A man entangled in pride and jealousy confronts his past upon a chance meeting with the woman he once sought to diminish. Witnessing her achievements compels him to face his own shortcomings.
Anton rhythmically drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the endless parade of pedestrians outside.
“Will this ever end?” he murmured under his breath. “A city teeming with people who don’t own cars.”
When the traffic light turned red again, he exhaled deeply. Beside him, a sleek SUV glided forward — the kind typically admired in commercials, polished and shining.
The driver was a woman.
Anton chuckled skeptically.
“Naturally. Another one flaunting wealth behind the wheel. I wonder whose fortune bought this ride.”
She then removed her sunglasses, and his heart tightened instantly. It was Lera, his former wife.
A moment of breathlessness engulfed Anton as memories of their separation flooded back, along with the terms he had insisted upon to ensure she left with nothing. At that time, she hadn’t even possessed a driver’s license.
And now here she was — serene, glowing, and prosperous.
His mind whirled with questions.
How did she manage to afford such a vehicle? Could she have concealed something from me?
Part 2 – Echoes of a Past Best Left Undisturbed
Their story had begun with charm. Lera used to paint vivid murals on the walls of Anton’s family farm. Her hair was untamed, her attire splattered with paint, and her smile bold.
Anton feigned admiration for her art, though internally he regarded graffiti as mere disorder.
Yet, her spirited energy captivated him, gradually blossoming into marriage.
Initially, Anton believed he had found an ideal companion: imaginative yet gentle — someone he could mold according to his vision of order. However, after their wedding, appreciation shifted into annoyance. Her friends seemed “too boisterous,” her art studio “disorganized,” and her hobbies “childish.”
He imposed constraints — fewer visitors, no painting, forbidding the scent of turpentine in their home.
“If you cherish art, visit galleries,” he declared coldly. “Leave street walls untouched.”
Soon, Lera acquiesced. The canvases vanished along with the joyful laughter in the house. Anton fancied he had “fixed” her — until photography rekindled her creativity.
Through the camera lens, she rediscovered her artistic voice, capturing moments of light, human expressions, and motion. Her talent began attracting attention, resulting in commissions and exhibitions. Rather than pride, Anton felt irritation.
“Anyone can snap photos on a phone,” he scoffed.
With her expanding success, Anton’s respect faded completely. He replaced her with a more polished, “proper” partner, someone he considered easier to manage. Lera departed silently after their divorce, taking nothing but her camera.
Part 3 – An Unexpected Encounter
Now, she appeared before him again — self-assured, composed, driving a luxury car worth more than his own apartment.
He followed her instinctively. She turned into a gated community crowned with sleek villas, manicured lawns, and tranquil silence. When the gates opened automatically for her, Anton clenched his jaw.
He parked nearby and entered as if he belonged. Surprisingly, no one challenged his presence.
Within a spacious studio, Lera was conversing with two youthful assistants. Spotting Anton, she gently waved them away with a smile.
“Didn’t expect to see you here,” she remarked calmly. “Curiosity brought you?”
Attempting casualness, he asked,
“So what’s your secret? A hidden inheritance? A fortunate marriage?”
Lera responded with a soft laugh.
“No secrets, Anton. Pure hard work. Remember those photos you ridiculed? Some have sold for more than your car’s value. I built this business myself — the studio, the gallery, the workshops; everything here belongs to me.”
Her voice lacked any bitterness or arrogance — it was calm and grounded.
“You claimed I wasn’t an artist. Turns out, you were mistaken. You only showed me what I never wished to become.”
Anton remained silent, his throat dry. Around him were walls adorned with her award-winning photographs, and a team awaited her directives.
“Don’t worry,” she added casually, “this tour is complimentary — a discount for old memories.”
Her departing footsteps clicked softly across the marble floor, leaving Anton alone with his thoughts.
Part 4 – The Reflection Shifts
A security guard approached with politeness.
“Sir, allow me to escort you out.”
Back in his modest apartment, Anton faced another surprising moment: his new partner was packing her belongings.
“You’re kind,” she said gently, “but we’re not on the same level. Goodbye.”
The door closed behind her, the scent of luxurious perfume lingering in the air.
Seated on the couch, with city lights flickering past dusty curtains, Anton realized what he truly lost — not just a woman, nor wealth, but the opportunity to evolve alongside someone who once believed in him.
Outside, traffic flowed endlessly as before. Yet, within the confines of his vehicle, an unprecedented silence weighed heavily.
Key Insight: This narrative highlights the consequences of pride and envy, underscoring that true growth arises not from material possessions but from embracing genuine connections and self-awareness.