The sparkling display case of the jewelry store overwhelmed with its beauty and variety of exquisite expensive items. It was impossible to tear one’s gaze away from such shining splendor. The seller took out the necklace from under the glass that the buyer was interested in and deliberately brought it to the source of artificial light so that the stones could play with all their facets, capable of their blinding brilliance and finally subduing the will of practically any person.
“You have excellent taste!” the trim young man with a badge attached to the pocket of his snow-white uniform shirt remarked obsequiously. “This is undoubtedly the pride of our store. Exclusive, if I may say so.
An original work from a famous jewelry house. Pay attention to the unusual cut of the diamonds and rubies.” “Are you picking out a gift?” he inquired of the buyer.
A man about forty in a good suit and with a watch of a famous brand on his wrist. From the threshold, the enterprising young seller assessed the potential of the stranger and decided for himself that selling an expensive item to him would not be difficult. “Yes,” the man replied, without taking his eyes off the jewelry, “I’m picking a gift for my beloved woman.
She has a birthday in two days.” “Oh, without a doubt! Your lady will appreciate such a generous gift!” the seller exclaimed. Moreover, the guy conspiratorially lowered his tone.
This acquisition will be a very profitable investment. The item will never drop in price, even on the contrary. Paul involuntarily admired the incredible shine of the stones on the elegant setting.
How Angela will rejoice at such a gift for her twenty-fifth birthday! Before his eyes, a picture immediately appeared of how his young beloved would react, rejoicing like a child, squealing enthusiastically and clapping her hands. Such spontaneity of the young girl always touched the man and inspired him to subsequent crazy acts. He liked to surprise his passion, unaccustomed to luxurious life.
But the price… the price bit hard. Such a huge amount noticeably hit the pocket even of such a successful entrepreneur as he. A rational thought flashed in his head.
Maybe look at a cheaper decoration? Anyway, Angela, due to her age, doesn’t understand much about jewelry. She pounces on every shiny thing. Whether diamonds or rhinestones, it’s all the same.
As long as her girlfriends envy her. The experienced seller, like a scanner, instantly read the shadow of doubt in the eyes of the respectable buyer and decided to go all in, not wanting to miss a profitable deal. Of course, it’s a bit expensive, really expensive, he lamented, returning the exclusive necklace to its place.
Not everyone can afford it. The guy casually waved his hand somewhere to the side and said. Here, pay attention, we have more modest jewelry here.
Quite affordable options with cubic zirconia from a local jewelry factory. They sell very well with us. Just today we sold two such ones.
The seller’s tricks did not go in vain; his words hit right on target. The businessman’s pride was hurt. He was not going to tolerate such disregard for his important person.
“Why did you decide that I can’t afford such a purchase?” the man barked. “No, I’m taking this very necklace with diamonds and rubies. Process it quickly, I’m in a hurry.”
The sly seller hid a smile of satisfaction under his nose and hurried to the cash register. A decent bonus awaited him for this successful sale. With a confident step, Paul headed to his office through the park, which was very close if you cut straight through.
Joyful emotions bubbled in his soul in anticipation of the reaction of his beloved woman to such a valuable gift. At that moment, the man seemed to himself even more majestic and significant than usual. And for Angela, even more so.
From now on, he is king and god. But as soon as he stepped onto the main alley, he immediately stopped and quietly cursed in annoyance. Forgot.
Completely forgot. Bought a gift for Angela, but not for his wife. Completely forgot that their birthdays are very close.
He uncertainly looked back and thought with irritation. No, returning to the jewelry store is not an option. Paul left the store with such pomp that if he comes again, and this time for a cheap gift, he will look at least stupid.
And in general, his wife Kate is not accustomed to jewelry. She doesn’t even wear costume jewelry, only a cross on her neck. From the time when Paul was just starting to develop his business, she retained the habit of saving on herself.
In all 15 years together, she never asked for a fur coat or a car. In winter, she runs in a down jacket and insists that getting around by public transport is much faster. Only one weakness is inherent in Catherine.
She loves all sorts of antique things. From the flea market, she often brings some incomprehensible porcelain figurines or table silver. Her husband is not at all against such a harmless hobby that does not require significant financial investments.
As they say, whatever amuses the child. This is the only outlet for his wife, besides work. The house is managed by Paul’s mother, jealously guarding the ideal order and not allowing any changes to the interior.
And they haven’t had children in one and a half decades. Paul didn’t particularly suffer from this, but after meeting Angela, he suddenly wondered if he needed Catherine at all. Between them, there are no longer those passionate relationships that were at the beginning, when love made his head spin and every minute he wanted to do some heroic stupidity.
They are still together, rather out of habit. But Angela. With her, he felt young again…
Again the same dizziness, the same butterflies in the stomach. Moreover, secret meetings stirred the blood and sharpened the senses, turning the forbidden fruit into an even more desirable one. What if this is fate? A chance to start life anew? Now thoughts of divorce came to mind more and more often.
Moreover, if separation is not far off, why give his wife something valuable? With these thoughts, he moved forward along the shady alley and suddenly noticed an elderly woman with a huge colorful shawl thrown over her shoulders with a small folding table on which she laid out various trinkets, talismans, amulets, charms. A handwritten inscription on a cardboard brought clarity to the question of the type of activity. “Fortune telling, predicting,” read the unpretentious sign.
Clear. The man immediately determined the conclusion. Another scammer.
But the things looked quite interesting, quite to his wife’s taste. Attention was drawn to a small handmade box. A little worn, but retaining its former elegance.
