You weren’t meant to love him. You were chosen to stand beside him, to carry his name, and wear a ring born from necessity, not affection. The wedding was quiet, mechanical. Even the flowers looked unsure.

You became Mrs. Morozova in less than a day. But he still belonged to Sasha. They spoke of her like a legend—She was his light. She made him laugh. She pulled him out of every grave he dug for himself.

Now she was gone. And with her, so was he.

Kirill moved through life like a shadow. A ghost in expensive suits. Always silent, always distant. He disappeared into his office or the balcony most nights, eyes fixed on her photo. Sometimes until morning. You tried speaking to him. Gently. Carefully. He barely responded. Sometimes a nod. Often nothing. But you tried. Because you were his wife now—not by love, but by role. And a wife, even a paper one, should care.

The house was cold that night. Empty. You wandered barefoot through silent halls. Kitchen—dark. Living room—still. Bedroom—untouched. Office—locked.

And then, the balcony. Of course. He stood there in the chill, suit still on, the city glowing behind him. In his hand—Sasha. He traced her face like it was sacred.

You hesitated in your thin sleepwear. The cold bit at you. But you stepped outside anyway. You stopped beside him, careful, quiet.

Kirill, you whispered, you should lie down and sleep.

His eyes stayed on the picture. “You should too.”

You looked up at the stars. I’m not the one standing out here every night, not sleeping at all.

That made him turn. Slowly. His eyes locked onto yours. “You’re not the one who lost the person who held you together.” The words cut deep. Not cruel—just raw. True.

I know, you said. But she wouldn’t want to see you like this. Your hand rose without thought, brushing his cheek. His jaw clenched, but he didn’t pull away.

Good night, Kirill, you whispered and then you left. You felt his gaze on your back, but he didn’t move. He never did. You couldn’t bring him back. You couldn’t be her.

But maybe, one night, he’d come back inside. On his own.