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Blood Ties “Lena, you won’t believe it! Matvey and I have decided—we’re going back to Turkey next year!” My stepdad was practically glowing with excitement. “He says he wants that same hotel overlooking the sea again. What can I do? Anything for my own son.” His words slipped out, clarifying without meaning to: “own” son. “I’m happy for you,” Lena replied, thinking back to how nice things had been before Matvey came along. “‘Own son’… You always told me we’re family, that it doesn’t matter whether we’re related by blood or not.” He had said it before. That it didn’t matter whether she was his biological daughter or not. “There you go again… You know I love you like my own daughter, Lena, that’s not up for debate. But Matvey…” He’d just confirmed it without realising. “Matvey is your son. I’m just an acquaintance now?” “Lena, what are you talking about? I’ve said you’re like family to me!” “Like family… Did you ever take me to the seaside? In all these fifteen years you’ve called yourself my father?” He hadn’t. Arthur always insisted there was no difference between her and Matvey, but Lena knew—he did so much more for Matvey. The difference was huge. “I couldn’t, Lena. You know money was always tighter back then. You’re not a child anymore—you know what two weeks in a five-star hotel costs. Expensive.” “I get it,” Lena nodded. “It’s too costly to bring me along. And yet Matvey, who you’ve only known for six months, you want to buy him a flat on mortgage so he’ll have somewhere to bring his future wife? That doesn’t seem expensive, since he’s your son?” “I’m not buying any flat. Who told you that?” “People who care.” “Tell those people not to spread rumours.” Lena felt slightly revived. “Honestly—you’re not buying it?” “Of course not. Oh, by the way! Guess where we’re going Saturday?” He didn’t wait for her answer. “Go-karting! He did some racing back at uni, and I’m just tagging along.” “Go-karting,” Lena echoed. “Sounds exciting.” “Oh, it is!” “Can I come with you?” The words slipped out before she could stop herself. Arthur, clearly not wanting her to join, blurted: “Uh, Lena… You’d be bored there. Really. It’s more of a men’s thing. Matvey and I, we’ll talk about, you know, father-son stuff.” How that hurt… “So, it’s interesting for you, but not for me?” “It’s not quite like that…” Arthur squirmed. “We just haven’t seen each other for years and want to catch up. Just the two of us. Do you understand?” She understood. That word—“understand”—was their new family code for replacing one with another. She was meant to understand: that blood would always come before chosen family. That her place was outside the fence, not inside. Matvey was objectively great. Raised without a father because his mum kept Arthur in the dark, yet he managed to succeed at everything. Clever, handsome, kind. “Dad, I fixed the dog kennels at the shelter.” “Dad, I graduated with first class honours.” “Dad, I’ve repaired your phone.” He wasn’t just a son—he was the perfect son. Later, after Arthur left, Lena looked through old photos… Arthur and her mother’s wedding (her mum gone five years now, leaving Lena and Arthur alone). There they were at the allotment… there was Lena, finishing school… Nothing would ever be the same. *** “Lena, you awake? I’ve got a question. Urgent.” Her stepdad showed up at 8am the next morning. “What’s so urgent?” Lena swept her fringe back with a hairband and switched on the coffee machine. “It’s about the flat for Matvey.” “So it’s true?” she breathed. “Sorry, yes—it’s true.” “So you lied to me.” “I just didn’t want to upset you. But I need advice! I think I need to hurry. He’ll want to get married, sooner or later. He needs his own place while he’s still young. You should have seen my life at his age…” “Get a mortgage then,” Lena muttered, not wanting to discuss buying Matvey a flat. Matvey had landed on his feet. “Yeah, I know. But you know my credit history… Matvey deserves some help. He’s never had a father, but now I can do this for him.” “So what do you want from me?” “Here’s the thing. I have two hundred thousand pounds. That’s enough for the deposit. But the bank won’t lend to me—they’ll give you a loan, though, your record’s spotless. We’ll put it in your