They say that love is blind, and it seems that I was a clear proof of that. When my husband, Alexei, quit his job saying he was sick, I believed him without question. I worked harder and gave him all my money for his treatment. But what I learnt later ruined everything.
When you love someone, you don’t expect them to lie. Especially about something as serious as health. But looking back, I should have seen the signs.
I missed everything until a stranger rolled down her car window and told me something I in no way expected.
As a mum and wife, I’ve always taken pride in my role. My days have been a storm of work, household chores and time with my family, but I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
I’m a project manager at a software company and I really enjoy my job. It gives me enough money to support our small family.
Our two sons, Igor and Dima, are my main sources of inspiration.
Igor, 12, has an inquisitive mind and a talent for science. He is always fiddling with gadgets or asking a million questions about how things work. Dima, 10, is our little athlete. He’s always chasing a ball around the yard or riding his bike around the neighbourhood.
And here is Alexei, my husband, with whom we have lived for 15 years.
Alexei has always been my rock. He was the calm in my chaos, that steady presence that kept our family afloat.
He worked as an operations manager for a logistics company, and although it was a time-consuming job, it provided for us.
There were times when I would look at him at dinner, watch him laughing with the kids or telling stories about his day, and think how lucky I was.
Life was good.
But everything changed one day when Alexei came home with a folder in his hands, looking like he’d seen a ghost.
Hi, you’re home early,’ I said, looking up from my laptop. But as soon as I saw his expression, I knew something was wrong.
His face was pale, his lips tightly pressed together as he placed the folder on the desk.
Alexei, what’s wrong? – I stood up and walked over to him, my heart pounding in my chest. – Is everything okay?
He looked at me, and there was something in his eyes that I couldn’t understand.
Was it fear? Regret? I still didn’t understand.
Lena,’ he began, his voice trembling, ’I have muscular dystrophy.
I froze. – What?
He sat down heavily, covering his face with his hands.
‘I haven’t felt well for months. I’ve been to the doctor, had tests… That explains why I’m so tired.
I didn’t know what to say.
I won’t be able to work anymore,’ he continued. – I need expensive treatment, but this is my only chance.
For a moment I couldn’t breathe. Muscular dystrophy. The words echoed in my head, causing an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach.
I sat down across from him, holding out my hand for the folder.
Inside were test results, doctor’s notes, and medical documents. Everything looked serious.
I’m sorry,’ he whispered. – I didn’t want to tell you this, but… I need to start treatment. I think we’re going to have to cancel the trip with the kids. It’s hard for me to do this for them, but…
I reached out and took his hands. – Alexei, stop it. The kids will understand. We’ll figure it out. You’ll get the treatment you need.
Tears glistened in his eyes. – I hate that you have to go through all this.
I’m your wife,’ I said, squeezing his hand tightly. – We’ll get through this together.
But sitting there, looking at those papers, I felt a cold fear. How would we be able to afford this treatment?
Later that night, as we lay in bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
We need more money,’ I whispered, staring at the ceiling.
Alexei turned to me. – Lena, I don’t want you to work yourself to exhaustion for me.
I can handle it,’ I replied, turning to him. There was determination in my eyes. – I’ll get a part-time job after my main job. We’ll cut costs. You’ll quit and focus on treatment.
His lips trembled. – Would you do that for me?
Of course I would.
The next day I went to a local restaurant and got a job washing dishes in the evenings. After working at the software company, I would go straight there.
It was exhausting, but I didn’t care.
I gave almost all the money I earned to Alexei for his treatment. And I saw him change. He became happier and more relaxed.
Seeing it gave me the strength to keep going, even when I felt like I was about to collapse from exhaustion.
Routine became second nature. Working all day, doing the dishes in the evenings and falling into bed tired.
I was moving on empty, but every time I saw Alexei smile or heard him say, ‘Thank you for everything, Lena,’ it was all worth it.
He continued to go to his weekday treatments while I was at work.
‘It’s better if I go alone,’ he used to say. – I don’t want you to miss work because of this.
I didn’t ask questions. I trusted him.
But one night, something strange happened.
I was walking to the restaurant, holding on to my coat in the cold wind, when a white SUV pulled up beside me. The window slowly rolled down and inside sat a woman with dark glasses and perfectly styled hair.
She leaned across the passenger seat. – Are you Lena?
I froze, clutching my bag tighter. – Yes… Who’s asking?
