Catherine now knew for sure: she did not want to see Maxim. She was afraid that she would break loose and tell him everything she thought. Or even worse, she will cry and look pathetic. What did madam say? "Maxim will be torn between pity for you and duty to the family with which he is bound."

She got up from the bench.

- Well, I do not!

I checked the envelope with the money: everything was in place. And confidently walked to the nearest building materials store. Two hours later she was near Maxim's house. The guys - loaders from the store - helped to lift purchases to the...