Dajana crossed the courtyard with a proud smile on her face. It was as if Viktoria asking her for a favor had been some sort of distinction. And the fact that she had completed her mission successfully in just a few hours filled her with boundless joy.
In Dajana’s mind, the cool, distant German woman was not someone who relied on others very often. She probably wouldn’t have trusted Dajana with such an important task unless she’d been cornered. But Dajana was a tough player in her own game, and no one should underestimate her. Not even a woman like Viktoria, who tended to keep her nose high in the air—at least when she wasn’t being backed into a corner.
Her pride slipped into a hint of self-satisfaction as she replayed the scene in her head—the moment she’d surprised her friend that hot morning by the pool. Pauline hadn’t joined them that day; she had an urgent argument to settle with Rob over his next long trip abroad.
“I cheated on Adrian once,” Dajana announced without any preamble.
Viktoria didn’t respond; only the wide brim of her straw hat seemed to move slightly over her face.
“Back home. In Slovakia,” Dajana continued calmly.
She never took her eyes off Viktoria, who must have sensed Dajana’s impatient anticipation.
“Hmm,” Viktoria murmured.
“We used to meet in another town,” Dajana mused. “We thought it was safer to date far from either of our homes.”
“Hmm,” Viktoria hummed in agreement.
“But maybe you’re right,” Dajana reflected. “Hiding in plain sight is probably the best way. I’m just not brave enough for that,” she chuckled. “Not that anyone around here really does it for me,” she added quickly.
With a measured gesture, Viktoria pushed her hat back and slowly turned her face toward Dajana. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to see right through her friend.
“How long has it been going on?” Dajana landed the final blow.
“What exactly are we talking about?” Viktoria asked softly.
“You and Ted. Come on… if I’ve noticed, everyone else must have too.”
Viktoria straightened up on the sunbed, forcing herself to stay calm, but her flushed cheeks and trembling nostrils betrayed her. Dajana noted with satisfaction that she was on the right track.
“Dajana, please… you don’t actually think—”
“Oh no, I don’t think,” Dajana cut her off. “I know. I’ve seen you sneaking into his place at night more than once. I haven’t been sleeping well lately.”
“Really?” Viktoria asked sharply. “And during the day? What about then?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, if you’ve been spying so skillfully at night, I suppose you’ve also seen me dropping by during the day.”
Her cool blue gaze locked onto Dajana’s. The Slovak woman froze.
“Or did it not cross your mind that I might be doing something other than having sex in the apartment of one of our neighbors? For instance, taking care of someone who’s ill and needs assistance? Oh, but of course—you didn’t notice that, did you, with those eagle eyes of yours? You didn’t see Ted’s absence—only my presence? And, for the record, my husband Günter knows about it perfectly well.”
A hot wave of shame was already washing over Dajana when she noticed Viktoria’s foot cramped painfully under the chair.
“Why doesn’t he hire a nurse? Why are you taking care of him, on top of work and family?” she asked carefully, as if she were genuinely concerned. Her gaze darted between Viktoria’s foot and her increasingly pale face.
“B-because…” she stammered. “B-because… we’ve run into financial trouble.”
Dajana’s eyebrows shot up. Well, well! The upper-class folks having money problems? So bad that she had to nurse that impossible man herself? Now that was the scoop of the year.
She tried to fill her heart with empathy, but gloating took over her mind instead. Every cell in her body started a little victory dance: They’re not the most miserable people in the complex anymore!
“Look, darling,” Viktoria suddenly brightened, “it’s a very awkward situation for me, but something happened that’s caused a temporary financial setback. We’ve invested in a hotel purchase, and it’s drained every bit of our savings. Even my salary is going into it, so I had no choice but to take on Ted. Günter has a side job too, but that’s something I really shouldn’t discuss.”
Viktoria grew calmer and more composed with each word. Dajana was utterly confused now. She couldn’t tell whether her friend was simply an excellent liar or actually telling the truth. Since they were a wealthy family, it was even possible they’d taken on such a big venture. If that was the case, then the friendship was definitely worth strengthening.
“Shall I recommend you for cleaning jobs?” she asked eagerly.
“Oh, no, thank you. Ted takes all my energy—and he pays very well.”
“I see,” Dajana whispered, gently stroking Viktoria’s shoulder. “But you know you can always count on me, right?”
A peculiar smile flickered across Viktoria’s face.
“I know… and—” she hesitated, “there’s actually something you could do.”
“Tell me,” Dajana said eagerly.
“Noud and Bernard have been giving me strange looks lately. I think they suspect I’m having an affair with Ted. If the opportunity arises, could you clear things up for me? Not directly,” she added quickly, “just… you know, casually. As if it weren’t really important.”
“Of course! Within twenty-four hours, everyone will know the truth!”