Lida stepped out of the shower, sat down on the sofa, and noticed her husband’s phone on the coffee table.
He’d gone to work but had forgotten his phone. How would she manage without it now? He usually never parted with it, even taking it with him to the bathroom.
Lida had never taken her husband’s phone before, but for some reason, she picked it up this time. Let’s see… there’s a password… Lida remembered that he had once set their daughter’s birth month and day as the password. Right, he hadn’t changed it.
She opened the messenger. Curious to see who he was talking to besides work. The first on the list was someone called “Kitten,” and her profile picture was a retouched blonde woman.
Lida’s heart pounded loudly with anxiety. Could it really be her Kostya and this “kitten”…? She threw the phone aside. Maybe it was better not to know and just keep living? But could she really do that?
She picked the phone back up, exhaled, and opened the chat. Most of the messages were voice messages. She played a few of the latest ones.
“Honey, are we going to the restaurant today or should we order in? I’m craving something delicious,” a female voice came from the speaker.
“Kitty, sorry, but I won’t be able to today. I need to stay home. My wife just came back from the hospital for a few days, then she’ll go back,” Kostya replied.
“Ugh, I’m so tired of this… You said she was in bad shape, treatment wasn’t helping, and look at her—bouncing around like a horse! Your wife will outlive us all!”
“Yana, why are you saying that? Naughty girl, I’ll punish you properly, get ready!”
“You know, I’m just so done with this! Hiding, sneaking around. I’ve been your wife longer than she has. Living with her out of pity—ugh…
I want to become your legal wife as soon as possible, have your son. Imagine how happy we’ll be! It’s time to get rid of the old clog and start a new life, baby!”
Lida’s vision darkened, and her head spun from what she had just heard. She didn’t listen any further, threw the phone aside, and lay down on the sofa.
“Mom, are you okay?” asked her daughter, stepping out of her room.
“Katya, I’m in shock… I just opened your father’s chat with his… girl. They’re waiting for me to die…”
“Oh my God, Mom, is this really true? Dad has someone?”
Katya took the phone and listened to a few messages. Her expression changed before her eyes.
“What scoundrels… I’m speechless! How could he? Mom, what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know, daughter… I would leave him right now if I could, but there’s nowhere to go. Of course, I want to tell him everything and walk out, slamming the door.
But I still need a course of treatments; I need money. The free options don’t work for me—I handle them very poorly.
I need good medications, and they aren’t cheap. Your father’s money—and mine—we started the business together, and without me, there’d be nothing, you know that.
When we divorce, we’ll split the property, but that takes time, and I don’t have any. So, for now, I’ll say nothing to him, and you keep yourself together. I’ll figure out a way to get back at him…”
Lida put the phone back where it had been initially. Just in time. Her husband came rushing into the apartment.
“I forgot my phone, where is it?”
“Here it is, on the table,” Lida replied, trying to keep her voice calm.
“I’ve gotten so caught up with work… another event today, I’ll be back late. Don’t you need anything, Lida?”
“I do. I’ve been thinking, and I’ve decided I need an apartment. I don’t know how much time I have left; I want to spend it in a cozy place, not in this big house. And you won’t have to watch me fade away.
My friend is selling a nice two-bedroom apartment in the city center, fully furnished and with appliances. It’s perfect for me. And it’s not far from the hospital.”
Kostya’s eyes darted around. Pursing his lips, he thought…
Lida looked at him and imagined what he was thinking…
*”Expensive, of course, the apartment will cost a lot. But at least I won’t have to see my wife, I can meet Yana freely and spend more time with her. I think Lida doesn’t have long left; just wait. Then, freedom!
Right now I can’t leave, everyone would throw stones at me, I’d be abandoning my dying wife. But after she dies, I’ll mourn a little for appearances, then marry Yana. Katya will move into the apartment I buy. Everyone happy and satisfied…”*
“Good idea, Lida. If it will make you feel calmer, let’s buy it. I don’t mind spending anything for you. Here, take this bank card; there’s money for your treatment and living expenses.
And I’ll take care of the apartment tomorrow. An investment in real estate, so to speak. Send me the address; I’ll register it in my name.”
“No, have it registered for our daughter. I’ll feel calmer knowing she has her own place.”
“Alright, Lida. Our daughter it is, then.”
