– We’ll celebrate the New Year separately.
Valentina froze, the mug of half-cold coffee still clutched in her hands. Andrei stood by the window, watching the snow-covered courtyard, not turning toward her.
– What do you mean, separately? – she set the mug down on the table, her fingers trembling slightly.
– I’m going to my parents. I promised them a long time ago. They’re expecting me.
– Andrei, we’ve been married for ten years. We’ve always celebrated New Year’s together.
He turned, but his gaze slid past her, as if studying the pattern on the wall behind her instead.
– Valja, don’t start… They’re old, they miss me. You can go to your mother, or spend it with the girls.
– With the girls? – Valentina felt a sudden sting in her chest. – I’m a married woman, not a college student.
– My God, what is this drama? We’re celebrating separately once, it’s no big deal.
Andrei moved past her to the closet, pulling out a duffel bag. Valentina watched silently as he began packing: jeans, a sweater, the blue one he had given her for her last birthday.
– When were you planning to tell me this? Tomorrow’s the thirty-first!
– I’m telling you now. There’s still time to figure something out.
Valentina sank onto the couch. She tried to piece her thoughts together, but everything inside her felt scattered. Something wasn’t right. Andrei had never liked visiting his parents; he always found excuses. And now, for New Year’s, he was heading there?
– I’ll call my mother – she said quietly. – Ask what I should cook, if there’s a special salad they like.
Andrei spun around abruptly.
– Don’t call! Or… why bother? I’ll take care of everything.
A heavy silence settled over the living room. Outside, snow drifted lazily down, street lamps already glowing, though it was only four in the afternoon. The muted December light crept into the room.
– Andrei, what’s going on? – Valentina stood, stepping closer. – Look at me.
He reluctantly lifted his head. His brown eyes shimmered with green flecks – she had loved that gaze so much once.
– Nothing’s happening. I’m tired. I need rest. Alone… – he faltered. – So, I have to be alone.
– And what about me?
– Nothing. I’m just exhausted, you know? Work… these endless projects…
Valentina knew he was lying. Ten years together had taught her to read him like an open book. But in recent months, that book had been locked tight.
That evening she called her sister.
– Hi, Sveti. How are you?
– We’re fine. Nasztya is begging us to set up the Christmas tree, and I’m just procrastinating. Listen, aren’t you coming over for New Year’s? Mom promised her cabbage pie, your favorite.
Valentina went quiet.
– We… we’re celebrating separately this year.
– Separately? Did you fight?
– No. Andrei’s going to his parents.
– Are you crazy? Right before the holiday? Valja, that’s really strange.
– I know.
Valentina sat in the dark kitchen, only the streetlight spilling along the table. Laughter from the bedroom reached her – Andrei watching a show. When had he last laughed like that with her?
– Valja, are you there? – her sister’s voice pulled her back.
– Yes. Listen… maybe I’ll come over to you.
– Of course! Mom will be so happy. Just… are you sure everything’s okay?
Valentina wanted to say yes, but the word stuck in her throat.
– We’ll talk when I get there.
Sleep didn’t come that night. Andrei lay with his back to her, breathing evenly. Was he asleep, or pretending? They used to fall asleep wrapped around each other; now an invisible wall separated them.
Morning arrived with the sound of the shower. Andrei was getting ready for work. She closed her eyes, listening to the familiar sounds: the hum of the electric razor, the blow dryer, the creak of the closet door.
– I’m off to work – he called from the hallway.
– Okay – she murmured.
When the door clicked shut, something inside Valentina finally cracked. No shouting, no arguing – just that silence, louder than anything else.
The door slammed. Valentina stood and went to the window. Andrei was already hurrying to his car, typing a message on his phone. He used to glance back, wave at her. Not now. Not once.
She returned to the bedroom, sat on the side of the bed she usually occupied. His phone lay on the nightstand – an old work-issued model in a cracked case.
Valentina picked it up. She knew the passcode – their wedding date. Her fingers trembled as she entered it. At the top of the chat list was one conversation: “NG Project.” The name felt foreign, ominous. She opened it.
