Anton always believed he was the master of his fate. During university, he never rested: while classmates buried themselves in textbooks, he was already deep into business — flipping cars, assembling custom computers.
In this fast-paced world, he met Albina, a quiet, high-achieving student who was a gentle contrast to his boldness.
Albina was passionate about languages and dreams, while Anton was a charismatic go-getter, doors opening easily before him.
He courted her with enthusiasm, and Albina melted under his attention. Soon they became a couple, and Anton declared one day, “You shine like a star in the night.
Why waste your time studying? Marry me, I’ll take care of you.”
Albina smiled shyly and explained she wanted to be a translator, to connect with people worldwide. Anton waved it off, saying she’d end up mingling with his business partners anyway.
It wasn’t easy to persuade her, but they married, and their first child, Dima, was born. Albina threw herself fully into motherhood.
Two years later, little Lena arrived, and the two toddlers demanded all her energy.
Albina wished to return to work, even considered hiring a nanny, but Anton insisted the mother should stay home.
So Albina felt like a hamster on a wheel — exhausted, yet without luxury.
Anton claimed every penny went into the business, yet he bought new TVs, cars, and regularly went out with friends.
When Albina asked for a hairdryer, Anton dismissed her, saying the old one was fine.
Years passed, the kids started school, and Albina felt increasingly lonely. Anton was rarely home, and when he was, he was glued to his phone.
If Albina suggested spending time together, he’d say he was busy, but somehow always had time for his buddies.
Albina never imagined it would end like this: Anton suddenly told her he wanted a divorce, fed up with “family games” and craving “freedom.”
Albina was stunned, left alone with the children and no finances.
Anton moved out that night, not even leaving her the apartment. Albina faced huge hardships: job hunting with no experience and kids was nearly impossible.
She finally took a cleaning job at a mall, working nights to get by.
The kids stayed sometimes with neighbors, sometimes friends, sometimes grandma, while Albina collapsed from exhaustion each evening. Lena often asked, “Mommy, why are you always working? I miss you.”
Albina’s heart ached but all she could say was they needed money to survive. Anton barely paid child support and vanished from their lives.
One day, an unexpected twist came: her mother called to say grandpa had left an inheritance. Albina could hardly believe it — grandpa had little, just an old house in the village.
But the notary insisted on a meeting.
Albina went and was surprised to learn grandpa had quietly bought stocks all his life and left everything to her.
The money was enough to live comfortably for years.
Albina quit the grueling cleaning job, enrolled in courses to update her skills, and opened a café in their neighborhood.
Business soared quickly, and Albina proudly watched the clientele grow.
One day, an unexpected visitor arrived: Anton, with a young, attractive girlfriend. Albina’s heart raced but she stayed composed and served them politely.
Anton sneered, saying it looked like she was now a waitress. Albina smiled, showing how far she’d come since he left.
Just then, two businessmen entered, proof of Albina’s real success. Anton was stunned to learn she owned the café.
When Albina went to an important meeting, she left a phone number hastily scribbled on a napkin for Anton — his companion didn’t even try to hide it.
Albina laughed and tossed the note away. She knew she had finally closed that chapter and begun a new, stronger life.
