<div style="text-align: justify;">Mariya also hoped that nothing would ruin things between them. Her inner struggle still continued, but she knew that she had both personal and professional reasons not to want to displease Vitali. Despite her motives, her feelings for her old friend were sincere. She wanted him to be happy, and to trust and like her. In Mariya’s mind, images of a nice and domestic future showed themselves. She shook her head at her own ideas. It wouldn’t be like that. Even if things were not the way they were, they would never have a simple domestic life. <br/><br/>Mariya reminded herself that she was back in Soviet Union, now. The ideals of British life had to be left behind, and she had to adapt to her homeland again. And to the fact that, no matter how things happened, Vitali would never have a regular life, in the way any other kind of man would. As long as he was safe, though, she could get used to whatever her life there, with him, would be.<br/><br/>When Vitali asked her if he had hurt her, Mariya showed him a warm smile. He had always been extremely considerate of her, and it was apparent that it wasn’t about to change. That made Mariya relax a little. It felt good to be cared for, after all. She knew that she wasn’t supposed to relax, but she was tired of always being the one having to worry and care about everything.<br/><br/>Pushing her worries aside for the time being, Mariya nodded again. “A walk sounds good”, she agreed. “We will have enough time to sit together when we eat meals, after all”, Mariya completed, showing a bright smile. It was clear that she was happy and relieved at a point nobody would be able to fake. <br/><br/>After some minor hesitation, Mariya dared to move the hand that was touching Vitali’s hand very softly, as though wanting to hold his hand in a better position, with their fingers intertwined, but afraid that he might not like it.</div>