A week after a penniless student married a wealthy 76-year-old woman out of desperation, the woman made him an odd proposition.
Artem, who was 23 years old, was hardly able to stand. Due to his mother’s severe illness, which had prevented her from working for years, and his younger sister’s need for daily care, food, clothing, and school supplies, his life had become an unending battle for survival.
One individual was responsible for all costs, including prescription drugs, medical care, bills, and meals. He worked wherever he could, tutoring other students and working as a loader and courier, but his income was woefully inadequate.
Interest accrued, debt increased, and Artem questioned himself daily, “How much longer can I endure this?”
He met a strange woman one day through a friend. Despite her advanced age of 76, she maintained her remarkable charisma, wit, and sharp intelligence.
As it turned out, she was a billionaire, a woman used to luxury and attention, yet strangely lonely. Artem discovered on the first date that he was not merely interacting with a wealthy old woman, but rather a self-assured, intelligent woman who understood how to listen and value her partner.
Artem was unable to sleep for a few nights after she unexpectedly proposed to him. His mind spoke one thing, but his emotions spoke another.
However, his mother, who need medical attention, and his younger sister, who was requesting money for school supplies, were in front of him. It was a difficult choice, but he accepted.
He convinced himself that he was making the proper decision by telling himself, “I’ll live a few years with this elderly lady, but my mother and sister won’t lack anything.”
Artem had already used to the quiet, almost chilly living in the enormous home a week after the wedding. Never as a married couple, he and his new bride slept in different rooms and spoke only seldom, usually at breakfast or dinner.
She brought him to her office one evening with a surprising proposal that shocked the young man.
Artem sensed the strain. After staring at him over her glasses for a while without saying anything, she finally said:
“I don’t have any descendants. No spouse, no kids. I also know exactly why you married me. You didn’t think I’d notice? I didn’t need money; you did.
Despite Artem’s desire to defend himself, she lifted her hand and silenced him.
“Take your time. You are not judged by me. Quite the opposite; I admire your self-awareness. I want to make a trade offer because of this. You will be by my side until the end of my days. We are husband and wife to everyone. However, I don’t expect you to be intimate or adore me. We’ll still sleep in different rooms. One requirement, though: you have to be loyal to me. Not another woman. Not a scandal. The smallest suspicion will be sufficient to deny you anything.
After pausing, she added forcefully but softly:
Additionally, please do not wish for my demise. All of your inheritance will be donated to charity if an examination ever reveals that I passed away unnaturally. I need a faithful friend, not a murderer. Just a companion to keep me from feeling alone.
Artem said nothing. Relief that he wouldn’t have to share a bed, terror of the rigid rules, and an odd admiration for this woman—who seemed to have meticulously arranged everything—were all mixed together in his mind.
Consider it, Artem. More than you could have ever imagined will be given to you. However, only if you stand the test of time,” she said.
He was aware that his response would impact not just his family’s future but also his own life.
