A cold October evening altered Arinas fate forever. She stood at the gate of the house she once called home, a hastily packed bag in her hands, while the sharp cry of her motherinlaw still rang in her ears:
Get out of my house! And never come back!
A decade of marriage ended in a single night.
Arina could not comprehend how Sergeiher husbandcould simply look away and stay silent while his mother expelled her. The conflict began with another tirade from the older woman, this time about a poorly cooked borscht:
You cant even cook! What kind of wife are you? And you wont give us grandchildren either!
Mom, calm down, Sergei muttered, but his mother pressed on:
No, son, I wont stand by while this useless girl ruins your life. Chooseher or me!
Arina held her breath, waiting for Sergei to defend her. Instead he merely spread his hands in helplessness.
Arina, perhaps its best if you stay somewhere else for a whilestay with friends and think things over.
Now, outside with only five thousand rubles in her purse and a phone full of longundialed numbers, Arina felt the ground give way. Her world had revolved around that house, her husband, and his mother.
She drifted down the street, indifferent to the drizzle and chill. The streetlamp flickered over the wet pavement while a few passersby hurried for shelter, yet everything seemed distantunreal.
**A New Beginning**
The first weeks blended into an endless gray routine. Katya, an old friend, offered her a couch, but it was only a temporary fix.
You need a job, Katya insisted. Anythingjust to get back on your feet.
Arina took a waitressing job at a small café: twelvehour shifts, sore legs, the lingering smell of fried food. The work left no room for tears.
One quiet evening a man in his forties entered, ordered only coffee, and chose a back table. When Arina served him, he said gently:
Your eyes look sad. Forgive me, but you dont belong here.
She wanted to snap backbut surprisingly she sat down. That was how she met Mikhail.
I run a modest chain of shops, he explained. I need a competent administrator. We could discuss it tomorrow, somewhere more comfortable.
Why offer a stranger a job? she asked.
Because I see intelligenceand couragein your eyes, he smiled. You just havent realized it yet.
**From the Café Floor to the Corner Office**
The offer was genuine. A week later Arina was handling invoices and staff schedules instead of balancing trays. She stumbled at first, but Mikhail proved a patient mentor.
Youre talentedjust crushed by other peoples opinions. Dont think I cant; ask How can I do this better?
Gradually, she changed.
Youre smiling nowtruly smiling, Mikhail noted one day. He was right.
A year later she managed three stores. Profits rose; the employees respected her. Over dinner, Mikhail squeezed her hand:
Arina, you mean more to me than a colleague.
She pulled back gently: Im grateful, but Im still finding myself.
He nodded: Ill wait. Youre no longer the frightened girl I met.
**Finding Herself**
Now she wore tailored suits, drove her own car, and spoke confidently with partners.
You know the strangest part? she told Mikhail. Im not angry at my ex or his mother anymore. Theyre just figures in an old dream.
The holidays approached as she prepared to open another shop. After a morning briefing, Katya called:
Bosslady, when can we meet?
This weekendat the café where I used to work.
Over cappuccinos, Katya studied her. Youre different inside, she said. And Mikhail? Arina hesitated; the line between business and something deeper was thin.
Im scared, she admitted. What if I lose myself in a man again?
Nonsense, Katya replied. He values the woman youve become.
That night, after a successful negotiation, Arina and Mikhail were alone in the restaurant.
You were brilliant, he said. Hiring you was the best gamble of my life.
Their eyes locked; her heart raced. Perhaps Katya was right.
**Successand a Question**
The new store opened on schedule. Back in her office, a knock sounded: Mikhail, holding a bouquet of peoniesher favorite.
To our success, he said. Lets have dinnerjust you and me.
In a quiet oldtown bistro he spoke of humble beginnings, a failed marriage, and stubborn selfbelief. She talked about her smalltown childhood and the fear of losing herself again.
Taking her hand, he whispered:
Im in love with you. Not the managerthe woman you are.
Her phone rang with a delivery issue. Mikhail covered her hand.
No work tonight. Your deputy can handle it.
For the first time in ages she relaxed. They talked about books, travel, dreams. Outside, soft December snow fell. He draped his jacket over her shoulders.
Lets go to the sea tomorrow. Do something crazy.
**Storm by the Shore**
The next morning they flew south. Sochi greeted them with rain and an empty promenade.
The sea never stays the samejust like life, Mikhail said.
Two days passed in walks, mulled wine, and confessions. She realized true love reinforces, not weakens.
On their last night a storm battered the coast. Wind tugged at their clothes. Mikhail pulled her close:
Marry me.
She froze.
Its suddenI know. But I dont want another day without you.
From that moment their lives became one.
