There is an opinion that when a girl gets married and changes her last name, she changes her fate, habits, and even character. How true this is, it’s hard to say.

But with Sarah, it happened exactly that way. Always purposeful, cheerful, and decisive, Sarah, after meeting her future husband, suddenly began to change. But that would come a little later.

Let’s start with how the main characters met. Sarah came to the big city from a small rural town with a dream of studying to become a chef. More than anything, Sarah loved and knew how to cook.

After finishing high school, she didn’t go to apply right away. At that moment, her mother got seriously ill, and Sarah stayed to help her father with the household and look after her two younger brothers. Fortunately, her mom recovered, and two years later, Sarah moved from the small town to the city.

But she didn’t get in on the first try. The girl was very upset, but she wasn’t going to give up. She had some money for the first while.

Sarah rented a room in an apartment from a nice old lady and started looking for work. Without education, there were practically no chances of finding anything decent. But persistence and luck helped Sarah here too.

She got a job as a waitress in a private bakery, while watching how they made and decorated various pastries. There, she met Olivia, another girl from a small town, who worked as a waitress just like Sarah. The girls became friends and agreed to rent an apartment together.

A month later, they moved into a small one-bedroom apartment right next to the bakery. Sarah really liked independent life, despite the fact that money was catastrophically short. The girl wasn’t going to give up and dreamed of fulfilling her dream.

Someday, to open her own restaurant so that her parents would be proud of their daughter. One day, a young man walked into their bakery, who immediately caught the attention of both girls. — Look, what a handsome guy came in, — Olivia nudged her friend…

— Solid, so important. Sarah indifferently looked toward the stranger. — Olivia, guys like that aren’t for us, be realistic.

— Why, don’t you believe in the Cinderella story? — her friend smiled, dreamily looking at the man who was choosing a cake at that moment. — Honestly, I don’t. That story was made up so that all sorts of fools would believe in it.

— But we’re not fools, right? — Sarah either asked or stated. — Well, I don’t know. We’re not fools, of course, but it’s nice to believe in a fairy tale.

— What if? The man turned and looked in their direction. Olivia immediately blushed deeply, and Sarah confidently walked toward the man. — Maybe you’d like some coffee? — she offered the visitor.

— Do you have good coffee? — the man asked in some pleasant, hypnotic voice. — It’s good, many people praise it, — Sarah calmly replied. — And do you personally like it? — I don’t really like coffee, more tea.

And a little dessert? I love sweets very much. I can’t help myself, — Sarah honestly admitted. — And you’re not afraid of ruining your figure? — the stranger asked in surprise and looked intently at the girl.

— This is the first time I’ve seen a girl who loves sweets and honestly talks about it. But I always speak honestly, I don’t know how to lie. A very rare quality, especially for a modern girl.

You’ve surprised me. And why lie? Sooner or later, the lie will come out anyway, and then it’ll be worse. I prefer to tell the truth right away, so I don’t have to blush for lying later.

Simply amazing. You need to be listed in the Endangered Species Act. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re the only one in it with such a position, — the man smiled.

From that smile, Sarah felt uneasy for some reason. She got a little embarrassed, and the man noticed it. You’re also shy.

It’s hard to surprise me, but you’ve definitely managed to do it. What’s your name? Sarah. Is that the full name or short for something like Angelina or Carolina? No, it’s full.

Nice to meet you, Sarah. And my name is Kyle. And he extended his hand to her…

Sarah was completely confused. She wasn’t used to shaking hands with men, but Kyle kept holding out his hand, and the situation was becoming awkward. Sarah hesitantly extended her hand in response…

Kyle took her hand, turned it palm up a bit, leaned down, and kissed it. Sarah, who had never had a relationship with men before, was completely confused and sharply pulled her hand away. Did I offend you? — Kyle got scared.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to. You’re just a unique girl, and out of respect for such an unusual girl, I wanted to kiss your hand. It’s okay, everything’s fine, you didn’t offend me, — Sarah blushed.

At that moment, they brought Kyle the box with the cake he had chosen. He thanked the seller and, leaving, said. I’m not saying goodbye, Sarah, we’ll definitely see each other again.

I’d really like to talk to you longer. Goodbye, come back again, — Sarah replied standardly and sat down on an empty chair. Sarah, what was that? — Olivia immediately approached her.

What are you doing? You can’t talk to customers for so long. You’re lucky that Mrs. Andrews isn’t here, or you’d get it good. I don’t understand myself why I approached him, — Sarah said confusedly.

No, that’s understandable, such a handsome guy, I’d talk to him too. I wasn’t even thinking about that, my legs just carried me, some nonsense. How interesting, maybe it’s fate? — Olivia asked.

Olivia, what fate? Look at me and remember what he looks like. And find at least three common traits. Well, you know, anything can happen in life.

What if? What if doesn’t happen. If you’re born in a certain social circle, it’s almost impossible to break out of it, — Sarah noted philosophically. Well, I categorically disagree with you there, — Olivia countered.

What about famous athletes, actors who came from poor families and now live in abundance? I don’t know, — Sarah said honestly, — they just got lucky. Well, at least you believe in luck, that’s good, — Olivia said conciliatorily. Then let’s hope that we’ll get lucky one day too.

Until the end of the workday, Sarah constantly thought about Kyle. She didn’t understand what hooked her so much about him, and why she couldn’t switch her thoughts from him to something else. The next day was Sarah’s day off, and the girl planned to sleep in for the whole past workweek.

