Anton had always considered himself the master of his life. Even back in college, he managed to move in such a way that his classmates could only gape in amazement. While others were slogging over textbooks, Anton was already busy with business. Sometimes he was reselling cars, other times he was assembling computers to order. It was then that he met Albina. She was a modest honor student, studying a foreign language. She was nothing like Anton’s lively girlfriends. But something about her caught his eye.
Anton courted her beautifully. Albina melted under the attention of the popular guy. Soon they started dating.
— You are so beautiful, — Anton said. — Why do you need to study? Marry me. I’ll take care of you.
Albina smiled shyly:
— I want to work as a translator. To communicate with people from all over the world.
Anton waved off her words.
— Well, you’ll get to talk with some of my business partners.
In the end, he persuaded Albina. They got married. Money was plentiful. Soon their firstborn, Dimka, was born. Albina threw herself wholeheartedly into motherhood. A couple of years later, a daughter, Lenochka, arrived. Taking care of two little ones took up all her time and energy. Albina wanted to hire a nanny.
At least, that way she could somehow continue working. They had plenty of money, after all. But Anton was against it. Children should be cared for by their mother. Albina was running around like a squirrel on a wheel. Besides, she didn’t really put much effort into her appearance with the kids.
Anton claimed that he was investing everything in developing his business. Meanwhile, he’d buy a big TV, or a car for himself, or go out with friends. And when Albina asked for a hairdryer, her husband said that her old one was just fine.
Years went by. The children grew up and started school. Albina began to feel lonely. She hardly saw her husband. And when he was home, he was always on his phone. If Albina asked him to go somewhere, Anton would say he was busy. Sure enough, he always found time to meet with his friends.
But Albina never thought things could get to this point. How could your husband just drop this bombshell:
— We’d better break up, — Anton blurted out. — I’m tired of this whole family game. I have my own life. And I need freedom.
— Break up? — Albina was bewildered. — What about the children? What about me?
— Well, you’ll figure something out, — Anton shrugged. — You’re a mother, after all. You’ll manage somehow.
And so, in an instant, Albina found herself alone with two children and no means of support. That very evening, Anton moved out, taking all his things. At least he had the decency to leave her the house. At first, Albina couldn’t believe that her comfortable life had collapsed overnight. She roamed the city in search of work. She had to leave the children with a neighbor.
At least the neighbor didn’t mind. Katya had her own child, too. But wherever Albina went, they refused to take her. Whenever she tried to work in her field, she was turned down because she lacked experience. With great difficulty, she managed to get a job as a cleaner at a shopping mall.
It wasn’t the job Albina had dreamed of. But money was catastrophically short. She had to take on extra shifts at night. The children were often left alone—sometimes with neighbors, sometimes with friends, sometimes with her grandmother, who occasionally came to help. Albina was torn between work and home. And then she would collapse exhausted in the evenings.
— Mommy, why are you always at work? — little Lena asked. — I miss you so much.
— I’m sorry, sweetheart, — Albina sighed. — I need to earn money to buy us food and clothes.
— And what about Daddy? He earns a lot. Why doesn’t he help us?
Albina didn’t know what to say. Anton had seemingly vanished from their lives. He paid alimony irregularly and very little, and he didn’t answer phone calls.
Albina was barely keeping afloat when another misfortune struck. Her mother called to say that grandfather… Albina couldn’t believe it. How could it be? Grief overwhelmed her. The woman was hanging on by the skin of her teeth.
She needed to be a support for her mother. But Albina never expected the notary’s call. Apparently, grandfather had left a will. The woman was surprised—grandfather had nothing except an old house in the village. Yet the notary insisted on a meeting.
Albina barely managed to get time off from work and went to the office. There, she was in for a surprise. It turned out that grandfather had been quietly buying shares of various companies throughout his life. And now he had left his entire inheritance to his beloved granddaughter.
Albina couldn’t believe her ears. The sum seemed unreal—enough money for several years of comfortable living. She remembered how grandfather always said, “Save your pennies, granddaughter. They’ll come in handy someday.” Now those words had taken on a new meaning. Albina was finally able to quit her grueling job. She devoted more time to her children, and Dimka and Lenochka were happy.
Albina decided to use the money wisely.
She enrolled in professional development courses to return to her field. And part of the funds was invested in a small business. She opened a café in their neighborhood. Business took off. The café quickly became popular. Albina hired staff, though she often worked behind the counter herself.
Days went by. The café thrived, with more and more regular customers. The woman felt that she had finally gotten back on her feet. One day, she decided to cover for a sick waitress. She enjoyed working in the dining area sometimes—it allowed her to better feel the café’s atmosphere and chat with the patrons.
The bell above the entrance jingled. Albina instinctively turned to greet the new guests—and froze. At the doorway stood Anton. Next to him was a young, striking blonde. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t seen her ex-husband in over three years, and now he was in her café with a new partner. Regaining her composure, she approached the table the couple had chosen.
— Good afternoon. What would you like to order? — Albina said.
Anton looked up from the menu and stared at his ex-wife in surprise:
— Albina? Are you working here as a waitress? — His voice carried poorly concealed glee.
— Yes, I work here, — the woman replied calmly. — So, what will you have?
— Two cappuccinos and croissants, — Anton casually threw out. — Look at you, down on your luck. I thought you were still working as a cleaner. Although perhaps this is a step up, right? — he smirked.
The blonde giggled, clearly pleased with her companion’s joke. Albina restrained herself from saying anything. She was above that.
— Your order will be ready in a few minutes, — she said, heading to the counter.
While waiting for the order, she watched Anton out of the corner of her eye. He and his companion were laughing. At first, Albina felt uneasy, but then she even began to feel a sense of joy. How pathetic Anton was—and why hadn’t she noticed it sooner?
When Albina brought the order, Anton couldn’t resist commenting again:
— You’re doing pretty well. Maybe serving coffee really is your calling?
Albina said nothing. After a while, the bell jingled again. Two men in expensive suits entered the café.
— Albina! How are you? — one of them greeted her cheerfully. — So, shall we discuss our proposal? Are you free now?
Albina smiled:
— Well, as you can see, I’m working a bit on the side.
The second man laughed.
— You, as usual. In your situation, everyone is in offices, and here you are, out among the people.
Albina glanced at the stunned Anton.
— Enjoy your meal.
Anton sat there, mouth agape.
— So you’re the owner? — he finally managed to ask.
Albina smiled:
— Yes, this is my establishment. Enjoy. Excuse me, I have an important meeting. If you need anything, you can ask the waitress Lena. There, the one with dark hair.
And Albina walked into the office. She could feel her ex-husband’s amazed gaze on her back. She felt light at heart. It was clear that she had finally let go of the past. In the office, Albina discussed plans for expanding her chain with her partners.
When she came out, Anton and his companions were gone. Albina went to a table to clear away the dishes. On a napkin was hastily scribbled a phone number. She smirked and threw it into the trash.
Now that life was behind her. And she had a new one. One that was better than before.