— Well, that’s it, — said Paula, hugging her husband goodbye. — Are you leaving again? — You know it’s work, — replied Anthony, kissing her on the cheek. — I’m not happy about it either.
I’d like to spend more time with you and Mikey too. But this is a business trip, you understand? It’s very important for me. The boss promised a promotion if the product shipments go beyond the state.
— I understand, — sighed Paula, letting him go. — But I really want to go out together just once. Like before.
To the movies, theater, or just to the park. — We’ll definitely go as soon as I get back, — promised Anthony. — Come on, don’t be sad.
I’ll call every day, and you don’t forget either. And don’t stay too late at your hospital, I know you. — Okay, — replied Paula, trying to smile.
Take care of yourself. Anthony nodded and headed to the arriving taxi. Paula watched him until the car disappeared from view.
She felt a lump in her throat. It became somehow sad, lonely. — When will all this end? — whispered the woman, returning to the house.
— Will there ever be a time when we’ll be a family again, not just roommates? She entered the house, looked around. The living room was quiet and empty. Her son was staying at his grandmother’s cottage, and Anthony again preferred work over family.
Paula went to the window and looked at the flowers standing on the windowsill in pots. They pleased her with their bright colors and green leaves. — And I’ve been planning to repot you for a long time, but couldn’t find the time.
I think today it appeared. Paula remembered that she had bought new, more spacious pots. And now, when she was left alone, it seemed like a great way to occupy herself and distract a bit from sad thoughts.
— Well, my good one, let’s start, — she said, taking one of the pots. — You’ve probably gotten tired in these tight little homes. Paula carefully removed the flower from the old pot and transplanted it into the new, more spacious one.
Then she watered it, put it back on the windowsill. — There, now much better, — she said, looking at the flower. — Grow big and beautiful.
She took the second pot and repeated the procedure. She liked fiddling with flowers. It calmed her, helped her relax…
The job of a sleep doctor, to the surprise of many, took no less energy than other fields in medicine. — Sleep disorders and problems with relaxation at night are serious things, and sometimes other diseases start from them, — the chief doctor of their clinic liked to say. — Ah, how beautiful you are, always pleasing me with your bright flowers, — said Paula with a smile.
She often talked to the flowers as if they were alive. — Maybe it’s silly, but it makes it easier somehow. They’re my little green friends, — she thought.
The third flower remained. An exotic plant with large fleshy leaves. Her friend gave it to her about two months ago.
— Paula, this is for you, — said Natalie, handing her the flower. — It’s so unusual, I think you’ll like it. My acquaintance brought it from South America.
— Oh, thank you, — replied Paula, — it’s really so beautiful. Paula took the pot with the exotic flower and, carefully pulling out the plant, began to examine the roots. — What’s this, — she whispered, noticing some strange object wrapped in cellophane and lying shallow in the soil right behind the stem.
Paula looked closer and froze. A miniature lens, no bigger than a shirt button, was staring right at her. It was a video camera.
It can’t be. She carefully pulled the find out of the soil and began to examine it. Apparently, it was a modern device capable of recording video and sound.
— Could it be Natalie? — whispered Paula, feeling betrayal burning her heart. — But why would she do this? What did I do to her? What a nightmare. Questions began to swarm in her head.
Or maybe she wanted to ruin our marriage with Anthony or was spying on us to find dirt. After all, such cameras are used for that. But who needs this? I’m just a doctor, treating sleep disorders.
No secrets. Or is it one of the patients, or maybe colleagues? Paula’s hands were shaking. Just what she needed.
Apparently, the fatigue and tension of recent days were taking their toll. — Shame to say. I’m a doctor, a certified specialist, and I have sleep problems myself.
And how can I treat patients after that? — whispered Paula sadly and, picking up the phone, dialed her friend’s number. — Natalie, hi, it’s Paula. — Hi, — replied Natalie.
— How are things? How’s Mikey, Anthony? — Overall fine. Mike’s at grandma’s, Anthony’s on a business trip. — Natalie, I need to talk to you.
It’s very important. — What happened? — Remember, you gave me the flower for my birthday, — asked Paula. — Yeah, I remember.
What’s wrong with it? Did it wilt? — Well, maybe from watering? They told me it doesn’t like moisture much, and it’s better not to water it, but to spray the leaves. — Natalie, it’s something else. I repotted it today, and you know what I found in the pot? — There was silence on the line.
— What? — Natalie finally asked. — There was a hidden camera, — replied Paula. — For surveillance, you understand? — There was silence on the line again.
— Seriously? What camera, Paula? I don’t understand anything. — Natalie, don’t pretend, — said Paula, feeling anger boiling inside. You knew about this.
You gave me this flower with a spying device. — Paula, what are you talking about? It’s not true, — exclaimed Natalie, — I didn’t know anything, I swear. — Then how did the camera end up in the pot? If not you, then who, why are they spying on me? — I don’t know, — Natalie cried into the phone, — I really don’t know anything.
Probably someone wants to turn us against each other. Yeah, and who is that? This is some madness. I need to do something.
I can’t just leave it like this. Who wants to turn us against each other? Who could I have crossed? — Paula, I don’t know, but I’m sure it’s some mistake. Paula was silent and didn’t know what to believe, and most importantly, what to do next.
— Paula, please believe me, — begged Natalie, — I’m your friend and would never hurt you. I don’t know what to think, Natalie. I’ll call back.
