A Poor Student Married a 71-Year-Old

A Burden Too Heavy

At 23, Dmitry Ivanov’s life changed after his father died suddenly. Hidden debts and bills surfaced, forcing Dmitry to drop out of university and work two jobs to support his sick mother and sister. “Each day felt like survival.” Despite the hardship, his sister Klara still dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.

An Unexpected Encounter

One evening, Dmitry’s supervisor urged him to attend a charity gala. There, Dmitry met Elena Mikhailovna, a wealthy widow with a commanding presence. “You don’t belong here,” she told him, yet found him “interesting” because “you’re not trying to impress anyone.” Their brief conversation stayed with Dmitry, leading to a surprising invitation for lunch the next day — the start of a unique friendship.

A Marriage and a Secret

Elena shocked Dmitry by proposing marriage—not for romance, but companionship. “I want to marry you… No intimacy required, unless you want it. After seven years, if I pass, the estate is yours.” Soon after, she confided a startling plan: “I want to help me disappear.” Elena wanted to vanish legally and physically, escaping the life she felt trapped in. Dmitry agreed to help her.

A New Beginning

Together, they staged Elena’s fake death. Before leaving, she revealed a deep connection: “That was my son… I gave him up when I was just a girl.” Dmitry realized Elena was linked to his family through a lost brother. After she vanished, Dmitry used her inheritance to improve his family’s life, building a cancer clinic and supporting his sister’s education. Each year, a mysterious letter arrived from Elena: “Still watching the stars. Still grateful.” Dmitry never learned where she went but hoped she found peace and freedom.