But it didn’t work out. Around ten in the morning, Sarah was woken by a phone call. Yes, she answered sleepily into the receiver.

— Still sleeping? — she heard Olivia’s voice. — And someone came here for you. — Who came? — Sarah didn’t get it in her sleepy state.

— Where did they come? — Darn, Sarah, wake up already. The handsome guy from yesterday is asking for you. He came right in the morning.

Sarah jumped up in bed. — Kyle came? — she didn’t believe it. — Yeah, I’m telling you, he’s asking for you.

What should I say? — I don’t know. — Sarah got confused. — Did you tell him it’s my day off? — Of course I did.

— Is he asking for your phone number? — Give it. — Okay, then wait for the call. — Olivia smiled and hung up.

Sarah rushed around the apartment like a stung bee. From excitement, the girl couldn’t figure out what she needed to do. And then another call rang…

The number was unknown, and Sarah immediately realized it was Kyle. Somehow coping with the excitement, she answered. — Yes.

— Good morning, Sarah, — Kyle said calmly. — Good morning. — This is Kyle.

— I figured. Sarah didn’t know what to say. — How are you? — the man asked.

— Everything’s fine, thank you. And you? — And I have a problem, and only you can help me. — What happened? — Sarah got sincerely scared.

— You see, I met an amazing girl. I came to her work, and she’s off today. What do you think, is this a sign from above that we need to spend time together, or on the contrary, that we shouldn’t meet? Sarah smiled.

It was incredibly pleasant for her to hear such words from a man. In her inexperience, she sincerely believed in the truth of these words. And, like any woman, she wanted to hear them again and again.

— I think the first option, — the girl smiled. — Really? Do you really think so? — Yes, I do. — How much time do you need to get ready? — I can manage in an hour.

— Great. Where should I pick you up? — Pick me up where? — Sarah didn’t understand. — I’m in the car.

Where should I pick you up? — Oh, let’s meet in the park, — Sarah suggested. — It’s about ten minutes walk for me to the park. — Why walk if there’s a car? — Kyle was surprised.

— I like walking. — Well, that’s great. Let’s drive to the park together, and then we’ll walk around it, — Kyle insisted.

— Okay, then pick me up near house number eight on Elm Street, — Sarah gave in. — Deal. In an hour, I’ll be waiting for you near the house, — Kyle said and hung up.

Sarah put down the phone and looked at herself in the mirror. — How am I going to get ready in an hour? — she asked her reflection. — What was I thinking when I said ‘an hour’? And what to wear? I have nothing but jeans? — the girl sighed sadly and called her friend…

— Olivia, please tell me, what can I wear for a walk in the park? — He invited you on a date? — Olivia didn’t believe it. — Wow! What a turn! — Olivia, I have little time, only an hour for everything. Suggest what to wear? — Okay, let’s think.

You don’t have much clothes. Wear jeans and take my blue shirt from the closet. It’s not cheap, my aunt brought it from Italy.

It’ll go great with jeans. And don’t forget to do some hairstyle and apply light makeup. Too bad I’m at work.

I’d help you. — And can’t you run home for half an hour? I definitely can’t manage without you. — I’ll try to arrange with Katie now.

There aren’t many people in the morning, — Olivia agreed. While Mrs. Andrews isn’t here, she’ll cover for me. Wait.

Olivia ran home fifteen minutes later. By that time, Sarah was already dressed. All that was left was makeup and hairstyle.

Olivia styled her friend’s hair, lightly mascaraed her lashes, and applied gloss to her lips. — Sarah, you have such thick lashes — any girl’s dream, — Olivia said with a note of envy. — I have like three on each eyelid.

Sarah was indeed a very pretty girl. A bit above average height, with curvy forms, dark hair to her shoulders, bright green eyes, and small plump lips. For a model, her forms wouldn’t fit, of course, but men really liked such girls…

True, Sarah didn’t know about that, since she had no such experience. To be fair, male visitors often complimented her and tried to show signs of attention. But Sarah ignored all comments addressed to her and offers to have coffee together or go to the movies.

She didn’t take anyone seriously at all. She still didn’t understand what attracted her so much to Kyle that she paid attention to him. — Well, that’s it, friend, you can go charm your suitor, — Olivia smiled.

— Why charm, — Sarah didn’t understand. — Lord, when are you going to start interacting with men? You’re almost 21, it’s time to start. Especially the first time with such a man isn’t the worst option, I’ll tell you.

— What are you talking about? — Sarah didn’t understand what her friend was saying. — You’re like from another planet, honestly. About intimacy, of course, what else? — Olivia was indignant.

Sarah blushed so much that her friend even got scared. — Oh, how shy we are. You’re about to boil from embarrassment, you’re all red.

Sarah, it’s a normal life process, absolutely natural. Sarah stood in the hallway and looked at herself in the mirror. The excitement was growing.

There were no more than ten minutes left until the meeting. — Maybe I shouldn’t go? — Sarah asked her friend. — Why do I need this? — Don’t be a fool, go while he’s calling.

Olivia, it seems stupid somehow. Well, where is he and where am I, we’re different. Lord, is he proposing marriage to you? No? Go, it’s time already.

You shouldn’t make a man wait too long. Okay, I’m going. I’ll call later when I get home.