name. I’ll make all the payments, I promise.” The illusion that “there’s no difference between you and Matvey” shattered completely. There was a difference. He’d never throw Matvey onto the mortgage front line. “So Matvey gets the flat, and I get the debt? Is that it?” Arthur shook his head, as if offended—like it was Lena’s idea. “Of course not! I’ll pay everything. I’m not asking you to fork out. I just need the mortgage in your name. Think about it…” “You know, Arthur, I’m not thinking about the loan. I’m thinking about how you don’t see me as your daughter any more. You’ve got a son now. You’ve known him six months and me fifteen years, but only the blood relation matters, right?” “Not true!” Arthur flared. “I love you equally!” “No. Not equally.” “Lena, that’s not fair! Matvey’s my flesh and blood…” Curtain. She wasn’t his daughter any more—just conveniently “like family,” until something realer came along. “Fine,” Lena managed politely. “I can’t help, Arthur. I’ll need a mortgage for myself someday. I won’t get approved for a second one.” Arthur seemed to realise then that she, too, was without a home. “Oh, right, you’ll need one as well…” He checked his watch. “But right now, before you settle down, you could help me out. I already have the deposit. It’s just for a couple of years.” “No. I’m not putting anything in my name for you.” She didn’t expect him to understand. “Alright,” he said at last. “If you can’t help me as a daughter, that’s that. I’ll sort it myself.” Maybe he’d once considered her his daughter. It didn’t matter now. She only saw Arthur in old photographs. One evening, scrolling through her feed, she saw it. A photo at the airport: Arthur and Matvey. Both in pale jackets. Arthur’s arm around Matvey’s shoulder; the caption: “Off to Dubai with Dad. Family is everything.” Family. Lena put down her phone. She remembered a moment from childhood, well before her mother married Arthur. She was five. They were poor, and her favourite doll from her grandmother had broken. She cried, but her biological father just said, “Lena, don’t cry over silly things. Don’t bother me!” You never could bother him: the bottle was always more interesting. Lena realised she’d never really had a father. She’d just thought Arthur could replace him… Soon after, Arthur tried to persuade her again. “Lena, I think we need to address your lack of trust…” “What lack of trust, Arthur? I said no.” “You just don’t understand. Matvey—he never knew me. He needs a home. He’s a grown man. You don’t even have to do anything, just be there, I guarantee you won’t pay a penny.” “Who’s going to make up for gaps in my life…” This time, Arthur grew angry. “Lena, enough! I don’t want a row. I really do love you! But listen—Matvey is my real family now. When you have your own kids, you’ll get it. Yes, I love you both differently, but it doesn’t mean you’re not important.” “I am. As a resource.” “Lena, please! You’re exaggerating.” “You dropped me for him in six months, Arthur,” Lena replied. “I’m not asking you to choose. You already have. You said it yourself: Matvey is your real son. I never was.” Six months passed. Arthur never called. Not once. One day, scrolling that same news feed, she spotted another photo. Arthur and Matvey. Posing in the mountains, Arthur decked out in trendy ski gear. Caption: “Teaching Dad to snowboard! He’s a bit old, but anything’s possible with your son!” Lena stared at the image for a long time. She reached for her laptop to finish her report when a message flashed on her phone. An unknown number. “Hi, Lena. It’s Matvey. Dad gave me your number, but didn’t feel right calling you himself. He wanted to say he’s sorted the flat and didn’t need your help in the end—but he’s worried about you. He really wants you to come visit for the bank holiday. He can’t say why, but he’s asking.” She started to reply, erasing and rewriting. “Hi, Matvey. Tell Arthur I’m really glad he’s doing well. I think about him too. But I won’t come. I have other plans for the bank holiday. I’m going to the seaside.” She chose not to mention she’d bought her own ticket—and that it was Brighton, not Turkey. And she wasn’t going with her father, but with a friend. Lena pressed “send”. And she realised she could find happiness without him, too.

