After the Divorce, My Husband Demanded Something From Me. When I Heard It, I Laughed Like a Madwoman

For a long time, I lived in denial. I pretended that everything in my marriage was fine, that the distance between us was temporary, and that Sergey — my husband — was still the man I had fallen in love with.

But deep down, I knew something was wrong. The signs were all there: him coming home later and later, the faint trace of unfamiliar perfume on his shirt, whispered phone calls behind closed doors, and an increasing number of “urgent” business trips.

The most painful part was that the woman he was seeing had become his assistant at work. They spent every single day together.

At first, I convinced myself it was all in my head — paranoia fueled by insecurity. But the doubts grew heavier until I couldn’t take it anymore. One evening, I confronted him directly.

“Is it true? Are you with her?” I asked.

He didn’t even try to deny it. His voice was cold, detached, almost relieved.

“You already know,” he said flatly. “I’m glad we finally talked. I want a divorce.”

Just like that. No apology. No hesitation. As if our years together meant nothing at all.

The news spread quickly. My best friend, Marina, told me, “He’s not worth your tears. This could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

My mother, furious, said, “I never liked him anyway. You’ll meet someone better.”

Even my former mother-in-law surprised me with unexpected kindness: “You’re still young, beautiful, and free. Life isn’t over.”

But none of it brought me comfort. In my heart, I still hoped Sergey would come to his senses and come back. I called him more times than I can admit, hoping to hear the faintest sign of regret in his voice. Instead, he cut me off entirely, vanishing from my life as if I had never existed.

It was Marina who helped pull me out of the fog. She invited me out often, and sometimes her older brother, Kirill, joined us. I had known him for years — in my teenage days, I’d even had a small crush on him, though I never told anyone. Now, he too had recently gone through a divorce.

Kirill didn’t pity me or try to force advice on me. He simply kept me company. We went for walks, watched movies, and ate ice cream on park benches. Around him, the ache inside me began to fade.

When the divorce papers were finally signed, Kirill asked if we could take our friendship further. I hadn’t expected it, but my heart said yes.

Marina was ecstatic. “Finally!” she laughed, hugging me. “I always knew you two would end up together.”

With Kirill, I felt safe — cherished in a way I had never been with Sergey. He was patient, attentive, and deeply kind. For the first time in a long while, I was genuinely happy.

Then, one afternoon, my phone lit up with Sergey’s name. My stomach tightened. Kirill glanced at me and said softly, “Go ahead. Hear what he has to say.”

Sergey’s voice was as cold as ever. “We need to meet. It’s urgent.”

The next day, I waited at the park near the pond where we had agreed to meet. Sergey arrived, all business.

“I want the wedding ring back,” he said without preamble. “Karina and I are getting married. We need rings. I paid for yours, so it’s only fair.”

I stared at him, speechless for a moment. Then, the absurdity of it hit me, and I burst into uncontrollable laughter.

“I actually have it with me,” I said, pulling the ring from my pocket.

Before he could react, I flicked my wrist and sent it sailing into the pond. The ring hit the water with a small splash and disappeared beneath the surface.

Sergey’s expression froze, but I didn’t wait to see what came next. I turned and walked away, the sound of my own laughter mingling with the soft rustle of the trees.

When I told Kirill later, he laughed too — not out of malice, but out of the shared understanding that some things, and some people, are better left behind.

We’re not rushing into marriage, but I know he’s thinking about it. And for the first time, the thought of a future together doesn’t scare me.

After everything I’ve been through, I know one thing for certain: I’ve found someone who truly sees me, values me, and loves me for who I am. And I’m not letting that go.