Inna stood by the window, watching rain streak the glass. Seventeen years of marriage—was that a lot or a little?

“We need to talk,” Alexey said.
“I’m leaving. For Natasha.”
“The student from your faculty?” she asked calmly.
“Yes. I need something new.”

Instead of crying, Inna pulled out a bottle they’d saved for a special occasion.
“Let’s have a farewell dinner. Invite everyone. Seventeen years deserves a send-off.”

The next evening, the apartment filled with guests and the aroma of Inna’s cooking. As glasses were raised, she thanked Alexey for their years together—and then calmly laid out documents: his debts, evidence of his affair, and their prenuptial agreement.

“The house is mine. The accounts are blocked. The divorce is filed.”
She turned to Natasha. “Still sure you want him?”

Natasha fled. Alexey’s parents were speechless. His friends avoided his eyes.

Inna stood tall. “You said I was smart. Turns out, I am.”
She revealed more: he’d even used her car as loan collateral—without telling her.

“I could’ve broken down,” she said. “But I chose differently.”
“I’m leaving tomorrow. The Maldives. Something you always said was a waste.”

As she left, she paused. “Goodbye, Lesha. I hope it was worth it.”

The door clicked shut. And Inna stepped into her new life.