You do understand that this isn’t even up for discussion, right?» The woman in a terry robe, with a towel carelessly wrapped around her head, walked past her husband, dropping the remark as if it were about choosing a restaurant for dinner.
The man, engrossed in his laptop screen, barely looked up. He might have seemed completely focused, but anyone who knew him well would have understood immediately: he was just putting off the conversation.
«What exactly is ‘not up for discussion’?» Vlad removed his glasses and looked attentively at his wife. Without them, his face looked more stern, as if he was trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind her casual phrasing.
«You will pay for Marina’s wedding,» Irina’s voice sounded as cheerful as if she was announcing a lottery win.
«Sorry, what?» Vlad chuckled and leaned back in his chair.
«Yes, the whole wedding, completely,» she removed her towel and began fussing with her hair, teasing it aimlessly.
«Sorry, I must be missing something. At which family meeting was it decided that I am specifically obligated to sponsor this celebration?»
The walls of the living room, painted in a warm gray-green hue, seemed to freeze in anticipation. The room was functional but cozy, like those apartments described on internet forums as «nothing superfluous.» On a shelf stood books and several photographs, among which their wedding photo particularly stood out. Vlad always compared that day to the beginning of building a house: the foundation was solemnly laid, but no one knew how many more stones would have to be moved to finish it.
«It’s a family tradition,» Irina continued confidently, as if talking about age-old customs.
«Which family? Ours?» Vlad lifted his glasses and looked at her from top to bottom. «We live on Earth, in this city, within these four walls, and this is the first I’ve heard of such a ‘family regulation’.»
His wife, as usual, radiated confidence. Every one of her movements was precise, her voice impeccable. She spoke as if she knew the answers to all questions in advance.
«You’re the man, you’re the head of the family. Therefore, you’re obliged to help,» she stated, as if explaining a simple truth to a child.
«Yes, of course, I’m ready to help. Twenty thousand rubles—a perfectly reasonable amount for such an occasion.»
Irina raised her eyebrows in surprise, as if she had just heard a suggestion to replace the banquet with sandwiches.
«Vlad, do you hear yourself? What twenty thousand? You might as well have suggested sending a postcard!»
«Irina, let’s be specific. Is this a question of budget—your personal view of fairness or another fantasy? The fifty thousand I planned to allocate already seemed heroic to me, and you’re talking about four hundred thousand. Four hundred?! Are you serious?»
Vlad raised his voice, but immediately checked himself. Despite his external charisma, his nerves sometimes failed him. «Calm down, don’t lose it,» he reminded himself mentally.
«In our family,» Irina softly continued, as if the whole affair was just a misunderstanding, «it’s customary to help relatives. Mom helped Aunt Lena, dad paid for half of the car for his brother… It’s normal.»
«I’ve heard that, yes. But where in this scheme does the word ‘ability’ fit? The budget isn’t a whim—it’s reality. Sure, we’re not in besieged Leningrad, but four hundred thousand just so someone can get married? Seriously?»
Irina sat on the sofa, abruptly falling silent. Her hands automatically smoothed the folds of her robe, and her gaze remained direct and piercing.
«It’s a matter of principle, right?» She squinted. «You just don’t care about my family?»
«No, not at all!» Vlad exhaled angrily. «I’m happy for Marina. Let her get married, I’ll even write a toast. Maybe even with rhymes. But don’t turn me into an endless source of money!»
A short silence followed, which only sharpened the tension. Vlad stood up and began pacing the room, like an animal trapped in a cage.
«Alright. Suppose. Here’s twenty thousand. That’s the maximum I can afford. Understand this, finally.»
«Dear,» Irina said coldly. «Marina won’t forget this. And neither will I, probably…»
Several days later.
Vera Stepanovna settled into her favorite armchair by the window, enjoying the last rays of the evening sun. Her home always seemed like a real refuge to Vladislav—here, permeated with the scents of home baking and herbal collections, even the most severe troubles remained outside. After the recent conversation with his wife, this place became especially significant to him.
«Mom, you won’t believe,» he started, trying to maintain a light tone, as if talking about the weather. «She demanded that I pay for her sister’s wedding. In full! As if I just received a five-million bonus for special achievements.»
His mother lazily stirred her tea spoon before responding:
«Really? Did she seriously say that? Maybe it was about a gift or some symbolic help? After all, it’s normal—to make something nice for the young ones.»
