I will be flying home tomorrow morning to file for divorce. You stay with your Olya – I declared to my husband on the very first day of our vacation.
It was the thirteenth of October.
While I was in the bedroom, standing in front of the mirror and trying on a new dress, Nikita walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. We had only been married a week, and I still struggled to accept this new reality.
“Sasha, we need to talk,” he said, and there was something odd in his tone.
I turned to face him. He had a handsome appearance and an assured gaze. My mother had called him the perfect partner. My dad considered him a lucrative business alliance.
“I’m listening,” I replied.
Nikita rubbed his hands together and smiled with that same grin that used to make my heart race. Yet, at that moment, everything felt off.
“Do you recall when we discussed the terms of our marriage? You mentioned wanting a modern relationship.”
I frowned. I didn’t remember any conversations like that. We had barely talked before the wedding—just a few outings in restaurants and a trip to his parents’ summer home. Everything felt rushed and formal.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I mean that we are both independent adults.”
I put down the dress and took a seat on a chair across from him, a shiver running down my spine.
“Nikita, say it directly. What’s going on?”
He stood and walked over to the window, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets.
“I have a girlfriend. We’ve been seeing each other for three months, and I’m not planning to break things off with her.”
Silence enveloped the room. I could hear the clock ticking on the wall, the honking of car horns outside. My own breath had grown shallow and quick.
“You… what?”
He turned to me, and there was no hint of embarrassment or guilt on his face.
“I’m dating Olya. She knows about our marriage. We discussed everything and she agreed to continue our relationship.”
Slowly, I got to my feet. My legs felt weak, and my head spun.
“Hold on… you’re telling me that during our wedding preparations and on the actual wedding day, you were seeing someone else?”
“Sasha, don’t turn this into drama. Our marriage is merely a deal between our fathers. You must understand that.”
I laughed, albeit nervously and frantically.
“A deal? Perhaps. But I thought… I had hoped at least we would try to build a normal relationship.”
Nikita shrugged and returned to the bed, sitting down.
“Look, I don’t want to hurt you. But I’m not ready to play pretend. I have a girlfriend I care about, and I want to keep seeing her.”
“And you just drop this news on me? In our bedroom? A week after we wed?”
“When should I tell you? It’s better to say it now than later when we might have kids.”
Kids. Oh god, did he really mean that?
I sank back onto the chair, my legs betraying me once more.
“What do you propose?”
“Your father gifted us a trip to Turkey. I want Olya to join us.”
The world swayed around me. I could hardly believe what I was hearing.
“You want to take your girlfriend on our honeymoon?”
“Don’t call her that. Olya is my girlfriend. This is not a honeymoon, just a vacation.”
“Nikita, are you out of your mind?”
He sighed, as if I were a petulant child not grasping the obvious realities.
“Sasha, be realistic. Our marriage was for the sake of our fathers’ businesses. No one talked about love. You can lead your life while I lead mine. Publicly, we’ll portray a happy couple.”
“And how do you envision this trip? Are we going to lounge on the beach together?”
“I’ve booked a separate room for Olya. She’ll arrive two days later than us. You can enjoy your time however you wish. Go on excursions, visit a spa. I won’t restrict you.”
I stared at him, unable to recognize the man I had married. In truth, I barely knew him.
“Do you really think this is acceptable?”
“I think it’s honest. I could have deceived you, cheated in secret. But I chose to be transparent.”
Key Insight: “How noble of you, ” I couldn’t help but add with sarcasm.
Nikita got up and walked toward the door.
“Think about my proposal. We have three days until our departure.”
He left, leaving me sitting there, staring blankly at one spot.
***
Later that evening, I called my friend Katya. We had been friends since university, and she was the only person I felt I could trust.
“Hi, how’s the newlywed?” she chimed cheerfully.
“Katya, I’m in nightmare territory, ” I managed to say as I tried to hold back tears.
“What happened?”
I recounted everything—the conversation with Nikita, his girlfriend, the upcoming trip.
Katya was silent for a moment before she exhaled.
“Are you serious? He just laid it all out for you like that?”
“Yes. As if it were the most normal thing in the world.”
“Sasha, this is absolute madness. What are you planning to do?”
I shrugged helplessly, even though Katya couldn’t see me.
