Olga Xrystyjanchuk

Marry against my own will? Or perhaps run away and hide, fearing that my father will find me and punish me for disobedience and for causing him to lose part of his business? Or maybe arrange things so that the groom himself wants to call it off? So many options, and yet nothing to choose from. But I know one thing: I won’t give up so easily and will definitely find a way out of this difficult situation.

Eight years ago, I was dating a wonderful guy, but our romance didn’t last long, and our paths eventually parted. And now I’ve met him again, and the feelings are coming back, my chest tightening with excitement. After all, we have three wonderful children growing up — children he knows nothing about.

I thought I had the perfect marriage. I believed I had the best husband in the world. Until one day, on our anniversary, I caught him with another woman in our bedroom, on our bed. He destroyed our future and trampled my feelings. How can I trust people after this? How can I let love back into my heart? I fled, returning to my homeland, where I encountered my past. The one who once made my life miserable, who wouldn’t let me live in peace, and during our last encounter, beat up my boyfriend. Now he’s bursting back into my life and refuses to back down.

"Your husband was foolish to leave you alone. A beautiful woman like you shouldn’t be sad on a festive evening," I turn around and meet Rodion’s gaze. Without waiting for my invitation, he sits across from me, resting his hands on the table. "Are you teasing me? This is the second time in our short acquaintance that you’ve called me beautiful." "I say what I see." "But I’m married. Why waste effort on someone who’s taken when there are plenty of beautiful single women around?" "Want the truth?" "I’m not opposed to hearing it." "You don’t seem happy to me, and I wanted to cheer you up somehow." "What makes you think that?" I ask dryly. "I have a husband, a job, a roof over my head. My life is quite comfortablle." "Comfortable, perhaps, but not happy. I can see it in your eyes."

- Why’d you call me? Keep it short and to the point. - If you want it short, - I pause, staring at the man’s indifferent face, - I’m pregnant. It’s definitely yours, so don’t go looking for someone else to blame. - So what are you going to do? - he asks, flustered, not like himself at all. - I wanted to ask you what we’re going to do, - I lean forward. - It’s your kid, so this problem concerns both of us. - Get rid of the problem, that’s all, - he snaps, piercing me with a cold stare. - You know as well as I do that it’s not what either of us needs right now. I’ve got my career, you’ve got your studies. And we’re not even together anymore to keep this pregnancy. It’d be stupid to get back together just for a kid.

Four years ago, because of him, my family fell apart, and he destroyed the future I had so diligently planned. Now, I’m furious with him, can’t stand him, and have no desire whatsoever to see him. But I have to deal with him because, as it turns out, my future depends on it. Again.

Sabina: Myroslav Malinovsky is an arrogant and overconfident spoiled rich guy. I can’t stand him and hate him to the point of itching under my skin. But the university director forces me to tutor him in all subjects, and I agree because I have no choice. Myr: Sabina Radchenko is a straight-A student and a bore who doesn’t get jokes. She annoys me with her goody-two-shoes attitude, so I can’t resist throwing a sharp word her way at every opportunity. But when my father cuts off my money and the university threatens to expel me, my future suddenly depends entirely on her.

"I want to make you an offer," Denis says suddenly. "What? Another tour?" I joke. "No. Be my wife," his expression is serious. I burst out laughing, looking into the tense eyes of my companion. "You're quite the joker, Denis." "I'm not joking," he furrows his dark brows. "Then your offer is completely out of place," I say, indignant, crossing my arms over my chest. "Wait, don’t jump to conclusions," he raises a hand. "Just hear me out. It’ll be a fake marriage. You’ll be my wife for a month, maybe two, and I’ll pay you a good sum for it." "And how much will you pay?" I ask with deep skepticism. "A hundred thousand." "Two hundred, and I’m in," I play along, curious to see how he’ll respond. "Deal," he says, sounding satisfied...

