Maxime, whats this? the girl demanded sharply, holding a shirt. Whats that pink stain? Someones lipstick? Is that it? So you stayed late at work
Oksana, what are you saying? the boy replied wearily, sorting his work belongings. I just got off shift. Lipstick? In our department we have only one woman, Nurse Grandma Nadia. Really Im exhausted.
Oksana pulled at her lips, crumpled the shirt, and headed to the bathroom. Maxim let out a heavy sigh.
It had been more than six months since Oksana and Maxim started dating. Everything seemed perfect in their lives except one thingOksana was extremely jealous. She found reasons to doubt him even where none seemed possible.
Look at this, Oksana moaned. Hes definitely cheating. See this.
She handed the shirt to her sister, crossed her arms, and looked upset.
Katya, Oksanas sister, examined the shirt, sniffed the spot, and started laughing.
Whats so funny? Oksana snapped.
Its just fruit jam.
Oksana snatched the shirt from Katya, inhaled the scent, and her expression turned a mix of surprise and confusion.
You need to calm down. I cant understand why youre so suspicious.
She sat opposite her sister.
We didnt just start seeing each other. I pulled him out of a previous relationship, she confessed, glancing away. You get it? 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 betrayal. Learn to trust.
I do trust him, Oksana protested. I just keep worrying. Im scared of losing him.
Katya shook her head, unsure what to say.
Where were you? Oksana asked, arms crossed. Its one a.m.
Maxim sighed wearily.
Oksana, you let me sit with the guys. We watched football, rested a bit. Whats wrong?
Dimas been home for a while; I called Liza. Where have you been the last two hours?
Dmitry left early because he promised his wife, and Sergey and I stayed. Oksana, calm down. Im going to sleep.
Maxim went to the bedroom and lay down, hoping to forget, to distract himself from her constant jealousy, to feel light and free again. But Oksana ruined it once more, as usual.
Oksana left the shop and walked toward the building, eyes glued to her phone, oblivious to everything around her. Suddenly she turned her head and gasped. Across the street, a blonde woman was around Maxims neck, chatting happily while he pressed her close without shame.
A veil seemed to fall over Oksanas eyes; she threw the grocery bag aside and lunged at the boy. Grabbing the girls hand, she pulled her away.
I knew it! Oksana shouted. I knew you were cheating! Youre heartless, youve been lying to me all this time. No she shook her head. No. I was right! Youre a traitor!
Maxim stared at her gloomily, his fists clenched in anger, his gaze flicking guiltily toward the blonde who stood clueless nearby.
Oksana
Dont even try to speak to me. I know what youll say. I dont want to hear any nonsense excuses.
Shes my sister, Maxim cut in. A halfcousin. Shes Aunt Innas daughter. You know her. And Vika is my sister; we grew up together. Youd better go home; well talk there.
Oksana complied, leaving a bewildered girl a brief apology: Sorry.
Maxim returned home late, still sore. His lips were pressed so tightly they seemed invisible, and his eyes avoided Oksana completely.
Maxim
Im fed up, he admitted. I cant understand why youre so jealous. Every day since we started dating youve been accusing me of something. Your eyes are always suspicious. Youre jealous of patients, nurses, doctors, even streetlights. Its crossed every line Im really tired.
Maxim! Oksana cried. Are you breaking up with me? Please I love you! Forgive me, Ill try not to repeat this. Please
Oksana fell to her knees, clinging to his hands and 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 do such a thing, but Oksana had captured his soul. Now doubt gnawed at him from inside.
I love you, he whispered, squeezing her hand and meeting her gaze. But everything you do is irrational. 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 a few months their relationship seemed fine; Oksana didnt show jealousy, and Maxim enjoyed her company, often staying home later and not rushing to work.
Autumn arrived, bringing an increase in patients. Maxim was physically unable to get home early; he was exhausted, ate dinner at home, and went to bed.
Oksanas suspicions resurfaced. At first she tried to trust him, ignoring the foreign perfume on his shirt. After all, most of his colleagues were women of similar age, nothing to worry about. But each day her doubts grew; she watched him, inspected his shirts, trying to uncover something.
One evening after work Maxim headed straight for a shower, spending as little time as possible because he wanted to be in bed quickly. He opened the door almost silently and saw Oksana scrolling rapidly on his phone.
Oksana what are you doing?
She flinched, quickly pushing the phone away.
Just trying to make a call.
Maxim nodded toward the pinkcased phone lying on the bed.
And you didnt bring yours?
Its dead.
The screen of Xenias phone lit up with a message.
Really? Completely dead? So youre lying again, Maxim raised an eyebrow, surprised. Maybe I should learn more about you? Huh?
Sorry, the girl lowered her head.
Did you find what you were looking for? Mrs. Marple Maxim muttered irritably.
Oksana shook her head.
Maxim silently moved to the wardrobe and began packing. Oksana sprang from the bed, grabbing his hand.
Please, no! Dont. I wont do this again. I trust you Maxim!
No, Oksana, the first time I forgave you, the second I wont step into the same trap. Im sick of it. I just want a calm life, to trust and be trusted. Thats not living
Within half an hour Maxim had packed everything, while Oksana sat on the bed, hugging her knees.
I love you, truly. But I cant keep going like this. And you? You wont change.
Maxim left the rented apartment and went to his parents house, utterly exhausted.
Distrust destroys any relationship, no matter how strong. Then people judge everything by their own experience. 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 biggest mistake.
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