“I don’t know. Divorce? But how do I explain it to my dad? He invested so much into this alliance with Nikita’s family.”
“Forget the money! This is about your life! You can’t be with someone who degrades you like this.”
“Maybe he’s right? Perhaps I viewed everything too romantically? After all, our marriage was indeed a deal.”
“Sasha, listen closely. An arranged marriage is one thing. But what he proposes is just cruel. He wants you to accept that he will be with another woman during your shared vacation!”
Tears streamed down my face. I sobbed softly.
“I don’t know what to do.”
“You know what?” Katya’s voice turned resolute. “Go on this trip. And take a man with you, too.”
“What? Katya, I don’t have anyone.”
“So what? Find someone. Show this jerk that you won’t be a doormat. Let him realize that you can play this game too.”
I considered it. The idea was outrageous, yet held some logic.
“I can’t just find someone in three days.”
“You can. What about Igor from our group? He’s a photographer and travels a lot. I’m sure he’d agree.”
Igor. Tall, handsome, with a good sense of humor. We had crossed paths a few times during alumni gatherings.
“That feels too strange. Asking someone I hardly know…”
“Sasha, you either accept that your husband is humiliating you or you fight back. There’s no middle ground.”
I wiped my tears and took a deep breath.
“Let me think it over.”
***
The next morning, as I was having breakfast, Nikita appeared as if nothing had happened. Sipping coffee, scrolling through news on his tablet, occasionally checking his phone.
I watched him, pondering how little I truly knew about this man. His favorite color, books, movies—everything was an enigma. We were strangers, merely bound by a stamp in our passport.
“So, have you thought it over?” he asked, not lifting his eyes from the screen.
“About what?”
“About the trip. About Olya.”
I sipped my coffee and met his gaze squarely.
“Yes. I considered it.”
Finally, he looked away from the tablet and studied me intently.
“And?”
“Fine. Take your Olya. I don’t care.”
A faint smile crept onto his face.
“That’s great. I’m pleased that you’re so nonchalant about it.”
“But there’s one condition,” I paused for effect. “I’m also bringing a man with me.”
The smile disappeared from his face.
“What?”
“You heard me correctly. You’re taking a girl, I’ll take a guy. Fair’s fair.”
Nikita slowly placed his cup back on the table.
“Sasha, this is a bit different…”
“Why is it different? You said we’re both free people. That I can live my own life.”
“Yes, but… I have serious feelings for Olya. Who do you have?”
“That’s none of your business. You never asked my opinion about your mistress.”
Nikita’s expression turned dark.
“Listen, Sasha…”
“No, you listen. Either we both go with our partners, or neither of us goes with anyone. Your choice.”
We stared at each other in silence for some long seconds. I saw a whirl of emotions in his eyes: surprise, anger, confusion.
“Are you serious?” he finally asked.
“Absolutely. Furthermore, I’ve already invited my friend, and he agreed.”
This was a lie. I hadn’t even contacted Igor yet. But Nikita didn’t need to know that.
He got up from the table abruptly.
“Fantastic. So we’ll be vacationing as a group of four.” And with that, he stormed out of the kitchen, slamming the door behind him.
I remained seated at the table, my hands slightly trembling. My heart raced as if it might leap out of my chest.
What on earth had I done?
***
That evening, I dialed Igor’s number. My fingers trembled as I pressed the buttons.
“Hello?” he answered after the third ring.
“Igor? Hi, it’s Sasha. Sasha Vinogradova, from our university days.”
“Oh, Sasha! Of course, I remember. How are you? Katya mentioned you’ve recently gotten married. Congratulations!”
“Thanks. Listen, I have a strange favor to ask.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
I inhaled deeply and began explaining my predicament. I talked about the arranged marriage, Olya, and Nikita’s threats. I spoke rapidly, fearing that if I paused, I wouldn’t gather the courage to continue.
Igor listened in silence.
“And you want me to pretend to be your boyfriend on this trip?” he confirmed when I finished.
“Yes. I know how it sounds. I understand it’s insane. But I truly require your help.”
He was quiet for a few seconds.
“When is the flight?”
“The day after tomorrow. Morning flight.”
“Sasha, you realize this is a rather strange idea?”