“Everything ready for the trip?”
“Yes, rooms booked.”
“Great. Same base as last time?”
“Yes, at Snegina. Meet at 10 a.m. on the 31st.”
Her heart thudded violently. Snegina – the resort where, two years ago, they had gone for a corporate retreat. Deep in the forest, a beautiful spot, about fifty kilometers from the city.
The next message made her flinch.
“Did you tell your wife?”
“Told her I’m going to my parents.”
“And she believed you?”
“Seems like it. Although Valja isn’t stupid, she might suspect something.”
Valentina let the phone slip from her hand. So it really was… She didn’t read any further. She placed the device back on the nightstand as if it were burning her fingers. The office buzzed loudly, everyone chatting about holiday plans.
Mechanically, Valentina went through the documents, signed invoices. In her mind, the sentences from the messages echoed again and again.
– Valentina Sergeyevna! – Ljuda, her secretary, poked her head through the door. – Oleg Nikolayevich wants you to come in.
Oleg Nikolayevich, her boss and owner of the construction company, sat behind the massive desk, shuffling papers.
– Ah, Valja, come in. Listen, there’s a small company gathering tomorrow. A private one, just for our people. At a resort, remember? We went there two years ago.
Valentina tensed.
– Snegina?
– Exactly! Good memory. So I’m inviting you. Not many of us, around fifteen. Nice and quiet celebration.
– Thank you, Oleg Nikolayevich, but I already have plans…
– What kind of plans? – he smiled. – Your husband, I know, left on a business trip. Don’t sit home alone.
Valentina froze.
– A business trip?
– Of course. I ran into him yesterday; he said it was an urgent project, needed to be wrapped up before the holidays. I even joked about whether he had cleared it with his wife.
Her temples throbbed. Andrej hadn’t just lied to her.
– I’ll think about the company party.
– Decide by evening. If needed, I can send a car.
Back in her office, she closed the door and pulled out her phone, calling her mother-in-law.
– Hello, Valjuska? – Maria Pavlovna sounded surprised. – Did something happen?
– No, everything’s fine. I just wanted to ask… Andrej said he’d come to your place for New Year’s.
A long pause.
– To us? That’s the first I hear of it. He’s going to Samara with your father and your brother. Tickets are already booked.
– I see. Then I must have misunderstood something.
– Valja, is everything okay with you?
– Yes, of course. Happy New Year.
She hung up. So even his parents knew nothing. No business trip. Only the resort and the mysterious “NG Project.”
The phone rang again – it was Sveta.
– Valja, there’s trouble! Mom fell, twisted her ankle. We’re at the ER.
– What happened? How did she fall?
– Slipped on the ice outside the store. They say it’s a bad sprain, maybe even a fracture. Can you come?
– I’m on my way.
The hospital smelled of antiseptic and medicine. Her mother sat on the exam bed, her leg in a cast.
– Oh, Valjuska, why now? – Irina Petrovna complained. – Right before the holiday.
– Mom, the important thing is it’s not broken. Now you rest.
– Rest? I have to set the table, make salads. I haven’t even bought Nasztya’s gift yet.
– We’ll handle everything – Sveta hugged her. – Right, Valja? Valentina nodded. Andrej’s face flickered in her mind, but there was no room for those thoughts now.
That evening, the three of them were in her mother’s kitchen. Nasztya had already fallen asleep, utterly exhausted.
– Girls, where’s Andrej? – Irina Petrovna asked.
Valentina and Sveta exchanged a glance.
– He went to his parents – Valentina replied.
– Before New Year’s? That’s strange.
– Mom – Sveta whispered.
– What do you mean, mom? Ten years married, always celebrated together. And now suddenly…
– Mom, please, don’t – Valentina stood. – I’ll go home. Tomorrow morning, I’ll help cook.
Outside, snow fell. Large flakes landed on her shoulders, melting on her face. She got into the car but didn’t start it. She pulled out her phone.