Sarah came out of the entrance, looked around, but didn’t see Kyle. She managed to get upset and think that he probably didn’t come, changed his mind. But suddenly, the door of one of the cars opened, and Kyle appeared, followed by a huge bouquet of flowers.

The man confidently walked toward Sarah. — Hi, — Kyle said and handed the bouquet to the girl. — This is for you, for a good mood.

Sarah was confused. First, no one had ever given her flowers before. Second, she couldn’t imagine walking around the park with such a huge bouquet.

— Good day, thank you. She took the flowers and pressed them to herself, as if someone might take them away. The bouquet was indeed huge and consisted of different types.

An incredible aroma came from this mix of varieties. — I’ll take the bouquet home, — Sarah asked. — Why? — Kyle didn’t understand.

— Why, so it doesn’t wilt? It’d be a pity for such a bouquet. Kyle laughed. — It won’t wilt.

And if it does, we’ll buy a new one. — No need, I like this one. Can I quickly take it home? — Sarah asked.

Kyle was struck by such simplicity and thriftiness. He had never seen a girl react to flowers like that, but he realized that if he didn’t agree, Sarah would get upset and her mood would spoil. And if the bouquet really wilted, it would be a tragedy for her.

— Okay, take it, I’ll wait. Sarah went up to the apartment, put the flowers in a vase with water, and quickly came back down. — Thank you, — she said when she returned.

— For what? — For the luxurious bouquet and for waiting for my return. Kyle didn’t say anything and just smiled. They drove to the park in silence.

Each was thinking about their own thing. Sarah about what she would talk to Kyle about while they walked? What do you even talk about with a man on such a date? And if he tries to kiss her or worse, starts hitting on her, what to do then? Not scream in the whole park. The girl was very worried.

This worry was so obvious that Kyle, looking at her, involuntarily smiled. He was sure that such pure and naive girls no longer existed, and here was such a treasure. She definitely hasn’t been with anyone, this is just luck.

Although, on the other hand, she doesn’t know anything and definitely won’t let me near her anytime soon. Okay, for this, I can wait, — Kyle smiled at his thoughts. They arrived at the park.

Sarah got out of the car herself, which surprised Kyle once again. — I could have helped you, — he smiled. — Why, I’m not sick, I can get out myself, everything’s fine.

He smiled again but said nothing. They walked in the park for about an hour. Then Kyle suggested having lunch at a nearby cafe…

— I don’t want to eat, — Sarah lied, although she hadn’t even had time to breakfast. She was worried that she wouldn’t have enough money for the cafe, and payday was still four days away. — Sarah, I’m very hungry, and I didn’t have time to breakfast today, and I’ll faint from hunger soon, — Kyle lied on the fly.

He realized that the girl was afraid she’d have to pay, and she was clearly limited in money. — Let’s do this, since I’m the hungry one, I’ll pay for lunch. Sarah wanted to object, but Kyle stopped her. — No, I don’t want to hear anything.

You have your principles, I have mine. I’m inviting you to lunch, so I pay for it. If you want to invite me, then you’ll pay.

Deal? Okay, — Sarah gave in, who also desperately wanted to eat. They went into the cafe, which turned out to be quite expensive. Fearing that Sarah would refuse to eat seeing the prices in the menu, Kyle took the responsibility to order lunch.

— I sometimes have lunch here, so I know exactly what to order. He lied again. Will you trust my taste? Do you have any special preferences? Fish, meat, chicken? — No, no preferences.

I’m not picky and eat whatever they give. The main thing is that it’s tasty. — Sarah, you’re a real treasure, — Kyle said honestly.

He placed the order, put aside the menu, and looked attentively at Sarah. — Sarah, I have a suggestion, let’s switch to ‘you’. Sarah got embarrassed, as if Kyle had suggested kissing right here and now.

— I don’t know, — the girl said shyly. — Probably okay to ‘you’. — What’s wrong with me? Why am I mumbling? I can talk normally.

Why am I afraid of him? Or not afraid? What’s going on at all? — flashed through Sarah’s head. — Great, it’s more comfortable to communicate that way. Tell me about yourself, — Kyle asked.

Sarah told that she came from a small town to apply, but failed. She told about her parents, brothers, that she was recently in the city and still hadn’t adapted properly. — It’s hard in a big city after a small town.

Everyone is somehow strangers, angry, — the girl admitted. — But I’m getting used to it little by little. — Yes, — Kyle agreed.

— A big city is a struggle for survival. And what do you do? — And me? I work in a company that deals with freight transportation. We work across the whole country and abroad.

— And what do you do? — Deputy general director for personnel management, — Kyle smiled. — A beautiful and loud job title. Actually, I work directly with staff.

Hiring, firing, and so on. But I like my job. It’s always difficult to work with people, of course, but nothing to do, it’s my choice.

And the general director is my godfather, so I have no problems with the company management. — Cool. And my godfather died when I was three.

And my godmother left about eight years ago and doesn’t communicate with us. She married a German and now lives in Germany. — I’m sorry.

Well, that’s life, it happens. They sat for about two hours, ate, talked. Sarah found it very interesting, easy with Kyle, and his voice acted simply hypnotically.

Then Kyle suggested walking a bit more in the park, and Sarah gladly agreed. She didn’t want to go home at all, even less to part with Kyle. But they had to part anyway.

Kyle got a call from work, and he had to interrupt their joint walk. He drove Sarah home and promised to call her in the evening. Sarah didn’t walk home, she flew.