She hung up and sank into a chair, still looking at the miniature camera lying in the open drawer. Maybe call Anthony? A wild thought flashed in her head, but no, now is definitely not the time for panic, he’s on a business trip and needs support, not problems. Need to focus on work.
She slammed the drawer and, putting on her favorite pantsuit, left the apartment. «The day promises to be long,» thought Paula sadly, heading to the bus stop. There have been more patients lately, all with the same problem — sleep, or rather, its absence.
Approaching the crowded stop, Paula involuntarily plunged into her thoughts, and a picture from six months ago popped into her head. «How long ago that was and how much has changed since then,» she thought, remembering the meeting with Vanessa. The bus arrived, and Paula took a seat by the window; the road to the hospital seemed endless.
«I wonder how Vanessa is now? We haven’t seen each other for a long time. Need to meet sometime, sit in a cafe,» thought Paula, looking at the passing houses. And at that moment, she remembered that very day on the bus when they met.
«Sir, I really don’t have money, I left my wallet at home. Want me to leave my ID as collateral?» — Paula heard the worried voice of a girl. «I’m sorry, but I really need to get to the city.»
«She needs it. Everyone needs it.» «No money, then no ride…
Get off right now,» the controller replied rudely. «If you don’t agree, I’ll call the police.» «You can believe me, we have strict rules about this.
I get a bonus for every fare evader like you. So I know my job A-plus.» Paula looked back and saw a man in his forties with a dissatisfied face standing over a girl dressed in a long skirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a bright scarf.
«Wait,» said Paula, standing up from her seat. «I’ll pay for her.» The controller looked displeased.
«What’s this now? Did you even pay for your own ticket?» Paula took out her wallet and handed him money for two tickets. «Here, take it and leave her alone.
It’s the twenty-first century, and you’re acting like everyone around is a scammer.» The man took the money and moved on, continuing to mutter under his breath. Paula turned to the girl.
«Are you okay?» The stranger looked at her with gratitude. «Thank you so much. I really forgot my wallet at home, don’t think I’m a scammer.»
«I didn’t think that,» replied Paula with a smile, «it happens to everyone.» «My name is Vanessa,» introduced the stranger, extending her hand. «By the way, I’m a fortune teller, a real one, from birth, it runs in our family on the mother’s side.
And I’m Paula, a doctor, somnologist.» Vanessa raised an eyebrow in surprise. «Som… what? Somnologist? Well, I treat sleep disorders,» explained Paula with a smile.
«Ah, I see. Well, I’m also kind of a somnologist. I can interpret dreams, but from the point of view of my knowledge.»
The bus hit a pothole with its wheel, and the passengers grumbled discontentedly. Paula emerged from the depths of memories and looked out the window. «Strange how fate brings people together.
If not for that incident on the bus, I wouldn’t have met Vanessa. And who knows how I’d cope with all this now.» For some time, Vanessa had been helping Paula in her work, interpreting patients’ dreams, because her intuition helped find answers to the most complex questions.
«Of course, it’s all unofficial,» Paula told her husband. «Doctors aren’t supposed to rely on fortune tellers, but it works. And if it helps people, why not?» «Well, you know best,» Anthony replied evasively then.
«But I wouldn’t get involved with this Vanessa,» — a fortune teller. «Hm, even thinking about it is unpleasant.» The bus arrived at the needed stop, and leaving the cabin, Paula quickly headed to the hospital.
Nodding friendly to the registration nurse, she walked down the corridor. Thoughts about the find in the flower pot receded into the background. Paula entered the office and saw Lena, her nurse, already fully preparing for the reception.
«Good morning, Dr. Paula,» said Lena, smiling. «We have a full house today, the appointment list is packed.» «Good morning, Lena,» replied Paula, trying to hide her excitement.
«Well, shall we save people?» The nurse looked at her with concern. «You seem off today, did something happen?» «Everything’s fine,» replied Paula, avoiding her gaze. Just a bit tired.
«Well, take care, you need rest too. Thanks, I remember.» Lena opened the door to the waiting room and called the patient’s name.
An elderly woman entered the office. «Hello,» she said, «I don’t sleep at all at night.» «Hello,» replied Paula and, scanning the medical card data, clarified what exactly bothers you, Anna.
«Oh, doctor, I don’t know where to start. You see, I have nightmares all the time,» said the elderly woman, sitting at the desk. «Tell me about them,» asked Paula.
«Maybe better not,» replied the patient, shuddering. «Such nonsense. Family photos, pie on the table, some music.
I wake up in a cold sweat.» «And what’s happening in your life?» The doctor asked cautiously. «Maybe some stresses, worries?» «Can you live peacefully nowadays,» replied the woman.
«My husband passed away three years ago. The kids moved away, I’m all alone. Maybe that’s why I’m nervous.»
«Try drinking warm milk with honey before bed,» advised Paula, «it helps relax.» «I’ve tried everything,» replied Anna, waving her hand. «Nothing works.»
«Well, then I’ll prescribe you a sleeping pill. The mildest one, so it doesn’t cause addiction,» said Paula. «But please remember, this is a temporary solution.
We need to find the true cause of the problem. I think it’s all related to anxiety about loved ones. If your children were nearby, or you with them, I’m sure you’d sleep much better.
Take my advice.» «Thank you, doctor,» said the woman, getting up from the chair. «At least something.»
«Well, everyone needs help, but not everyone wants to accept it,» lamented Paula and involuntarily looked at the clock. «They’re used to living at a frantic pace and don’t want to change anything. Well, what can I do? Just prescribe pills and give advice that no one listens to.»