“Oleg Nikolayevich, I’ll be at the company gathering tomorrow.” A minute later, the reply came. “Excellent! A car will pick you up at 9:30.”
At home, it was dark and quiet. Valentina went to the kitchen, poured herself a glass of wine. Red, tart – something Andrej never drank; he preferred beer.
She remembered how they met. Ten years and three months ago. Also winter, on an ice rink. She had fallen, Andrej helped her up. A cliché story, yet it had felt like fate then.
Their first New Year’s together had been in a rented apartment. Money was tight, just champagne and tangerines. They sat on the floor by the small tree, whispering wishes to the new year.
When had everything begun to change? Valentina tried to recall. Maybe a year ago? Or earlier? Andrej stayed late at work more often, traveled on “business trips” more frequently.
She hadn’t thought much of it – economic slump, few orders, had to hustle. Her phone buzzed. A message from Andrej:
“Don’t wait, I’ll be late.” Valentina smiled bitterly. Don’t wait – she had learned that lesson long ago.
On the morning of December thirty-first, she woke to Andrej packing. A large travel bag stood by the door.
– Early start – she said.
– Better to leave on time, traffic isn’t bad yet.
Valentina sat up, watching him. Andrej fussed, checked documents, searched for his phone charger.
– Send my regards to your parents.
He paused for a moment.
– I will.
– And tell them I’m baking a pie for Christmas, then we’ll come over.
– Okay.
Andrei stepped to the bed, awkwardly kissed her cheek. A new cologne surrounded him – something he had never worn before.
– I’m off then.
– Safe trip.
The door closed. Valentina waited five minutes, then went to the window. Andrej’s car was already turning out of the driveway. She quickly dressed, grabbed her phone, and booked a taxi.
– Follow the silver Toyota – she told the driver. – Carefully, don’t let him see.
The driver, an older man with a kindly face, chuckled softly.
– Following your husband?
– Something like that.
– I understand. My wife once checked up on me too. And I was really just going fishing.
They drove through the snow-covered city. Streets were nearly empty – holiday, everyone home preparing for New Year’s. Andrej turned onto the bypass.
– Where are we going? – the driver asked. – Only cottages and resorts that way.
– Keep going.
Half an hour later, the Toyota turned off at a gate. The sign read: “Snegina Resort.” Valentina asked the driver to stop.
– Thank you. I’ll go the rest of the way.
She paid and got out. The resort was still about three hundred meters away. She walked through the trees, hidden from curious eyes.
Several cars were in the parking lot. Andrej was taking a bag from the trunk. A woman approached him – tall, blonde, red coat. They talked, laughed.
Valentina recognized her: Karina, from the project department. Young, ambitious, recently divorced. But then something unexpected happened. More people arrived – a man and a woman, then two more, all with laptops and folders.
Valentina frowned. This looked nothing like a romantic meeting. Her phone rang – Oleg Nikolayevich.
– Valentina Sergeyevna, the car is already on its way to pick you up.
– I… I’m already here.
– Here? At the resort?
– Yes. I came on my own.
– That’s speedy! Join us in the conference room.
Valentina slowly walked toward the building. What on earth was really happening here?
The lobby was noisy. About twenty people, each with a laptop or folder. Projectors and large screens lined the walls.
– Valentina Sergeyevna! – Ljuda ran over. – We thought you wouldn’t come.
– Ljuda… what’s going on here?
– Brainstorming! Oleg Nikolayevich decided to mix business with pleasure. First work, then celebration.
– What project?
– “Novogorodsky.” Huge order, residential complex. Deadlines are tight, so everyone involved is here.
Novogorodsky. NG. NG Project.
Valentina’s face turned red. How foolish she had been.
In the conference room, Andrej stood by the board, explaining something. When he saw his wife, he froze, mouth open.
– Valja? What are you doing here?
Everyone turned toward them.
– Oleg Nikolayevich invited me to the company gathering – Valentina said calmly. – I didn’t know there’d be work too.
