The second Nadia showed up, Olenna dropped cash on a gold ring for her—no hesitation.

Word was, Nadia's family still lived in the city. Good background, decent status.

"I feel super close to you too," Nadia said, all smiles. "Like we're already family."

Olenna lit up even more.

Yeah, Nadia was a widow, but she looked like someone you'd brag about.

So when Nadia wrinkled her nose at the food I made, Olenna didn't miss a beat.

"Barley bread? Really? We've got a guest. You should know better. Make something else."

Her tone was sharp, like she was barking orders at the help.

I looked down, hiding the sting in my eyes.

"There's no money left. And no other food."

Ivan jumped in, "Then go buy sausages. Stop acting like we're broke. I've been sending money—unless you've been skimming?"

Olenna's face twitched. She glanced at me, eyes darting.

Truth? His money barely covered her meds. The rest? Came from me hustling two jobs—my day gig and anything else I could scrape together.

That meat spread he was enjoying? I earned it pulling back-to-back night shifts. Just to welcome him home.

Ivan dropped his spoon and shot me a glare.

"Are you messing with us? Go find someone to trade some. Nadia can't eat this trash."

***

I took a deep breath, grabbed a chunk of barley bread, and shoved it in my mouth.

"Then trade that yourself. I don't like it either. But I've choked down this 'garbage' for ten years."

I spat out that last word like it burned. Ten years of holding back just exploded.

My eyes stung, but I wasn't about to cry in front of them.

Back when Dad was alive, I ate real meals. I used to have a good life.

Guilt flickered across Ivan's face. His mouth opened like he wanted to speak.

But Nadia swooped in with her soft, sweet voice.

"Oh Ivan, I didn't mean anything. Don't blame Elya."

She tugged on his sleeve like she was all gentle and caring, then gave me this fake little sorry smile.

"Elya, don't take it personally. Ivan just gets upset when I'm upset."

I let out a cold laugh and ignored Nadia's fake sweetness.

The barley bread was dry as sawdust, but I kept eating, like every bite proved a point.

Ivan, I'm done. I'm not marrying you.

If Dad could see me now, he'd lose it.

I swallowed the last bite and stood.

Olenna blinked, confused.

"Elya, where are you going? No one's done eating. The dishes aren't cleaned."

"I'm full. Going to rest."

"Rest? From what?"

She kept going, like always.

"After the dishes, heat water and help me wash up. I'm not feeling well. And tonight, sleep on the floor. Let Nadia have your bed."

I stared at her, like I didn't even know her anymore.

I'd treated her like my own mom. But to her? I was just the help.

"Why should I?"

Olenna froze, totally thrown off.

She scowled. "What kind of tone is that? I'm your mother-in-law!"

I kept my face blank.

"I'm not married to Ivan. You're nothing to me. And even if I were, I'd be your daughter-in-law—not your maid."

Ivan finally snapped.

"Elya Lovren! Have you lost it? If my mom tells you to do something, you do it! You eat our food, live in our house—who do you think you are, talking to us like that?"

I stared him down, zero fear in my eyes.

"Let's get something straight. This house? Rebuilt with my dad's death benefits. I make my own money. I've taken care of your mom for ten years. I don't need praise—but I deserve respect. This is how you thank me?"

He didn't have a comeback. Still had a sliver of shame left.

I turned, walked back to my room, pulled out the application form, and filled it in—slow and steady.

Mr. Randall, the village head, had stopped by recently pushing the Rural Teaching Support Program.

The first batch of teachers would get solid government support.

Back then, I only took the form to be polite.

Now? It felt like my ticket out.

***

Just as I finished the form, someone knocked.

Ivan. Holding a steaming bowl of buckwheat with egg.

I blinked, caught off guard. My face softened before I could stop it.

Maybe... maybe he still cared.

A flicker of hope sparked—unwanted, but there.

I reached for the bowl.

He yanked it back.

"What are you doing? It's for Nadia."

Then, like twisting a knife into my heart, he kept grumbling.

"You were way outta line today. I get that you're jealous, but don't talk to my mom like that again. And quit giving Nadia attitude. You scared her."

His words hit like an ice bath. That tiny hope? Gone.

I stared at him, blank.

"I don't think I did anything wrong. I'm serious about breaking off the engagement."

His face darkened.

"Cut the crap. What'll people say about me?"

Yeah. People would talk. And if I stuck around, I'd be the one they'd drag.

He paused, then tried to soften it.

"I got a supervisor gig at the state-run steel plant. Once we're married, you can chill. Let Nadia take your teaching job—she's got a degree, it fits better."