“I get that. But I don’t know what else to do. I can’t simply accept that my husband is taking his girlfriend on our vacation.”
Igor sighed heavily.
“Alright. I’ll help you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But with one condition. You tell me the whole truth. No omissions.”
“I promise.”
“Then send me the flight details. Let’s meet at the airport.”
“Igor, thank you so much. You’re saving me.”
“Let’s hope we both won’t regret this,” he said before hanging up.
I lowered my phone and gazed at my wedding ring. Just a week ago, I imagined I was beginning a new chapter in my life. A joyful chapter.
How wrong I had been.
***
The day before the flight, Nikita didn’t show up at home. He messaged to say he was busy with work and would return late. I recognized that as a lie. He was likely with Olya.
I gathered my suitcase, tossing in new swimsuits, dresses, and cosmetics. I did so mechanically, not considering what I was doing.
That evening, my mom called.
“How’s my darling? How is your new life?”
“Everything’s fine, Mom,” I lied.
“I’m so happy for you. Nikita is such a well-mannered young man. From a good family.”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Dad mentioned you’re flying off to Turkey? How romantic!”
“Uh-huh, very romantic.”
Mom didn’t catch the sarcasm in my voice.
“Enjoy yourself, get a tan. And you know, maybe soon you’ll have some good news about grandchildren for me?”
My eyes shut, overwhelmed by the thought of grandchildren. Babies from a man who neither loved me nor concealed that fact.
“Mom, I need to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Alright, dear. I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
I hung up and broke down in tears. Quietly, soundlessly.
***
On the morning of departure, Nikita was in the bathroom, whistling a tune. He seemed in high spirits.
I sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, gazing out the window. Outside was a gloomy October day. Rain tapped against the glass.
“Ready?” Nikita asked, emerging with a suitcase.
“Yes.”
“The taxi is already waiting.”
We made our way down in silence and entered the vehicle. The driver turned on the radio, and cheerful music played throughout our drive to the airport, starkly contrasting with my mood.
The airport was bustling. October vacationers hurried to catch their flights. Families with children, elderly couples, youngsters.
“I’m going to check in,” Nikita announced. “Let’s meet at the boarding gate.”
He left, and I hung back at the information desk, fiddling with my phone.
Igor had messaged that he was already at the airport and waiting for me at a café on the second floor.
I went up the escalator and spotted him. He stood there with a small backpack, wearing jeans and a black t-shirt. His hair was slightly tousled, sported a subtle stubble.
“Hi,” I approached him, smiling.
“Hey, Sasha. How are you?”
“Honestly, not great.”
He chuckled.
“This will be quite an adventure.”
“I hope you won’t regret it.”
“Let’s see. By the way, do I need some instructions? What should I say, how should I act?”
I thought for a moment.
“Just be yourself. And pretend that we’re in a relationship.”
“Got it. Do we need to hold hands?”
“Probably.”
He nodded.
“Alright, let’s check in. Where’s your husband?”
“Already checking in. Let’s go.”
We descended, and I saw Nikita. He was standing at the desk, talking on his phone. As soon as he noticed me, his gaze shifted to Igor.
I drew closer, and Igor took my hand. His palm was warm and dry.
“Hi,” I said to Nikita.
He slowly moved the phone away from his ear.
“Hi. Is this… your friend?”
“Yes. Meet Igor. Igor, this is my husband, Nikita.”
The men shook hands. I sensed the tension in Nikita’s movements.
“Nice to meet you,” Igor said in a neutral tone.
“Likewise,” Nikita seemed far from pleased.
At that moment, a girl walked over. A blonde, slender, with big gray eyes. She wore a pink dress and white sneakers.
“Nikita, hi!” she hugged my husband and kissed him on the cheek.
Wow. This was her. Olya.
I felt Igor grip my hand just a bit tighter. He recognized who she was.
Olya turned to me, smiling.
“You must be Sasha? Nikita’s told me so much about you!”
I stared at her, unable to utter a word.
She continued smiling, clearly oblivious to the absurdity of the situation.
“I’m so glad we’re all going on vacation together! It will be so much fun!”
I looked at Olya, unable to believe her audacity. She stood there smiling as if everything occurring was entirely normal.