Vera Stepanovna might have been outraged in the past, but years had made her more serene and philosophical. Now, her gentle voice barely touched Vlad, evoking mixed feelings.
«No, mom, not about a gift,» he objected. «She literally said: ‘Pay for the wedding.’ As if that’s the sole purpose of my life.»
Sounds of running water and a creaking cabinet door came from the kitchen—it was his sister Galina, deciding to enhance the meeting with fresh pastries, peeking out from behind the doorway.
«Vlad, stop winding yourself up,» she said, shaking her head. «Maybe she was just joking? You know, women sometimes exaggerate. And you took it seriously.»
«A joke?» he asked, turning to his sister. «Irina’s tone left no room for doubt.»
But then he fell silent, pondering. Over these days, he had replayed their conversation in his mind multiple times, and it all seemed logical. However, now, hearing Galina’s words, he began to see the situation from a different angle.
«Wait,» he murmured, more to himself. «What if it really was a joke?»
Galina smiled, noticing his thoughtful look:
«Listen, Vlad, four hundred thousand for someone else’s wedding? Come on. Your wedding at least had something to do with you, but this is about her sister. It’s clearly a provocation. Besides, Ira loves such jokes.»
Vlad bit his lip, imagining the scene: Irina standing in front of the mirror in her favorite robe, suppressing laughter, uttering that phrase with the most serious expression. He, a man practical to the bone, immediately took her words at face value.
«Well, there you have it,» he finally admitted, exhaling as if he had lifted a heavy weight off his shoulders. «She definitely caught me off guard. If you’re right, Galina, this will be embarrassing—because I seriously discussed it.»
«Don’t worry, Vladik,» his sister winked, handing him a pastry. «When you find out the truth, you’ll laugh about it together. Just don’t get worked up in advance.»
Vera Stepanovna smiled faintly, continuing to stir her tea. She shook her head as if pondering how fate had matched such a strict and methodical son with a woman who obviously took life more lightly.
«Alright,» Vlad muttered, settling back into his armchair. «I’ll have to revisit this conversation at home. If she really was joking, I’m ready to apologize. The main thing is not to take every word she says so close to heart.»
For the first time in a long time, he laughed heartily. Suddenly, everything seemed much lighter. If he was wrong, at least it could become an excellent topic for a shared joke.
Several days later.
Vlad had just changed after work and settled comfortably on the sofa, intending to relax a bit. But his plans were not meant to come to fruition—the living room was suddenly occupied by Svetlana Grigoryevna. His mother-in-law always made an impression of a confident woman: impeccable appearance, clear speech, and the ability to tactfully impose her opinion. Her sudden visit caught Vlad off guard, though he tried not to show it. However, within a couple of minutes of conversation, all thoughts of relaxation evaporated.
«Vladislav, dear son-in-law,» she began in a soft but strictly organized tone, «you know that Marina, my younger daughter, is soon getting married, right?»
«Yes, I know,» he replied, tensing up, and immediately remembered the recent conversation with Irina. Then, he had written off her words as a joke, but now he realized that the topic was clearly serious.
«Excellent,» continued Svetlana Grigoryevna, turning to him with the expression of a person who already knows the outcome of the conversation. «In our family, there has always been a rule: we meet all important events together. Now that you’re part of our clan, this applies to you too. Marina’s wedding is a special moment for us, and you are obliged to help. It’s your family duty, Vladislav.»
Her motherly tone caused him inner tension, but he still tried to maintain composure.
«Of course, I’ll help,» he said evenly. «Irina mentioned this. I can contribute, say, thirty thousand. That’s a perfectly reasonable amount to support.»
But his words only caused a light head shake from the mother-in-law with a hint of reproach.
«Vlad, what are you talking about thirty thousand?» she countered. «You should take on the full expenses. A wedding is a major event. Marina is young, and their family can’t afford such expenses right now. I’m sure you can help.»
His light smile disappeared when he realized that the conversation would be much more difficult than he had anticipated.
«Excuse me, but pay for the entire wedding? Are you serious?» he asked, trying to control the growing irritation. «Let’s be honest: why me? What are my obligations towards the groom’s family?»