She liked communicating with Kyle so much. Barely waiting for her friend to return from work, Sarah retold Olivia all their communication minute by minute, not missing a single detail. Olivia looked at Sarah with surprise.

— You’re in love with him, friend? — Don’t talk nonsense, I just enjoyed talking to him, — Sarah got embarrassed, afraid to admit to herself that Olivia was right. — That’s not nonsense, it’s true, you’re glowing with happiness. The phone rang, it was Kyle…

Sarah looked at her friend and went to the room. Several times Olivia came in to call Sarah for dinner, but it was as if she didn’t notice her. She was all in the conversation with Kyle.

This continued for several weeks. When Sarah had a day off, they walked, went to the movies, to cafes, to exhibitions. On weekdays, they talked on the phone for hours.

Sarah practically dissolved in her beloved. She realized that Olivia was right, and she was indeed head over heels in love. Long weekends were approaching.

Sarah had three in a row. Kyle suggested going out of town, to his country house for all three days. Sarah really wanted to, but was terribly afraid.

— Olivia, I don’t know or know how to do anything. He’ll definitely drag me, well, you know. — It’s strange that he hasn’t done it yet, — her friend smiled.

— And about ‘don’t know and don’t know how’ don’t worry, intuition will tell you. Or your Kyle, he definitely knows. — Darn, when you talk about it, I’m ready to fall through the ground.

It’s so personal. — Come on, everyone has pretty much the same, and there’s nothing to be shy or ashamed about. All according to the law of nature.

Sarah left, and Olivia sincerely worried about her friend. She perfectly understood that a lot in Sarah and Kyle’s relationship would depend on these weekends. Sarah returned happier than before the trip.

Olivia immediately started asking how everything went. — I really liked it. I was very shy at first, but then Kyle explained to me that there’s no need to be shy, that we’re now the closest people and it will always be like that.

The last phrase alerted Olivia. — In what sense will it always be like that? Does he maintain relationships with everyone he’s ever slept with? Or did he tell you that you’re his first and only? — No, he said that he had girls before me, but I’m exactly the one he’s been looking for all his life. — Interesting, of course, — Olivia commented, but didn’t say anything more so as not to spoil her friend’s euphoric state.

But Kyle’s words somehow didn’t sit right with Olivia, as if there was something fake in them. — And how old is Kyle? — Thirty-one, why? — Nothing, just curious. So you have a ten-year age difference? — Yes, but it’s not felt at all.

You know, he’s such… Sarah began listing all the positive adjectives she could remember and invent about Kyle. Olivia listened and was silent. — What’s wrong here, I don’t understand.

Such a solid man, at thirty-one single… Okay, it happens, but for such a man to confess love after a couple of weeks and say he can’t live without a woman, somehow doubtful, especially considering that Sarah is from a small town and, to put it mildly, doesn’t match his status, — swirled in Olivia’s head. But she still didn’t say anything to Sarah. First, Sarah definitely wouldn’t share her doubts…

Second, she’s in love, and in that state, it’s completely pointless to try to explain anything. Two weeks passed. On another day off, Sarah called Olivia at work and screamed into the phone.

— Olivia, he proposed to me. — Already? — Olivia didn’t believe what she heard. — So fast? — Yes, he gave me a ring and a huge bouquet and proposed to be his wife.

— I take it you agreed? — Olivia summed up. — Of course, Olivia, can you imagine, I’ll be his wife. — Hard to imagine, honestly.

— Oh, come on, you’re just jealous of me. After all, you liked him at first sight too. — That was offensive now, — Olivia said.

— I never envy anyone. If he chose you for some reason, then that’s how it should be. And there’s nothing to envy here at all.

I can only be happy that you’re lucky. — If you’re lucky, — Olivia thought to herself. But out loud, of course, she didn’t say it.

— Okay, sorry, I’m just emotional. I know you don’t envy, — Sarah tried to smooth the situation. And when’s the wedding, — Olivia skipped the apology…

— We want to get married on August 28th. — The twenty-eighth? That’s in two weeks. — Olivia was completely stunned.

Why rush so much? — Kyle likes this date. It’s nice. Twenty-eight, zero eight.

— Yeah, argument. — Parents? — Need to meet the parents. — Kyle has no parents, they died.

Father long ago, mother three years ago. From his side, only his godfather with his wife and daughter. — And will you introduce yours? — Olivia clarified just in case.

— Of course. On Friday, my day off, we’ll go to my folks in the small town. — At least call your parents, warn them that you’re coming with your fiancé.

— I already called. They’re shocked, of course, but happy for me. — Then good.

— Sarah, sorry, I can’t talk now. A lot of people came in, — Olivia lied, not wanting to continue this conversation. Everything happening didn’t give her peace.

But Olivia didn’t believe in the sincerity of Kyle’s feelings. Something was off here. Only Olivia couldn’t figure out what exactly.

Why does he need Sarah? How and where can he use her? He’s not such a big businessman to register something on her. Besides, the business isn’t his, but his godfather’s. Or maybe not? Maybe he’s deceiving Sarah? How to figure all this out? Olivia thought, but found no answers to her questions.

Sarah went with Kyle to the small town to introduce her future husband to her family. Returning, she was very upset. — How did it go? — her friend asked from the doorway.

— Not very, — Sarah admitted with tears in her eyes. — Why? Your parents didn’t like Kyle? — Olivia wasn’t surprised at all. Naturally, parents usually have good intuition about suitors and brides.

