Maxim, whats this? the girl asked sharply, holding a shirt in her hands. Whats that pink stain? Some lipstick? So you stayed late at work
Oksana, why are you saying that? the boy replied wearily, sorting through his work gear. Im just back from duty. Lipstick? The only woman in our ward is Nurse Nadya. Honestly Im exhausted.
Oksana smoothed her lips, crumpled the shirt and headed to the bathroom. Maxim let out a heavy sigh.
It had been over six months since Oksana and Maxim started dating. Everything seemed perfect in their lives, except for one thingOksana was extremely jealous. She found reasons to be suspicious even where none seemed to exist.
Look, Oksana moaned. Hes definitely cheating on me. See this.
She handed the shirt to her sister, crossing her arms, clearly upset.
Katya, Oksanas sister, examined the shirt, sniffed the spot, and burst out laughing.
Why are you laughing? Oksana retorted, offended.
Its just a fruit jam stain.
Immediately, Oksana snatched the shirt from Katya and smelled it herself. A mix of surprise and confusion crossed her face.
Its time you calm down. I cant understand why youre so suspicious.
Oksana sat opposite her sister.
We didnt just start seeing each other. I pulled him out of a relationship, she admitted, glancing away. He cheated on his ex with me. At first I thought hed never leave me, but then I realized he would and how.
Thats no excuse to accuse him of infidelity. Learn to trust.
I do trust him, Oksana protested. I just keep worrying about losing him.
Katya shook her head, at a loss for words.
Where were you? Oksana asked, arms crossed. Its one a.m.
Maxim sighed wearily.
Oksana, you let me sit with the guys. We watched a football match, relaxed a bit. Whats the problem?
Dimas been home for a while, I called Liza. Where have you been the past two hours?
Dmitro left earlier, promised his wife, and Sergey and I stayed. Oksana, calm down. Im going to bed.
Maxim went to the bedroom and lay down, trying to forget, to distance himself from her chronic jealousy, to feel light again as before. But Oksana ruined everything once more, as usual.
Oksana left the shop and walked toward the building, eyes glued to her phone, unaware of her surroundings. A sudden turn of the head made her gasp. Across the street, a blonde was hanging from Maxims neck, chatting happily while he shamelessly pressed her close.
Oksanas vision went hazy; she tossed the grocery bag and rushed toward the couple. Grabbing the girls hand, she pulled her away.
I knew it! Oksana shouted. I knew you were cheating! Youre a liar! she shook her head. No, I was right! Youre a betrayer!
Maxim stared at her, his hands clenched in anger, his eyes flicking guiltfilled glances at the bewildered blonde.
Oksana
Dont speak to me. I know what youll say. I dont want any hollow excuses.
Shes my halfsister, Maxim interrupted. The daughter of Aunt Inna. You know her. And Vika is my sister; we grew up together. You should go home; well talk there.
Oksana obeyed, leaving a brief, sorry, for the confused girl.
Maxim returned home late, feeling deeply hurt. His lips were so tightly pressed together they seemed invisible, and his eyes avoided Oksana completely.
Maxim
Im tired of this, he confessed. I cant understand why youre so jealous. Every day since we began dating I hear accusations. Your eyes are constantly suspicious. Youre jealous of patients, nurses, doctorsof everyone. Its crossing every line Im exhausted, truly.
Maxim! Oksana cried out. Are you leaving me? Please, I love you! Forgive me, Ill try to change. Please
Oksana fell to her knees, grabbing his hands, looking into his eyes. Maxim felt sorry for her; he truly loved her and had even ended a fiveyear relationship for her. He never imagined he could reach this point, but Oksana had captured his soul. Now doubt ate him from within.
I love you, he whispered, squeezing her hand and meeting her gaze. But what youre doing is unhealthy. I cant live like this.
I wont do it again, Oksana sobbed. Never. Just stay with me. You dont understandI cant live without you.
Maxim exhaled and pulled her close. He couldnt leave her, not even after what shed done.
For several months their relationship seemed fine; she stopped showing jealousy, and he enjoyed her company, no longer rushing to work or staying late.
Autumn arrived, bringing more patients. Maxim was physically exhausted, eating dinner at home and heading straight to bed.
Oksanas suspicion rose again. At first she tried to trust him, not questioning why his shirt smelled of other peoples perfume. Their staff was mostly older women, so there was little cause for alarm. Yet each day her doubts grew; she watched him, inspected his shirts, tried to find clues.
One evening after work Maxim went straight to the shower, spending as little time as possible, eager to get back to bed. He opened the bedroom door almost silently and saw Oksana scrolling quickly on his phone.
Oksana what are you doing?
She flinched, pushing the phone away.
Nothing. Just needed to call.
Maxim nodded toward her pinkcased phone on the bed.
Didnt you bring your own?
Its dead.
The screen of Xenias phone lit up with a message.
Really? Completely dead? So youre lying too, Maxim raised an eyebrow, surprised. Maybe theres more I should learn about you?
Sorry, she lowered her head.
Did you find what you were looking for? Miss Marple Maxim muttered irritably.
Oksana shook her head.
Maxim silently walked to the wardrobe, beginning to pack. Oksana sprang up, clutching his arm.
Please, no! I wont do this again. I trust you, Maxim!
No, Oksana, I forgave you once, but I wont step on the same trap twice. Im fed up. I just want a peaceful life, mutual trust. This isnt living
Within half an hour Maxim had gathered all his belongings, leaving Oksana sitting on the bed, knees drawn to her chest.
I love you, truly, but I cant continue like this. And you? You wont change.
Maxim left the rented apartment and went to his parents house. He was genuinely exhausted.
Mistrust destroys any relationship, no matter how strong. People end up judging themselves. Perhaps Oksana feared Maxim would betray her as he had his ex, but she chose him herself. Without trust, there can be no love, no friendship, no partnership. That was her greatest mistake.