Svetlana Grigoryevna seemed to expect this question and answered without hesitation:
«Because you’re now part of our family, and it’s important to Irina. Family values are not just a declaration. If you want respect, you need to be ready for mutual support.»
«Alright,» Vlad nodded, thoughtfully looking at her. «And what about the groom’s family? Who are they? What are they contributing? Why does the burden fall entirely on me?»
This question made the mother-in-law pause for a moment, but she quickly found an answer:
«The groom is young, temporarily without means, his job is unstable. His parents… well, you understand. Therefore, we are counting on the help of the older sister and her husband, that is, you, Vlad.»
He sighed deeply, feeling irritation boiling inside.
«So, I paid for my own wedding completely, and now I’m supposed to pay for your Marina’s too? That’s too much,» he said, trying to speak calmly. «Let’s distribute the responsibility. If we’re helping, let’s do it together. Let the groom find funds. Let his relatives also contribute. But I definitely won’t be paying for everything. Thirty thousand maximum.»
Irina, who had been in the kitchen up until this moment, came into the living room, wiping her hands with a towel.
«Vlad, think about it, this is our family. Isn’t it logical to support?» she said softly.
«I support my relatives, but let’s be realistic,» he turned to his wife. «Your mother is asking me to finance a wedding for someone who is practically a stranger to me. Thirty thousand is my limit. If you want more, look for other sources.»
Svetlana Grigoryevna sharply rose, her face expressing more disappointment than anger.
«Well then, wonderful. Just remember, Vlad: that’s not how you act in a family,» she stated coldly. «I always thought you were understanding. It seems I was mistaken.»
She briefly went into the kitchen, whispered something to her daughter, then returned to the living room, threw one last look at her son-in-law, and left, slamming the door. Irina snorted discontentedly and retreated to the bedroom, leaving Vlad alone.
He sat on the sofa, examining his hands, and couldn’t understand how an ordinary evening had so quickly turned into such an unpleasant situation.
The evening turned out to be unusually tough. Vlad, wearily sitting at the kitchen table, held a mug with almost cooled tea. His gaze was fixed on one point on the wall—he was trying to calm down after the tense conversation with his mother-in-law. Irina, having finished cleaning, sat opposite her husband. Her eyes expressed determination: apparently, she decided to continue discussing her sister’s wedding.
«Vlad,» she began softly but confidently, «let’s discuss it again. I understand that today’s conversation with mom was unexpected for you, but we can afford to help. We have the means.»
He looked up at her. In his gaze, there was fatigue from endless explanations, but he decided to try again.
«Ira, I’ve already said,» he spoke calmly, «this money is meant for our family. It’s not a fund to assist Marina or her celebrations. We planned how to spend it long ago, and it concerns only the two of us.»
«But you understand,» she interrupted, «Marina is my sister. For me, she’s like a second daughter. We’ve always been close. She deserves a beautiful wedding. She and Oleg have been together for three years!»
Vlad thought for a few seconds, then responded, trying to be gentle but firm:
«Ira, I really understand your feelings for your sister, but let’s be realistic. Why should I take on all the responsibility for her wedding? Why should it rest solely on me when our finances are already tight?»
Irina frowned. It was hard for her to accept his position, though she understood that Vlad’s words made sense.
«We have savings,» she stubbornly countered. «The money is just sitting there.»
«Yes, there are savings,» Vlad agreed, «but let’s remember where they came from. Most of it—gifts from my family. My relatives. And what did your family offer? A microwave and a washing machine. Alright, those are useful things, but the money was gifted to us by my close ones. And now you want to spend it on your sister’s wedding? That’s absurd.»
His voice became a bit harsher than he intended, but his inner outrage took over. He didn’t like that his position was being challenged.
«You’re starting to keep track of gifts? That’s not nice, Vlad,» Irina sharply retorted. «This money belongs to both of us.»
«Yes, it’s ours,» he nodded, maintaining calm, «and I propose using it for us. Things aren’t smooth as is. My salary—forty-five thousand, yours—thirty. How will we live if we spread all our savings? We have loans, everyday expenses. What if a child comes along? Or an economic crisis? Have you thought about those scenarios?»
Irina’s eyes dimmed. Anger gave way to contemplation, but resentment still smoldered inside.