— Apparently, they also felt the insincerity in his attitude toward Sarah, — Olivia thought. — Yes, especially Dad. We almost argued, — Sarah was already crying.

— And what did he say? Did he explain his attitude somehow? — Olivia probed. — He told me privately that, first, he’s much older, second, he proposed marriage too quickly. And something’s off here.

— And what’s off? What? Doesn’t it happen that a man meets his woman, falls in love, and wants to marry her? I’m not a rich bride to marry me for dowry. Then what could be the catch? Olivia silently looked at her friend, not daring to comment on what she heard. Sarah looked closely at her friend, wiped her tears, and suddenly asked.

— It was you who warned them, right? — Who? — Olivia sincerely didn’t understand. — My parents. — Warned about what? — Olivia continued to be puzzled.

— That Kyle is up to something, and it’s too early for us to marry. — Are you serious now? First, I don’t know your parents. Second, I’d never do that, it’s your life and your choice.

— Yeah right. You could have peeked at their phone number, then called and said all sorts of nonsense, otherwise why did they take him so hostile? — Can you explain to me somehow? — Sarah was getting worked up and really angry now. — I’ll answer you, but once and only out of respect for our friendship…

I didn’t call your parents and I don’t peek into other people’s phones, and I don’t interfere so blatantly in other people’s lives, even friends’, especially since they can successfully ruin their own lives. As for your parents and their opinion of Kyle, strangely enough, I can understand them. If even I understand that your Kyle is using you, then for people who’ve lived longer than me, it’s obvious.

— And how, in your opinion, is he using me? — I don’t know. That’s what’s annoying. But I, like your parents, don’t believe in the sincerity of his feelings, forgive me.

— Great, I understand everything. You’re envious of me. My parents lived their whole lives in that small town and saw nothing good.

They’re envious that I’ll live in abundance, go to restaurants, wear expensive clothes, travel to other countries, and you’re envious for the same reason. You’ve never had such a man, so you’re slandering Kyle. You want us to break up, and for me to continue living with you.

Well, too bad, you won’t wait. I’m not going to leave Kyle because I love him and I’ll prove to all of you that you’re wrong. Sarah flew out of the kitchen.

Olivia heard her calling Kyle. — Kyle, I have a problem. I argued with my roommate and I have nowhere to live.

Kyle was saying something to her, and from his answers, Olivia understood that her friend was already packing her things. — Yes, dear, okay. Half an hour is enough for me to pack and I’ll wait for you.

Olivia decided on a last attempt to reason with her friend. — Sarah, listen to me. You’re making a mistake.

Don’t go to him. You’ll be completely dependent on him. Stay here.

I won’t say another word to you. — Why? So you can ruin my dress before the wedding? No thanks. I have somewhere to go, someone to take care of me…

If you don’t understand and don’t accept, that’s your problem, I’ll handle everything myself. More precisely, not myself, but with my beloved husband. Hastily throwing things into a bag, Sarah threw on a sports jacket, grabbed her backpack, and left the apartment, slamming the door loudly.

Olivia sat on the edge of the couch and cried. She was offended. She tried from the heart to help Sarah, helped at work, supported, and in return got such strange gratitude.

— Let her do as she wants. After all, she’s an adult and should be responsible for what she does, — Olivia decided and went to the kitchen to make herself dinner. The next day, Sarah came to work, wrote a resignation letter, collected her things, and left without saying a word to her friend.

Olivia was in shock. Two years passed. Sarah’s family life was unsuccessful and strange, right from the start.

That evening, when Kyle picked up Sarah with her things from the rented apartment, he brought her to his home. But suddenly it turned out that Kyle’s cousin Anna lived in the house with him. The girl was clearly spoiled, arrogant, and not happy about Sarah’s arrival.

At first, Sarah just tried to befriend her future husband’s sister, but without success. Anna didn’t make contact, moreover, she constantly teased and mocked Sarah. After the wedding, to which Sarah’s parents didn’t even come, Sarah tried to talk to Kyle about Anna moving out.

However, the newlywed husband was categorically against it. «Listen, Anna will live with us, and that’s not up for discussion. I have no other relatives, and she ended up in a difficult life situation, and I promised to help»…

«But we don’t get along with her. And is that a reason to kick a relative out on the street?» «I didn’t say that. We can rent her an apartment, for example,» Sarah tried to convince her husband.

«Why, if we have a big house where there’s enough space for everyone,» Kyle began to get angry. «Let’s close this topic. The house is mine, and I decide who lives in it.»

Sarah didn’t bring up the topic anymore, saw no point. But the strangeness didn’t end there. The biggest strangeness was that Kyle didn’t sleep with Sarah, but in a separate room.

He sometimes came to his young wife, but never stayed to sleep. He came, fulfilled his marital duty, and went to his room. At first, Sarah tried to find out why he did that.

But Kyle said he couldn’t stand someone sleeping next to him, and Sarah accepted his position. And over time, she got used to this peculiarity of her husband. In general, Kyle changed a lot after the wedding.

He became completely different, cold, callous, somehow alien. He forbade Sarah not only to work but also to study. «You should stay at home, keep order, cook, clean, wait for me from work.

And the main thing — give birth to my child.» That’s exactly what Kyle said the day after the wedding. «Working, let alone studying, makes no sense.