“Fun?” I echoed. “Do you really think this will be enjoyable?”
Olya’s smile faltered slightly.
“Well… Nikita mentioned you were aware… That you two had agreed.”
“Agreed,” I nodded. “Yes, we agreed. That’s exactly why I also brought a friend.”
I gestured toward Igor, who stood close by, firmly holding my hand.
Olya glanced at him and then at Nikita. Her cheeks flushed pink.
“I… didn’t know that…”
“That I wouldn’t sit alone in the room while my husband enjoys himself with you?” I smiled a frosty grin. “Surprise.”
Nikita grasped Olya by the elbow.
“Let’s go check in your luggage,” he said with a taut voice.
They moved away, leaving me with Igor.
“Are you alright?” he asked quietly.
“No. But thank you for being here.”
He squeezed my hand reassuringly.
“Hang in there. We’ll manage.”
***
On the airplane, I sat by the window, Igor next to me. Nikita and Olya had settled several rows behind us.
I felt their stares, could hear their hushed voices. Olya clearly appeared troubled by the unexpected turn of events.
“Do you want to nap?” Igor asked. “I’ll wake you when we land.”
“Can’t. Too many thoughts swirling in my head.”
He nodded and pulled out a tablet.
“Then let’s watch a movie. Distract ourselves.”
We started a comedy, but I couldn’t focus on the screen. My mind was consumed with thoughts about everything that had occurred over the last two days.
A week ago, I was a bride. Happy, filled with hopes for the future. Now I was embarking on vacation with another man, pretending to be in a relationship, just to avoid looking pitiful next to my husband and his girlfriend.
“Sasha,” Igor called softly. “I want to tell you something.”
I turned my attention to him.
“What?”
“When we reach the hotel… I’ll understand if you ask me to take a separate room. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
I contemplated this. Separate rooms would mean conceding defeat. It would show Nikita that I couldn’t play his game.
“No. We will share a room. But if it’s alright with you, we can sleep in separate beds.”
He smiled.
“Of course. I’m not a monster.”
***
The hotel turned out to be stunning. White buildings, palm trees, a blue swimming pool. Our room was spacious, with two large beds and a balcony over looking the sea.
Igor stepped out onto the balcony immediately, while I stayed behind to unpack.
I was aware that in Nikita and Olya’s room there was just one big bed. They specifically requested it. Just the thought made my stomach churn.
“Sasha, come here!” Igor beckoned. “The sunset is magnificent!”
I joined him. The sun was dipping into the sea, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. It was genuinely beautiful.
“Thank you for agreeing to this madness,” I told him earnestly.
Igor turned to me.
“You know, when Katya spoke about your wedding, I thought you were making a significant mistake.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Who am I to give advice? We had only exchanged a few words over the years.”
I nodded and stared out at the sea.
“You were right. It was a mistake. A colossal mistake.”
“But you can fix it. You’re still young. You have your whole life ahead of you.”
“Divorce a week after a wedding? My dad would kill me.”
“But you’ll be alive and free,” he smiled.
We stood on the balcony, and for the first time in two days, I felt a sense of tranquility.
***
That evening we went for dinner. The hotel restaurant was crowded. Tourists laughed, took pictures, and picked out food from the buffet.
We grabbed a table by the window. Igor poured me a glass of wine.
“To the vacation,” he toasted, lifting his glass.
“To the vacation,” I echoed.
At that moment, Nikita and Olya entered the room. She was wearing a short white dress, and he was in a shirt and trousers. A beautiful couple. If only one didn’t know the truth.
They passed by our table. Nikita glanced at me quickly but said nothing.
“He’s ignoring us,” Igor remarked.
“He feels awkward. Good.”
We dined, sipped wine, and chatted about work, life, and our university years. Igor proved to be an engaging conversationalist, and I found myself resonating with him.
Just as we were leaving the restaurant, Nikita suddenly stood up and intercepted me at the door.
“Sasha, I need to talk to you.”
“Now?”
“Yes. Alone.”
Igor looked at me questioningly. I nodded.
“Everything’s fine. Wait for me in our room.”
He walked away, leaving me alone with Nikita in the hallway.
“What did you want?”
He passed his hand through his hair. Clearly uneasy.
“That Igor of yours… are you truly together?”