The nurse nodded in agreement, understanding her point. Throughout the day, Paula continued to see patients, trying not to show excitement and fear. But thoughts about the hidden camera and possible betrayal from loved ones kept swirling in her head.
«Probably should call Vanessa. She’s the only one I can trust now,» she thought. Finally, the workday came to an end, and exhausted, she left the office. «Is that all for today?»
«Thanks for the help.» «Thank you too,» replied the nurse. «You look very tired today, maybe take a day off? You have so much overtime.»
«No, some other time.» «I’ll add the days off to vacation,» replied Paula. «Okay, see you tomorrow.»
Paula left the hospital and headed to the stop. She was lucky, the bus arrived right on time. The phone buzzed invitingly, and the screen showed a photo sent by her mother-in-law.
Mike was standing in Helen’s garden and posing next to a raspberry bush covered with juicy berries. Paula smiled and sent her mother-in-law a heart with a cute emoji. After thinking a bit, she forwarded the photo to her husband, let him enjoy it too.
And on the way, she called Vanessa. «Vanessa, hi, it’s me. Yeah, already on my way. Let’s meet at our place.
There’s something. I’ll tell you everything there.» «Yes, of course,» replied the fortune teller.
«I’ll be waiting.» Paula hung up and sighed sadly. The fatigue of the workday hit her full force.
The bus stopped, and Paula got off. She quickly headed to a small cafe. «I hope she’s already there,» thought Paula, quickening her pace.
«If not, I’ll just fall asleep at the table.» «Some sleep doctor, cobbler without shoes.» She entered the cafe and saw Vanessa sitting at a table in the corner.
The young fortune teller, as always, was dressed in bright clothes and hung with various amulets. Paula exclaimed to Vanessa, seeing her. «I’m so glad to see you.
What happened? You look so pale.» Paula approached the table and sat opposite. «I have to tell you something,» said Paula, looking straight into her eyes.
«It’s very important. Just please don’t laugh. I know it will sound strange, but I think I’m starting to get paranoid…
Speak, don’t keep me in suspense. What happened?» Paula took a deep breath and gathered her courage. «Today, when I was repotting the flowers,» she began, and her voice trembled.
«Flowers?» — the fortune teller didn’t understand. «Yes, the flowers that Natalie gave me, my university friend. Anyway, when I was repotting one of them, I found… a camera.
Hidden. Vanessa. It was hidden in the pot.»
Vanessa’s eyes widened in surprise. «A camera? In your house? How is that possible? You hardly have guests. Where could it come from?» Paula shook her head.
«I don’t know. I’m in shock myself. And I don’t understand who could have done this and why.»
«Are you sure it’s a camera?» — asked Vanessa again. «Maybe you mistook it for something else? A dummy or something needed for the plant?» «No, Vanessa, I didn’t mistake it,» replied Paula firmly. «I saw the lens and a tiny light on the body with my own eyes.
It’s a miniature video camera. We used similar ones in the hospital too. Well, with patients’ consent, of course.»
Vanessa pressed her hands to her chest. «My God! What a story. By the way, have you told anyone about our meetings?» «No, of course not,» exclaimed Paula.
«Do you think I’m that stupid? No one knows that you help me with patients. It’s our secret.» Vanessa calmed down a bit.
«So, what’s the circle of suspects? By the way, what about your friend? Maybe she knows something?» Paula shook her head. «No, I called her. She swears she didn’t know anything.»
«Then who?» Paula looked at the fortune teller in despair. «I don’t know, Vanessa. I’m completely confused.»
«Wait,» suddenly said the fortune teller, frowning, — «what about your husband? And his mother?» Paula looked surprised. «Anthony? Mother-in-law? What are you talking about? Why would they spy on me?» Vanessa shrugged. «Paula, don’t be so categorical.
You know, I communicate with different people,» — after all, a fortune teller, — «and you hear all sorts of things. For example, one of my clients told me that her mother-in-law installed wiretaps to control the family. Can you imagine? And another client’s husband slipped a bug into her bag to track her movements around the city.
And you say…» Paula shook her head doubtfully. «No, it can’t be. What nonsense.
Anthony loves me. And his mom treats me well too. Why such complications? Camera, surveillance.
Some spy movie.» «I don’t know, Paula,» replied Vanessa. — «But I think we need to consider all options.»
«Well, maybe your relatives are hiding something.» Paula thought. She had never suspected Anthony and his mom of anything like that.
But on the other hand, lately their relationship had indeed become strained. Her husband was constantly disappearing at work, and his mother constantly criticized her for spending little time with the family. «Well, maybe there’s something to it,» whispered Paula.
«I really might miss something, not notice.» «Paula, be careful. Don’t trust anyone.
Especially those closest to you. Even me, it turns out.» At that moment, Paula remembered something else that was bothering her.
«Vanessa, I wanted to tell you about a dream. It’s been dreaming for the second week. The same dream, you understand? And the most annoying thing is that I, as a doctor, can’t decipher it.
What does it mean, what is it connected to?» «And what dream is it?» — asked the fortune teller. «I see a car falling off a bridge into a river,» replied Paula. «The car is unfamiliar, dark.
But the license plate… I see the plate in the dream, but I can’t remember it. And then I smell apples and vanilla.» Vanessa frowned.
«That’s interesting. And what could it mean?» — asked Paula. «Apples are always associated with the past.