Native Son Emma, you wont believe it! Matthew and I have made plans to fly to Spain next year!

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There Won’t Be a Wedding “Why are you so quiet today?” Tanya asked. “We agreed to pick out bedroom furniture on Saturday, but you seem down. What’s wrong?” Denis knew: it was now or never. He had to say it now. “Tanya… There’s something I need to tell you. About the wedding.” Tanya had been waiting for this conversation. She and Denis had agreed to keep the celebration modest, but she sensed Denis wanted a proper wedding—lots of guests, a photographer, an event planner… She’d been looking forward to this! “Just get to the point, please—I think I know what you’re about to say,” Tanya smiled. But Denis said, “Let’s postpone… Let’s postpone the wedding.” That was not the conversation she’d prepared for. “Postpone?” she gaped, stunned, “What’s brought this on? Why? We were just talking about invitations… You picked them out yourself! We decided who to invite! Have you changed your mind about marrying me?” Like a scene from a drama, she half expected to hear that his feelings had cooled. But Denis didn’t follow the script. “Money’s tight right now,” he muttered. “My pay’s been delayed. We haven’t managed to save. And… We’ve only been living together for six months. Isn’t it a bit soon?” “Too soon?” Tanya choked. “Denis, we’ve been together three years! Three years in a relationship and six months living together is ‘too soon’ for you?” Denis looked less scared now. “Don’t start, Tanya. I don’t want a fight. This is just… a pause. I haven’t changed my mind about marrying you, but a wedding is expensive.” “Fine… Why don’t we just have a registry office wedding and celebrate with friends after?” “Tanya, that wouldn’t be a real wedding.” “Then who cares about a real wedding!” “But you dreamed about it…” “I’ll survive!” He’s coming up with strange excuses. “Tanya…” “Just be honest. Has something happened? Are you unsure about me? Or… did you meet someone else? Because ‘the wedding is expensive’ doesn’t sound convincing.” Denis shook his head. “No, Tanya, I promise. I just want everything to be perfect, you know? And right now, I can’t give us the perfect wedding. And yes—six months. We’re still getting used to each other. Need to see if we’re really compatible…” His words made sense… He was convincing, but Tanya’s intuition protested. Rarely had Denis worked this hard to persuade her of anything. And he himself had insisted on marrying quickly. But she pretended to believe him. After that talk, Denis transformed—not just a boyfriend, but the perfect boyfriend, paying attention to the little things, as if to make amends for the postponed wedding. Always asked Tanya’s preference in shops, always did the dishes himself… But he was gloomy. Not just pensive, but downright gloomy, sighing at night staring at the ceiling, brushing off Tanya’s questions with, “Just tired, that’s all.” Tanya tried not to push. “Later, later, later,” her inner voice whispered. A couple of weeks later, Denis’s parents invited them over. Tanya hesitated but couldn’t refuse. Denis hadn’t brought up the wedding again, and his parents were bound to ask—awkward. They brought up the wedding, of course. “So, when are you going to make us happy?” his mum asked as dad went to watch telly. “We’ve already found a venue for the reception—table for twenty. What date should we book?” Denis sat there just as glum as Tanya. Book what? There’s nothing to book. “Mum, we’ve… postponed it,” he rasped. “Postponed? Why? No money? Denis, mate, why didn’t you think about that sooner?” After dinner, as the men examined yet another broken speaker, Tanya slipped to the bathroom. Spotless in there, like an operating room—not even any cosmetics except shower gel and shampoo. His mum kept all her toiletries in her room; Tanya always wondered how she bothered carting them back and forth. As she dried her face, Tanya heard… The bathroom walls always carried voices. Denis was back in the kitchen, speaking to his mother. And Tanya overheard… “…Denis, have you decided to break up with Tanya?” Tanya froze, towel to her chin. What? She didn’t kid herself—she’d heard that clearly. She pressed her ear against the cold tile. “Mum, I told you. We’ve only postponed the wedding. We’re not splitting up.” “Postponed is just an excuse!” hissed Galina. “I can see how miserable you are. Why do you need her? She isn’t the right wife for you. A wife should listen to her husband, but she… Why marry if you’ll divorce in a year?” “I love her, Mum,” Denis replied. Tanya even had a pang of tenderness. But his mum’s next words put an end to that. “You say you love her? She’s a crafty one, Denis! I told you! Not even your wife yet, and she’s already turned you against us. You don’t help