A warm summer evening glimmered in the sparkling water of a beautiful lake, on the shores of which sat a cozy tourist camp with small, charming cabins, wooden awnings, outdoor tables, and benches. Both the cabins and the furniture, crafted from sturdy wood, blended seamlessly into the natural landscape, enhancing its beauty rather than detracting from it.
This evening, the camp was bustling with life. Music filled the air, and bursts of carefree laughter echoed here and there. Yet, all eyes were on a young man named Oliver, who had gathered his friends to celebrate his thirtieth birthday.
— My goodness, Oliver, how did you even think to throw a party here! — the girls cooed around him. — You’re brilliant! This is the best getaway ever!
— I’ve been dreaming of coming here for ages, — he grinned, — and what better excuse… So, ladies, shall we take a dip?
With squeals and giggles, everyone dashed toward the water.
Amelia, sitting at a table with a cup of tea, watched the scene with a soft smile, scanning the crowd for her fiancé, Vincent, who had brought her here. She barely knew anyone at the camp—only Oliver, Vincent’s best friend, his friend Sophia, and a striking woman named Yvonne, whose Russian-Polish heritage gave her an exotic allure. Amelia didn’t care for Yvonne. They’d crossed paths in the same social circles before, and Amelia had pegged her as arrogant, brash, and brazen. Yvonne seemed like the type who’d trample over anyone to get what she wanted. Yet, the guys were drawn to her. Worse, Amelia had noticed the glances Yvonne cast at Vincent. Though Vincent hadn’t given her any reason to worry, it still unsettled Amelia. Yvonne, opting out of swimming, approached with a glass of wine and plopped down beside her.
— Why so glum? — Yvonne asked.
— I’m not glum, — Amelia replied, adjusting her glasses. — Just lost in thought…
— About what?
— Oh, nothing specific. A bit of everything.
— Fine, keep your secrets. Want some wine? It’ll cheer you right up, — Yvonne pressed, seemingly oblivious to Amelia’s discomfort.
— No, I don’t drink, — Amelia said, standing. — Sorry, I’m going for a walk. My mood’s a bit off today, honestly.
— Suit yourself, — Yvonne shot her a mocking glance, then turned toward the lake and spotted Vincent.
He emerged from the water, shaking droplets from his jet-black hair, and Yvonne couldn’t help but admire his athletic build.
— Lucky Amelia, — she thought. — Snagging a guy like that… What a catch…
Despite getting everything she wanted since childhood, Yvonne had no luck with men. The wealthy guys she usually dated quickly tired of her intensity and volatile personality. They preferred simpler women, and after several failed attempts at marriage, Yvonne was left with nothing but disappointment.
Truth be told, she had no real desire to settle down or have kids. But everyone she knew had already married, and at 27, she was still alone. It stung. She felt like people were laughing at her, so she resolved to marry as soon as possible to gain a new status. She’d met Oliver by chance when she got a flat tire, and he was the first to stop and help. She liked him and made an effort to keep him close, but when she saw Vincent, she changed her mind. He was the one she wanted as her husband. The only problem? He was already taken by that plain, bespectacled mouse.
— God, what does he see in her? — Yvonne fumed, scheming to break the couple apart.
Spotting Vincent emerging from the lake, she grabbed a towel and sauntered over.
— Here, dry off. So, is the water cold?
— Nah, it’s fine. Why didn’t you swim?
— I don’t know how. No one’s ever taught me.
— I can teach you if you want, — Vincent smiled. — But first, I need to find Amelia. She’s wandered off somewhere.
— Why bother? — Yvonne smirked, gesturing in the opposite direction from where Amelia had gone. — Half an hour ago, I saw her head that way, into the woods, with some guy. Probably wanted a stroll.
— What do you mean, with a guy? — Vincent’s face paled with anger. — Who?
— No idea, — Yvonne shrugged. — I don’t know everyone here.