But it doesn’t always relate directly to you. And vanilla — comfort, warmth, home hearth. And what could it mean in my dream?» — Paula couldn’t hold back.
«I think it’s connected to past events. Something that has already happened,» replied Vanessa. «A car falling into the river.
It’s some losses, crash of hopes. But note, all this may not be related directly to you, understand?» «Do you think it’s connected to the camera?» — asked Paula. «Quite possible.
Maybe someone wants to revive some old event to harm.» «Interesting.» «Ah, too bad I can’t remember the car plate,» exclaimed Paula.
«It always seems to slip away. I wake up in the middle of the night, and the numbers spin in my head like in a kaleidoscope.» «Well, maybe let’s try to remember together?» — suggested Vanessa and lightly touched her hand.
«Sorry, but now I’ll be the doctor, okay? Come on, close your eyes and relax. Imagine this dream again. What do you see? What do you feel?» Paula closed her eyes and tried to recall the dream.
Before her mental gaze appeared a turbulent river and a bridge from which a car is falling. «Dark sedan,» she whispered. «And the plate? I can’t make it out, it’s all blurred.»
«Try to focus on the color,» said Vanessa. «Dark? What exactly? Black? Blue? Green?» «More like dark blue,» replied Paula, not opening her eyes. «Almost black, but with a blue tint.»
«Good. Now let’s look at the first letter of the plate. What comes to mind?» Paula was silent, trying to concentrate.
«A? No, not A. K? More like K.» «K?», — asked Vanessa. «Good.
Let’s go further. Don’t rush. Just relax and wait until it appears in your mind.»
After a long pause, Paula whispered. «M.» «So, KM,» — summed up the fortune teller, holding Paula’s hand in hers.
«Good. Now numbers. What do you see?» Paula was silent for a few more minutes.
«Six. No, eight. The second digit is eight.»
«KM8,» said Vanessa. «What next?» «Eight. No, now six,» replied Paula.
«Six. KM86,» repeated Vanessa. «Okay, two more.
Let’s try.» Paula was silent, concentrating with all her might. And suddenly, opening her eyes, she exclaimed.
«Got it, Vanessa! You’re a real wizard! Three-two!» «Are you sure?» «Absolutely. I remembered everything.» Vanessa took a napkin from the table and quickly wrote the number on it.
«Good. I’ll try to find out what car it is and who owns it.» «And how will you do that?» — asked Paula in surprise…
«I have a friend in the police,» Vanessa replied evasively. «I think he can help.» «Vanessa, I don’t know what I’d do without you.»
«Don’t say silly things. We’re friends and in a way colleagues. So I’m always ready to help you.»
Vanessa looked at Paula with concern. «But still, be careful. If someone is watching you, it means they need something from you.
And they won’t stop at anything.» «I understand. I’ll try.
But I must find out the truth to figure out who’s behind all this.» Vanessa took her hand and squeezed her palm tightly. «I’ll help you.»
«Thanks, Vanessa,» said Paula, standing up from the table. She left the cafe. It was already dark outside.
The city lived its nightlife, sparkling with lights and filling the air with sounds of cars and music. But Paula noticed nothing around. She thought only of one thing.
Who installed the hidden camera in her house? Anthony? His mom? Is it possible? People I considered close are capable of such betrayal? Need to talk to my husband, find out what’s going on. But what if it’s him? How can I trust after that? Although, maybe I’m just winding myself up? Approaching her house, Paula brushed aside all doubts. She must find out the truth.
Opening the door, she heard a familiar voice. «Oh, here’s our mom finally home.» Paula entered the living room and saw her mother-in-law sitting on the couch with Mikey.
Helen asked Paula in surprise, «What are you doing here? You were supposed to come only tomorrow.» «Well, I brought the grandson back.» «Little Mike spent too much time in the sun and got sunburned,» replied the mother-in-law.
Paula looked at her son. His shoulders were indeed red and inflamed. «Oh, poor child, how did that happen?» «He was running around like a rascal,» replied Helen.
«I couldn’t keep up with him.» «I see,» said Paula, hugging her son. «Now we’ll apply cream to the shoulders and it’ll pass.»
She turned to Helen. «Come to the kitchen, I’ll brew tea now.» «You look pale today,» noticed Helen, looking closely at her daughter-in-law.
«Did something happen or work again?» «Everything’s fine,» replied Paula, trying to hide her excitement. A bit tired. «But I see something’s wrong,» said Helen.
«You can tell me, I’m always ready to listen.» «Thanks, but really everything’s good,» replied Paula and served her mother-in-law a cup of tea and a tray with pastries. «Help yourself, it’s from yesterday, but still tasty.»
«Thanks, Paula.» She took the cream from the cabinet and went to the children’s room to apply it to Mike’s shoulders. «I can’t show her that I know something.
Need to act naturally, otherwise she’ll suspect something,» thought Paula on the way to her son. She applied the cream to his shoulders. «There, buddy, now it’ll be easier.»
«Thanks, mom,» replied the little one. «You’re like a wizard to me. And this isn’t cream, but magic potion.
I saw it in a cartoon.» «You say that.» «Okay, play, and I’ll go talk to grandma,» said Paula and returned to the kitchen.
There’s so much work accumulated at the cottage, — complained Helen. «Need to fix the fence, patch the roof on the house, and Anthony has no time, disappearing at work.» «I understand,» replied Paula, trying not to show her excitement.
«Anthony has a tough period now, forced business trip. The boss wants to put him in a new position. Maybe everything will work out.
