I finished packing my suitcase, stuffing it with far more things than necessary. It looked like I was heading out for a month rather than just ten days. Still, better to overpack than underpack. And in the Carpathians, warm clothes would definitely come in handy.
It was a bitter realization that this might be my last real getaway in life. After this, it’d be marriage and family responsibilities waiting for me. So, I needed to make the most of these days—without going overboard, of course.
I had no intention of drinking myself into a stupor or chasing after every girl I came across. I just wanted to escape for these ten days, to be left alone, free from anyone reminding me that Maria was a “great match” and that marrying her was a “smart move” for our families, blah blah blah...
If I had my way, I’d ditch all of this and travel the world. I was sick of playing the part of the important businessman, constantly obsessing over how to make more of that damned money.
Honestly, a person doesn’t need much to live. A roof over your head, heat in the winter, and something to eat in the fridge—that’s enough.
But thoughts like these were dangerous to voice around my father. I made the mistake of saying something similar two years ago.
“Yuri, have you lost your mind? How can you even say that?” he’d barked. “Who do you think I built all this for? Huh? Do you think I want my kids and grandkids scraping by, living paycheck to paycheck?”
“No, but that’s just how I see things. I’m only sharing my opinion.”
“To hell with your foolish opinions! Stop filling your head with nonsense. In a few years, you’ll be sitting in my chair, so learn while I’m still sharp and not some feeble old man!”
“Alright, Dad.”
So, when they told me six months ago that I had to marry Maria, I didn’t even bother arguing. Over the years, I’d learned that my thoughts didn’t matter. Going against the system meant turning my entire family against me, and I didn’t need that. Not at all.
Though sometimes, I’d joke to myself that I was earning money just to afford the expensive cognac I now held in my hand. Of course, I wasn’t a heavy drinker. But every now and then, I craved a few glasses.
Today was one of those days. I knew I shouldn’t overdo it, especially with a train to catch in a few hours, but only this strong drink helped me endure a call from Maria, who loved nothing more than to nag me.
“Are you packed yet?” her voice chirped into my right ear. She was a beautiful blonde, the woman I was set to marry at the end of January.
“Yeah,” I replied, taking another sip.
“I still don’t get why you need to go. And with that Beaver guy, no less. Your friend annoys me to no end. He’s a snake—he’ll probably get you drunk and set you up with some girl!”
Maria’s baseless jealousy. God, it drove me up the wall! She was always accusing me of cheating. Maybe she sensed that I didn’t love her.
As if she didn’t know our marriage was just a business deal between our parents. She knew full well. Yet she stubbornly insisted she loved me. Who knows—maybe she meant it.
I’d often wondered if I could ever come to love this stunning blonde with emerald-green eyes. It was a fair question.
But I felt nothing for her. She was easy on the eyes, nothing more. A gorgeous woman with long legs and thick hair.
Still, I’d be spending most of my time on business anyway, so it didn’t really matter who was waiting at home—as long as they didn’t nag me constantly. Maria, unfortunately, was already a pro at that. Sometimes, I compared her to a buzzsaw. Not a kind thought, but her calls...
“Maria, I’m going to the Carpathians to relax. Ten days to just take in the scenery. What Max does is his business. He’s a free man and can do whatever he wants.”
“And why didn’t you want to take me with you? I wouldn’t stop you from watching the birds or whatever.”
“Are we doing this again? I’m not explaining the same thing seven times over.”
She let out an annoyed tsk on the other end of the line.
“Why are you getting upset?” I asked.
“I’m just jealous. You know that.”
“Maria, I’m not planning to pick up girls there. You know how much I value our relationship and that we’ll soon be married, a real family.”
That last part was a lie, of course. I didn’t value anything about it. I just didn’t want a fight. If Maria was to be the mother of my future kids, so be it. Who knows—maybe I’d eventually feel something for her.
“Uh-huh.”
“Besides, I’ll be back on the thirtieth of December. We’ll decorate the Christmas tree together, celebrate New Year’s...”
“Uh-huh,” she muttered again, clearly displeased.
“Tell me, what should I bring back from the Carpathians? Some candy, maybe a bottle of local wine?”
“Just come back yourself.”
“I will,” I said, pouring myself a third glass, which would probably be my last. Any more, and I’d be stumbling onto the train instead of walking.
“I want to see you off,” she said suddenly. “And remind your friend again that I’m the jealous type.”
My future wife was testing my patience.
“Fine. The train leaves at eleven tonight. I’ll be at the station half an hour before departure.”
“I’ll come over in an hour, and we’ll go together,” Maria said, ignoring me. “I’m not chasing you down on the platform.”
“Alright,” I sighed, downing the third shot in one gulp.
“Then wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”
“I’m waiting,” I forced out, then quickly hit the red button on my phone. Click—and finally, I was free from Maria’s shrill voice.
The thought of spending my whole life with her made me sick. But I had no choice. It was all for the business, which meant everything to my family.
“You have to marry her. It’ll merge our capitals, and no crisis will touch us then. Consider it your duty to the family. If you mess this up, we’ll have big problems. So don’t even think about taking a mistress. If word gets out, things will get ugly,” my father had told me back in June.
But enough dwelling on that. The past can’t be changed, nor can that accident a year ago—the one that took the girl I truly loved. Her name was Dana.
That fiery brunette had a fierce spirit and an incredible voice. She sang so beautifully, I could listen to her for hours. My parents didn’t approve of my feelings for her, and then that damned car crash...
After the accident, I became numb. Marrying Maria? Fine. When I was with Dana, I’d even considered running away from this life, just to escape my parents’ constant criticism. But now, things were different. I’d realized nothing was up to me, so I resigned myself to this absurd existence and went with the flow.
My blue eyes glanced at the glass—it was empty. The temptation to pour another was strong, but I held back. One more, and I’d be plastered. Maria would be here in an hour, and I didn’t want a scene. Though she’d probably nag me about the rose anyway.
I’d taken it from the bouquet I brought to Dana’s grave today. I bought eleven, laid ten, and kept one for myself—a keepsake. Black roses, tulips, even peonies—those were the flowers she loved. I hadn’t even known black peonies existed. This world is full of strange wonders. You can’t know everything.
I stood up, feeling a slight sway, but it was pleasant. In an hour, the buzz would fade, and gray reality would creep back in. But for the next ten days, I’d escape and not think about my life.
I’d soak in the peace and quiet while my friend Max chased after girls and regaled me with his escapades the next morning. At least I’d get a laugh. Max—Beaver, as we called him—had a knack for getting into trouble. He could sniff it out a mile away.
I smirked and glanced out the window. Winter had finally arrived. Fluffy snow drifted down from the clouds. I hoped this year’s New Year’s wouldn’t be marred by mud like last time. That mess underfoot, combined with my personal grief, had ruined the holiday spirit. I still couldn’t believe Dana was gone.