Maria and Roman’s love seemed perfect. As they stood together at the registry office, Roman whispered, “We will be together forever.” Maria smiled, “And through joy and sorrow?” Roman nodded, “Of course.” They dreamed of a family, with Roman envisioning a successful construction company, while Maria, a primary school teacher, planned to manage their home. They wanted many children, like Roman’s grandmother had, and Maria hoped for a large, happy family.
After their wedding, Roman’s aunt offered them her apartment while she was away. Roman started his construction company and worked hard. Soon, Maria was pregnant, but her pregnancy was difficult, and she had to stay in the hospital. Her friend Marina, however, was unsupportive, telling Maria that saving a child in such a condition might result in a “deficient” child. Maria dismissed Marina’s words, knowing Roman was working tirelessly and faithfully.
Maria’s labor was intense, and the baby was born weak and taken to the ICU with pneumonia. After twelve days, they lost the baby. Devastated, Maria was told by doctors that another pregnancy could bring the same result. She wondered if Roman would leave her now, but he assured her he would never do that. Despite his reassurances, Maria grew more withdrawn, rejecting his attempts to console her.
Roman, frustrated and heartbroken, continued his work, finishing the house he’d promised. Maria, however, refused to communicate with anyone, including Roman. Marina began to visit more often, planting seeds of doubt in Maria’s mind, claiming Roman was cheating on her and advising Maria to leave him.
One day, Marina told Maria that she was pregnant and demanded Roman choose between her or “this vegetable.” Maria, in disbelief, sank into despair. When Roman entered the room, he confessed to his affair with Marina, explaining that he’d been lonely and made a mistake. He begged Maria not to judge him and insisted he still loved her.
Maria, crushed by his betrayal, told him to leave. The next day, Roman confronted Marina, demanding she get a pregnancy certificate. But Marina revealed the truth—she was never pregnant. She admitted to manipulating the situation out of jealousy, wanting to hurt Maria for always “getting the best.” She even confessed to paying a doctor to lie about Maria’s infertility.
Roman, stunned by the revelation, rushed home to his wife. When he arrived, Maria was dressed up and had been preparing a meal. She apologized for her behavior, acknowledging that her depression had driven him away. Roman, holding a bouquet of her favorite roses, played Marina’s confession for Maria. As she listened, Maria’s heart broke, but she realized how much Roman had suffered too.
“I’ve already forgiven you,” Maria said, wiping her tears. “I want to rebuild what we lost.” She even began to share ideas for their future, including choosing wallpaper for their bedroom. Roman smiled, realizing that his Mashenka was back—the woman he had fallen in love with.
Their journey together wasn’t over, but now they had learned the importance of communication, trust, and forgiveness. Despite the pain and betrayal, they were ready to move forward, stronger than before, united in their love and dreams for the future.
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