Paul took it in his hands and twisted it to get a better look. Yes, skillful work. Surely this thing stood in the past on the table of some rich lady.
The old woman immediately perked up. “This is a lucky box. It brings luck,” she assured in a stealthy tone.
Paul snorted to himself. Such phrases won’t impress him. He knows all these advertising subtleties.
He deals with marketing himself. “How much does it cost?” he inquired businesslike and briefly. The old woman gave him a piercing look and asked in a serious tone.
“So, you want to buy it for your wife?” “Yes, she loves all sorts of antiques. I hope this trinket doesn’t cost much?” Unexpectedly, the fortune teller leaned forward and touched his hand. “What are you doing?” he jerked his palm away, as if stung, indignant at such an unceremonious gesture from an unfamiliar woman.
And she suddenly instantly darkened, hiding a gloomy gaze and declared. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you the box for a purely symbolic price. You can even determine the amount yourself, give as much as you don’t mind.”
“Why such generosity?” sarcasm slipped in Paul’s voice. “I want to give your wife a birthday present,” the woman replied imperturbably. “From where?” “How do you know about the birthday?” he stared at the old woman in amazement and suddenly laughed merrily.
“Ah, I see. Well done, granny, guessed it. The law of probability theory works.”
The woman smiled crookedly and took the box from Paul’s hands. “Now I’ll just wipe it a bit, it’s covered in dust for the whole day.” “Well, go ahead, wipe it,” Paul graciously allowed and stepped aside to light a cigarette.
Everything was turning out surprisingly well. In a couple of minutes, the purchase was prepared and even packed in a small bag. Paul decided not to stand on ceremony and took advantage of the fortune teller’s generous offer.
“Here, take it. I think this nonsense is worth exactly that much,” he said, squinting and shoved into the woman’s hand the smallest bill, which would barely be enough for a bus ride. She looked at him strangely and shook her head, but didn’t argue.
“Well, all right, I don’t go back on my words. Let it bring your wife what she deserves. And to you too”…
Catherine entered the bedroom, plopped down in the armchair without undressing, and stretched out her legs, which were unbearably buzzing. Lord, what bliss to just sit like this and not hurry anywhere! She even closed her eyes with pleasure. Today was an unusually restless hectic day, she had to run around a lot.
One of her colleagues suddenly got sick, and no replacement was found. She didn’t even have lunch properly. She just swallowed a small sandwich on the go and washed it down with tea.
That was the entire lunch break. But despite such vicissitudes, Catherine would never trade her profession for anything. For more than ten years, she has worked as a pharmacist in a pharmacy, and she dreamed about it since childhood.
In the period when her peers-boys built rockets from cardboard boxes, pretending to be astronauts, and girls sewed outfits for dolls, little Katie prepared magical medicines and potions from sand, flowers, dandelions, and other secret ingredients, from which her plush bears and bunnies instantly recovered from any diseases, and her cherished dream was that no one would ever get sick. Then she lived with her grandmother in a small town. She never knew her father, and her mother appeared only occasionally, a couple of times a year.
She lived somewhere in the city, left there to seek happiness. Grandmother awarded her flighty daughter the epithet “negligent” and tried to fully compensate her granddaughter for the lacking love and attention. Kate always remembered Annie Anderson with warmth in her soul, her warm gentle hands, the affectionate gaze of blue eyes framed by wrinkles and rays.
She adopted all the best from her grandmother – kindness, non-conflict, compassion. After her death, Kate left for the city and entered college. Her mother did not express a desire to participate in her daughter’s fate; by that time, she already had another family, and the first trial child turned out to be unnecessary.
Despite this, Kate was not offended, she even pitied the woman rushing in search of happiness. She was not accustomed to holding evil in her heart. Grandmother often said, judging is not our business.
They’ll figure it out there later. Everyone will get what they deserve. Going down to the kitchen to grab something didn’t appeal.
There, her mother-in-law would surely catch her. Susan Thompson had already managed upon Catherine’s return from work to lecture her on what a worthlessdaughter-in-law she was. No, despite the wild hunger, she better wait for Paul, and then at dinner, let the mother-in-law continue to grumble.
If he, of course, returns not late. Lately, her husband is increasingly delayed. And these business trips… Something has changed in their life.
And they themselves have changed. Tomorrow Kate turns 36. Thoughts came more and more often.
Is she living right? For what? What is the meaning? In work? Or in the house, where she can’t even move a vase to another place without a fit of hysteria from Susan Thompson? A child? Yes, she wanted him so much. She couldn’t give birth to a child. Relations with her husband have cooled somewhat.
Maybe because of this? Because she is barren, as the mother-in-law puts it? It turns out she just lives like that, aimlessly moving to work and from work. A hot tear slowly slid down her cheek. Outside, the creak of opening gates was heard, and her husband’s car slowly drove into the yard.
Her heart joyfully skipped a beat. Forgetting about fatigue, Kate jumped up and ran to the bathroom. Her husband returned even earlier than usual…
She can’t let him see her in such a tearful state. Over many years of family life, she trained herself to meet him in a good mood and with an unchanging smile on her lips. Why burden him with her inner experiences? It’s already not easy for him to carry such a burden, to provide for the family.
But tomorrow is their legitimate day. Every year on her birthday, they left the house until late evening, walked in the park, went to the movies, and then sat in some quiet and cozy cafe. They were always good together.
