Ivan Arkadievich

Alice stood in front of the newcomer,
a lacquered black Porsche, she had a bunch of keys in her hands, and lightning flashed in her eyes.

She imagined a perfect autumn evening with Vanya. Instead, she learned that Vanya was actually Ivan Arkadyevich, the owner of a restaurant chain and a married father of three, who simply wanted to have some fun with a young graduate student.

Alice was overcome with anger. She ran the keys furiously along the car's glossy side.
Brushing away her tears, she turned around when she suddenly saw him. Vanya was standing and looking at her with a grin.

“So what was that?” he asked calmly.

—What was that?! You lied to me! You played with me! You… You're just a scumbag!

“You know, you’re charming even when you’re angry,” Ivan interrupted her.

"Fuck you!" she shouted.

“I wanted to surprise you,” he said, walking up to the car. “It’s just vinyl wrap.”

Vanya tore off the film, and underneath it was revealed untouched, shiny varnish.

—And the real surprise is the ring. I wanted to propose to you. Leave the city, start all over again.

“Are you… Are you serious?” Alice couldn’t believe her eyes.

“More than.” He took her hand in his.

-But you're married!
And you have children!

—I filed for divorce. The children understand everything.

-Okay. Give me time.

Vanya smiled and put the ring on her finger. Alice knew that he would spend a long time making amends, and at first she would have to walk.