I’ll provide for you and our children.» Sarah was in shock. Where did that attentive, caring, and romantic Kyle go, whom she met a few months ago? And why can’t she work and study? After all, when she complained to him that she failed the exams, he supported her and assured her that he would definitely help her get an education.

But Sarah immediately understood that arguing with Kyle was pointless, and she just accepted his conditions. About a year after the wedding, Kyle began pressuring Sarah about having a child. «Dear, I’m not twenty anymore, I want children.

But I don’t just want to become a father, but also wait until my child grows up, becomes independent, gets married, gives me grandchildren. What’s the matter, why aren’t you getting pregnant?» «I don’t know,» Sarah said honestly, who herself didn’t understand why she still hadn’t gotten pregnant. «I think you need to go to the doctor and get checked.»

«Okay, I’ll go.» The visit to the doctor didn’t affect the situation at all. They examined Sarah and said she had no health problems.

«Your husband also needs to get checked. It happens that a man can’t have children.» Sarah told Kyle about it, but he got very angry.

«I was at the doctor, everything’s fine with me, I can have children. What clinic were you at?» «The one you sent me to,» Sarah got scared. «And everything’s fine with you?» — Kyle didn’t believe.

«Yes, everything’s fine, I can have children.» «Then why aren’t you pregnant yet?» — Kyle got even angrier. «I don’t know.»

«Obviously you don’t know. And what did the doctor say?» «He said it happens, need to try and wait.» «Clear, we’ll wait.»

It should be said that Kyle wasn’t always so irritable and angry. No, he gave gifts to Sarah, took her to restaurants, to various events and social parties. But his sister was always and everywhere with them…

And if Kyle brought his wife a bouquet of flowers, he gave the exact same one to Anna. Gave jewelry, Anna got the same. At first, Sarah was surprised by this, then indignant to herself, but then got used to it and stopped paying attention.

The whole next year, Sarah was focused on possible pregnancy, but the miracle didn’t happen. Kyle got angrier and angrier, finally couldn’t stand it and found some professor who was supposed to help them. The visit to the professor didn’t improve the situation, rather the opposite.

The professor recommended tests for compatibility. «Sometimes it happens that both spouses are healthy, but can’t conceive a child,» the professor explained. «And you know why? Because they just don’t suit each other.

Yes, the percentage of such couples is small, about 7%, but nevertheless it happens. So let’s have you take the tests, and then we’ll continue the conversation. And how long have you been married?» «Almost two years,» Kyle replied.

«Oh, Lord, why raise the alarm already? Live for your pleasure for another couple of years, because when a child appears, you definitely won’t have time for yourselves.» «We’ll decide ourselves when to raise the alarm,» Kyle replied quite rudely. The professor glanced at Kyle but didn’t react to his outburst.

«Take the tests, then we’ll continue,» he said restrained and officially. A couple of days later, Kyle and Sarah came to the professor’s appointment again, where an unpleasant surprise awaited them. «Young people, I have bad news for you, unfortunately,» the professor started right with the main thing.

«We conducted the study and found out that you can’t have children.» «Who?» — the spouses asked in one voice. «Both of you, or rather together…

With other partners you can, but not with each other. You have complete and absolute incompatibility. Alas, no one can help you in this matter.

You can not waste time and money on examinations and visits to other doctors. It won’t bring results, alas.» Kyle was furious, and Sarah was in shock.

For some reason, it seemed to her that the professor’s words sounded like a death sentence. She shuddered and looked at her husband. The expression on his face promised nothing good.

Kyle grabbed Sarah by the hand and dragged her into the corridor. «Kyle, it hurts,» Sarah complained. He let go of her hand and looked straight into her eyes.

«Do you understand what this means?» — he asked in a hissing voice. «Yes, unfortunately, we can’t have children. But we can try other options,» Sarah tried to smooth the situation.

«What other?» — Kyle asked mockingly gently. «I don’t know yet, but medicine isn’t standing still. Maybe there’s a way out in our situation?» «Are you really dumb, or do you have such a peculiar sense of humor? What way out in our situation? They told you in plain English.

No one can help you. What’s unclear about that?» «And what to do now?» — Sarah asked scared. «I think the answer is obvious — divorce»…

Kyle’s words sounded like thunder from a clear sky. Sarah was not ready to hear them at all. Tears streamed from her eyes.

«How divorce? I love you. We’re a family!» She didn’t finish, because Kyle rudely interrupted her. And what he said finally crushed Sarah.

«What love? What family? What kind of normal family can there be without children? Are you in your right mind? I married you so you’d give birth to my child. No child, no stamp in the passport.» No marriage, no family, just a stamp in the passport.

Sarah suddenly understood everything that Olivia had told her, and why she was so against Sarah’s marriage to Kyle. Kyle needed a child, not Sarah, but a child. But why marry for that? «So you married me only because of the child?» Tears were already streaming from Sarah’s eyes.

She wasn’t just offended, she was very hurt. She was used and betrayed. She argued with her parents, with her only friend.

And all for what? For whom? «Listen, I’ll tell you something now, just no hysterics, okay? I never hysteric.» «Well, situations are different. I don’t know how you’ll react in this case.»

He paused a little and said. «You see…» At that moment, his phone rang. Kyle was clearly waiting for some important call, because he answered immediately.

After listening to the interlocutor, he sharply said. «Yes, I’m leaving, I’ll be there in 15 minutes.» «Something happened?» – Sarah worried.

