Anton had always believed he controlled his own destiny. Even in college, he maneuvered through life in ways that left his classmates in awe. While they buried themselves in textbooks, he was already making money—reselling cars one day, assembling custom-built computers the next. It was during this time that he met Albina. She was nothing like the girls he usually pursued. Quiet, studious, focused on learning foreign languages. But there was something about her that intrigued him.
He pursued her with charm and persistence. Albina, unaccustomed to such attention from someone as charismatic as Anton, soon found herself swept off her feet.
“You’re too beautiful to waste time studying,” Anton told her one evening. “Marry me. I’ll take care of you.”
Albina hesitated. “I want to be a translator. I love the idea of communicating with people from all over the world.”
Anton laughed lightly. “Well, you’ll get plenty of practice talking to my business partners.”
In the end, he convinced her. They married, and with Anton’s growing business, money was never an issue. Their son, Dimka, arrived soon after, followed by a daughter, Lenochka. Albina devoted herself completely to motherhood. She suggested hiring a nanny so she could continue working, but Anton dismissed the idea.
“A mother should raise her own children,” he insisted.
And so, Albina found herself running in circles, exhausted. Meanwhile, Anton showered himself with luxuries—a new car, the latest gadgets, expensive nights out with friends. But whenever Albina needed something, even something small, like a new hairdryer, he would brush her off.
Years passed. The children grew, started school, and Albina realized how lonely she felt. She barely saw Anton anymore, and when he was home, his attention was always on his phone. He had time for his friends but never for her. Any suggestion of a family outing was met with an excuse.
Then, without warning, Anton dropped a bombshell.
“I think we should split up,” he announced casually. “I’m tired of playing this whole family game. I want my freedom.”
Albina stared at him, stunned. “What about the kids? What about me?”
“You’ll manage,” he shrugged. “You’re their mother, after all.”
That evening, Anton packed his things and left. He didn’t fight over the house—perhaps out of some misplaced generosity, or maybe he simply didn’t care. In the span of a single night, Albina went from being a comfortable housewife to a single mother with no income.
She had no choice but to find work. Leaving the children with a kind neighbor, she searched for a job, any job. But every opportunity in her field turned her away due to lack of experience. In the end, she managed to get hired as a cleaner at a shopping mall. It was exhausting work, and even that wasn’t enough. She picked up extra night shifts, barely catching any sleep.
“Mommy, why are you always at work?” little Lena asked one evening. “I miss you.”
Albina kissed her daughter’s forehead. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I have to work so we can buy food and clothes.”
“But Daddy makes money. Why doesn’t he help us?”
Albina had no answer. Anton had practically disappeared. The child support was sporadic, and he never answered his phone.
Just when she thought she couldn’t take any more, another blow came. Her grandfather passed away. Grief overwhelmed her, but she had to be strong for her mother. Then, out of nowhere, a notary called.
Albina was confused. Her grandfather had always lived simply. What inheritance could he possibly have left behind? But when she met with the notary, she received a shock—her grandfather had spent years quietly investing in stocks. The sum he left behind was more than enough to change her life.
Suddenly, Albina could breathe again. She quit her grueling job and spent more time with her children, who were overjoyed to have their mother back. She didn’t waste the money recklessly. She took professional courses to rebuild her career and invested in a small business.
She opened a café in her neighborhood.
It took hard work, but little by little, the business flourished. The café became a favorite among locals, a warm and welcoming place. Albina often worked behind the counter, enjoying the atmosphere and the chance to chat with customers.
One day, as she covered a shift for a sick waitress, the bell above the door jingled. She turned to greet the customers—and froze.
Anton.
And he wasn’t alone.
A young blonde clung to his arm, her designer dress and expensive jewelry flashing under the lights. Albina’s heart pounded, but she quickly regained her composure. She approached their table.
“Good afternoon. What can I get for you?”
Anton looked up and blinked in surprise.
“Albina? You’re working here? As a waitress?” His tone carried an unmistakable note of amusement.
“Yes, I work here,” she said, her voice even. “What would you like?”
He smirked. “Two cappuccinos and croissants. Wow, look at you. I thought you were still scrubbing floors somewhere. Though I suppose waiting tables is a step up, right?”
The blonde giggled at his remark.
Albina said nothing. She simply turned and walked toward the counter. At first, his presence unsettled her. But as she glanced back at him, watching him gloat, something inside her shifted.
How pathetic he seemed now. Why had she ever thought he was remarkable?
When she returned with the order, Anton couldn’t resist another jab.
“Maybe this is your true calling. Serving coffee suits you.”
Albina merely smiled.
Then, the bell jingled again. Two men in sharp suits entered, their presence commanding attention.
“Albina!” one of them greeted warmly. “How are you? Are you free to discuss that business proposal?”
Albina smiled. “Of course, I’m just finishing up here.”
The second man chuckled. “You’re always hands-on. Most business owners sit behind desks, but here you are, working with the customers.”
Anton stiffened. His smirk faded.
Albina turned to him one last time. “Enjoy your meal,” she said, before walking toward her office with the businessmen.
She didn’t need to look back to know Anton was staring after her, stunned.
Later, when she returned to clear the table, she noticed a napkin with a phone number scrawled on it. She let out a quiet laugh before tossing it into the trash.
That chapter of her life was over.
And the new one? It was just beginning.