– Valentina Sergeyevna is the soul of finance – Oleg laughed. – Without her, no project moves forward. Good call coming.
Andrei looked at her, embarrassed. Karina leaned in and whispered something; Andrej nodded and continued his presentation. Valentina took a seat in the corner, watching. So this was the “business trip.” This was the “parents.”
Two hours later, they took a break. Valentina stepped out onto the terrace for air. Andrej followed.
– Valja, I can explain…
– Explain what? Lying about your parents? Lying to Oleg about the business trip?
– Look, it’s a huge project. If it succeeds, the bonus will be massive. I wanted it to be a surprise.
– A surprise? – Valentina turned to him. – You know what I think? You simply didn’t want to spend New Year’s with me. That’s why you made it all up.
Andrei stayed silent, looking away.
– I didn’t make it up. I just… got tired. Of everything. The routine, the obligations. I wanted a different environment.
– Without me.
– Yes. Without you too.
His words hurt more than a slap. Valentina gripped the terrace railing.
– Ten years, Andrej. Ten years together.
– I know. And? Should we suffer another ten?
– Suffer?
She ran her fingers tiredly through her hair.
– Valja, admit it… we’ve been roommates for a long time. Just sharing a bed. No feelings, no passion.
– And with Karina, there’s passion?
– What does Karina have to do with this? – he asked, genuinely surprised. – We just work together.
Valentina laughed. Yes. Jealousy had been pointless.
– You know what? Work. Celebrate New Year with your colleagues. I’ll go to my mom’s.
She turned and headed back into the building.
– Valja, wait!
But she didn’t stop.
In the lobby, she ran into Oleg.
– Leaving already? And the celebration?
– Sorry, family reasons. My mother broke her leg.
– Oh, I’m sorry. Then go ahead. Happy New Year!
Outside, she hailed a taxi. While waiting, she watched the conference room window. Andrej was at the board, animated, explaining. Karina laughed; others nodded along.
A different setting. Let him have a different setting.
At her mother’s apartment, the air smelled of pie and tangerines. Nasztya decorated the tree, Sveta sliced salads.
– Finally! – Sveta hugged her. – Where’s Andrej?
– Working. Urgent project.
Sveta glanced at her carefully but asked nothing.
– Grandma, look at the star I made! – Nasztya held up a foil-covered cardboard star.
– Beautiful – said Irina Petrovna from the couch, her leg in a cast. – Valjuska, you look pale. Everything okay?
– Everything, mom. I’ll help with the salads.
They prepared quietly. Sveta wanted to ask more, but Valentina remained silent. By ten, the table was set. Simple, homey – Russian salad, herring in batter, her mother’s famous pie.
– Our father once left on New Year’s Eve too – Irina Petrovna suddenly spoke up. – Do you remember?
Valentina and Svetlana exchanged glances.
– Mom, why bring this up now?
– Why not? You were five and eight at the time. He said it was a work trip. Later, we found out he celebrated with his secretary.
– Mom! – Svetlana looked at Nasztya.
– Nasztya is a smart girl, she understands everything. Right, darling?
Nasztya nodded and continued eating her salad.
– Back then, I thought the world was ending – their mother continued. – Family, children… I realized it wasn’t the end. Life goes on. I raised you both, you grew up strong. And so did I.
Valentina looked at her mother. Even at sixty-five, she was elegant, cared-for, and resilient. She had raised two daughters alone, juggling two jobs.
– You’re strong, Mom.
– We’re all strong when we need to be. We just don’t always realize it.
At midnight, they clinked glasses—adults with champagne, Nasztya with juice.
– To new beginnings! – said Svetlana.
– To fresh starts! – added their mother.
Valentina remained quiet. Her phone was in her bag, silent. She knew Andrej would call, wanting to explain, to plead.
– Valja, give a toast – Svetlana urged.
Valentina raised her glass.
– To honesty. May this year be about being truthful with ourselves.
After midnight, they watched a concert, Nasztya fell asleep on the couch. Svetlana carried her to bed.
