In the evening, they dined in the hotel restaurant, which overlooked the sea. Vika was dressed in a new frock she had purchased earlier that day at an embankment boutique. Andrey watched the sunset turn her skin golden and thought she looked magnificent. However, something continued to annoy him.
“Are we going to the mountains tomorrow?” Vika inquired, taking a drink of wine. “I want to take some nice photos for social media.”
“Of course,” Andrey nodded. “We’ll buy some souvenirs at the same time.”
“Does Marina like souvenirs?” Vika inquired innocently.
Andrey grimaced.
— I asked that you not start this conversation.
“I’m sorry,” Vika said, covering his hand with hers. “But sooner or later you’ll have to resolve this situation. We can’t hide forever.
“I know,” Andrey replied gloomily. “I’ll talk to her after my vacation.”
– Seriously? – Vika’s eyes brightened with hope. – Do you promise?
– I promise.
The week sped by. They swam, sunbathed, went on excursions, ate seafood at nice restaurants, and spent steamy nights in their hotel rooms. Andrey almost stopped thinking about his home and what awaited him when he returned. Almost.
On the day of departure, Vika hugged him at the airport.
“Don’t forget your promise,” she said softly, caressing his lips. “I’m waiting for your call.”
“I remember,” Andrey murmured, pulling away with reluctance. “I’ll call as soon as I talk to her.”
They were on separate flights, so such precautions seemed appropriate.
On the plane, Andrey ordered whiskey and considered what he would say to his wife. After ten years of marriage, their connection had become like strangers.
Late in the evening, a cab pulled up near his residence. After paying the driver, Andrey froze for a few moments, gazing out the windows of his apartment. The light was turned on in the living room. Marina wasn’t asleep. He took a deep breath and moved towards the entrance.
The door opened silently. He put his suitcase down in the hallway and listened. Quiet music and voices were coming from the living room. “TV,” he thought, took off his shoes and walked toward the sound.
What he saw made him freeze in his tracks. In the middle of the living room stood a festive table with champagne and a cake decorated with a candle in the shape of the number “10”.