The girls sometimes tease me for becoming a housewife and dedicating myself to my husband. Like, why did you even study at Moscow State University? To serve a man? They just don’t have any serious men in their lives, and they don’t understand what it’s like to truly love and be loved. Maria lived with some guy for six months, but they split up. Rita had many flings during her student days, but they led nowhere. And now, my friend is all about work, and she’s not interested in dating. As for Pauline, she has huge demands. There’s even a whole list of criteria that a man must meet to interest her. I’m not sure such a man even exists in nature.

I don’t tell my friends about my pregnancy and the prospect of divorce with Matthew. I don’t want unnecessary questions, pity, and sympathy. Besides, maybe we won’t get divorced at all. Matthew can’t seriously be thinking of leaving me pregnant.

‘Alright, girls, I need to go home. It’s late already.’

‘It’s only eleven o’clock!’ Pauline protests.

‘It’s very late for a married girl.’

‘Oh, what, Matthew can’t sleep without you?’ Rita scoffs.