In all fifteen years, her husband missed her birthday only once, when he ended up in the hospital with an appendicitis attack. Kate was terribly worried about his health then, even spent the night in the hospital. But as soon as he recovered, Paul still arranged the traditional celebration for her, albeit with a delay of exactly a month.
Yes, that was a long time ago. Then in his eyes, the spark of admiration still burned. Now he gets tired more and more, pays her less and less attention.
The mother-in-law glanced discontentedly at the cheerful daughter-in-law who skipped past her to the exit. “Always smiling like an idiot,” she muttered under her breath, “as if there are no problems.” The woman still couldn’t forgive Kate that she couldn’t give her grandchildren and reproached her at every opportunity.
Paul was in an unusually upbeat mood, from the threshold joyfully hugged his wife and solemnly handed her a mysterious package. “Katie, my joy! Happy upcoming to you!” he couldn’t resist, decided to give you the gift today. Kate’s eyes lit up with happiness.
Lord, yes, this is exactly that Paul she married. Apparently, she worried in vain. It was just a difficult period.
Now it’s behind, and everything will fall into place. The man handed her some unpretentious bag in his hand. Looking inside, the young woman froze in amazement.
“Paulie, what beauty!” she exclaimed with admiration. “Where did you get such a delight?” The husband put his hands on his hips and importantly pronounced. Had to strain, searched long among all sorts of tastelessness.
“I wanted to please you,” he grunted, pleased with the effect produced on his wife. The man clearly felt on top today, like the master of the pride. Maybe it’s not worth divorcing? His wife has such a compliant and unpretentious character.
She is the complete opposite of the bright and explosive Angela, and that’s her charm. Moreover, they have gone hand in hand such a long and thorny path. Let everything remain as it is, and then we’ll see.
With reverence and breath, the young woman took out the curious thing from the packaging and began to admiringly examine it from all sides. “Maybe feed your husband first?” Paul thundered in a joking tone and slyly winked. “Yes, that’s the same Paulie.
“Yes-yes, of course,” the wife caught herself. “Sorry, got too carried away. The thing is extraordinarily attractive, impossible to let go from hands.”
At dinner, Kate was in a great mood, even the mother-in-law’s grumbling didn’t irritate. She complained all the time that she has to drag the whole house on herself, and no one appreciates it. True, several times a week a housekeeper came to them, the silent Valerie.
She tirelessly scrubbed windows, tiles, and floors, but officially it was still considered that Susan Thompson does all the housework. Once again, Kate offered her help and once again received a refusal in a sharp form. After dinner, with the phone to his ear and a cup of tea in hand, the husband, as usual, retired to the terrace.
Even in the evening, he didn’t let go of the reins of the company. Continued work calls. Supplies and sales – all this was not too interesting to Kate, so she quickly washed the dishes and rushed to her second floor.
The new gift beckoned so much. Couldn’t wait to take it in hands again and admire the skillful beauty of antiquity. She always loved such curiosities.
It’s even unclear where she got such a passion from. Perhaps it’s all because of Annie Anderson with her porcelain elephants, wall plates, and a few more trinkets inherited from her mother. Grandmother treated them very carefully and endowed her granddaughter with the ability to see special aesthetics in them.
All these things from the past are so unlike modern stamped Chinese consumer goods. Each has its own history, its own soul. Sometimes Kate imagined masters and craftsmen for any from her collection, inspiredly sculpting and bringing to life their artistic fantasies, and also their previous owners…
It was incredibly curious how and under what circumstances they came to her, through so many hands, silent witnesses to what dramatic events. Some, perhaps, were lost or stolen, others exchanged for a crust of bread during the war. Each item was connected to a whole story, someone’s fate.
Slowly, with pleasure, she ran her fingers over the lid, feeling all the bulges of the elegant patterns and monograms. Interesting, what was stored in it before? But opening it, Kate was stunned in surprise. Inside, completely unexpectedly, was a simple scrap of paper, written with a quite modern ballpoint pen.
The note’s text was brief; it read “Your husband is a deceiver, he is cheating on you.” For some time, the woman stunnedly reread this short but capacious text again and again, trying to understand if this message was intended for her. Blood boiled, rushed to the head, and hundreds of questions pounded in the temples.
Who wrote the note? How did it get here? What if it’s true? After all, lately she herself felt a clear cooling from Paul. Both in communication and in bed, and he no longer hurries home. All signs are there.
She deliberately drove away unpleasant thoughts, finding newer and newer excuses for her husband’s behavior. And now such a sign. Her heart pounded wildly, but Kate tried to pull herself together, calling on rational thinking for help.
What if it’s a provocation? Or the note remained from the previous owner of the box? And some other woman should worry about her family, but Kate has already imagined things for herself. Quite logical excuses climbed into her head; business is a heavy burden. And in our time, when competition grows exponentially, it requires constant attention and full dedication.
And years take their toll; after all, her husband is six years older than her. Fatigue has accumulated besides everything. No, one cannot make such hasty conclusions and slander a close person.
She is not some hysteric. Need to figure everything out properly. Postponing such an important question for later would be stupid…
Heading straight to the terrace, Catherine noticed how Paul was whispering something quietly into the phone, but the words couldn’t be made out. Spotting his wife, he quickly muttered. All, bye.
And immediately ended the conversation. Another suspicious bell. “Darling, where did you buy this box?” she asked, so as not to act head-on, but to start from afar.
The man smiled benevolently. “An antique store opened near our office. Not cheap, of course, but for my beloved wife, I spare nothing.”