Without another word, Vincent threw on shorts and a shirt and stormed off in the direction Yvonne pointed. He was gone for a while. By the time he returned to the camp, it was fully dark. He immediately ran into Amelia, who was frantic, wondering where her fiancé had disappeared to.
— Where were you? — he snapped at her.
— I took a short walk along the shore but came right back. I didn’t want to go far. Where were *you*? Why did you leave without saying anything? I was worried!
— Don’t play me for a fool! Who were you with?
— Vincent, — Amelia said calmly, — please don’t speak to me like that. I’m telling you again, I didn’t go far, and I was alone. I don’t understand why you’re acting like this. You know how much I love you. And you know about our baby, too!
— All I know is I work myself to the bone every day to save for our wedding. And don’t bring up the baby. I told you to be careful, explained why we’re not ready for kids.
— Vincent…
— Enough! Be glad I don’t want to ruin Oliver’s birthday. But we’re not done talking, — Vincent turned away and hurried back to his friends.
Amelia retreated to the cabin where they were staying, lay on the bed, and faced the wall.
Ever since Vincent learned about her pregnancy, their relationship had deteriorated. Once kind and affectionate, he now snapped at her easily, his words cutting deep without him seeming to notice. Even now, he’d gone swimming, she’d given him space, taken a brief walk, and somehow ended up the villain.
The cabin door creaked open, and Oliver appeared in the doorway. Clearly there to change, he didn’t notice Amelia and pulled off his wet shirt. She turned, letting out a small gasp. Startled, Oliver looked at her and spoke.
— Oh, sorry! I think I got the wrong cabin. I’ll go! — Then, peering closer, he asked with concern, — Wait, are you crying? Did someone upset you? Just tell me who, and I’ll sort them out!
His earnestness made Amelia smile despite herself.
— No, no, it’s fine! Don’t worry!
— Come on, join everyone. It’s such a lovely evening, and you’re here all alone. That won’t do! Come on, give me your hand, up you go!
As Oliver leaned toward Amelia, he was cut off by a sharp blow. Enraged, Vincent lunged at him, and a fight broke out. Amelia screamed, and within moments, other guys rushed in to pull them apart. Wiping blood from his split lip, Vincent turned to Amelia.
— Get to the car. We’re leaving. Now!
Amelia fled the cabin, and five minutes later, they were driving down a dirt road back to the city.
Amelia wept, while Vincent struggled to keep from yelling at her.
Darkness fell quickly. The road wound through the forest, with no signs or markers in sight, but Vincent drove confidently, his anger boiling inside. It was a long drive—about 120 miles—and to let off steam, he pulled over and stepped out. The headlights illuminated his figure, but just ten feet away, the forest was shrouded in impenetrable darkness. A sudden fear gripped Amelia. She opened the door and called out, but he didn’t answer. She stepped out to him.
— Vincent, let’s go home. I’m scared…
— Home? You said *home*? Maybe I should drop you off with your precious Oliver? Seems I interrupted you two!
Amelia couldn’t take it anymore. She shouted at Vincent, accusing him of unfairly hurting her.
— There was nothing between us, and there never could be! Oliver knows we’re together!
— Then go tell him that’s no longer true!
Vincent pushed Amelia aside, jumped into the car, and sped off, leaving her on the road. Stunned and unable to believe he’d abandon her, Amelia ran after him but tripped in a ditch, scraping her knees and elbows on the gravel. Her glasses slipped off and flew into the darkness. Terrified, she fumbled for them, but with her poor eyesight and the pitch-black surroundings, it was nearly impossible. Then, a crunch underfoot—Amelia gasped, picking up the shattered frame. She sobbed, and the forest came alive with a thousand sounds. Petrified, she froze as a twig snapped nearby under someone’s step.
Vincent drove farther and farther, not giving his actions a second thought. His anger slowly faded, and he began to think about Yvonne. She’d seemed interested in him. Sure, Yvonne was spoiled, born into wealth, and probably wouldn’t see him, a regular guy, as husband material. But spending time with her would be nice—especially for him, an ordinary manager who’d never reached for the stars.
