“Hi,” Buchin said. “Vera, are you home?”

“I’m home,” Vera replied in a calm tone. “Hi. So, are we frying some escalope tonight?”

Buchin decided to act quickly—confidently and decisively, like a man of action! He would put an end to his double life before his feelings for his companion faded, and before he got pulled back into the routine of everyday life.

“Vera,” Buchin cleared his throat. “I’m here to tell you… that I need to leave.”

Vera received the news with surprising composure. It was difficult for Buchin to shake Vera’s calm demeanor. He had even jokingly called her "Cold Vera" before.

“So?” Vera asked from the kitchen doorway. “Does that mean I won’t be frying the escalope?”

“It’s up to you,” Buchin said. “Fry it if you want, don’t if you don’t. I’m leaving for another woman.”

Most wives would have reacted with anger, maybe even attacking their husbands with a frying pan or making a dramatic scene. But Vera was not like most.

“Well, that’s a lot of nonsense,” she said. “Did you bring my boots from the repair shop?”

“No,” Buchin stammered. “If it’s so important to you, I’ll go get them right now!”

“Oh-ho-ho…” Vera grumbled. “That’s just like you, Buchin. Send someone for boots—and they bring back the wrong ones.”

Buchin felt insulted. It seemed like his grand announcement was falling flat. There was no emotion, no fiery passion, no dramatic outbursts! But what else could he expect from his reserved wife, known as Cold Vera?

“I feel like, Vera, you’re not listening to me!” said Buchin. “I’m officially telling you that I’m leaving for another woman—I’m leaving you, and all you can talk about is boots!”

“Right,” Vera said. “Unlike you, I can leave whenever I want. Your boots aren’t in the repair shop. Why not just wear them?”

They had been together for a long time, yet Buchin still couldn’t figure out when Vera was being ironic or serious. He had fallen for Vera because of her calm, non-confrontational nature and her no-nonsense attitude. Plus, her practicality and strong, attractive presence had played a significant role.

Vera was reliable, loyal, and as steady as an anchor. But now, Buchin loved someone else. He loved her deeply, truly, and tenderly! Therefore, he had to finalize his decision and start his new life.

“And so, Vera,” Buchin said solemnly, his voice filled with sorrow and regret, “I’m thankful for everything, but I’m leaving because I love another woman. I don’t love you anymore.”

“Unbelievable,” Vera replied. “He doesn’t love me, the fool! My mother loved the neighbor, and my father loved his games and drinks. And look how I turned out.”

Buchin knew arguing with Vera was impossible. Every word she said had weight. All his initial fervor had faded, and he no longer felt like creating a scene.

“Vera, you really are something,” Buchin said sarcastically. “But I love another. I love her deeply, truly, and I plan to leave for her. Do you understand?”

“Another? Who is it?” his wife asked. “Is it Natashka Krapivina?”

Buchin recoiled. A year ago, he had an affair with Krapivina, but he never imagined Vera might know her!

“And how did you figure that out?” he began, then hesitated. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter. No, Vera, it’s not Krapivina.”

Vera yawned.

“Then maybe Svetlana Burbulyovskaya? Is that who you’re thinking of?”

A chill ran down Buchin’s spine. Burbulyovskaya had also been his companion in the past. But if Vera knew, why had she kept quiet? Oh yes, she was like a stone; it was impossible to get anything out of her.

“You didn’t guess correctly,” Buchin said. “It’s neither Burbulyovskaya nor Krapivina. It’s someone completely different—a wonderful woman, the epitome of my dreams. I can’t live without her, and I’m leaving for her. Don’t try to stop me!”

“Let me guess, it’s Maika, right?” Vera said. “Oh, Buchin, you really are something. You’re an open book to me. Your dream woman is Maya Valentinovna Gusyayeva. Thirty-five years old, one child, two pregnancies... Right?”

Buchin was stunned. Vera’s words hit the mark! He was indeed having an affair with Maya Gusyayeva.

“But how?” Buchin stuttered. “Who told you? Were you spying on me?”

“Simple, Buchin,” Vera said. “I’m a trained professional. I’ve examined many people in this town, and you were just one of them. All I had to do was check a few things to realize that you were involved with her, you fool!”

Buchin clenched his fist. “So you guessed right!” he said matter-of-factly. “Even if it’s Gusyayeva, it doesn’t change anything—I’m leaving for her.”

“You silly man,” Vera said. “At least out of curiosity, you should’ve asked me! By the way, nothing remarkable about Gusyayeva. She’s just like all the other women, as I, a professional, can tell you. And have you seen the medical records of your so-called dream woman?”

“N-no…” he admitted.

“Exactly! First, go take a shower,” Vera instructed. “Second, tomorrow I’ll call Semyonych so he can get you checked without delay,” she added. “And then we’ll talk. It’s a shame: the husband of a professional can’t even find a healthy partner!”

“And what am I supposed to do?” Buchin asked helplessly.

“I’m off to fry escalope,” Vera said. “You go wash up and do whatever you want. If you want your dream woman without issues—just let me know, and I’ll give you some advice…”