He walked forward, tall and confident, and without a word, sharply saluted. The room froze. Eyes widened. The murmurs stilled. One by one, the husbands of Victoria, Sophia, and Polina rose from their chairs, returning the salute. A mix of shock and respect radiated across the room.
Anna felt a warmth of pride bloom inside her. The power dynamics of her school days—the mockery, the whispers, the judgment—had been reversed in a single moment. She realized the success, respect, and dignity she had quietly earned over the years were now visible to everyone, undeniable and unshakeable.