My chest clenched.

I'd gotten into college years ago.

But then he called from the military, practically begging.

"Elya, what about my mom if you leave? Please, wait for me. I'll treat you right."

Now he was back, all dressed for success—with another girl in tow.

And on top of that, he wanted me to give her my job?

I took a deep breath, swallowing the fury and heartbreak.

"No. If she's so capable, she can get her own job."

His tone sharpened.

"Elya! Nadia's been through a lot. I promised my comrade I'd take care of her—"

"So you'll throw me under the bus to play hero?" I cut in. "Ivan, I owe nothing to your buddy's widow. But you? You promised to take care of me. Have you?"

Guilt flickered in his eyes.

I didn't wait for more. Just slammed the door in his face.

***

Early the next morning, I threw my things together fast.

On my way out, I caught Ivan in the living room, gently dabbing ointment on Nadia's arms.

"I'll pick some wormwood and mugwort later," he said softly. "Sorry you had to share a bed with my mom. Country mosquitoes are the worst."

Nadia scrunched her nose.

"Does your new job come with housing? I really don't wanna stay out here. Too many bugs—I'm covered in bites."

He didn't even pause.

"I'll apply in a few days. Then I'll bring you to the city."

I stood in the doorway, stomach twisting.

When he spotted my bag, his voice snapped.

"You're not making breakfast? Where do you think you're going?"

I wanted to tell him I was headed northwest for the Rural Teaching Support Program. That this was it—he and I were done.

But the words choked.

Why bother? He'd just laugh.

"I'm moving into the teacher's dorm. Nadia can have the room."

His face relaxed, even looked kinda smug.

"Good. I'm glad you are sensible. Nadia's only staying two weeks. After that, you can come back. I'll help you move."

Yeah, I already knew where she'd end up.

He reached out to help. I brushed him off.

"No need. I've got it."

Dragging my suitcase out, I heard Nadia behind me, all soft and sweet.

"With Elya gone, who's gonna cook for us?"

Ivan reassured her,

"I'll pay Mrs. Peterson next door. It's freezing—you'll get frostbite."

I glanced back. Nadia's hands were pale, delicate.

Mine were cracked, purple, bleeding.

He never pitied me. Not once.

I laughed under my breath and stepped into the storm.

***

I sent in my app for the Rural Teaching Support Program.

The principal looked bummed but didn't fight it—he knew I was set on going.

I started prepping for the trip. Money was tight, but the program kicked in a small allowance—just enough to cover the basics.

I’d just gotten the heads-up from one of the program staff—be at the train station at 8:30 in two days—when Ivan showed up.

His face screamed suspicion.

"Who was that? What were you talking about?"

I kept it chill.

"Nothing major. What do you want?"

He scowled, not loving my attitude.

"Mom wants us married. I'll swing by at 8 a.m. the day after tomorrow—we'll get the license."

That threw me. Why the sudden rush from him and Olenna?

His eyes darted—guilt flashing underneath.

"Once we're married, you can stay home with my mom. I'll be busy, but I'll drop by when I can."

It all clicked.

In the short time I'd been gone, Nadia must've tanked at taking care of Olenna. Probably stirred up some drama, too.

An idea sparked—one that made me smirk.

I couldn't wait to see his face when he showed up and I was already gone.

"Okay," I said, barely hiding the grin.

He exhaled, relieved, then gave me that once-over.

"Change into something nicer... Actually, I'll have Nadia lend you something. Don't embarrass me."

I almost rolled my eyes.

"No thanks. I've got clothes."

He didn't push it—just tossed out a few more orders and bounced.

***

At sunrise, I hit the road with nothing but a small bag.

I clutched my train ticket so hard my hands were slick.

The station was packed. I spotted the crew headed to the middle of nowhere—young, buzzing, alive.

Their vibe shook something loose in me.

I wasn't old. I wasn't done.

I thought about Ivan's blank stare, Olenna's ice, Nadia's little helpless act—

Any second thoughts? Gone.

The place would be rough, yeah.

But it'd be mine.

Ten years gone, and this is how it ended.

I wasn't resentful. Just numb. And finally, I would be free.

***

Right on cue, Ivan barged into Elya's dorm, clutching Nadia's flashy new red coat.

Swung the door open—no Elya.

He snagged one of Elya's coworkers mid-pack.

"Where's Elya?"

She didn't look up.

"Gone. Off to the sticks. She got a teaching gig in the Northeast. Probably at the station."

"What?!"