After the divorce, my ex-husband demanded something from me. When I heard it, I laughed like a madwoman.

For a long time, I pretended nothing had changed. I couldn’t accept that Sergey had cheated — not just a fling, but a full-blown relationship with his assistant. The signs were there: late nights, perfume, secret calls. Still, I clung to denial.

When I finally asked him directly, he didn’t lie. Just said, “You already know. I want a divorce.” Cold. Final.

Friends and family tried to comfort me — “He doesn’t deserve you,” “You’ll find someone better.” But their words didn’t touch me. Deep down, I still hoped he’d come back.

He didn’t.

Instead, I leaned on Marina, my best friend, and her brother Kirill. We grew closer — walks, movies, quiet evenings. With him, I felt peace. No pity. No judgment. Just comfort. When the divorce was final, we became more than friends.

To my surprise, Marina was thrilled. “I always knew you were perfect for him,” she said. And for the first time, I believed someone when they said it was all for the best.

Then, unexpectedly, Sergey called.

“We need to meet,” he said. “It’s urgent.”

Curious, I agreed. At the park, he got straight to the point: he wanted my wedding ring back. Not for sentiment — to reuse it for his new wedding.

I laughed. Not from sadness, but disbelief. Then I pulled the ring from my pocket and threw it into the pond.

“If you need it that badly — take it.”

I walked away without looking back.

Later, Kirill and I laughed about it. “Sometimes it’s better to let go — of people and their things,” he said.

We’re not rushing into marriage, but it feels right. After everything, I’ve finally found what I was missing — love, peace, and someone who truly sees me.

And this time, I’m not looking back.