Shaken, Marina didn’t cause a scene. Instead, she rushed to meet her best friend and told her everything. Her friend advised her:
“Don’t jump to conclusions. Maybe it’s work. Talk to him calmly before deciding anything.”
That evening, when Alexey came home, Marina confronted him directly:
“Where were you? Why didn’t you get on that flight? And who was that woman at the restaurant?”
Alexey looked surprised, then sighed.
“The trip was canceled at the last minute. My boss called and said a foreign investor was in town. I had to meet her immediately to discuss a deal. I should have told you right away, and I’m sorry I didn’t.”
He opened a folder and showed her a signed preliminary agreement with a German investor. Then, from his bag, he pulled out a small velvet box. Inside was a necklace Marina had once admired.
“I bought this for you and wanted to surprise you tonight, along with the news. If this deal succeeds, I’ll be promoted.”
The Lesson
Marina felt relief wash over her, but also guilt for almost letting doubt destroy her trust. She realized that sometimes silence or stress can look suspicious, but honesty and communication are what keep a marriage strong.
The next morning, Alexey surprised her again with two train tickets for a short getaway to the place where they had celebrated their first anniversary.
“Love needs trust,” he told her with a smile, “and sometimes, a few surprises.”
📌 The Takeaway
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