«It’s not that much money, Vlad,» she muttered. «We could have allocated a little to help…»
«We’ve already helped,» he interrupted. «I’m willing to give thirty thousand. That’s my maximum. But to fully pay for the wedding? No, Ira, that’s impossible. I’m not going to squander our family capital for someone else’s celebration.»
«Someone else’s?!» she exclaimed, jumping up from her chair. «Marina isn’t a stranger! She’s my sister, our family! How can you say that?!»
«Ira, let’s look at the situation soberly,» Vlad tried to calm her, raising his hand. «I have nothing against your sister. But why doesn’t anyone demand participation from her fiancé, Oleg? Where’s his contribution? Where’s his family’s help? Why does everything have to be resolved at my expense?»
Irina stood, clenching her fists.
«Because you always think only of yourself!» she shouted. «You could at least once show some generosity!»
Vlad slowly stood up, trying to control his emotions.
«I’m thinking of us, Ira,» he replied coldly. «Of us together. This wedding is not my obligation. If you think I’m stingy, maybe it’s worth considering why our priorities are so different. You know our income, our plans. And if your sister’s wedding is more important to you than our joint budget, then, perhaps, we need to have a serious talk.»
Irina turned away, wanting to end the dialogue. She felt mixed feelings: guilt mixed with irritation. Vlad added nothing further. He silently left the kitchen, leaving his wife alone among the silence, which now seemed especially oppressive.
The situation was becoming increasingly tense with each passing minute. Vlad was immersed in work, trying to finish an urgent report, when suddenly Marina appeared before him. Her sudden appearance and clearly set face made him wary. After a quick greeting, she went straight to the point, without any preamble.
«Vlad,» she began, trying to maintain an appearance of calm, «I came to talk about the wedding. You have to understand that the family always helps its own. It’s our tradition.»
Vlad looked up at his sister-in-law, feeling irritation starting to rise inside. He understood that this conversation was not going to be easy.
«Marina,» he said, pushing aside the documents to focus entirely on the interlocutor, «I’ve already told Irina, told your mom. I’m willing to help, but within reasonable limits. Thirty thousand—that’s the maximum I can allocate. But to fully pay for your wedding? No, sorry. It’s not my duty.»
Marina immediately darkened, her face flushed with indignation.
«How can you say ‘not your duty’?» she exclaimed. «You’re now part of our family! Why are you so stingy? Don’t you understand that we always help each other?»
Vlad sighed deeply, crossed his arms over his chest, and leaned back in his chair.
«Marina, I’m not stingy, I’m rational,» he replied calmly. «I’m ready to offer help, but no more than what I’ve already proposed. The money you so casually dispose of has its cost. It’s gifts given to us, Irina and me, for our wedding. They’re intended for us, not for you and Oleg. I think it’s extremely unfair to demand that I finance someone else’s wedding.»
Her reaction was immediate: Marina snorted, casting a scathing look at him.
«There’s nothing unfair here,» she retorted sharply. «If you had even a little generosity, you would do everything possible to support the family. But you… You don’t even respect our traditions. Honestly, I don’t understand how Irina could have married such… a petty man like you. She deserves better.»
These words struck Vlad painfully, provoking a surge of anger. However, instead of snapping, he decided to shift the conversation.
«Really?» he asked, dryly chuckling and leaning forward slightly. «Well, since we’ve started talking about the wedding, let’s talk about your fiancé, Oleg. Where is he now? Why should I take on the obligations for your wedding? If he’s such a worthy man as you portray him, why aren’t his family or he himself participating in this? Maybe it’s just more convenient for all expenses to fall on someone else’s shoulders? To me, that’s called a lack of responsibility.»
Marina clearly did not expect such a rebuttal. Her face turned even redder, and her eyes shifted from hurt to fury.
«Don’t you dare judge what and how!» she blurted out. «Oleg works as he can, but we’re currently facing financial difficulties. You just can’t understand that. And your stinginess—it’s really beyond the pale. You could help, but instead, you find reasons to insult my fiancé!»
Vlad allowed himself a short sarcastic laugh.
«Listen, Marina, I’m not here to solve your ‘temporary difficulties.’ But you know what? If you can’t afford a lavish wedding, no one is stopping you from just registering your relationship. Without extra costs, everything is simple. And if you want a ceremonial ceremony, perhaps you should have started saving in advance. And by the way, if Oleg can’t organize your celebration, you should think not about me but about his readiness to take on responsibility.»