His voice raised no shadow of doubt in the truthfulness of the answer. “Did you look inside?” the wife asked, not taking her eyes off him. Suspecting something wrong, the man fidgeted nervously.
“No, honestly. What happened, Katie? What questions?” Kate silently handed Paul the found note, carefully watching his reaction. “What is this?” he asked in bewilderment, but the next moment turned purple and cast a menacing glance at his wife.
“What do you think? Do you think it’s written about me?” “I don’t know what to think,” the wife replied quietly, and that was the pure truth. “What nonsense!” the husband was indignant. “And what, they slipped it to me right in the store? A well-wisher? Or the seller who gets a percentage from each sale?” he showered questions.
“Kate, think yourself, where is the logic?” The logic was clearly on Paul’s side, so the wife was silent for a bit and, sighing deeply, agreed with his arguments. She even had to apologize for the unfounded suspicions to her husband, who pouted his lips. But thoughts about the mysterious anonymous note didn’t leave her head and long didn’t let her sleep that evening.
The morning turned out sunny. As soon as the life-affirming golden rays through the narrow slit of the curtains made their way into the room, despite the restlessly spent night, the birthday girl briskly jumped up and rushed to the bathroom to tidy herself up. Today she wanted to look especially good.
True, the reflection in the mirror no longer pleased her as before. The skin is no longer as firm as in youth, an emerging wrinkle between the eyebrows. Yes, 36 is no longer 20.
And although the figure remained the same, slender girlish, the eyes… The eyes were different. From two bright blue shining lakes remained two faded swamps, hiding hidden feelings in their murky waters. The look changed, and with it the whole image faded by itself.
Not a trace remained of the cheerful laughing optimist. And yet once three admirers fought for her hand. Why she chose Paul, she still didn’t fully understand.
Most likely, it was in him that she saw reliability and stability, that very proverbial stone wall. And behind the door, the dissatisfied voice of her husband was heard. “Katie, how much longer? I need to get ready for work.”
The woman came out of the bathroom and asked in surprise. “To work? I thought you’d stay with me today. We’ll walk together, like before.
Sit in a cafe.” “Sorry, dear, I lied at work. Things are piling up.
No time for walks now,” the husband kissed her on the go. “I’ll come in the evening, we’ll sit in the kitchen. Together.”
A sigh of disappointment escaped from the chest of the forlorn birthday girl. “How? In this house, being alone together only happens in the bedroom. And even then not always.”
Kate still remembers how after the wedding, Susan Thompson constantly had some need for her son’s help. As soon as the young tried to retire, it was urgently necessary to move the sofa, or find the missing glasses; only the father-in-law had some influence on her. Seeing all the tricks of the jealous mother, he constantly pulled the woman back to put her in place.
Yes, Victor Miller was that man. Calm, kind, tactful. It was he who laid the foundation of the family business, which then passed after his death to the only son.
It’s a pity he didn’t live long. Literally two years after Paul and Catherine’s wedding, he died suddenly. The father-in-law always had the warmest and friendliest relations with the daughter-in-law.
Eh, he often said, Paul doesn’t even fully realize what treasure he got. For a man, the most important is a strong and reliable rear, a second half that will always support. I’m very glad that he has you, Katie…
It’s a pity that the best people leave first. Having hastily breakfasted, the husband drove off to the office, and the upset birthday girl remained with her mother-in-law. An idea suddenly came to mind to bake a cake for the evening celebration.
A simple one, for example, Napoleon or honey cake. Of course, you can go to the pastry shop, but homemade baking is always tastier and better. If you start right now, it will just have time to soak by dinner…
Ignited by this idea, Kate began to rush around the kitchen, taking out the necessary products from the refrigerator and cabinet. The mother-in-law watched her daughter-in-law suspiciously for some time, and then inquired in a dissatisfied tone. “What have you come up with, Catherine?” “I’ll bake a cake,” she chirped cheerfully, unpacking the mixer.
“What cake?” the mother-in-law was indignant. “I specially went to the market yesterday, bought berries, was going to make jam. I have work here for the whole day, you’ll interfere with me.”
“Let’s make it tomorrow,” the daughter-in-law suggested confusedly. “I have a day off tomorrow too, I’ll help you. Or maybe we’ll manage today after lunch.”
“I don’t need such helpers.” “Catherine, don’t occupy the kitchen,” I said. The mother-in-law remained adamant.
“I have my own plans, you should have thought earlier.” “Susan, please,” Kate begged. “It’s my birthday today, and in the evening we’ll all have tea together.”
But she only snorted. “Big deal, birthday, not an anniversary.” It was offensive to tears, but arguing with this woman is useless.
In all the years of acquaintance, she never made concessions to her daughter-in-law. No matter how Kate tried, she never became native to her husband’s mother. No, Kate can’t stay here anymore; after all, today is her day.
Having changed clothes and grabbed her bag, she jumped out the door and headed to the bus stop. Better to spend the day alone than listen to muttering and undeserved accusations. On the bus, a new idea suddenly came to her – to visit that very shop where Paul picked such a successful gift for her yesterday.
Maybe she’ll find out something about the note. Paul said it’s somewhere near the office. But having walked around the entire block twice, Kate didn’t find a single antique shop.
Upset and puzzled, she wandered down the street, peering at store signs. Her feet carried her along the park alley to a bench located in the shade of a huge linden tree, where she could sit and think about further actions. A thin elderly woman at a small table laden with various trinkets carefully peered at Catherine slowly approaching her and, as soon as she drew level with her, asked.
