Im sorry for how things turned out
Mihai, are you sure you took everything? Want to doublecheck? I called out, standing in front of the bathroom door.
Ana, leave me alone! I got it all a full suitcase, you saw it he shouted over the showers roar. His voice, though it trembled. Or maybe I imagined it?
I saw the suitcase. What did you put in it? I whispered, pulling back.
Ana, make me coffee, please! Strong. No milk, he said calmly, turning off the water.
I headed to the kitchen, grabbed the pot without a word, poured water, added ground coffee and a pinch of salt just how he likes it. We have a coffee machine, yet Mihai prefers the tea I brew. Youre so caring, hed told me the night before, arriving late from work and, following his grandmothers habit, wrapping dinner in a towel so it wouldnt get cold.
Lately hes been late all the time work, supposedly. Hes climbing the career ladder, prepping for a promotion. And I I stayed in the shadows, cooking, cleaning, waiting.
This nectar smells divine! Mihai declared as he entered the kitchen, shaking the wet hair from his forehead. He sat at the table and reached for the cup.
Ana, the courier is coming today Id ordered a car cover. Please receive it, pay on delivery, he added, dropping a spoonful of sugar into my coffee.
Of course. Same as always, I replied, taking my seat opposite him.
This trip came at the worst time, he sighed. But I cant turn it down. You understand, its a chance, maybe the only one. Senior manager its serious.
I know I didnt realize a role like that would make you travel around the province.
The bosses whims. Anyway, I have half an hour left; Ill work from my phone.
He got up and left for the other room, leaving his cup untouched. No problem. He was already on edge.
I reached for his cup when my phone buzzed a message. I opened it.
*Ana, Mihai is lying. Theres no business trip. Hes flying to Italy with Ruxandra Moraru. Stop him before its too late. Hell ruin his life.*
Adriana. His younger sister.
Something snapped inside me. Him with Ruxandra? It couldnt be. A joke? Adriana isnt the type to joke about this, and she wouldnt lie.
The room spun. The air grew heavy, like concrete. I could barely breathe, struggled to my feet, poured water over my face, and collapsed back into the chair.
I wanted to scream, smash everything. The only thought in my head: *Why?*
I clenched my fists in rage. I wanted to run to him, cause a scene, tear off his mask. But I didnt. It wasnt worth it.
He left. Id still give him a surprise not a scandal, but actions.
I opened the banking app. In our joint account: one million two hundred lei. Strangely, the three hundred thousand that should have been there was gone. My money my project fees, the nights I toiled. And he used my savings for his first loves vacation.
I knew a bit about Ruxandra. Mihai had told me, and Adriana had mentioned her once. A highschool romance, tempestuous. She left him twice once for an older man, then for a future guy. Now shes back, and Mihai fell again, lying once more.
He could at least be honest: *Ana, I like someone else. Im sorry.* That would hurt, yes, but not be so vile. Instead he acted like a rat, stole the money, lied about the trip, filled his suitcase
Well, Ill take the rest of the money today. Every last lei. Then divorce. His stuff sent by courier to his parents.
I checked the calendar tomorrow at noon an important online presentation. If it goes well, Ill take a vacation. Not Italy. Maybe Spain, or somewhere hes never set foot.
Ana, Im leaving early, he announced, entering the kitchen dressed sharply, tie in place.
Safe travels. Have a good trip, I replied, holding the cup.
What tone is that?
It sounded to you.
Ill miss you
I doubt youll have time for that.
Wont you help with the suitcase?
Id rather do the dishes.
Fine, Im going.
Go.
The door slammed. Mihai had no idea she was leaving forever. Tomorrow Ill change my pants.
I sank into the chair and broke into bitter tears pain, humiliation, betrayal.
Another message from Adriana:
*Ana, are you okay?*
I wiped my eyes, dialed her number.
Adriana, how did you hear?
A friend of Ruxandra told me. Shes back with Mihai again, and he fell. Im sorry you had to find out like this
Thanks for the headsup. I didnt stop him. Let him go.
Hes a fool. Shell step on him a third time.
His choice. Adriana, dont tell anyone I know.
I dont even want to talk to him. Im fed up!
Thanks. Our relationship stays intact, even if we divorce.
Sure, Ana. Stay strong.
I opened the banking app again. A hundred thousand still missing. No rush. I calmed down. Ill transfer everything to my mother, close the call, and watch the sunset through the window, knowing tomorrow will rise anew, without him.