And I think then he can help. I hope so too, otherwise I can’t cope alone.» Paula waited a while, then resolutely approached the table, opened the top drawer and took out the camera.
With a heavy sigh, she placed it right in front of her mother-in-law on the countertop. Helen almost dropped the teacup in surprise. She stared at the unfamiliar thing as if seeing an alien artifact.
The mother-in-law slowly raised her gaze to Paula, who stood opposite with arms crossed on her chest. «What is this?» Paula watched her reaction closely. In her mother-in-law’s eyes, there was genuine bewilderment and real fear.
«This, Helen, — said she quietly but firmly, — is a hidden video camera. And I found it in my house, in a flower pot.» The mother-in-law continued to look bewildered.
«A camera? Here? What are you talking about? I don’t understand what you’re saying!» Paula saw that her mother-in-law was really in shock. There was no hint of lie in her voice, no slightest pretense. Paula took a deep breath and softened her tone.
«Sorry if I scared you, I’m just confused. I needed to share with someone.» Helen, recovering from the initial shock, looked at her with concern.
«But why would someone install this camera in your home? I don’t know myself,» replied Paula. «That’s the problem.» The mother-in-law touched her hand trustingly.
«Don’t worry, Anthony will return, we’ll figure it out. He’s smart, he’ll think of something.» Paula saw sincere sympathy and support in her mother-in-law’s eyes.
«Thanks.» At that moment, she clearly understood that Helen was not involved in installing the camera. She knows too little about all sorts of gadgets, and her reaction was more than sincere.
Paula got up from the chair. «Sorry again, I shouldn’t have suspected you, I just lost my head.» «It’s okay, don’t be sad,» replied the mother-in-law.
«I understand everything. It’s hard for you, but you need to be strong.» Paula nodded and glanced at the camera lying on the table.
Only one suspect remained — her husband. Of course, Paula understood perfectly that the conversation with him would be difficult, but she had to talk to him. «I’ll go call Anthony.»
«Okay,» replied Helen, — «and I’ll stay with Mike for now, don’t worry. Although, listen, it’s late already, probably I’ll stay overnight. Buses aren’t running anymore, and paying triple for a taxi.»
Paula left the kitchen and went to the balcony. The cool night air hit her face, brought her to her senses a bit. She took out her phone and dialed Anthony.
Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest. Beep, another beep. Her husband didn’t pick up for a long time.
«Come on, Anthony, answer,» whispered Paula, nervously biting her lip. Finally, a familiar voice sounded in the speaker. «Hello,» he said irritably.
Paula froze. In the background, loud music and someone’s cheerful laughter were clearly heard. «Anthony, hi,» said Paula, trying to speak as calmly as possible.
«Paula, what happened? Something with Mike? Or mom’s blood pressure up again?» «They’re fine, but I need to talk to you, it’s very important.» «Paula, not now,» cut off her husband. «I’m busy.
Let’s tomorrow. Around nine in the morning, okay?» «No, Anthony, it can’t wait,» said Paula, raising her voice. «I have to tell you something.»..
«Well, what shook there again?» She took a deep breath and gathered her courage. «Anthony, I found a camera, hidden in our house.» There was silence on the line.
«What camera? Where?» «In the flower pot.» «Are you normal?» — roared her husband. His voice sounded as if he was talking to an idiot.
«What nonsense? I didn’t install any cameras. And anyway, what kind of habit is it to call in the middle of the night over some rubbish?» «Anthony, it’s not rubbish,» exclaimed Paula. «Someone is watching us, understand?» «I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I have no time for your fantasies.
Figure it out yourself. Go talk to your friend who gave that flower.
What’s her name? Natalie? Yeah, talk to her about it.» «Oh, I think she’s been jealous of you for a long time. No wonder, snagged such a husband.
Businessman, good-looking.» «So you deny knowing about it?» — asked Paula, feeling anger boiling inside. «And what should I know?» — snapped Anthony.
«I don’t understand what you’re talking about at all. Maybe you need a doctor yourself? You’re treating others’ sleep, but you seem to have gone crazy and don’t notice it.»
«You don’t believe me?» «Paula, I’m tired of your hysterics. I work sixteen hours. I need to earn money to support you and Mike.
And all you do is brainwash me.» «Anthony, you were never like this,» said Paula, barely holding back tears. «What happened? Why have you changed so much? You don’t even give me flowers on my birthday.
Moved to another room. Is this normal?» «I haven’t changed,» replied her husband impassively. «You’ve become abnormal.
Always dissatisfied. Suspecting me of something. I’m tired.»
There was silence on the line again. Paula felt her heart breaking into pieces. «Do you have someone?» — she finally asked, barely audible.
Anthony was silent. «Answer!» — shouted Paula into the phone. «Are you cheating on me?» At that moment, she heard the sound of a kiss and some woman’s laughter.
«Anthony, who is that?» — asked Paula, choking on tears. And a second later, some woman’s voice affectionately said. «Anthony, come to me.
Don’t make me wait.» Paula froze. She couldn’t believe her ears.
And then the connection was cut off. Short beeps sounded in the phone. She stood on the balcony and couldn’t move.
Her world collapsed in an instant, and dreams shattered to pieces. Her beloved Anthony turned out to be a cheater. Tears rolled down her cheeks in streams.
«How could this be? Why did he do this to me?» — she whispered, unable to hold back sobs. Paula left the balcony, staggering like drunk. And in her head was only one thought.