“Aren’t you looking for me by any chance?” The young woman glanced distrustfully at the sign offering fortune-telling services. Shook her head negatively and rushed forward, fearing that the intrusive deceiver would start pursuing her, continuing to impose herself. She didn’t trust all these charlatans with crystal balls and Tarot cards.
But the next phrase from the fortune teller affected her like a lightning strike. “It was I who wrote you the note.” It sounded from behind.
It was unexpected. Kate stopped abruptly and glanced distrustfully at the woman. “Yes, it was from me that your husband bought the box yesterday,” she confirmed and took out a crumpled bill from her pocket.
Here, that’s how much he valued the gift for his beloved wife. “How?” But he said… Kate fell silent and bit her lip. Lied, means lied.
There was no store. Even lied about the price. Why? Kate never measured attention by money.
“He has a mistress,” the elderly woman continued. “I see these things right away. He didn’t skimp on a gift for her.
Bought a very expensive necklace in a jewelry store. But haggled with me.” Surprisingly, the brain didn’t react to this remark at all.
Not a single nerve cell trembled. Only suddenly a feeling of huge gaping emptiness rolled over, formed in the soul. The stranger simply voiced what Kate had long guessed but was afraid to admit to herself.
“And who is she?” escaped from the lips of the deceived wife. She just shrugged. “I won’t say the name, I don’t know.
I only see that she’s very young and long blonde hair.” “You’re a fortune teller. I thought you know everything.”
disappointedly drawled the young woman. The old woman smirked. “Everyone is different.
I only see pictures, past, future. All fleeting, very fast. Only I have to decipher them myself.
And errors happen.” Suddenly she frowned. And I never told fortunes for money.
It’s only recently that life forced me to come out here, sell my things, make enchanted talismans and tell fortunes to everyone. I’ve sunk to portraying some gypsy. And yet in the past, I was a cultural worker.
This elderly woman with a calm expression and unhurried speech inspired trust. Kate came closer. “What happened to you?” Zelda Irving, that’s what the fortune teller was called, worked her whole life in a library.
Buried her husband in her youth. Didn’t acquire special material values. Only one outlet remained in life – her daughter.
And four years ago, a grandson appeared. But happiness didn’t last long. Half a year ago, her daughter and husband died.
A truck driver who fell asleep at high speed crashed into the bus stop where they were waiting for the bus. Unbearable grief fell on the shoulders of the unfortunate woman with its deadly weight. Only responsibility for the only remaining relative, grandson Nicky, whom she took to raise, didn’t allow her to slide into the abyss of depression…
But trouble doesn’t come alone, as if testing a person’s strength. Quite recently, the boy was diagnosed with a serious illness. Expensive treatment and surgery are required, which can be guaranteed only abroad…
So in old age, she had to acquire a new extraordinary profession, using her unusual abilities for earnings. Only one hope. It turned out that the necessary medicine is a great rarity.
It can be obtained with great difficulty. And it takes so long to collect for the surgery that Zelda Irving began to fear she won’t make it. Doctors’ forecasts didn’t please.
“I work in a pharmacy,” Catherine immediately responded. “Write the name of the drug, I’ll try to find it.” Kate spent her entire birthday until evening with Zelda Irving and didn’t regret it at all.
She turned out to be a pleasant interlocutor and shone with intellect, apparently thanks to her professional past. And she somehow reminded her of her late grandmother, either by manner of speech or by some native warmth in sad eyes. It turned out that the box was presented to her by some grateful client for accurate predictions.
“Let it be with you,” she said. “When I gave it to your husband, I put all my abilities into the wish. And my wishes often come true.
I just can’t influence my own fate.” In turn, Kate told little about herself. It wasn’t required before.
“I see, I see, dear,” said the clairvoyant. “You have no children. That’s your main sorrow.”
Kate terribly didn’t want to turn to the new boss. He headed the pharmacy chain only a year ago, but for several months he didn’t give her passage. Various hints – either give a ride home or go to the movies.
But nothing to do, only he can help in such a matter. Leonard Kane curiously stared at his subordinate with his oily eyes. “Came herself.
Maybe ripened?” “I have a big request for you,” she said somewhat depressed. “I’m listening, Katie,” Kane replied in an affectionate voice. “Come on, bolder.”
He singled out this employee from the team in every way. Somehow she immediately sank into his soul, at first glance. Seduced and attracted, without knowing it herself.
And now. She was saying something, and he couldn’t tear his gaze from her cute plump lips. “Here, the name of the drug.
Very needed for one child.” She came closer to show the name on the note. “Can it be obtained?” Now the subtle enchanting aroma of her perfume reached him.
What incredible pleasure to be near her. No, need to immediately pull himself together, otherwise he won’t vouch for himself. The man made an effort to shake off the obsession.
Glanced at the paper and immediately declared. “So, I’ll say right away, unlikely to have such in our country.” And noticing the shadow of disappointment in the enchantress’s gaze, he hurried to add.
“But I can order from abroad.” This phrase inspired the young woman, and now she didn’t take her pleading eyes off the boss. “Leonard, I beg you very much, order please.
The child’s life depends on this medicine.” “Trouble, of course, plenty,” grumbled Kane. “Have to call, negotiate.”
The man deliberately sighed heavily, trying in every way to raise his price and make the petitioner feel indebted. The calculations paid off. Kate chattered in inspiration.