«It’s work. We’ll talk in the evening, get home yourself.» Kyle quickly walked out of the clinic, and Sarah continued to stand in the middle of the corridor, as if afraid to move.

Somehow gathering her thoughts and strength, she slowly went to the exit. She really wanted to talk to someone, but with whom? Definitely not with her husband’s sister. They can’t stand each other.

With Olivia? Unlikely. Olivia would send her far away and be absolutely right. After Sarah packed her things and quit her job, she never called her friend or even wrote.

Sarah took a taxi and went home. And there another surprise awaited her. As soon as she crossed the threshold of the house, Anna appeared and said with a victorious look.

«Finally, you’ll get out of our house. I can’t stand you anymore. I told Kyle right away that marrying you was a bad idea.

He wants a child and wants everything to be official, by law and naturally.» Sarah looked at Anna and didn’t immediately understand what was happening. «Anna, you’d better take care of your own personal life, not someone else’s.

Aren’t you tired of tagging along with your brother everywhere? Or are you hoping to find someone richer at some event?» Anna laughed very loudly and somehow hysterically. Then she looked at Sarah and suddenly said. «Lord, where did he dig you up? From what backwoods? You still haven’t understood anything?» She laughed again…

«I’m not Kyle’s sister, I’m his mistress.» Sarah staggered and almost fell from what she heard. «What did you just say?» She didn’t believe her ears.

«What you heard. I’m Kyle’s mistress and in the future his legal wife.» For a moment, she even looked at Sarah with sympathy and calmly continued.

«Kyle wants to have children, but I can’t have them. Consequences of a failed abortion. And he came up with this scheme.

Find a pure sucker like you, so she’d give birth to his child, then kick her out and keep the child. The court won’t leave the child with you, no education, no job, no housing. All beautiful and smart.

Who could have thought that you have incompatibility?» Sarah was in shock. Now everything fell into place. Never in her life had she experienced such strong negative feelings as now.

«I even feel sorry for you now, honestly,» Anna said. «Where will you go? I hope you had the sense to save some money, at least for the first time.» From Sarah’s face expression, Anna understood that she hadn’t saved anything and hadn’t even thought about it…

«Well, what a fool,» the husband’s mistress said directly and honestly. «With men, you always have to be on guard. They’ll kick you out on the street and bye, like you now.

— Okay, I’ll help you.» She took her purse, took out a couple of hundred dollars, and threw them to Sarah. «Remember my kindness!» And laughed loudly again.

When Kyle returned in the evening, Sarah had already packed her things, but wanted to talk to him lastly. She couldn’t believe to the end what Anna had told. But Kyle confirmed the information and finally honestly admitted that he just used Sarah for his purposes.

«Sorry, I never loved you, but think yourself, who I am and who you are. What future can we have? You should thank me. I cleaned you up, dressed you, took you out into society.

During this time, didn’t you look around for yourself? Maybe one of the drivers or security guards?» He was clearly mocking, and Sarah didn’t understand why. «Why are you behaving like this? What bad did I do to you? Why are you humiliating me so now?» «And what good? I wanted you to give birth to my child. You didn’t.

So I have the right to be angry at you. But you have no right to humiliate, neither you nor your witch.» Sarah took out from her pocket those few hundred dollars that Anna gave and threw them at Kyle.

«Oh, how proud and touchy we are!» — Sarah heard behind her back. «You should say thank you instead. At least for the first time, you’d have money for snacks, otherwise eating scraps isn’t great.

I’ll figure it out myself.» Sarah took her bag, with which she came, picked up her backpack, and left the house. She didn’t take a single thing bought during the marriage, only what she had before the wedding.

It was about nine in the evening, and Sarah really didn’t understand where to go now. Taking out her wallet and checking the cash left after buying groceries, Sarah called a taxi and went to the cafe where she used to work. The cafe was open until eleven, so there was a chance to catch Olivia at work.

But an unpleasant surprise awaited Sarah. Olivia wasn’t at the cafe. The new girl-administrator said that Olivia doesn’t work.

«Did she quit long ago?» — Sarah asked. «She didn’t quit, she’s off today.» «Oh, I see, thanks…

Give me four cream puffs.» Sarah took her friend’s favorite pastries and went to the known address of the rented apartment. «I’ll fall at her feet, and honestly confess everything, beg for forgiveness.

Olivia is kind, she’ll forgive me when she finds out everything.» Sarah approached the door and couldn’t decide to press the bell. It was very shameful and scary.

What if Olivia drives her away? If she’s not alone, where to go then? Gathering courage, she still pressed the button. The door opened literally a few seconds later, as if Olivia was standing by the door. «Olivia, forgive me, please, if you can,» — Sarah sobbed for the whole entrance.

«Lord, what happened?» — Olivia asked and also cried, looking at her friend’s state. «Come in already, you onion grief.» Sarah told how she lived these two years, why Kyle married her, about the capricious mistress, and how she was kicked out of the house today.

Olivia silently listened to her friend’s story and didn’t interrupt once. When she finally finished her confession with words of forgiveness, she said, «Now at least everything’s clear, and all this time I thought about you and hoped I was wrong, that everything’s fine with you and you’re happy.» Why didn’t you call once if everything was so bad? «I was ashamed,» — lowering her eyes, Sarah admitted.

«And now I’m very ashamed in front of you for saying nasty things to you, and for not listening to you and my parents. And then Kyle forbade me to communicate with you.» «Well, naturally, the jerk understood that I don’t believe his fairy tales.