Two hours later, Vincent was home. He showered, went to bed, and dreamed of the beautiful Polish-Russian woman. The next day, he called her and suggested they meet.
— Vincent? Well, that’s a surprise… I didn’t expect you to call.
— I couldn’t stop thinking about you. So, are we meeting?
— Of course, why even ask?
That evening, Vincent arranged a romantic dinner for Yvonne. It ended in bed, and they fell asleep in each other’s arms at dawn.
A month later, Yvonne’s parents threw her a lavish wedding. Vincent’s head spun with success and joy: he’d caught his lucky break, and a carefree, affluent life with a gorgeous wife awaited him.
—
Seven years passed.
Vincent’s hopes for happiness crumbled within the first year of marriage. Yvonne grew bored of him quickly and made no effort to hide it. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t fit into her world of wealth. In every social setting, people gave him puzzled looks. Behind his attractive exterior was an empty void. He couldn’t hold a conversation, having only a high school education, no real interests, and no thought of self-improvement. He believed money should flow to him simply because he was *him*. But he soon realized that wealth didn’t always bring joy. He became Yvonne’s shadow, trailing after her, catering to her every whim, while she mocked, insulted, and humiliated him, even in front of her parents or strangers. Their marriage ended in its fifth year when Vincent came home to find Yvonne in their bed with another man. She didn’t flinch, calmly getting up to pour herself wine.
— Why are you staring? — she asked. — Go on, yell, make a scene. Do *something*.
— You’re despicable, — Vincent muttered, feeling the ground sway beneath him.
— Oh, progress! — Yvonne sneered. — Some emotion at last! You’re a spineless nobody! You’re not a man! I’m sick of you! Pack your things and get out! I’m filing for divorce!
— Yvonne, — Vincent fell to his knees, — please… I’ll forgive everything!
— Idiot! I don’t need your forgiveness! Get out! Now!
And Vincent left.
For the past two years, he’d worked as a gas station attendant, living in a small apartment he’d managed to secure from Yvonne in exchange for agreeing to the divorce. He’d tried countless times to learn anything about Amelia’s fate, but she’d vanished completely. No one knew anything, her phone was disconnected, and new tenants in her old apartment had no information about her. He thought about the child she must have had—his son or daughter, growing up somewhere.
— Oh, Amelia, — Vincent thought, — please forgive me…
He couldn’t imagine what had happened to her that night when he left her on that desolate forest road.
—
Amelia, however, would never forget that night. Terrified by the forest’s nocturnal sounds—cries, snapping branches—she hurried along the road, stifling sobs, too scared to run or look back. In the utter darkness, she stumbled, fell, got up, and kept going, veering off the path and struggling to find it again. Exhausted, she collapsed into the roadside grass. Near dawn, a chilling wolf howl echoed nearby.
Shivering from cold, fear, and the dread of impending doom, Amelia lay helpless. Then, car headlights flickered, and with her last strength, she raised a hand.
— Vincent… Vincent… I’m here…
The car passed but soon reversed. A man stepped out, cautiously approaching the half-conscious girl. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to his car as she whispered faintly.
— Vincent… Vincent… You came back…
Amelia awoke in an unfamiliar bed in a strange house. Stirring, she sat up. A man’s silhouette appeared nearby.
— Vincent…
— No, my name’s Michael. And you are?
— Amelia.
— Amelia, can you see me?
— Barely. My vision’s very poor, and I broke my glasses back on the road.
— Amelia, what were you doing out there? It’s so dangerous… A forest, wild animals, and these days, you can’t trust people either. Poachers, thugs… It’s the middle of nowhere. Who knows who might be lurking.
Amelia shuddered, recalling the dangers she’d faced.
— Michael, I’ll tell you everything, but first, please tell me who you are and where we are.
— Gladly. You know my name. I’m a local ranger, working alone across two districts. I live in a small village, in the house my parents left me. That’s where we are now. Ever heard of Willow Creek?