“If anything is required from me, I’m ready to help. You can count on me in everything. Maybe go on substitution or something else.”
Looking intently into her eyes, Leonard meaningfully pronounced. “Katie, I, in turn, expect favor from you, but of a slightly different nature.” “What do you mean?” asked the subordinate, although by his sly look everything was clear anyway.
The man didn’t hide his lust and didn’t abandon hopes of achieving reciprocity from her. The next phrase only confirmed the guess. “Let’s discuss it in an informal setting.
I invite you to dinner at a restaurant. There’s a charming and cozy place nearby. Called Golden Vine.
They serve the freshest seafood and excellent French wine.” Kate looked away, blushed thickly, and involuntarily clenched her fists. “I can’t today.”
Her voice broke from excitement and indignation. “And when can you?” the boss didn’t let up. “I don’t know.
I have a lot of things,” she almost whispered. An unkind spark lit in the boss’s eyes. “I’m afraid I won’t have time either to deal with searching for the drug.”
He parried harshly. From that day, things at her beloved work went awry. The vindictive boss Kane apparently decided to push the obstinate one and began to create unbearable conditions for her existence.
He set the heaviest shifts, fined for any reason. Kate held on with her last strength but wasn’t going to give up. The situation at home was not much better.
Dissatisfied mother-in-law and unfaithful husband, with whom she still didn’t dare to talk frankly. And what can she present to him? Clairvoyant testimony? The noose around her neck gradually tightened, squeezing her throat tighter and tighter, making life more and more unbearable. Only communication with Zelda Irving helped not to go crazy.
And also acquaintance with Nicky. The small, big-eyed boy immediately sank into her soul. He reciprocated, didn’t step away from her, sincerely looking into her eyes.
“Kate, will you come again?” he asked in a touching voice every time at parting, and her heart froze. How she wanted to help this little one? But what can she do? Didn’t work out with the medicine, no own money, and after possible divorce, she’ll get practically nothing. The woman was angry at herself for her own helplessness.
Once the boss couldn’t stand it, deciding that he had brought Catherine to the right condition, and decided to immediately force the event. In the back room, he cornered the object of his desire, began to hug hotly and press to himself. In response, he immediately received a resounding slap, painfully striking his pride.
That was the last straw. Coming to the next shift, Kate immediately understood something was wrong. Colleagues looked scared and wary…
From the threshold, they reported that the director is waiting for her in his office. Besides Leonard Kane, there were two policemen there. A balding fat man and a tall brunette with a gloomy face.
“Here she is, Catherine Johnson,” the boss pointed at her. The burly policeman, languishing from the heat and constantly wiping sweat from his forehead and neck with a handkerchief, pointed to a chair and pronounced in an indifferent tone memorized phrases. “Sit down, Catherine.
We received a statement. You are accused of stealing expensive prescription drugs.” “What? Theft?” the pharmacist was indignant.
“I’ve worked here more than ten years.” “Here,” the fat man nodded at the open laptop. “Video from the surveillance camera attached.
It’s clearly visible how you enter the back room and carry out packages with medicine from there.” Realizing what it was about, Kate exhaled with relief. “Yes, everything is correct.
But Leonard himself instructed me to bring him these packages.” She turned to the boss with a request to confirm her testimony. But he only waved his hand frightenedly.
“God with you, Catherine. I haven’t seen these medicines and didn’t give you any instruction.” The man’s answer sounded like thunder from a clear sky.
She didn’t expect such treachery from him. The woman clearly remembered this innocent request from the boss at the end of the last shift, but she couldn’t even assume what it would turn into. A bitter prickly lump rolled up to her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes.
“But you… you…” The only thing Kate could squeeze out in a trembling voice. The second policeman silently watched the pharmacist from the side under his brow. Snatching her mobile phone from her pocket with a shaking hand, she dialed her husband’s number.
“Paul, I need your help!” Her voice broke. “I have big troubles at work.” “What happened?” the husband inquired.
“They want to open a criminal case against me for theft. I need your help. Come quickly.”
The male voice on the other end paused for a few seconds. Then Paul cautiously said. “I can’t now.
Very busy. Can it wait?” “What wait, Paul? Please! Police are here!” the wife almost cried.
The husband hesitated some more time, exhaled noisily, and then confessed. “I… I’m not in the city now. Sorry, forgot to warn you.
I won’t be for a few more days. Urgent business trip.” Kate went numb in amazement.
Her husband never had such urgent trips before. In memory flashed the travel bag standing at the exit this morning, and her husband’s passport on the table. Turns out he’s somewhere having fun with his passion and can’t drop everything when his wife needs help so much.
Turns out he already made his choice. The emptiness in her soul expanded to incredible sizes, devouring all feelings and emotions. This was a big fat period in their relationship.
Indifferently leaning back in the chair, the woman stared into space before her and detached from everything happening. Whatever will be, she doesn’t care anymore. The dark-haired policeman, who had been watching her intently all this time, suddenly approached and asked.
“Catherine, why did you take these medicines? If you honestly confess right now, I’ll help you. Nothing will happen to you for it, I promise.” She raised her tear-filled eyes to him and firmly answered.
“I didn’t take anything. Leonard is just taking revenge on me.” Their gazes met and seemed to pierce each other to the depths of the soul.
Sincere, full of kindness, blue eyes of the unhappy young woman and generous gray eyes of the lonely fighter for justice. It seemed they now knew everything about each other. “Wade, there’s no corpus delicti here,” he declared.