– Sleeping here tonight? – their mother asked.
– Yes.
Alone now, her mother smoothed her hair like when she was a child.
– Will you tell me?
Valentina recounted everything. The “separate” New Year’s, the lies, the resort, and the project.
– He just grew tired, Mom. He said he needed a different environment.
– You know what I think? Good you found out now. Not twenty years later.
– But we’ve been together ten years…
– So? Another ten, tolerating someone who doesn’t need you?
Valentina began to cry. Her first tears that day.
– Cry, darling – her mother hugged her. – It will help.
On New Year’s Day, the scent of coffee woke her. Svetlana was making pancakes.
– Happy New Year, sis!
– To you too.
– Andrej has called at least fifteen times. I told him you’re asleep.
Valentina nodded. She had no appetite, but Svetlana insisted.
– Eat. Sadness is heavy, but you need strength.
After breakfast, Valentina finally checked her phone. Twenty-three missed calls, ten messages. “Valja, forgive me,” “We need to talk,” “I’ve been foolish,” “Come home, please.”
The last one was an hour old. “I’m home. Waiting.” Valentina replied, “I’ll be there in an hour. We do need to talk.” At home, the smell of spirits and something burned lingered. Andrej sat in the kitchen, stubbled, shirt crumpled.
– Valja, thank God. I thought you wouldn’t come.
He sat across from her, watching her face. Could she really have loved this man for ten years?
– I’m filing for divorce.
Andrej flinched.
– Valja, not so suddenly. I know I hurt you. But divorce…
– It’s not about offense. You said we were just roommates. Why continue then?
– But… we’re used to each other.
– Exactly. We’re used to each other. But we need to live. To love. We both deserve more than familiarity.
Andrej remained silent, turning the cup in his hands.
– And… the apartment? Your things?
Valentina smiled. That concerned him.
– We’ll manage. The apartment was yours before the marriage; I’m not asking for it. My things I’ll take later.
– You’re leaving?
– For a while, with Mom. Then I’ll rent something.
She stood and went to the bedroom to pack. Andrej stayed in the kitchen.
An hour later, she was done. Only the essentials fit into two bags.
– Valja – Andrej stopped her at the door. – Can’t we rethink this? Don’t rush.
– I’m not rushing. I’ve thought about this for a long time, just afraid to say it. Thank you for helping me decide.
– I didn’t want… just needed a few days off.
– And you would have had them. With colleagues, in a different environment. Without a wife who became a burden.
– You’re not a burden!
– Andrej, enough. We both know the truth.
She stepped out, not looking back. In the stairwell, she met the neighbor.
– Happy New Year, Valya!
Outside, the January sun glistened. Snow sparkled like a fairy tale. Valentina inhaled deeply, letting the crisp air bite her cheeks, awaken every sense. Her phone rang—Svetlana.
– So, what’s happening?
– Packed up. I’m coming to you.
– Well done! Mom’s making pancakes, waiting.
Valentina got into the car, glanced once more at the apartment windows. Ten years. A whole life. And now—over. No. Not over. The beginning. She started the engine, and drove forward. Ahead, a new year, a new life. Scary? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely.
At a red light, she caught her reflection in the rearview mirror. Eyes shining, cheeks flushed from the cold. Alive. Real.
The phone rang again—unknown number.
– Valentina? This is Karina from the project team. Sorry to disturb on a holiday…
– Go ahead.
– I… wanted to apologize. Andrej told me. I… made him think that it was because of me…
– Karina – Valentina interrupted softly. – It’s not your fault at all. Truly.
– But if I hadn’t suggested that work schedule at the base…
– It would have happened anyway. Sooner or later. Don’t torment yourself.
– Thank you… and Happy New Year.
– Same to you.
Valentina hung up, smiling. Poor girl, probably feeling guilty. She stopped in front of her mother’s house, took out her phone, opened Andrej’s chat, and typed:
“Thank you for ten years. There was much beauty in it. But all things end. Be happy.”