your sister, you rarely come to the house. She’s changing you, and not for the better.” Tanya stuck to the wall, horrified. Setting him against his family? When?! She’d always done her best to be polite, even when his dad trashed her new haircut. She’d never deliberately turned Denis against them—in fact, she always encouraged him to stay close. Suddenly it hit her: The postponed wedding wasn’t about money. It was his mum, lying to her face, who was against it! Tanya hurried back in. “Oh, Tanya, there you are! We were just saying you shouldn’t put off the official bit for long. I know you’re young, but I do think life without a marriage certificate is wrong.” How sweet of her. “Of course, Mrs. Smith,” Tanya smiled (using a typically English surname). “We won’t delay for long! As soon as we’ve saved, we’ll be at the registry office. Won’t we, Denis?” “Absolutely, Tanya. We’re practically married already,” he agreed. That night, driving home, Denis reached to hug her, but Tanya kept moving away. She didn’t know how to start the conversation. Should she even ask? If Denis hadn’t dumped her for his parents’ sake, that meant he must love her… But the wedding was still off. “You behaved oddly when your mum started talking,” she finally said, watching the river lights fade. “Me? Nah, she’s just rushing us to marry and—” “Don’t lie. She’s not rushing you to marry. She’s against our wedding entirely. She said I’d turned you against her. She told you to break up with me.” Denis jerked the steering wheel. “So you heard that?” he muttered. “Tanya, Mum’s scared her precious boy will marry and forget her—typical, isn’t it? Don’t take it personally. She’ll get over it.” Tanya didn’t take the mum’s words to heart—the woman just couldn’t let her son go. What worried Tanya was Denis himself. He hadn’t defended her, just agreed to keep the peace. The wedding question hung in the air. Denis kept acting like he’d been sucking lemons, and now, when Tanya hinted at future plans, he gave his usual, “Maybe later…” Then Tanya came across Denis’s unlocked phone. “I’m just checking the time,” she told herself. “I won’t read messages. Just… a quick look.” The latest notification was from his sister, Vera. Vera was only two years younger than Tanya but acted like she was twelve—no job, no studies, still lived with mum and dad (and their money). The message was blunt: “So, I won’t see any money then. You’re under her thumb again. Well, go live with her if some girl means more to you than your family.” Tanya read it twice. ‘Under her thumb.’ And then she remembered… Before the wedding was cancelled, when Vera had rung Denis asking for money again, Tanya couldn’t help saying, “Denis, she’s twenty-seven, still living with your parents, and asking you for spending money. Maybe it’s time she supported herself? Our budget isn’t endless.” She usually kept out of it, but her money went into the same pot—and she hadn’t signed up to subsidise his sister. Denis had agreed, reluctantly: “Yeah, you’re right, Tanya. Enough is enough.” No wonder now who was turning everyone against her. She copied Vera’s message, sent it to her own phone for proof, and put Denis’s mobile back exactly where it was. Denis came in, brushing snow off his coat. “Picked up bread and your favourite chocolate—the one with the nuts. I was thinking, Tanya, maybe I should have—” “Denis,” Tanya interjected. “What, Denis? Were you expecting someone else?” he joked. But Tanya didn’t laugh. “What’s Vera messaging you about?” she asked. Denis remembered: best form of defence is attack. “So you’re snooping in my phone while I’m out?” Classic defensive move—redirect the blame. “Doesn’t matter what I did, Denis. Explain this. Now.” Denis hesitated; his face cycled through anger, then panic. “She’s young—she takes everything to heart,” he said at last. “Takes what to heart? That I asked her to grow up?” “She grew up with me always helping. Now she expects it. Habits are hard to break, especially easy money. Don’t worry, it’ll blow over.” “She turned your parents against me, didn’t she?” “Well… yes,” Denis admitted. “I tried explaining our money is ours, Vera should fend for herself… Mum took that personally: ‘Tanya’s running you, you’ve abandoned your family.’ But I don’t think that.” “But you cancelled the wedding… fine. She turned your family against me. I get it. I can’t talk to them anymore. But what do you think? Do you actually want to marry me? Or are you just putting it off because you’re afraid to tell your mum ‘no’?” “Of course I want to marry you! But I just can’t… Maybe later… when things settle…” So there was her answer. “You know, Denis, I’ve made up my mind… I don’t want to marry anyone who isn’t sure of his feelings, or flinches every time his sister says boo. It’s a good thing we called off the wedding.”