“We’re writing a refusal to initiate a case.” “Alex, what are you?” the fat partner was surprised. “Everything is clear here.”
Alexander stubbornly insisted on his own, standing at the door. “No evidence at all. His word against hers.
That’s it, let’s go.” The policemen silently collected the documents from the table and left the office, ignoring Leonard Kane’s protests and threats. The boss turned his face distorted by anger and hissed.
“Don’t rejoice. You’re fired anyway.” She stood up and resolutely moved to the exit.
“I wasn’t going to stay here anymore after such meanness on your part.” She threw on the go. The boss got even angrier and shouted in anger after her.
“I’ll arrange such for you! Destroy your reputation to dust! In this city, no one will hire you in your specialty.” Near the building entrance, her savior was waiting for Kate. Now his face no longer seemed stern.
Rather, good-natured. “Let me give you a ride,” he offered. “My name is Alexander.”..
He extended his wide strong palm to Kate. Only now she understood – it was exactly such a strong hand to lean on that she lacked lately. The woman looked at Alexander with gratitude.
She sat in the passenger seat of the old foreign car and managed to notice how the boss’s malicious face flashed in the office window. “Where to?” inquired the driver. The decision was made instantly.
“Not far from here, to the courthouse. I want to file for divorce.” Paul had already gone through all the papers in the home safe twice, but didn’t find the marriage certificate.
But it must be somewhere. Maybe they can do without it in the divorce process, but he’ll feel calmer if it’s found. The man furiously began to pull out all the drawers of his father’s desk.
The bottom one was stuffed with some notebooks and sheets, written in illegible handwriting. After his father’s death, Paul once tried to sort out the notes, but then lacked time, desire, and emotional strength, since the loss of a loved one was still fresh. This mission was postponed for a later date, and then successfully forgotten in the flow of daily cares.
The office was opened extremely rarely, and all company affairs were handled directly in the office. “Maybe the certificate accidentally got into this drawer?” thought the man and finally undertook for the first time in many years to meticulously lay out all the contents on the table. The sought document wasn’t found, but at the very bottom was some unknown folder.
In it lay a couple hundred shares for each family member. Carefully reading the company name, the man was stunned. It was a famous corporation whose shares soared in the last decade.
Apparently, the wise father acquired these shares when they were worth nothing, foreseeing the enterprise’s prospects. Paul’s heart pounded, trying to jump out of his chest. With fingers trembling from excitement, he tapped on the computer keyboard, trying to find the most important information at the moment…
The internet didn’t fail and quickly issued the share price for today. Paul bit his lip and even grabbed his head, quickly calculating the total amount. It was a whole fortune.
Well, thanks, dad, that’s an inheritance. But examining the documents again carefully, Paul realized that not everything looks as rosy as it seemed at first glance. Exactly a third of the precious shares was registered to Kate.
The father always sympathized with the daughter-in-law and immediately accepted her into the family as his own. But in light of recent events, his favor turned into a real catastrophe. Really have to give up such a huge jackpot? Eh, if only he could dispose of all the papers.
With such money, he can no longer worry about the future. Paul just had a grand idea for expanding his own business. And exactly such a sum was needed.
And the upcoming wedding with Angela and honeymoon on tropical islands costs a pretty penny. No, he definitely needs the ex-wife’s share. Need to buy them from Catherine for a pittance while not too late.
She doesn’t understand this anyway. His hand reached for the phone to dial the familiar number. I need to talk to you, Kate.
Catherine has been living with Zelda Irving in her old tiny apartment on the city outskirts for almost a month. On the day the young woman filed for divorce, she resolutely packed her things and left Paul without waiting for his return from the alleged business trip. It was the clairvoyant who suggested she live with them and Nicky.
The boy was delighted with such a decision. Now he doesn’t have to part with his beloved Kate and listen to her reading fairy tales until late evening. Seeing in what shack his wife lives, who didn’t even insist on property division, Paul felt a bit uneasy.
But only for a moment. The man quickly managed to suppress pangs of conscience. After all, she wanted it herself.
No one drove her away. Would live as before, but no, had to buck. Katie in an unusually affectionate voice he began.
I was sorting papers here and remembered there are a small number of shares registered to you. Father bought them recently. These papers are worth pennies, of course, but I need them for work.
Can you yield them to me? For money, of course. Pay immediately. The woman shrugged.
Why not? Any means will come in handy now, especially if the husband offers himself. She took a pen to sign the document that the man obligingly placed before her. “Don’t sell,” a menacing voice sounded behind.
It was Zelda Irving. Sternly furrowing her brows, she looked at the guest from under her forehead. “Don’t sell,” she repeated…
Your husband wants to deceive you again. He’s hiding something, I see it. “What nonsense,” Paul was indignant.
This old woman has gone completely crazy. Sign here and here,” he pointed to places at the end of the sheet. But Kate frowned and resolutely pushed the documents away from herself.
“No, Paul, I won’t sign. Zelda Irving rarely errs. First I’ll check everything, then we’ll see.”
“Who are you listening to,” the husband was indignant. Smiling bitterly, the woman asked. “And who should I listen to? No more trust in you.”
There was nothing to object. Gnashing his teeth and casting an angry glance towards the elderly woman, the man had to leave empty-handed. Zelda Irving was right, intervening in time and thwarting the unfavorable deal.
After selling the shares, Kate received a substantial sum. It turned out the money was enough exactly for Nicky’s surgery and rehabilitation period. It didn’t even occur to Catherine to keep all the money for herself.
