Anton had always considered himself the master of his own life. Even back in university, he had a knack for getting ahead in ways that amazed his classmates. While others buried their noses in textbooks, Anton was already deep into business. He’d flip cars, build custom computers. That’s around the time he met Albina. She was a quiet, straight-A student majoring in languages. Nothing like Anton’s flashy girlfriends. But something about her caught his eye.
Anton courted her in grand fashion. Albina melted under the attention of the popular guy. Before long, they were dating.
“You’re so beautiful,” Anton would say. “Why bother with all that studying? Marry me. I’ll take care of you.”
Albina would smile shyly.
“I want to work as a translator. Talk to people from all over the world.”
Anton waved it off.
“You’ll have enough chatting with my business partners.”
Eventually, Anton convinced her. They got married. Money wasn’t an issue. Soon, their firstborn, Dima, came along. Albina dove headfirst into motherhood. A couple of years later, their daughter Lena was born. Taking care of two kids took all her time and energy. Albina wanted to hire a nanny.
Just so she could at least try to continue working. They could easily afford it. But Anton was against it. He insisted a mother should raise her children. Albina was constantly exhausted, like a hamster in a wheel. And they weren’t even living lavishly.
Anton claimed he was reinvesting everything into his business. But somehow, he’d manage to buy himself a big TV. Or a new car. Or take off on a trip with friends. Yet when Albina asked for a new hairdryer, he told her the old one was fine.
Years passed. The kids grew older and started school. Albina began to feel lonely. She hardly saw her husband. And when he was home, he was glued to his phone. If Albina asked to go somewhere together, Anton would say he was busy. Funny how he always found time for his friends, though.
But Albina never imagined things would go this far. One day, her husband dropped the bomb:
“We should split up,” Anton said suddenly. “I’m tired of this whole family game. I have my own life to live. I want my freedom.”
“What do you mean split up?” Albina asked, stunned. “What about the kids? What about me?”
“You’ll figure something out,” Anton shrugged. “You’re their mother, after all. You’ll manage.”
Just like that, Albina was left alone with two kids and no means to survive. Anton moved out that same evening, taking all his things. He didn’t even have the decency to leave her the house. At first, Albina couldn’t believe that the life she thought was secure had collapsed overnight. She ran around the city looking for work, often leaving the kids with the neighbor.
Thankfully, the neighbor, Katya, was willing to help—she had her own child, too. But no matter where Albina applied, she kept getting turned away. If she applied within her field, she was rejected for lack of experience. Eventually, she managed to get a job as a cleaner at a shopping center.
It wasn’t the job Albina had dreamed of. But they desperately needed the money. She had to take night shifts to make ends meet. The kids were often left alone—with the neighbor, friends, or sometimes their grandmother, who would come to help. Albina was constantly torn between work and home, collapsing from exhaustion each night.
“Mommy, why are you always at work?” little Lena asked one evening. “I miss you.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” Albina sighed. “I have to earn money to buy us food and clothes.”
“What about Dad? He makes a lot of money. Why doesn’t he help us?”
Albina didn’t know what to say. Anton had all but vanished from their lives. He paid child support irregularly and very little. He didn’t answer her calls.
Albina was barely staying afloat when another blow came. Her mother called—her grandfather had passed away. Albina couldn’t believe it. How could this happen? Grief overwhelmed her, but she had to be strong for her mom.
What Albina didn’t expect was the message from the notary. Apparently, her grandfather had left a will. She was surprised. As far as she knew, he had nothing but an old house in the village. But the notary insisted on a meeting.
Albina managed to take time off work and went to the office. There, she received a shock. It turned out that her grandfather had spent his life quietly buying shares in various companies. And now, he had left his entire estate to his beloved granddaughter.
Albina couldn’t believe her ears. The amount seemed unreal. It was enough to live comfortably for several years. She remembered how her grandfather used to say: “Take care of your pennies, my dear. They’ll help you one day.” Now those words had new meaning.
Albina was finally able to quit her exhausting job. She now had more time for her children. Dima and Lena were overjoyed.
Albina decided to use the money wisely.
She enrolled in professional development courses to return to her field. She also invested part of the money in a small business—opening a café in their neighborhood. Things took off quickly. The café became popular. Albina hired staff, though she still often worked behind the counter herself.
Days went by. The café flourished, and more and more loyal customers came in. Albina finally felt like she had found her footing. One day, she decided to fill in for a sick waitress. She liked working in the dining area now and then—it helped her feel more in touch with…She liked working in the dining area occasionally—it helped her feel the atmosphere of the café and talk to the customers.
The bell above the front door jingled. Albina turned automatically to greet the new guests—and froze. Standing at the entrance was Anton. Beside him was a young, glamorous blonde. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t seen her ex-husband in over three years. And now he was here, in her café, with a new girlfriend. Pulling herself together, Albina walked over to the table the couple had chosen.
“Good afternoon. What would you like to order?” Albina asked calmly.
Anton looked up from the menu and stared at her in surprise.
“Albina? Are you working here as a waitress?” he said, his voice tinged with barely hidden mockery.
“Yes, I work here,” she replied coolly. “So, what will it be?”
“Two cappuccinos and croissants,” Anton said carelessly. “Well, well, look how far you’ve come. I thought you were still scrubbing floors somewhere. Guess this is a promotion, huh?” he smirked.
The blonde giggled, clearly pleased with her companion’s joke. Albina kept her composure. She was above it.
“Your order will be ready in a few minutes,” she said and headed to the counter.
As she waited, she glanced occasionally at her ex. Anton and his date were laughing. At first, Albina felt awkward, but then she even felt amused. How pathetic he seemed now. Why hadn’t she noticed it before?
When she brought the order, Anton couldn’t resist another jab.
“You’re doing pretty well. Maybe this is your true calling—serving coffee?”
Albina said nothing.
A few moments later, the bell jingled again. Two men in expensive suits walked in.
“Albina! How are you?” one of them greeted her cheerfully. “Shall we discuss our proposal? Are you free now?”
Albina smiled.
“Well, as you can see, I’m just helping out a little.”
The second man laughed.
“You’re something else. People in your position are usually sitting in offices, and here you are—among the people.”
Albina glanced at the stunned Anton.
“Enjoy your meal,” she said.
Anton sat there, mouth agape.
“You’re the owner?” he finally stammered.
Albina smiled.
“Yes, this is my place. Enjoy. Sorry, I have an important meeting. If you need anything, you can ask the waitress Lena. She’s the dark-haired one over there.”
And with that, Albina headed to her office. She could feel Anton’s astonished gaze on her back. Her heart felt light. She realized she had finally let go of the past. In the office, she discussed plans with her business partners to expand the café chain.
When she came back out, Anton and his date were gone. Albina went to clear the table. On the napkin was a hastily scribbled phone number. She chuckled and tossed it into the trash.
That life was behind her now. And her new one was better than ever.
