Erin Kas

— Why did you do it? — she asks nervously. — I could ask you the same, but I won’t. Not interested. — Are you going to take everything from me? — her lips twist as if in pain. — No, I’ll return what you stole — your peace. — Peace has nothing to do with this. You came to get revenge, didn’t you? But I have to disappoint you — it won’t work, — she lifts her chin defiantly. — Revenge on the one you loved, who betrayed you? Do you think that’s enough to get your life back? — Loved?! — she shouts. — What you did says otherwise. I will never forgive you. — Good, at least our intentions align there. Any more questions, claims, accusations? — I hate you! — she hides her tear-filled eyes and storms out of the office.

— Didn’t know I’m a co-owner? — he’s surprised. — It’s public information. — I can leave, — I hold myself from looking down. — That’s not a problem. — It’s enough that you showed up again, — he smirks. Before me is a complete stranger. Indifferent. Cold. Only his appearance reminds me of who he once was. — If we don’t remember the past, it won’t bother us. — And can you stop remembering, Sa-sha? — I hiss through my teeth. — Yes, — there’s a tremble in my voice, but I nod firmly. — Fine, — he stands up. — Get to work, — he says, leaving me to stew in memories... They will probably never fade. I will never be able to breathe freely. I will never soar on the wings he broke...

A new city, a good job, and the absence of control—that was all I wanted. I calmed down, let the situation go, and forgot about that unpleasant incident. But as it turned out, fate had other plans. And in my case, it feels more and more like a bad joke. So what am I supposed to do now, when the man I was never able to forget is standing right in front of me? Give in—or go against it once again?

All my conscious life, I wanted to break free from control—to speak up at least sometimes. To have a choice… my own choice. Not to listen to other people’s advice. To live my own life, make decisions, study, build friendships, dream, love… I longed for independence so deeply that I failed to notice when those desires turned against me. Sadly, I was the one who took a step whose consequences I can now only guess at.

When the trembling sensations of first love are seasoned with doubt, fragile trust dissolves. When awkwardness plays into the hands of others, and unshakable confidence shatters under convincing lies, all you want to do is scream. From pain, injustice, despair—and a love that not even time was able to destroy. Yet it takes only a single step to feel that absolute moment of happiness again. Will they dare?

Where do memories come from? Maybe they’re fragments of interesting dreams, or events that once happened to us? It’s a strange feeling — not remembering. Feeling like a spy in someone else’s life. But that’s not as scary as finding a dress in your wardrobe. A white one. No, people, we never agreed on this! This isn’t my life. And definitely not my wedding.

It’s a pity you can’t look into the future and watch your life unfold ahead of time. To shield yourself from troubles, avoid disappointment, not fall in love... Tears and rain mixed together, endless pain tearing at my soul. No one around... Just the rain tapping out a restless spring melody, and a stranger... Who knew he would still appear in my life? Offer his hand, heal my wounded soul, and give me what I had dreamed of the most. A miracle!

“Don’t you have something to tell me?” he asked, his gaze stern as he leaned over me. “Nothing,” I muttered, trying to pull back. “What if you think harder?” “Let go. I need to leave.” “He doesn’t need you anyway. So what? Am I your target tonight?” “You didn’t look like a victim,” I snapped irritably. “Then why did you run?” His arm wrapped tightly around my waist. “I was in a hurry,” I blurted, my voice shaky. “Care to explain that?” “Looked to me like you came here with another girl.” “Right now, I’m all yours.” “I don’t want that. Let me go.” I tried to push free, but his grip only tightened. “You seduced me, lit a fire in me, gave me a taste of something rare—and now you want to walk away?” he whispered, eyes locked on mine. “Exactly. Now let me go!” My voice was anything but steady.

He covered her groceries the first time they met. The second time, he asked her out for coffee. And soon after… they were swept away by passion. But it wasn’t just the age gap that set them apart. His unshakable confidence clashed with her quiet shyness. His persistence with her innocence. They were too different to ever belong together—yet a whispered “I love you” can pierce even the strongest armor and mend a broken heart.

How do you piece yourself back together after betrayal and force a smile through the tears?** Life has thrown a difficult challenge my way, but I wouldn’t be myself if I couldn’t rise again. My past is gone — all that’s left is me and the present moment. A new country and a new job — that’s exactly what I need right now. And maybe… a new love? Will I be able to feel that beautiful emotion again and entrust my fragile soul to a man who drives me crazy? Only our willingness to trust each other will decide everything.

— Get out, — he says firmly, surprising everyone. I instantly flush. Lowering my gaze, I slowly make my way to the door. — I’m a little busy, — I dare to look at his angry face. — Come with me, — he turns and heads to the office. I have no choice. I follow him as if it’s a punishment. — Why didn’t you say? — he asks directly as the door closes behind me. — I wanted to, but... I didn’t dare, — I exhale with a creak. — Does it even matter? — I mumble, staring at the floor. — Does it matter? Are you serious?! — I’ve never heard so much anger in his voice. — Sorry... about that, — I feel moisture in my eyes. — This meeting shouldn’t have happened. You were right, we’ll both regret it. — I don’t regret it. — Because you have no feelings. — Sasha, — he breathes out in shock. We had an agreemen

— My name is Arsen. — I don’t like that name. — I’ll try to survive it, — he smirks. — One passport. — One number in the phone, and it doesn’t answer. Do you and Oleg have some kind of secret code in your conversations? — I don’t know who Oleg is. I’ve never seen him and I don’t want to. This isn’t my passport, it belongs to my friend… — I’ve heard that already, — he cuts me off sharply. — What’s your name then? — Alisa. If you had looked at the document properly, you might have noticed the differences, — I start to get nervous. Giving my real name would be even more dangerous. — Tell me where your brother is, and you can leave today. I don’t get any pleasure from keeping a woman locked up.

“Let’s go, I’ll take you home.” “You really don’t understand normal words, do you?” I start to get irritated. “Do you think you can get away with anything?” “Oh? Can’t I? Not everything?” He stops, smiling. “People don’t belong to you.” “Seriously?” he feigns surprise, clearly enjoying my confusion. I ignore his gaze and keep typing in the address to find the nearest taxi. “You’re brave,” he drawls. “Alright, I get it — let’s switch places. Tonight, you can do anything you want. Pick whatever you like, I’ll make it happen… but on one condition.” This night could have ended differently, but I made my choice — and agreed to his reckless game.