She sent it, then deleted the conversation. That was it.
In the doorway, Nasztya greeted her.
– Aunt Val! We’ve been waiting! Grandma said you’re staying with us!
– For a while, yes, sweetie.
Inside, warmth and comfort awaited. Mom poured tea, Svetlana set the table.
– So, divorced? – Svetlana asked.
– Not yet, just preparing. But the decision is made.
– That’s good! – Mom placed a cup in front of her. – Life shouldn’t be wasted on someone you no longer love.
They sat, sipping tea, eating pancakes. Outside, snow fell. Nasztya showed her drawings, Mom told stories from her youth. Valentina watched, thinking: this is real life. Simple. Not flashy. But honest.
Later, Oleg Nyikolajevics called.
– Valentina, happy holidays! How’s your mother?
– Thank you, better. The cast is off.
– Excellent. Listen, there’s something. The Novogorodskij project has been approved. A nice bonus. And… I need a financial director. Interested?
Valentina almost dropped the phone.
– Financial director?
– Surprised? You’re our best expert. Salary doubled. Thoughts?
– I… need to consider it.
– Think till Monday. But I hope you say yes.
She hung up. Financial director. New position. New responsibility.
New life.
– What happened? – Svetlana peeked in.
– They offered a promotion.
– That’s huge! Congratulations!
They hugged. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon lingered—Svetlana had been baking with Nasztya all day.
– You know – Svetlana said – maybe this is fate. Everything had to happen this way.
Valentina thought. If Andrej hadn’t gone to the base, she wouldn’t have learned the truth. Wouldn’t have decided on divorce. Wouldn’t have received the promotion—Oleg certainly appreciated her presence at that brainstorming session.
A chain of events leading to a new life.
On January third, she returned to the empty apartment to collect her belongings. Andrej was gone—he had indeed left for his parents.
Valentina moved room to room, gathering her things. Photo albums, favorite books, a vase from her mother. Not much after all. Surprisingly little had accumulated in ten years.
On the dressing table lay a box—Andrej’s gift from her last birthday. Gold earrings, beautiful, expensive. She left them. In the hallway, their wedding photo hung. Young, happy, full of hope. Valentina removed it, stared at it, then placed it in Andrej’s box.
On the kitchen table, she left a note: “I’ve taken my things. Keys are in the mailbox. Divorce papers you’ll receive from the lawyer. Good luck.” She left, not looking back.
That evening, she walked in the park with Nasztya. The little girl built a snowman, Valentina helped.
– Aunt Val, why didn’t Daci Andrej come?
Valentina stopped, a snowball in her hand.
– He… is very busy.
– Did you fight?
Children sense everything.
– A little.
– My parents fought too. Then Dad moved to another house.
– And you?
Nasztya shrugged.
– First, sad. Then I got used to it. Mom said it happens. People sometimes go separate ways.
Childlike wisdom.
– Smart mom.
– Yes. She also said the most important thing is for everyone to be happy. Even if not together.
Valentina hugged the girl.
– She’s right.
They finished the snowman, decorating it: Nasztya’s spare scarf around its neck, pebbles for buttons, carrot nose brought from home.
– Beautiful! – Nasztya clapped. – Let’s give it a name!
– Okay.
– Newyearling! Because we made it after New Year!
Valentina laughed.
– Perfect name.
Hand in hand, they walked home. Lights shone in the windows, Christmas trees twinkled. The holiday lingered.
At home, Svetlana served hot cocoa.
– Did you get a good walk?
– Built a snowman! – Nasztya kicked off her boots. – A huge one!
While the little girl chattered excitedly, Valentina went to the kitchen. Took out her phone, dialed.
– Oleg Nyikolajevics? Valentina speaking. I accept the financial director position.
– Excellent! Knew you wouldn’t say no. We’ll discuss details Monday.
She poured tea, sat by the window. Outside, snow fell, streetlights glowing golden. A new life had begun. Not with fanfare. Not with drama. Simply begun. And that was enough.