She was spied on, deceived, discarded like an unnecessary thing. Paula entered the living room, where Helen was watching TV. The mother-in-law turned and noticed her tear-stained face.
«What happened, Paula?» — she asked anxiously. «Something with Anthony?» Paula looked at her silently and couldn’t say a word. She was overwhelmed with pain and despair.
Without saying anything, Paula turned and went to her room, covering her face with her hands. «What happened?» — shouted Helen after her. «Paula, answer!» But she didn’t answer.
And entering the room, she locked the door from inside. Then she threw herself on the bed and buried her face in the pillow. That night she didn’t close her eyes.
She just lay in the dark and cried, mourning her love, family, and life in general. After learning about the infidelity, the camera issue receded into the background. And what was the point now, whether spying or not? The morning turned out gray and gloomy to match her mood.
The sleepless night left traces of fatigue and despair on her face. Her eyes were red, swollen from tears. Coming out to the kitchen, she saw Helen already bustling at the stove.
«Good morning!» — said the mother-in-law. «I made breakfast. You need to eat.»
«Thanks,» replied Paula, sitting at the table. «But I don’t feel like it.» «At least a little.
Need to gain strength. A hard day ahead.» Paula took a spoon of porridge and mechanically brought it to her mouth.
But she really didn’t want to eat. «Helen, I’ve decided everything,» she said, putting down the spoon. «I’m filing for divorce.»
The mother-in-law’s face changed instantly. «What did you say?» «I said I’m filing for divorce,» repeated Paula. «I can’t live like this anymore.
And I definitely can’t forgive infidelity.» Helen sank into a chair and clutched her head. «Paula, don’t do this.
Think carefully. You love each other. You have a child together.
Imagine how it will be for him.» «I thought we loved each other,» replied Paula. And her voice trembled with resentment.
«But now I know. It’s not so. I can’t forgive Anthony.
I’m not going to live with a man who cheats on me.» «Oh, Paula, what are you going on about? Believe me, all men are the same,» exclaimed the mother-in-law. «Good, bad, they all think only about other skirts.
You need to forgive Anthony. Forget about it and just live on. You’re a woman.
You must be wise after all.» «And I don’t want to be wise,» replied Paula. «I want to be happy.»
«You’re making a big mistake,» exclaimed Helen. «Destroying the family. Depriving the child of a father.»
«I’m depriving the child of a father? Who doesn’t care about him at all?» «I think for Mike it’s better to have only a mom than two parents who constantly argue and live like cat and dog.» «What has Anthony done for his son? Couldn’t even find time to take him to kindergarten. And school? His son’s lessons give him allergies.»
«He says Mike was born a slow thinker like me. And what’s wrong with me? I have a doctor’s degree, by the way.» The mother-in-law raised her palms conciliatorily.
«Okay, don’t boil over. You know, Anthony’s father, Greg, was also quite the walker. So what? I tolerated it.
And you tolerate it. That’s our women’s lot. And all that lovey-dovey is only in books.
Reality is much more serious.» Paula shook her head. «No, I won’t live in deception.
And I have a right to happiness. And I’ll find it. Even if I have to start from scratch.»..
Helen was silent, looking at Paula with sadness and disappointment. She understood that convincing her daughter-in-law now was simply impossible. «I won’t judge you,» said the mother-in-law after a long silence.
«It’s your life. So you decide how to act. But you know my opinion.»
Helen got up. «I’ll go,» she said. «Thanks for listening,» said Paula.
Helen approached her and hugged her shoulders. «Take care, Paula. Maybe everything will work out.»
With these words, the mother-in-law left anyway. Paula watched her go, feeling her heart literally tearing. She understood that divorce from Anthony would cause pain not only to her, but also to her mother-in-law.
At that moment, the phone rang. Looking at the screen, she saw it was Vanessa. Paula answered.
«Vanessa, good morning.» «Paula, hi,» replied Vanessa. Her voice sounded excited.
«I have to tell you something. Anyway, I checked on the car plate from your dream.» «And what did you find out?» — asked Paula, holding her breath.
«Such a plate does exist. It’s a dark blue sedan. But unfortunately…» «Something wrong?» — interrupted Paula, feeling everything inside going cold.
«This car was in an accident. Five months ago,» replied Vanessa. «Fell off a bridge into the river.
The driver died.» Paula froze, unable to say a word. His name was Victor S. Malone, continued the fortune teller.
A young businessman. He was only thirty. Apparently drowned.
The body was never found. He had a large sum of money with him. He was going to buy goods for the company.
«Victor Malone,» whispered Paula, feeling her head spinning. «I don’t think I know him.» «Yes, I understand, you’re not feeling well now, but… I just wanted to tell what I found out,» said Vanessa.
«Thanks to you,» replied Paula, trying to speak as calmly as possible. «Wait, that’s not all. I managed to find out something about this Victor.
He worked in a company,» began Vanessa and hesitated, as if not daring to continue. «What company?» — clarified Paula. «In what company?» — she shouted into the phone, feeling that something important would follow.
«In what company did he work?» The fortune teller was silent for a few seconds, then quietly said. «He held a managerial position in Global Trade.» At that moment, Paula almost fainted.
«Global Trade?» — she whispered, not believing her ears. «But that’s where Anthony works!» «Yes, Paula, the deceased really worked with your husband.» There was silence on the line.
Paula couldn’t say a word. Her brain refused to process the information. Victor Malone.