No Wedding After All Why are you so quiet today? I asked Jack, trying to keep things light as we sat

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Haunted by the Past: When Stepping Into a Ready-Made Family Means Living in the Shadow of an Unforgotten Love

Put your hat on, its freezing out minus ten, youll catch a cold. Mary held out the knitted hat the very

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The Soul No Longer Hurts or Weeps

The heart no longer aches or weeps After her husband Edwards sudden death, Clara Whitmore fled the town

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Jack and Mary: From Small Village Dreams to City Heartbreak, A Tale of Love, Betrayal, Escape, and Finding Happiness at Home

John and Mary It was not so long ago, though it feels like an age has passed, that John lived in the

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“Baldy, Wake Up!” – My Husband’s Hilarious New Morning Routine After My Dramatic Head Shave to Battle Scalp Troubles

Oi, Baldy, wake up! Thats how my husband started waking me up in the mornings. Last year, I decided to

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There Won’t Be a Wedding — Why are you so quiet today? — asked Tanya. — We agreed to go furniture shopping for the bedroom on Saturday. But you seem down. What’s wrong? Denis knew: it was now or never. He had to say it now. — Tanya… there’s something I need to say. About the wedding. Tanya had waited for this conversation for a long time. She and Denis had agreed to keep things low-key, but she could tell Denis wanted to plan a real wedding for her—with lots of guests, a videographer, organisers… How she waited for this talk! — Let’s not drag this out, please. I think I know what you’re about to say, — Tanya smiled. But Denis said: — Let’s postpone… Let’s postpone the wedding. This was not the conversation she thought they’d have. — Postpone? — she was in shock. — What’s with the sudden change? Why? We just talked about invitations… You picked them out yourself! We discussed the guest list! You’ve changed your mind about marrying me? She half expected him to say he’d fallen out of love, just like in a soap opera. But Denis didn’t follow the script. — It’s just… money’s tight, — he mumbled. — My pay’s been delayed. We can’t really save up. And… we’ve only lived together six months. Isn’t it a bit soon? — “A bit soon?” — Tanya choked. — Denis, we’ve dated three years! Three years together, six months sharing a flat, and you think it’s “too soon”? Denis didn’t look as afraid anymore. — Don’t start, Tanya. I don’t want a row. It’s just… a pause. I haven’t changed my mind about marrying you, but weddings are expensive. — Fine… Then let’s just register quietly, just us two, and then celebrate with friends. — Tanya, then we won’t have a real wedding. — Oh, let it go! — But you’ve always dreamed— — I’ll live! Strange excuses he comes up with. — Tanya… — Tell me the truth. Is something wrong? Are you not sure you love me? Or… have you met someone else? Because “the wedding is expensive” isn’t convincing. Denis shook his head. — No, Tanya, I swear. I just want everything to be perfect, you know? And right now, I can’t give you a perfect wedding. And, yes, six months. We’re still getting used to living together—maybe we need to figure out if we’re really right for each other… His logic made sense, but Tanya’s gut told her otherwise. It was rare for Denis to try so hard to convince her of anything, and it had been his idea to get married quickly in the first place. But she pretended to buy it. After that conversation, Denis became the perfect boyfriend—paying attention to details he once ignored, as if making up for cancelling the wedding. At the shops, he always asked what she wanted… he’d do the dishes every day… But he always looked glum. Not thoughtful—actually gloomy, sighing late at night, staring at the ceiling, brushing off Tanya’s questions with, “Just tired, is all.” Tanya tried not to push. “Later, later, later,” her inner voice whispered. A few weeks later, they were invited to Denis’ parents’ house. Tanya didn’t really want to go. Denis never brought up the wedding any more, and she knew his parents would ask—awkward. But she had to go. Inevitably, the wedding came up. — So, when will you finally make us happy? — his mother asked, once Tanya’s dad left for the TV. — We’ve already picked out a venue—table for twenty. What date should we book? Denis looked as sour as Tanya. What was there to book? There’d be nothing. — Mum, I told you. It’s postponed, — he croaked. — Postponed? Why? No money? Denis, as a man, you should have thought ahead! After dinner, while the men inspected a half-broken speaker, Tanya went to tidy herself up in the bathroom. It was spotless, like an operating theatre. Not even her mother-in-law’s cosmetics, except for the shower gel and shampoo—she kept hers in her room. Tanya always wondered how she had the energy to lug it all about. Tanya dried her face and suddenly listened… The bathroom walls always seemed to carry secrets. Denis had gone to the kitchen and was talking to his mum. And Tanya heard… — …Denis, you’re not thinking of breaking up with Tanya? Tanya froze. What? She didn’t kid herself that she’d misheard. Carefully, she pressed her ear to the wall. — Mum, I told you. It’s