— Is it far from the city?
— Quite a bit. About 90 miles.
— Your wife won’t mind me being here?
— No worries there. We’ve been divorced for four years. She found a rich guy and moved abroad. Seems happy, I guess. I haven’t checked. We didn’t have kids—she didn’t want any, said it was too soon, wanted to live for herself. And now she does, — Michael sighed. — We split the day I found out she’d had an abortion. I don’t know why I’m telling you this… I’ve never told anyone, not even family. But, Amelia, fair’s fair. What were you doing on that road?
Amelia, holding nothing back, recounted everything that had happened.
— What a jerk, — Michael shook his head. — Amelia, you seem like a good person. Don’t let anyone treat you like that. Now, let’s have breakfast, and I’ll drive you home.
— Breakfast? But it’s past morning…
— Right, you slept for a whole day. I bet you’re starving.
— A day?! — Amelia echoed, stunned. Then she added, — Thank you, Michael, for everything. I feel safe here. You’re kind, and I think that’s why I instinctively trusted you…
A couple of hours later, Michael drove Amelia home, said goodbye, and left. But three days later, he returned.
— Amelia, I looked into it. You can restore your vision. They do those surgeries in the city.
— I know, Michael, but it’s very expensive.
— I had some savings. I brought them for you. I don’t need much for myself.
— Michael, why are you doing this?
— I just want you to see me someday…
— Michael, you should know, I’m pregnant with Vincent’s child. And I’m definitely keeping it.
— That’s wonderful. All the more reason you’ll need to see your child grow.
— Oh, Michael… — Amelia murmured. — I didn’t think men like you existed.
Amelia had laser eye surgery. Nine months later, Michael, with flowers and gifts, picked up his wife, Amelia, and their newborn son from the hospital.
—
One day, a large black SUV pulled into Vincent’s gas station. He instantly recognized his former father-in-law’s car and approached to ask about Yvonne.
— Oh, it’s you, — the man drawled. — You don’t look great.
— How’s your daughter? — Vincent asked. — Can I see her?
— I don’t think that’s a good idea. Not sure if I should tell you… She’s in rehab for addiction. Things are bad. You couldn’t handle her. Some husband you were…
— Andrew…
— Whatever. It’s done. I spoiled her myself… Now I’m paying for it.
After filling up, Yvonne’s father drove off, leaving Vincent staring after him, thinking that everyone gets what they deserve.
— Serves her right, the witch! Ruined my life… Broke me and Amelia up… Oh, Amelia, where are you now? I’d give anything to see you…
The next day, passing a shopping mall, Vincent spotted a beautiful, well-groomed woman. It was Amelia. She stood waiting for someone, a young boy by her side—her son. No, *his* son. There was no mistaking it. Vincent froze, unable to move, staring at his love and the little replica of himself. Suddenly, they both turned and looked straight at him. The boy jumped excitedly and ran toward him, arms outstretched.
— Dad! Daddy! We’re here!
Vincent’s heart swelled with joy. In a moment, he’d scoop up his son, hug him, shower him with kisses, and beg forgiveness from both him and Amelia. She’d always loved him and would surely forgive him. They’d be together, and he’d do anything to be happy.
— Dad! — The dark-eyed boy ran past Vincent, throwing himself into the arms of a tall man holding a three-year-old girl.
— Hey, buddy! Here we are! Did you get the movie tickets?
— Yeah, Mom has them! Let’s go!
They walked past a stunned Vincent, the man greeting Amelia with a tender kiss. They headed to the theater.
— She didn’t recognize me, — Vincent’s heart pounded. — Of course, her vision’s so bad, and now she’s not even wearing glasses.
But Amelia turned and looked him in the eyes. He knew she’d recognized him—but she didn’t approach, didn’t call out, didn’t introduce him to her son. To her, Vincent was nothing. Alone and unwanted, he stood on the empty sidewalk, realizing that years ago, he’d lost something that only comes once: true love and the happiness it brings.
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