I crossed my arms in front of my chest.
“What’s it to you?”
“I’m just curious. You’re not the type to move on so quickly…”
“Not the type?” I laughed. “You mean I’m not the kind who cheats on their spouse one week after marriage?”
“I’m not cheating. Olya and I were together before our marriage.”
“And that’s your excuse?”
Nikita clenched his jaw.
“I simply wanted to know the truth. Is this guy just a facade? Are you trying to elicit a reaction from me?”
I locked eyes with him directly.
“And what if I am? Shouldn’t it matter to you? You said it yourself—everyone lives their own life.”
He opened his mouth to reply, but I interrupted.
“You know, Nikita, I thought I could handle this. That I could live with a loveless marriage. But what you did crossed every line.”
“Sasha, I…”
“I’m not finished. Tomorrow morning, I’m flying home. Igor is coming with me. You can stay and enjoy your vacation with Olya. Alone. Because when I return, I’m filing for divorce.”
Nikita’s face paled.
“You can’t just divorce. Our fathers…”
“I don’t care about our fathers!” I raised my voice. “I don’t care about the business, the money, any of it! I will not live my entire life as a compliant wife while you sleep with anyone you want!”
Nikita grabbed my wrist.
“Wait. Let’s discuss this calmly.”
I pulled free my wrist.
“There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve made my decision.”
***
In our room, Igor sat on the balcony with a laptop.
“How did the talk go?” he asked when I entered.
“I told him we’re leaving tomorrow morning.”
He closed his laptop and looked at me.
“Really?”
“Really. I can’t stay here any longer. I’m sorry for ruining your vacation.”
Igor stood and stepped toward me.
“You didn’t ruin anything. I understand you. If you want to leave, let’s go.”
Tears flowed down my cheeks, unchecked. I couldn’t hold it back anymore.
“I’m such a fool. I agreed to this marriage. Thought everything would be fine.”
Igor embraced me. Just held me, without uttering a word.
I wept on his shoulder, while he stroked my hair and softly told me that everything would be okay.
***
In the morning, we packed our belongings and checked out of the hotel. Nikita sent several messages, but I didn’t respond.
At the airport, Igor purchased tickets for the earliest flight home. We sat in the waiting area, sipping coffee and remaining silent.
“You know,” Igor suddenly said. “I’m glad you invited me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve wanted to spend time with you for a long time. Ever since our university days.”
I gazed at him in surprise.
“Really?”
“Really. But you were always unavailable. First, you were with that guy from the parallel class, then someone else. After we graduated, I figured I missed my chance.”
My heart raced faster.
“Igor…”
“I’m not saying this to pressure you. I just want you to know. When you’re divorced… if you want… I’ll be waiting.”
I was at a loss for words. So much had transpired over these last few days.
But I took his hand and squeezed it.
“Thank you. For everything.”
He smiled.
“Anytime.”
***
At home, I faced a challenging conversation with my dad. I shared everything–about Olya, the humiliation, and my decision.
My father remained silent for a long time, staring out the window of his office.
“I thought I was doing what was best for you,” he finally uttered. “I believed I was securing your future.”
“Dad, I can’t live with someone who doesn’t respect me.”
He turned to face me, and I could see the pain in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I was selfish. I only thought about the business.”
He stepped closer and hugged me.
“Get divorced. I’ll support you. Forget about Nikita and his father.”
***
Three months later, I sat in a café with Katya, laughing over her dating stories.
The divorce had gone smoothly. Nikita didn’t contest it. I heard he was still dating Olya.
Frankly, I couldn’t care less.
I had secured a new job, rented an apartment, and begun a new life.
And I was dating Igor. We took our time, made no plans. We simply enjoyed each other’s company, getting to know one another better.
“What are you thinking about?” Katya queried.
“How sometimes mistakes lead to the right decisions.”
“Philosophizing?”
I smiled.
“No. Just celebrating life.”
My phone vibrated. A message from Igor read: “Let’s meet tonight? I want to show you a special place.”
I responded, “Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it.”
I reflected on how happiness isn’t about lavish weddings and wealthy husbands. Happiness is the freedom to be myself and the people who accept me for who I am.
I was free. And that felt like the most incredible sensation in the world.