The unsuspecting Irena Kolokov was instructed to meet her boyfriend in a southwestern Siberian city, but was understandably horrified when she got there.
“We’d arranged to meet at a certain place, but when I arrived there were mangled cars everywhere, ambulances, smoke, and carnage,” she later reported.
“When I saw Alexey covered in blood lying on the road, a paramedic told me he was dead, and I just broke down in tears.”
On cue, Bykov rose from the dead, holding a flower and a golden balloon. She shoved him away when he approached, crying hysterically, but after being calmed down and realizing the situation, Bykov made his move, getting down on one knee.
“I was so cross, I almost killed him again, but for real this time,” she later said.
Nevertheless, she agreed to marry him, and the hired help and onlookers applauded.
“I wanted her to realize how empty her life would be without me and how life would have no meaning without me. I think it worked,” he said. “But I promise it’s the last time.”
The couple was married last week.