Alya Moreyno

"So — a single mother," Tarnavskyi says, looking at her with open mockery, with unmistakable condescension. "I don't recall you mentioning that particular detail." "Sorry, but people don't usually show up to speed dating carrying placards. Next time, though, I'll be sure to make one." She wants to run to the ends of the earth from a man who sees a woman with a child as damaged goods. And at the same time, to beg him to give her a chance — because she needs this job like she needs air. "And on top of that, an incompetent doctor. Give me one reason why I should keep you in my department. This is not a charity."

"You said you'd lost your job, had no roof over your head, and Child Protective Services took your kid…" "I'll manage." Her snub nose tilts higher, pure defiance. "Don't make me laugh. You know exactly how the game is played. I can make the whole mess go away — a roof, money, a job." "And what's the catch?" "You are." "So you want me as your kept woman?" "Call it what you like. I prefer something more diplomatic: a mutually beneficial arrangement." "You won't even pretend otherwise?" "I deal in straight talk and honesty." "Then here's mine: no."

After a brutal divorce, I returned to my homeland and landed the role of Chief Architect at a prestigious development firm. But the branch director turned out to be my ex — the very man who once betrayed me without a second thought. Now he's determined to force me out and destroy everything I've built. Can I hold on to the position I fought so hard to win — and what will our bitter clash cost me?

"Asya, why are you deceiving me? What are you hoping to achieve?" A tense pause. "I have nothing against your daughter, but I can't stand lies — especially when they're utterly pointless." She rose abruptly and headed for the door. "Asya, wait!" She shook her head without looking back. Can two people spend a single day together and fall in love for a lifetime? Perhaps only in a girl's rosy dreams…

I walk down the hallway and stop dead at the door to the children's room. The girls are sitting on the floor, examining the toys I brought for little Hannusia. "Kostik says every child has a dad," the older one says, her tone businesslike as she stacks the blocks. "He's just lost for some of us. When my dad is found, he'll bring me pretty toys like these too. And I promise I'll share them with you. You share with me." The younger girl swats at the tower and the blocks scatter everywhere. "I wish he'd show up already," she sighs. "Otherwise I'll grow up before I even get to play with them." I turn back to Olena. "How old is Olya?" "Six — she starts school this year." I should ask the obvious question, but it feels like there's sand in my throat. No words will come out.

I lost everything — my parents, my freedom, and the right to control my own life. Under the guise of protection, my father's friend lured me into a gilded cage. Now I live as a prisoner under the laws of a foreign land where a woman has no voice. My multimillion-dollar inheritance is in his hands, my passport is locked in a safe, and I must hide my face beneath a chador and stay silent. A chance encounter with my past offers a fleeting hope of escape — but what will freedom cost me? And could it turn out to be just another trap?

"But he doesn't love you!" "If I meant nothing to him, he wouldn't have married me. Maybe these months apart made him realise he can't live without me. I need him more than I can bear." "And what about me? How am I supposed to go on? I can't do it without you. I just can't." "Believe me, it tears me apart knowing I'm hurting you. You are so dear to me, and I will always be grateful. But I love Kyryl. Please… if you truly love me, then understand." "Yes… I understand. I understand everything." He rose and walked toward the door. In the doorway, he stopped and looked back. "But when we find each other in the next life, promise me you'll choose me then." "In the next life… yes. I will." He whispered "Goodbye" so softly it was nearly lost in the silence, then walked out of the room.