Dark sedan. Fall from the bridge. Smell of apples and vanilla.
Company Global Trade. What does all this mean? And why didn’t her husband say that one of the company’s employees died? However, it’s silly to expect frankness from someone who traded you for a mistress. It seems it wasn’t an accident.
And it looks like everything was connected somehow. «Thanks for finding out everything, Vanessa,» replied Paula. «I’ll call later.»
«Okay, but don’t lose heart. I think everything will work out.» Paula hung up and sat on a chair, feeling her legs giving way.
Involuntarily, she recalled Vanessa’s recent suspicions. «Maybe someone wants to revive some old event to harm you?» There was no answer to this question. And was it worth looking for it now? How could it help Paula, standing on the threshold of divorce? Into the kitchen, sleepily rubbing his eyes, came Mike.
«Mom, I want an omelet,» he asked, yawning. «Okay, my good one,» replied Paula, trying to smile. «It’ll be ready soon.»
She started taking eggs, milk, and cheese from the fridge. The movements were automatic, thoughts far away. «Mom, what’s this?» — suddenly asked Mike, opening one of the kitchen cabinets.
Paula shuddered. She forgot that the camera was still there. «What, son, this?» — replied Mike, taking the miniature video camera from the cabinet.
Paula froze. Her son looked at her questioningly, his eyes full of curiosity and fear. «Where did you get this, mom?» Paula, looking at him, realized he knew something.
Mike got embarrassed, looked away, and started fiddling with the edge of his pajamas. «You know what this is, right?» — asked Paula. The son was silent, head down.
«Mike, answer me, you’ve seen this before, right?» The boy sniffled and, without raising his eyes, whispered. «This… this was given to me by an old man.» Paula’s heart skipped a beat anxiously.
«What old man?» The confession came hard for the child. Each word had to be pulled out with pliers. «It’s our janitor, Paul.
He started working in our yard recently. He lives in a utility room in the basement of the house. He has a workshop there.»
Paula felt uneasy. Why would an elderly janitor spy on her family? Especially giving a child a camera and asking to install it in a flower pot. «And what did he tell you?» — Paula would ask, feeling her palms getting sweaty.
«What did he say about this camera?» «Grandpa Paul said it’s a game,» replied Mike, raising his tearful eyes, — «that it’s a secret, and I shouldn’t tell anyone about it.» «A game? What game?» — asked Paula. «And what were you supposed to do with this camera?» «He said to put it in the flower pot on the window, and that’s it,» replied Mike, sniffling.
«He said he’d take the camera later and give me candies and wooden figures. He carves such cool ones.» Paula hugged her son and held him tight.
«My dear, don’t worry, everything’s fine,» she whispered, stroking his head. Then she looked at him with a determined gaze. «I need to tell you something.
This Paul might not be who he pretends to be. I’ll go to him, and you stay home for now, okay?» Mike nodded, wiping tears with his fist. «Okay, I’ll stay.»
Paula took out her phone. «Okay, get dressed quickly for breakfast, your omelet is ready.» She needed to call Vanessa urgently…
«Vanessa,» said Paula when the fortune teller answered, «please come to me as soon as possible, there’s something important.» Leaving Mike at home, they headed to the yard with her friend. Paula remembered that Mike talked about a small utility room in the basement.
The door was locked. Paula knocked loudly. «Paul, open up, we need to talk.»
It was quiet inside. «Maybe he’s not there,» suggested Vanessa. «Probably sweeping leaves somewhere on the grounds, not a care.»
«No, he should be here,» replied Paula. «And the door seems locked from inside.» She knocked again, this time louder.
«Paul, open up, it’s the police,» she shouted, obviously bluffing. There was a rustle inside. Then the door slowly opened, and a man appeared on the threshold.
The janitor looked hunched, pitiful. His face was pale, eyes full of fear. «What do you want? What’s the police got to do with it?» — he croaked, avoiding eye contact.
«I didn’t do anything wrong.» «We know you gave Mike the hidden video camera,» said Paula, looking straight at him. «Why did you do it?» Paul backed away, as if trying to hide in the darkness of the utility room.
«I don’t know anything about that.» «You must be mistaken, I don’t know any Mike.» Vanessa stepped forward.
«Don’t lie, please,» she said, looking at him with a piercing gaze. «I sense you’re hiding something, and you’re not who you pretend to be.» Paula looked at her friend in surprise.
«What does she mean?» The janitor shuddered and lowered his head. «It’s true, I’m not Paul,» — and with these words, he removed his wig. Then wiped off the makeup from his face, removed the fake hump.
And soon a completely different person stood before the astonished women. Young, handsome, with burning eyes. «My name is Victor Malone,» he said, looking at Paula and Vanessa.
«I know who organized the attempt on me.» They were in shock, couldn’t believe their eyes. «Victor?» — whispered Paula.
«But how is this possible? They said you died in the accident.» «It wasn’t an accident,» replied the man. «I was set up, they wanted to kill me.»
«Who wanted?» — Vanessa couldn’t hold back. Victor looked at Paula with a long, attentive gaze. «Your husband, Anthony.
He organized the attack on me on the highway, then pushed me off the bridge into the river along with the car.» Paula shook her head, not believing her ears. «No, it can’t be.
Anthony isn’t capable of that.» «He always envied me,» continued the businessman. «My success, money.
He wanted to get it all and came up with this plan.» «What plan?» — asked Vanessa. «I worked in a managerial position,» began Victor.