- I’m pregnant, Sasha. - What did you say? – he asks, lowering his voice. - I’m pregnant, thirteen weeks, – I say louder, and the fear slowly recedes. – We’re going to have a baby. - I’m not leaving Oksana, – his voice is cold, unfriendly. – You knew this, I told you more than once. I can’t. What are you hoping for? That I’ll abandon everything and accept you and the child? It’s not that simple. - If you loved me, you would, – I say in a voice that doesn’t feel like mine. - I do love you, you know that, – he leans in, trying to look into my eyes, but I turn away. – But you’re a smart girl, you should understand. I can’t leave my wife. I’ll give you money, as much as you need. And you’ll do the right thing. - Are you suggesting an abortion?

"You want to marry me off to the one who got me into this mess?" I say, unable to believe what I'm hearing. "Don't exaggerate," Mom brushes off my words. "I would've sent you to this college anyway. I didn’t have time for you." "I can’t stand him." "You were just kids back then. I’m sure you’ll find common ground now." "No. I’m not marrying him," I say firmly, trying to stand up for myself. "Nobody’s asking you," her face darkens, and all lightness vanishes from her voice. "It’s already been decided and discussed. The date’s even set. So be a good girl and do what I tell you."

"Yeva," he drawls my name painfully. "What are you doing here?" I snap, irritated, and unable to hold back, I turn around sharply. "I have to be here. I’m the owner of the gallery." The news shocks me, but I try to stay composed and not show it. "Really?" I say dryly. "I didn’t know." "You have no idea how surprised I was when I found out you were among the other artists," he says, relaxing and giving a friendly smile. "Don’t talk to me like we’re old friends," I retort, annoyed at his smug expression. "You betrayed me. You abandoned me." His smile fades, and his face pales. "I’m sorry for what I did," he starts to explain. "There was a good reason for it." "I don’t even want to hear it," I hiss angrily. "Your actions have no excuse. You didn’t even call—just sent a message."

"It's none of my business, so I won’t ask why your boyfriend was yelling at you like that," Stas says with a crooked smile. He leans back, resting grandly against the chair. I notice his gaze sliding over my body. "I’ll tell you," I muster the courage. "He found out I’m pregnant." "That’s an odd reaction," he raises his eyebrows. "You’d think he’d be happy about such news." "Not when the child isn’t his," I say, almost spilling it all. Just one small step left. "Interesting," he smirks and licks his lips. "And who did you cheat on Roman with? Who’s the lucky dad?" Is it my imagination, or did he just tense up? "You, Stas," I don’t look away, feeling my heart pound wildly. "It’s your child."

Vlad Malynovsky is a young, handsome local millionaire, the object of every girl's affection in our town. To me, he’s an unattainable star. How could a man like him ever take an interest in a village girl? Yet fate brings us together, and we meet at his parents' house. Our paths cross for the second time. "It feels like I’ve seen you somewhere before," he says suddenly, studying my face intently. "Maybe," I reply with a mysterious smile.

Irynka learns that the abandoned house across the street has been bought by a wealthy stranger. She is skeptical about it, but her surprise is great when the new owner soon moves in. Young and unmarried, he attracts the attention of all the local residents. Only she remains indifferent, considering him arrogant and overconfident. And he will have to try hard to prove that he is worth her attention.

She is absent-minded and inattentive, works in a veterinary clinic. He is a purposeful and responsible captain of the criminal police. What can unite such different people? An ordinary day, during which fate brings them together repeatedly. And what can come of it? Perhaps a new love.

I planned to go to the capital, find a good job, and build a career. Falling in love was absolutely not part of my intentions. But meeting a charming stranger ruined all my plans. At first, I was intrigued, then captivated, and in the end, I completely lost my head over him. But it turned out he wasn’t at all who he claimed to be. And worse, he’s accusing my father of theft.

Nadiya had long dreamed of visiting the mountains. But how could she have foreseen that something terrible might happen during her vacation at a mountain resort? And the idea that misfortune could bring her closer to the arrogant and cocky Davyd would never have crossed her mind.