She took off her glasses and I saw shrewd eyes. – Is Alexei your husband?
Yes,’ I answered. – Why? Is he all right?
The woman tilted her head slightly, an enigmatic smirk on her lips. – ‘Oh, he’s fine. But you should check out where he goes for his ‘treatments’. And while you’re at it, take a look at his bank statements.
I froze, stunned. – What? Who are you? What are you talking about?
She pressed her lips together as if deciding what to say.
Let’s just say I’m just doing you a favour,’ she said, before raising the window again. The SUV drove off, leaving me standing on the pavement puzzled.
What the hell was going on?
All the way to the restaurant, the woman’s words echoed in my head. Why is a stranger saying these things to me? And how does she know Alexei?
When I got home that night, Alexei was already asleep.
I sat down at the kitchen table, looking at the clock while my thoughts raced frantically through my head. Something wasn’t right about that conversation.
The next morning, Alexei grabbed his bag, kissed me on the cheek, and went to work.
I’ll be back around three,’ he said. – I have two procedures today. One in the evening.
In the evening? – I asked.
Yes, my therapist has scheduled a special session.
Okay,’ I replied, forcing a smile. – Take care of yourself.
As soon as he left, I headed straight for his laptop. My hands shook as I opened his banking app. I told myself it wasn’t spying. I just needed peace of mind.
But as I scrolled through the transactions, my heart dropped.
There were no payments to medical facilities. No hospital bills. No doctor’s services. Nothing.
Instead, I saw restaurant bills, golf club memberships, expensive clothing shops, and even a weekend expense at a resort I’d never heard of.
What was it?
I scrolled faster, hoping I’d missed something. But everything was black and white.
Alexei didn’t pay for treatment. He spent our money on luxuries. Things we never talked about. On things I never approved of.
When I closed the laptop, I trembled. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
Later that evening, I decided to follow him as he left for his ‘special session’.
I kept a safe distance, my heart pounding with every step.
But Alexei didn’t go to the hospital or clinic.
He went to a small bar in the centre of town. The kind where people come to relax and pass the time.
I stood outside, frozen in place, watching Alexei laughing and joking with his friends. It was like watching a stranger. The man I saw was not the sick, suffering husband I thought I knew.
It was a completely different person.
I took a deep breath and moved closer to the window, just in time to hear his words.
I said I wouldn’t be able to do anything for three months,’ Alexei said, raising his glass. – And you were wrong!
His friends laughed loudly, clinking glasses.
Dude, I can’t believe you managed to pull that off,’ one of them said. – Did your wife really buy it?
Alexei laughed, leaning back in his chair. – Totally. Told her I was too sick to work. Now I have all the time in the world to socialise with you.
They laughed again, and their laughter was carefree, while my heart was torn to shreds.
And she still gives you money? – Another friend asked, shaking his head in bewilderment.
Yeah,’ Alexei took a sip of wine, looking pleased with himself. – She even took a part-time job so that I would be provided for. I have to say, being married to such a naive woman is a real advantage.
His words pierced me like a knife. My mind filled with images of him sitting at home, watching me running from one job to another while he was having fun with his friends.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned around and walked away, tears covering my eyes.
As I was about to head home, I saw the same white SUV outside the bar. The woman I had met earlier rolled down her window as soon as she saw me.
Did you see that? – She asked softly.
I nodded, unable to speak.
She sighed. – I’m sorry you found out like that. My boyfriend is one of his friends. When I found out what they were doing…I couldn’t keep quiet. You deserve to know the truth.
I wiped my tears, trying to regain my composure. – Thank you.
That night, I didn’t say anything to Alexei.
I sat at dinner listening to his usual stories of ‘complicated procedures’ and ‘encouraging results.’
But the next morning, I took action.
I called his office and told him he was well enough to return to work.
Then I went to the bank and froze our joint account. The remaining money went to pay the mortgage and I also opened a new account in my name.
When I was done, I sent Alexei a text message.
It said, ‘Alexei, cure your vanity and cruelty-that is your real disease. Don’t come home.’
Then I packed my things, changed the lock on the front door and left with my children to my parents. I didn’t want to see Alexei’s face again.
He tried to call me for weeks, but I wouldn’t talk to him. Instead, I filed for divorce and am now waiting for it to be finalised so that I can finally be rid of the man who betrayed me in ways I could never have imagined.
