talked, shared pizza and wine, and talked more. Marina checked his phone—nothing suspicious. She realized they’d fallen into routine. That night, he surprised her with a day trip to their anniversary resort. Trust returned.
A week later, Marina found a postcard and chocolates from the investor, Anna Müller: Alexey had praised Marina and picked the chocolates for her—proof his intentions were genuine. He had real travel plans again—and Marina was ready to pack his suitcase once more, trusting again and ready for a fresh start.