postponed, but we’re still together. — “Postponed”—such an excuse! — Galina Sergevna snapped. — I can see how unhappy you are. Why do you need her? She’s not wife material—wives listen to their husbands, but her… Why get married if you’ll only divorce in a year? — I love her, Mum, — Denis said quietly. Tanya even felt a pang of affection. But his mum’s next words cut that short. — You say you love her? She’s sly, Denis. I told you! And she’s already turned you against us, before you’re even married. You stopped helping your sister, you don’t come to the cottage… She’s changing you—and not for the better. Tanya stuck to the cold tiles in disbelief. Turned him against them? When? She always tried to be as polite as possible, even when Anatoly Petrovich tore apart her new haircut. She’d been hurt, but said nothing! She couldn’t think of a single time she’s purposely turned Denis against his family. On the contrary—she always encouraged him to visit, knowing how much they meant to him. And it hit her: the wedding wasn’t postponed for money. It was his mum’s doing—all her lies. His mum didn’t want the wedding! Tanya hurried in. — Oh, Tanya! — his mum put on her sweetest face. — We were just saying you shouldn’t delay registering. I know youth is fleeting, but I don’t approve of living together without the knot. How nice of her. — Of course, Galina Sergevna, — Tanya said. — We won’t delay for long. As soon as we’ve saved a little—we’ll go straight to the registry, won’t we, Denis? — Yes, Tanya, we’re basically married already, — he chimed in. That night, driving home, Denis tried to cuddle her, but Tanya kept pulling away. She didn’t know how to start talking about it. Should she even ask? If Denis hadn’t dumped her under pressure from his parents, then he must love her… But he’d still cancelled the wedding. — You acted strange when your mum started talking, — Tanya said, watching the river lights disappear in the distance. — Me? No, she just… pushes about weddings and… — Don’t lie. She’s NOT pushing you for a wedding. She’s against it. She said I turned you against her and wants us to break up. Denis gripped the wheel. — So you heard? Tanya, she’s scared her little boy will forget her once he’s married off. Classic mother-in-law behaviour. Don’t take it personally. She’ll get over herself. Tanya didn’t mind his mother’s possessiveness—she was worried about Denis himself. He hadn’t defended her, just agreed, to keep the peace. The wedding question hung unresolved. Denis still moped about, but now, when Tanya hinted at the future, he’d just say: “Maybe, later…” Then Tanya saw Denis’s unlocked phone. “I’ll just check the time,” she told herself. “Just the time—not messages. Well, maybe just one quick look…” His sister’s message was at the top. Vera—just two years younger than Tanya, but still acting like she was twelve. No job, no studies, still lives with mum and dad, on their tab. The message was blunt: — Figures, I won’t see my money. She’s got you under her thumb again. Go on then, if some girl’s more important than your own family. Tanya re-read it. “Under her thumb.” And suddenly she remembered… Before the wedding was cancelled, Vera had rung Denis—as usual, to ask for money. Tanya had said, exasperated: — Denis, she’s twenty-seven, still living off her parents and begging you for money for treats. Maybe she should start working? Our budget’s not endless. Tanya wouldn’t have interfered, but it was their shared budget now—she contributed as much as Denis, and never signed up to sponsor his family. Denis had agreed, reluctantly: “You’re right, Tanya. She needs to stop.” Now it was clear who had turned everyone against Tanya. She took Denis’s phone, opened Vera’s chat, forwarded the message to herself for proof, and put the phone right back. Denis was just brushing snow from his coat: — Got bread, and your favourite chocolate, nuts and all. I was thinking, Tanya, maybe we could… — Denis, — Tanya interrupted. — Who were you expecting—someone else? — he joked. But Tanya didn’t laugh. — What does Vera mean in her messages? — Tanya asked. Denis hesitated, then tried a classic deflection: — You going through my phone while I’m out?? Classic defensive move—shift the blame. — Denis, that’s not the point. I want an explanation. Now. Denis stood for a moment, his face cycling through emotions: anger, then panic. — Look, Tanya—it’s nothing. She’s just upset, she’s still a child. — Upset about what? That I asked her to grow up? — Tanya pressed. — She’s used to asking her brother for help. Getting out of that habit is hard. Don’t worry—it’ll pass. — She turned your family against me? — …yeah, — Denis admitted. — I tried to explain to them it’s our money now, and Vera should be… But Mum hit the roof—said you’ve got me wrapped round your finger, that I’m abandoning them. But I don’t think that… — But you cancelled our wedding… Okay—she poisoned your family against me. I get it. I can’t talk to them. But what about you? Do you even want to marry me, or is it just easier than telling your mum “no”? — Of course I want to marry you! Just… not now. Maybe later, when things have settled down… So there it was. — You know what, Denis? I’ve realised something… I don’t want to marry a man who isn’t sure of his feelings and jumps every time his sister sneezes. Good thing the wedding’s off.