The first thought was about the sick boy. She couldn’t do otherwise. Without ceasing to thank the late father-in-law Victor Miller in her soul for such a generous gift, the woman paid for the surgery in one of the best foreign clinics, travel and accommodation for Zelda Irving.
The elderly woman cried and laughed at the same time, hugging Kate. “My dear! You’re now our own!” she repeated, looking into her face. “Live with us! Nicky loves you so much!” “Thank you, Zelda Irving!” she replied, smiling.
“I love Nicky very much too and will come almost every day after your return. Only Alex and I decided to live together. I’m moving to him.”
“He’s a good guy, you’ll be happy with him,” replied the clairvoyant. Kate was indeed happy. She had never felt so much love and care from a man.
She was worried that she remained unemployed, but the woman didn’t despair. Something will come up, she calmed herself. “They can’t keep me on the blacklist forever.
In the end, I can find a job not in my specialty. Good that Alex works. We’ll stay afloat for now.”
But rainbow dreams of a happy future shattered against the merciless reality of circumstances. Leonard Kane turned out vindictive and couldn’t calm down, knowing the desired woman preferred another to him. It was more than just humiliation, and inside matured a desire to take revenge.
Once Alex returned from work earlier than usual, sat on the sofa and tiredly closed his eyelids. “I quit.” “What happened?” Kate asked concernedly.
“You love your job so much.” “That Kane from the pharmacy tried. Still can’t calm down…
Turned out my boss is his old friend. Apparently had some serious debt. Called me and said bluntly – either write voluntary resignation, or they’ll find how to fire under article.
No choice.” He gently hugged Kate, burying in the shock of her silky hair, and quietly said. “Forgive me, Katie.
I’ll definitely think of something and won’t let anyone offend you.” Money was running out. Alex couldn’t find a job yet.
There was a suspicion that after dismissal he got an unofficial black mark, since all employers, even from security agencies, shied away upon learning his last name. Seeing off her beloved to another interview, Kate, sighing heavily, began to sort her collection and set aside several most valuable things in her opinion. Tomorrow she’ll go to the antique store where Alex’s good acquaintance works, and try to sell them to hold on a little longer…
And on the way back, stop by the mini-market. Yesterday she saw a job ad there. In their position, can’t be picky.
Will go work as a simple cashier. The appraiser, an elderly balding man in glasses with thick lenses, skeptically grimaced, glancing at Kate’s valuables. “Afraid no one is interested.
So, can get two cups of coffee for them.” But spotting the antique box, he perked up and immediately grabbed it with both hands. His eyes lit up and through the glass of glasses seemed almost round.
“Katie, but this is a very interesting thing!” he exclaimed and, holding his breath, began to examine it through a magnifying glass. “Lord, is it really it?” he whispered. Kate patiently awaited the specialist’s verdict.
“You know,” the man finally said, not hiding excitement, “it seems this box is the work of one world-famous master. This is a very valuable thing.” “No, this is fabulously expensive thing.
Collectors will snap it up with hands.” The man took off his glasses, wiped sweat from his forehead and smiled. “If authenticity is confirmed, then you, Catherine, will become a millionaire.”
Passengers of the international flight hurriedly exited the terminal. Everyone wanted to catch a taxi first and leave for their affairs. Kate saw Zelda Irving from afar.
She led Nicky by the hand. He laughed merrily at some next grandma’s joke. “Nicky! Zelda Irving!” Kate called and joyfully waved her hands.
They hurried towards her. “Lord, Nicky, how I missed you!” the woman exclaimed, hugging the boy. Now on his eternally pale face appeared a healthy childish blush, and his gaze cheered up.
But Zelda Irving was noticeably nervous. Apparently, the bustling airport atmosphere affected her too. “Katie!” she hurried.
“Let’s go quickly, there’s our bus. We’ll make it.” “And we’re by car,” the young woman stopped her and smiled mysteriously.
“We have a surprise for you.” On the way, she told what saturated last months were for Alex and Kate. Serious deal with antiquarians, then buying a new house, moving.
Alex managed during this time to found his detective agency, and Kate decided to open her own pharmacy. With such money, one could bring to life all the boldest long-standing dreams. There were also news about Kate’s ex-husband…
Paul unsuccessfully invested money from sold shares and lost almost everything. And his new wife immediately fled from the impoverished entrepreneur. Not wanting to drag existence with ordinary average income, and quickly found herself another sugar daddy.
Everyone got what they deserved. The brand new shiny foreign car stopped at the gates. The automation worked, and in a few seconds they drove into the huge yard.
In the middle of the well-groomed plot rose a modern two-story mansion. Here we live now, all together. Zelda Irving even lost speech, not daring to exit the car salon.
And her grandson jumped out and began to jump merrily and shout joyfully. “Hooray! Hooray! I like it here! Want to live here!” He ran inside and began to race with exclamations of admiration through the floors of the huge house, where everyone now had their own spacious and cozy room. Only Alex and Kate had a shared bedroom, after all they are newlyweds.
Zelda Irving approached Kate and hugged her shoulders. “Katie, you glow from inside. I saw it at the airport, but decided to tell you privately.
You’re pregnant. I know, happy for the courage. I feel it.”
They hugged and cried. “Probably, if you want something very-very much, it will definitely happen. True, not always as you imagine it.
At first, it may even seem that everything went wrong, and fate turned the wrong way. And only after some time it becomes clear. The well-known hackneyed phrase states the truth.
Everything that is done is for the better.
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