I decided to support my husband in a special way. Every week, he visited his parents’ house…

Anna looked at the boy. He was playing with a toy car, humming to himself. Suddenly, he looked up and met Anna’s gaze.

There was no fear or hostility in his eyes, only curiosity. Anna smiled at him. He returned a shy smile.

And Igor? Is he happy? Anna asked, looking away. Elena sighed. I don’t know.

It’s hard for him. He’s torn between two lives. He wants to be honest, but can’t.

He’s afraid of hurting you. He’s afraid of losing Sasha. And what about me? Doesn’t he think about how much this hurts me? He does, but he hoped you’d never find out, that he could keep this secret.

Naive, Anna whispered. Maybe. But he didn’t do it out of malice.

He was just trying to do right by everyone. Anna wondered. Is it right to lie for years, to hide the truth, to live a double life? Is that right? Or is it just cowardice? Why are you telling me all this? She asked, looking into Elena’s eyes.

Because I see you’re in pain, and because I want you to know the truth. Igor is a good man. He doesn’t deserve to be hated.

He’s just lost. Aren’t you afraid I’ll take him away from you? Elena shook her head. No, I know you won’t.

And even if you did, I wouldn’t hold him by force. The main thing is that Sasha is happy. The rest will follow.

Anna fell silent. Can happiness be built on deception? She didn’t know. She felt two opposing emotions battling within her.

Anger and understanding. Hurt and forgiveness. Thank you, she said, standing up.

Thank you for the tea and the truth. You’re welcome, Elena replied. If you want to talk, I’m always here.

Anna left the house. Outside, the fresh air and bright sun awaited. But her heart remained dark and troubled.

She got into the car and drove home. She needed time to think, to figure out what to do next. At home, Igor was waiting.

He sat on the couch, head bowed. When he saw Anna, he stood up. Where were you? he asked.

Anna looked at him. His eyes held fear and hope. I was with Elena, she replied.

Igor paled but didn’t deny anything. He spoke for a long time, haltingly, as if justifying himself to himself. About Elena.

About their brief romance just before meeting Anna. About Sasha’s birth. About how he couldn’t abandon his child…