There wont be a wedding Youre awfully quiet today, Alice said, peering over her teacup, I thought we

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I Learned That Someone Had Left This Baby in a Baby Hatch Next to the Hospital Maternity Ward I Chose to Adopt the Child Who Was Abandoned by Their Parents Three Months After My Husband’s Death—The Baby Was Found in a Safe Haven Cradle Beside the Maternity Ward I Had to Quickly Gather All the Necessary Documents, and I Managed to Do It. There Were Numerous Inspections by Various Authorities and an Assessment of My Home, Which I Passed With Flying Colours. Just a Few Days Later, My Son Was With Me. I Loved Him As If He Were My Own. I Named Him After My Late Husband. It Was a Wonderful Feeling to Say and Hear That Name Again. As My Son Grew Older, He Began Asking About Having a Sibling. Honestly, I Didn’t Mind. I Work Remotely and Can Manage Everything From My Laptop, Which Made This Ideal for Me. When I Returned Home to Care for Our New Child, I Was Overjoyed. I Was Taken to a Room, Where They Showed Me a Baby Girl, Just Three Days Old, in Her Cot. The Moment I Saw Her, I Fell in Love and Knew She Belonged With Us. Knowing Exactly Which Documents and Checks Were Required, I Was Able to Organise Everything Much Faster Than Before. Now There Are Three of Us—Me, My Son, and My Daughter. We Are the Happiest People in the World.

I found out, in the fogged-up blue hush of an early London morning, that an infant had been left inside