Kostya left, and Lida collapsed onto the sofa, utterly drained. Only now was it sinking in that Kostya had betrayed her. After all, 30 years ago, he had practically begged on his knees for her hand in marriage.
And now he was dreaming of being alone with a young, beautiful woman and enjoying life. How painful and humiliating… And on top of that, this cursed illness…
But no matter. She would pull herself together, recover, and live. To spite everyone. And life would punish Kostya…
The apartment was purchased, their belongings moved. Katya moved in with her mother. Lida underwent her treatment—it was hard, but she bore all the hardships bravely.
Kostya visited her occasionally, seemingly checking how she looked, whether she was worse. Lida deliberately pretended to be very ill, trying to give the impression that her time was short.
While lying in the hospital on IV drips, Lida met Mikhail. He was also undergoing treatment. He encouraged her in every way and offered support. He understood Lida’s feelings like no one else.
His wife had left him, afraid she’d have to care for a sick husband. Mikhail was upset, of course, but held no grudges. Everyone wants to be happy. He had no children, which he deeply regretted.
After the course of treatment, Lida exchanged phone numbers with Mikhail, and they occasionally called to check on each other. His support was invaluable.
She told nothing to her parents, who lived in another city, not wanting to worry them. Her mother had a heart condition—why add unnecessary stress?
When Lida realized she was recovering, her spirits lifted even more. Now it was time to deal with her husband.
One evening, without warning, Lida went to the house. Quietly, she unlocked the door and entered.
As she expected, her husband was home with Yana. Seeing Lida, he jumped up from the sofa and shouted:
“Lida? What are you doing here? Why didn’t you warn me?”
Yana came out of the kitchen, in a short robe, her bleached hair loose. She held two glasses of champagne.
“Hello, Kostya. This is still my home too, if you’ve forgotten, and I have the right to come whenever I want. And you, I see, waste no time… Introduce us, why don’t you?”
“Uh… this is Yana. My… colleague. We’re discussing a new project!”
“Honey, stop lying! Your wife may be sick, but she’s not a fool, she understands perfectly well! Lida, I’m his long-time lover; we love each other. There, I told the truth!” Yana shouted.
“Yana, I’m very happy for you. Genuine, selfless love is rare these days! Isn’t it exactly that?”
“Of course! What do you take me for? I love Kostya just like that; he’s the man of my dreams, just so you know!”
“And you’ll be with him in good times and bad? Even if he has no money?” Lida continued.
“Of course! I don’t care about his money!”
“Alright. We’ll check that now. Kostya, transfer your business and the money from your accounts to me. I started this with you and helped develop it. You can keep a small sum for yourself and start anew.
Just like we did when we started. I’ve been loyal all these years, never betrayed or deceived you in 30 years.
Which can’t be said for you. Taking a mistress while your devoted wife is sick, in need of support—so vile and disgusting. I have the right to demand compensation. And we’ll test your Yana too—does she love you, or your money?”
Yana looked at Kostya in confusion.
“Honey, what is she saying? Why should she get your business and money?”
“Well, Lida’s going a bit far, but after the divorce we’ll split the property in half,” Kostya replied.
“I don’t agree! How will we live without money? Do you know how much I spend on cosmetic procedures every month? And how much on clothes?”
“It’s fine, we’ll manage. Love makes a paradise even in a hut, doesn’t it? You care about me, not money, right? Don’t worry, we won’t be destitute, but things won’t be the same as before.”
“No. I refuse to waste my youth on a poor, stinky old man! Soon you’ll turn into him! You promised me something entirely different!
I was waiting for her… to die. And for what, to endure your affection in vain? Go to hell! I never agreed to this! Stay with your half-dead wife then!”
Yana ran to the bedroom, quickly changed, and bolted out of the house, spitting toward Kostya in anger.
“So, Kostya, saw Yana’s true face?”
“I did. I, naïve, thought she really loved me—she spoke such sweet words. Now I’ve become a stinky old man.”
“Kostya, I’m filing for divorce. We’ll split everything evenly. And part ways like ships in the sea.”
“Alright, Lida. Forgive me, if you can…”
Lida’s illness receded. She didn’t know for how long, but she lived and cherished every day. After all, by her side were only faithful and reliable people—her daughter and Mikhail.