He was probably afraid that I could reason with you.» «Will you forgive me?» «I forgave you long ago,» Olivia smiled. «You’re a true friend.

Do you think they’ll take me back?» «I don’t know, honestly. We have a full staff now, but I promise to talk to Mrs. Andrews. By the way, she recently divorced her husband.

Evil as hell. He left for his mistress after 17 years of marriage and left her with two children. So evil…

I’ll briefly tell your story. It should work. Out of solidarity, she’ll take you,» Olivia winked at her friend and smiled. A year passed.

Kyle married a new victim, who did get pregnant and was currently in a maternity resort. And he meanwhile continued to have fun with his mistress and was having dinner in a restaurant. They had already dined and were about to leave when suddenly Anna saw a girl at the end of the hall who looked like Sarah.

«Darling, look, isn’t that your ex?» Kyle turned around and smiled. «Looks like it. But what could she be doing here? This is too expensive a place for her.»

«Probably came to collect leftovers from tables after the rich. You left her without a penny. And with her education, prospects are few,» Anna laughed, who barely finished high school…

«Let’s go say hi, ask how things are. She’s our former family member?» They both laughed and confidently went toward the girl. It was indeed Sarah.

They didn’t even notice how she was dressed, and approaching, immediately started mocking. «Hi, dear,» Anna said smiling. «I told you, take at least a couple hundred, and now you have to collect food in restaurants so as not to starve to death.»

Sarah looked at them and was silent, only slightly smiling with the corner of her lips. «How are you?» Kyle asked in a calmer tone. «Didn’t manage to marry again?» «Thanks, everything’s fine with me,» Sarah replied absolutely kindly.

«And how about you? Found a new egg donor for your childless girlfriend?» Anna changed her face but was silent. Kyle looked closely at Sarah. «You’ve changed, become prickly and sarcastic.

Everything flows, everything changes, it’s normal, life doesn’t stand still,» Sarah noted philosophically. At that moment, a girl-waitress approached them and addressed Sarah. «Ms. Sarah, they’re asking for you there, can you come?» «Yes, Katie, I’m coming.»

«Met old acquaintances?» Sarah replied smiling and turning her whole body to the stunned Kyle, added. «Sorry, business, have a nice evening.» Ms. Sarah didn’t believe Kyle.

«And what’s going on here?» Anna and Kyle looked at each other with surprised eyes. «Do you understand anything?» he asked his companion. «No,» Anna said honestly.

«Wait, we’ll ask the waitress now.» They found Katie, who called Sarah, and asked. «Excuse me, who is Ms. Sarah?» «That’s the owner of our restaurant,» the waitress smiled kindly.

«A very good girl, smart, despite such a young age for this business.» «Owner of this restaurant?» Kyle didn’t believe. «Yes, she bought it recently.

Sorry, I need to go, customers are waiting. All the best, come again.» Katie left, and Kyle with Anna remained standing in the middle of the hall.

They seemed frozen and just looked at each other. Kyle even had a thought that maybe he shouldn’t have divorced Sarah, since she’s so successful. But remembering the impossibility of having joint children, he immediately drove that thought away.

«Can you imagine, she’s the owner of the restaurant,» Anna was indignant. «Backwoods hick.» «She’s not a stupid girl actually, unlike some,» Kyle said angrily.

And looked angrily at his companion too. She immediately fell silent. A small excursion into the past.

Sarah’s life improved in a completely unexpected way. After she returned to Olivia and to work, literally a month later, her godmother came from Germany. She found her goddaughter in the big city, asked for forgiveness for not coming for so long.

«Sarah, baby, forgive me, please, I’m guilty before you, but business takes all my time,» the godmother apologized. «And what business do you have?» Sarah asked. «What do you do?» «I have a whole chain of restaurants…

I want to open a few more in the US, with German cuisine.» «Cool, I like that direction too.» And Sarah told how she came to apply and didn’t get in, how she unsuccessfully married and ended up on the street.

She loved her godmother and missed her. The godmother had no children of her own, so when she visited them, she spent a lot of time with Sarah. «So I have a genius idea,» the godmother said.

«Since I was a bad godmother for a long time and didn’t congratulate you on holidays, you’ll choose any restaurant you like, and I’ll give it to you. Deal?» «How give?» Sarah didn’t understand. «Well, like usually give gifts, simply and from the heart, and no objections, dreams must come true.

Besides, remember the fairy tale about Cinderella, who fulfilled wishes there? Right, the fairy godmother. Well, I’m your godmother too and can afford to fulfill your cherished wish.» «I don’t even know what to say, it’s too expensive a gift,» Sarah tried to object.

«So, better not argue with me, especially when I’ve decided everything,» she winked at her goddaughter. «But I don’t understand anything about this, especially on such a scale as managing a whole restaurant,» Sarah still tried to object. «Well, hello.

And why do you have me? I’ll help at first. I’ll send you a good manager, he’ll back you up while you learn. You need to get an education for sure.

Most convenient is part-time study, without leaving work, so to speak,» the godmother winked. «I’m really not sure I’ll succeed.» «You’ll succeed, I’m sure,» the godmother said.

Choosing the restaurant and all the paperwork took about two months. And now Sarah was the owner of a chic restaurant in the city center. And as her deputy, she appointed, of course, Olivia.

The friends worked together again and lived together, for now in a rented apartment, but already of a completely different level.