La vida

0122

Blatant Nerve: “Nat, tell me honestly,” Kieran whined, “What’s the cosmic difference who we rent the cottage to—family or strangers? Money’s money.” Natasha finished hanging the laundry on the rack. If only he’d help instead of moaning. “Kol, darling, the difference is that when it comes to family, you can never actually get the money out of them.” “You mean Dave? That’s not fair—he’s my brother! He’ll pay, I promise. He’s not even asking for a discount. He’ll take it for the full price, all summer long, and we won’t have to deal with advertising.” “This is a seaside cottage, Kol. I could fill it in five minutes.” “What I don’t get is why you’re so dead against renting to family?” “With strangers it’s simple: contract, deposit—don’t pay, you’re out, end of. With family it’s always, ‘Oh Natasha, you know the kids… We’ll wire it later… Oops, we broke the telly but you won’t charge us, will you?’ Trust me, I’ve seen it all before. You don’t know how it ends.” Natasha’s parents had let to all the so-called friends and family who happily ‘forgot’ to pay. She’d learned her lesson: no mates or relatives in the rental. “And how did it end?” her husband asked. “With family never paying, or even apologizing! As if, ‘What, it’s so hard to let us have a little holiday?’ Sorry, but the cottage is a business, not a free family B&B.” Recently, Dave had decided a summer by the sea was just what the doctor ordered for his wife and three kids. Work was slow, so why not? Natasha was sure he had no intention to pay. “Dave’s not asking for a favour!” Kieran insisted. “He’ll pay.” They always promise to pay. “Why even risk it? There’s always a queue of people ready to pay the market rate. They’ll sign the contract and I can sleep easy. No friends, no family. Business is business.” Natasha’s logic was airtight, but Kieran had one more card to play. “Fine. You don’t trust Dave—but you trust me, yeah?” She paused. “I do. So?” “If Dave tries to stiff us, I’ll pay you the rent myself,” he blurted. “Brilliant. You’ll pay me from our joint account.” “Um… no, I’ll take an extra job. Evenings, weekends—whatever I earn goes to you, so it’ll be your money, not ours. Deal?” Natasha hadn’t expected it to be this important to him. Maybe she should trust him if he trusted Dave that much… “You’ll talk anyone ‘round,” she said. “It’s all on you then. Alright.” Summer was still months away. Natasha tried to be optimistic. June arrived—and trouble with it. Kieran called Dave every few days, gently nudging about the first month’s rent. Every time, Dave had a reason. “Yeah, Kieran, no worries! Money? Ah, just waiting on a big client, should clear by the end of the month. Sorry, mate, but it’s coming. Don’t stress!” End of June. No money. Natasha gave it a month, no nagging. This was Kieran’s deal. But after another round of stalling, she asked, “Well? Has he paid?” “They haven’t transferred his payment yet. Soon, he promised!” Same old excuse. “Told you—family always have a reason not to pay up,” she sighed. “It’s just bad luck!” Kieran pleaded. “He’s not doing it on purpose. Sometimes you just have to wait!” “Right—until September, when they pack up and say, ‘Thanks for the lovely holiday, we’ll settle up later’?” “Kieran, you promised. Where’s that second job?” He wilted. “Give him a couple more weeks. If nothing comes, I’ll pay—if it means that much to you.” “I didn’t force you to take responsibility. You wanted to. Prove you were right about your brother!” The atmosphere cooled. July, heatwave. Natasha caught Kieran browsing jobs online, but never dialling. “Look at the calendar, Kol. Two-thirds of the summer’s gone, and we’ve seen not a penny.” “It’s just… he still can’t pay. But he will! He promised to give us a bit extra for the inconvenience.” “I don’t believe it. You put your name to it—now it’s your problem.” He mumbled about back pain, none of the jobs were suitable. “Not exactly great ads… I can’t lug boxes with my back.” “Better send your brother to lug boxes, then. You promised. Either look for a job now, or I’ll call Dave and say if I don’t get half the money by Friday, his family’s out by law and I’ll chase what’s owed through court.” Ice-cold sweat. “Don’t call Dave! Everyone’ll look at me like I’m the villain! What would I tell Mum? Suing my own brother? No one will understand.” Dave didn’t want to pay, Kieran didn’t want to keep his word, and now suddenly it was Natasha’s fault. “So much for caring about your own husband! Don’t you mind sending me to work two jobs just to pay you back?” “I never asked, Kieran! You insisted!” “I didn’t know Dave would rip us off!” “I did,” Natasha answered. “Because I’ve seen it before. You just wouldn’t listen.” “I’ve got the message!” He played the martyr. “But you, Natasha, you care more about your precious money than my wellbeing! What if I have a heart attack working extra? Still want your rent?” “I’m not forcing you—I’m just holding to the deal you made.” “FINE! I’ll take another job and pay for Dave—if you care about money more than me! There you go!” The deal crumbled, but Natasha got her way. Kieran did shifts as a courier, shooting wolves’ eyes at her each night. “It’s all because of you,” he muttered once. “All because of me?” “Yes!” “Well, maybe now you’ll understand—you can be generous with my cash, but it’s different shelling out yourself.” Natasha still hoped Dave might find a conscience and pay up himself. Miraculously, he rang—her, not Kieran. Maybe he’d finally transfer the money? “Natasha, I’ve got a small problem…” “I’ve no time for problems, Dave. You owe July and we’re still waiting. It’s Kieran’s problem now, not mine.” “Yeah, Kieran told me! Poor fella. But listen—the car’s broken down and I spent the rent money fixing it. Got to get the family home somehow, but I’ll sort you out… sometime, yeah?” Predictable. Natasha hung up. Kieran saw from her face. “Okay,” he admitted, “I shouldn’t have trusted him so much. But you could cut me some slack! Instead of support you just rub it in…” “Oh, I’m supposed to giggle and say, ‘Never mind, let them have a free holiday while I somehow get by’? You insisted you’d pay!” “Yeah, I did! But I didn’t think you’d let me work myself into exhaustion. Don’t you care about me?” “Does your brother?” “He’s not bad, things just… happened…” “Right. He’s not bad—rips me off, lets you take the blame. But I’m the baddie for demanding what’s mine?” Kieran looked away. Looks like a rocky patch ahead in their marriage.

Boundless Cheek Well, Emma, just be honest with me, moaned Nick, What real, cosmic difference does it

La vida

No One Is Tying You Down

Late night, the site was a mess, I could hear the grinder humming in the background. Itll be late, were