For the next two hours—you’re my wife! He said to the cleaner, taking her on a bet for the deal, but when she spoke—the room went silent…
Her organizational abilities quickly made themselves known. Within a week, perfect order was established on the floor, all requests were handled promptly, and conflicts resolved with minimal fuss. She saw Alexander rarely.
He was often at off-site meetings or on business trips. When they did cross in the corridor or elevator, he greeted her politely but restrainedly, showing no special signs of attention. Helen was grateful for that; she didn’t need rumors about patronage.
A month later, the manager called her in. Helen Victoria I must say, your work exceeds all expectations. We’ve never had so few complaints from tenants and so many thanks.
You’ve earned a bonus. Helen felt a surge of pride. This was her first professional victory in the new place.
«Thank you,» she said sincerely. «I try to perform my duties in the best way.» And it’s noticeable, the manager nodded.
«Moreover, I’d like to offer you to head the administrative service of the entire business center. This is a significant promotion and, accordingly, a salary increase.» Helen was surprised.
«But I’ve been working here only a month. That’s enough to evaluate your abilities,» the manager objected. «And believe me, this is my decision, not an order from above,» he added with an understanding smile.
Helen hesitated. She really handled her current job well, but leading an entire service is a whole different level of responsibility. «Can I think until tomorrow?» she asked.
«Of course,» the manager agreed. «But I’m sure you’ll manage.» In the evening, going home, Helen thought about the offer.
Her life had changed in the last month. She was able to rent a small but separate apartment, buy new clothes, send money to her mother in Moscow. She felt she had finally climbed out of the pit circumstances had driven her into.
But most importantly, her sense of self-worth returned, the ability to apply her intelligence and education. All this started with that strange, adventurous evening when she agreed to Alexander’s bet to play his wife. If not for that, would she have remained an unnoticed cleaner forever, one of thousands of such women whose abilities no one needs.
Looking at evening New York from the window of her small rented apartment, Helen thought about how strangely life is arranged. Sometimes one decision, one twist of fate can change everything. She accepted the challenge, risked, and won.
But how many like her continue to labor invisibly, unnoticed by those who could give them a chance. The next day, she agreed to the promotion. Six months passed.
Helen fully settled into her new role. Under her leadership, the business center’s administrative service worked like clockwork. Colleagues respected her, management valued her.
She no longer felt out of place in the world of offices and business suits. One evening, staying late, she ran into Alexander at the building exit. He too had worked late and looked tired.
«Good evening, Helen Victoria,» he greeted. «I heard your successes in the new place are impressive.» «Thank you, Alexander William,» she replied.
«I try to justify the trust given.» They went out to the street together. A fine rain was drizzling, and Helen opened her umbrella.
«Are you driving?» Alexander asked. «No, I usually take the subway,» she answered. «I can give you a ride,» he offered.
«I have a driver today.» Helen hesitated for a moment but then nodded. «Thank you, that would be great.
The weather isn’t pleasing.» In the car, they were silent at first. Alexander looked out the window at the evening city, Helen thought about her affairs.
But gradually the silence became awkward. «How’s your work?» Alexander finally asked. «I mean not the formal side, but your own assessment.
Do you like it?» «Yes, very much,» Helen answered sincerely. «I feel like I’m living a full life again. Using my abilities, solving interesting tasks, communicating with different people.
It’s a liberating feeling.» Alexander nodded understandingly. «I’m glad.
You know, I often recall that evening at Eleven Mirrors. You were amazing.» Helen smiled.
«It was an interesting experience. A kind of acting challenge.» «But you didn’t just play a role,» Alexander objected.
«You were natural, sincere. Cooper still asks about you when we meet. Says he’s never met such a smart and charming woman.»
«Pleasant to hear,» Helen felt her cheeks flush. Alexander turned to her. «Helen, may I invite you to dinner? Not as a colleague or former cleaner, but simply as a woman who interests me.»
Helen looked at him in surprise. This question caught her off guard. All this time, she had diligently not thought of Alexander in that way, believing the gulf between them was too great—social, financial, status.
«But you’re married—the first thing that came to mind.» «Not anymore,» Alexander shook his head. «Irina and I divorced three months ago.
Without scandal, by mutual consent. She wanted it for a long time but held on to the status. And I, I realized our marriage was as fake as much in my life.»
Helen was silent, not knowing what to answer. «It was all too unexpected. I understand it may look strange,» Alexander continued.
«And I’m not asking you to answer right now. Just think. And if you decide you want to try, call me.»
He handed her a card with his personal phone number. «I’ll think,» Helen finally said, taking the card and putting it in her purse. The car pulled up to her house.
«Thank you for the ride,» she said, opening the door. «You’re welcome,» Alexander replied. «And, Helen, I’ll wait for your call.»
«As long as it takes.» She nodded and got out of the car. At home, Helen stood by the window for a long time, looking at the night city. Is it possible for life to make another unexpected turn? Is it worth risking relationships that might prove too complicated? After all, despite everything that happened in the last six months, there is still a huge difference between her and Alexander.
But on the other hand, hadn’t she herself proved that social barriers can be overcome? That the main thing is not who you were born as, but who you are in reality? She took out the card and stared at the phone number for a long time. The decision, as then, had to be made by herself. Epilogue.
Two years later. Summer terrace of the «Eleven Mirrors» restaurant. Alexander and Helen sit at the table…