«Anthony worked there too, but in a worse position. And a few days before the accident, at the owner’s request, I withdrew a large sum of money from the account. Needed to buy a batch of goods.
Anthony followed me and set up the accident. Wanted to take everything and pass it off as an accident, but I was lucky. The current carried me several miles from the accident site.
And there an elderly fisherman picked me up. Nursed me, gave clothes, money for starters. In the past, the old man played in the local drama theater.
He had some props left. Wig, makeup, fake hump — all from his stock. And the rest you know.»
«But why didn’t you go to the police?» — asked Paula. «I couldn’t prove Anthony’s guilt,» replied Victor. «No one would believe me.
Everyone thought I died. So I decided to hide and quietly find evidence. Pretended to be a janitor to be close and watch.
Found out you’re his wife and decided to use your son. I hoped to find some clues to help prove Anthony’s guilt. But I didn’t want to harm you.
I just wanted justice. And for Anthony to be punished for what he did.» Paula looked at Victor and saw despair, pain, and thirst for revenge in his eyes.
At the same time, understanding that he did wrong by involving her and her son. «And what are you going to do next?» — asked Paula. The businessman shrugged.
«I don’t know, but he needs to be stopped before it’s too late.» «I’ll help you,» said Paula. «But we need to act carefully.
Can’t let him know about our plan and especially that you’re alive.» Victor smiled. «I couldn’t even dream of that.
But I think together we’ll succeed.» Soon Paula, Vanessa, and Victor, full of determination, headed to Paula’s apartment. Needed to act quickly and carefully while Anthony hadn’t returned.
«Need to find some evidence of his guilt,» said Paula firmly, — «as they walked down the street. Otherwise, he’ll wriggle out for sure.» «I think Anthony has a hiding place,» said Victor.
«So it’s worth searching everything thoroughly.» Mike, delighted by their return, rushed towards them. «Mom! Aunt Vanessa!» «Yes, my good one,» replied Paula, kissing her son on the cheek.
«We have a new game for you.» «What?» — asked the son curiously. «We’ll search for treasures,» replied Vanessa, winking at him…
«You’ll help us.» Mike was thrilled and enthusiastically started helping them in the search. They turned the whole house upside down.
Inspected every cabinet, drawer, shelf, but found nothing. «Seems like nothing here,» said Paula disappointed, surveying the ransacked living room. «Don’t give up,» replied Victor, «in the heat of the search ahead she you.
He must have hidden the money somewhere. Think, where would you keep valuables if you had a hiding place?» Paula thought. «Maybe in the bedroom? Fewest people there.»
They moved to another room and began inspecting it. Looked under the bed, flipped the mattress, checked the closet. And again found nothing.
«But where could he have hidden the money?» «Wait,» suddenly said Vanessa, closing her eyes and concentrating. «There’s something here. I feel something hidden, with dark energy.»
The fortune teller slowly walked around the room, running her hands over the floor. «Here,» she exclaimed, stopping at the rug by the bed. «Something under it.»
Paula and Victor exchanged glances and lifted the rug. There was a small niche with a closed wooden lid. «Yes, probably here,» exclaimed Mike.
«Treasures here.» Paula, with her heart sinking, removed the lid and looked inside. An incredible sight met her eyes.
Inside lay stacks of money in bank packaging. «My God,» whispered she. Victor knelt and took one stack in his hands.
These are them. I recognize the bank packaging. The company’s money that Anthony stole.
Paula took out her phone. «Hello, police. I want to report a robbery.
My husband stole a large sum of money. There is evidence.» That same day, Anthony was arrested.
He didn’t deny his guilt and confessed everything. Victor gave testimony against him. In the end, Anthony was taken into custody.
After his arrest, Victor decided to visit the place that had haunted him in nightmares for a long time. The cemetery. He approached his grave, which had his portrait and engraved dates of life.
«Strange. I’m alive, and here a monument in my honor and an empty coffin. As if I never existed.»
The businessman touched the cold stone and closed his eyes. Soon after Anthony’s arrest and Malone’s confessional testimony, Paula filed for divorce. Victor restored his good name.
He became the new head of the company, replacing the former director who had sheltered Anthony under his wing. The lives of Paula and Victor gradually changed. They felt drawn to each other and that a special bond had arisen between them, born of shared trouble and trials endured…
Once Victor confessed his feelings. «Paula, I know this may seem strange after everything that happened, but I fell in love with you at first sight. Back then, in the basement.
I don’t know what to say. I understand. I just wanted you to know about my feelings.
I feel something for you too, but I need time to think it all over. It’s all so complicated. And I’ll wait.
As long as it takes. And I’m sure we’ll be happy together.» As it turned out, Vanessa didn’t waste time either.
She met the head of security at Global Trade, and a spark seemed to ignite between them. Glen turned out to be an interesting person, smart, strong, courageous. Vanessa was enchanted by him.
And Glen was captivated by her beauty, mystery, and extraordinary energy. Soon Vanessa and Glen started dating. They spent all their free time together.
Meanwhile, the day came when Paula and Victor decided to get married. At Vanessa’s initiative, it was decided to have two weddings on the same day. They were fun, noisy.
There were flowers, music, dances, and congratulations. Paula and Vanessa glowed with happiness. «Congratulations, guys,» said Vanessa, hugging Paula.
«I’m so happy for you.» «Thanks, Vanessa. You and Glen make a wonderful couple too.»
That day, two women who had gone through many trials finally found their happiness.