His words finally drove her to the brink. Tears of offense sparkled in her eyes.
«You… You’re just a cold, heartless man!» she cried out. «I thought you at least respected our family a bit. Now I see you’re not ready to be part of it.»
«Marina,» Vlad’s voice turned icy, «I respect your family, but I’m not going to jeopardize my financial stability to satisfy someone’s excessive demands. Good luck to you and Oleg. And don’t come to me with this again.»
Not giving her a chance to respond, he demonstratively turned away. Marina abruptly rose, cast one last icy glance at him, and headed for the exit. Just by the door, she turned and, clenching her teeth, threw out:
«I don’t understand how Irina can live with you. You’re just pathetic.»
The door slammed shut, echoing in the room, leaving Vlad alone. A bitter smile appeared on his face, but it was evident that the conversation had left an unpleasant aftertaste. Another conflict that would undoubtedly add tension to family relations.
The morning at home greeted Vlad with noticeable tension. He woke up earlier than usual, feeling an internal heaviness after yesterday’s conflict. Sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, he tried to focus on the upcoming workday, but his thoughts stubbornly returned to the quarrel with Irina. He couldn’t understand why she insisted so strongly that her sister’s wedding should become his personal responsibility.
Irina appeared from the bedroom after a while. Her gaze was cold and detached, and instead of a greeting, she just walked to the kitchen cabinet, carefully avoiding eye contact with her husband. The almost tangible tension in the air, and each of her steps, intensified his feelings of guilt mixed with a sense of injustice.
«Good morning,» he broke the silence, trying to defuse the atmosphere a bit. «How did you sleep?»
«Fine,» she responded curtly, not even turning around.
Vlad sighed heavily. He understood that the events of the previous evening had left a deep mark, and they were both on the verge.
«Listen, Ira,» he began cautiously, «I don’t want our relationship to be ruined over money. But I really think it’s wrong to take on the full payment of your sister’s wedding. It’s too much of a burden for us right now. We’re building our life, our home, and we might have our future expenses: children, health, unforeseen situations… I’m not refusing to help, but there are limits that need to be considered.»
Irina sat down opposite him with a cup of tea, glancing at him for a second before turning away again.
«You never understood how important it is to support each other in a family,» she said quietly. «Marina and I have always been very close. If one of us was in a tough spot, the other always came to help. I can’t just ignore her needs. And you… you choose money over our relationship, over the family.»
Inside, Vlad’s irritation boiled, but he suppressed the urge to respond sharply. He wanted to defend himself against what he felt were unfounded accusations, but he understood that would only exacerbate the situation.
«Ira, I’m not saying ‘no’ to helping,» he replied gently. «I’m just saying that this help should be reasonable. I’ve already offered thirty thousand. Isn’t that enough? Why can’t you see this as caring about our joint financial stability?»
«Because you’re doing it reluctantly,» she interrupted sharply. «You don’t really want to help. You’re just trying to get by with the minimum effort. It’s not what I asked you for.»
Vlad pressed his lips together and looked out the window to calm himself. He felt the tension between them growing, but he had no strength or desire to continue the argument.
«It seems we just see family obligations differently,» he said after a pause. «But I still love you, Ira. I really don’t want this conflict to affect our relationship. I hope you feel the same.»
Irina was silent for a long time, staring into her cup. After a few minutes, she quietly replied:
«I love you too. But I need time to figure out what to do next.»
Vlad nodded, understanding that nothing more could be changed right now. Rising from the table, he took his keys and headed to work. On the way, he pondered: Is there a compromise that could satisfy them both, or has this situation already left a crack in their relationship that could become deeper over time?
During the weekend, Vlad and Irina’s apartment was unusually noisy. Vera Stepanovna, Vlad’s mother-in-law, along with her younger daughter Marina, as usual, arrived without warning, but this time their intentions were more than obvious. Vlad, anticipating that the visit would again lead to a discussion about money, decided to take control of the situation. He silently got up, threw on his jacket, and headed for the exit.
«Vlad, where are you going? We haven’t finished yet!» Vera Stepanovna intercepted his movement, standing by the door and crossing her arms.
«If you’re going to talk about money again, let me warn you: there isn’t any. And even if there were, I wouldn’t give it,» Vlad declared calmly but firmly, meeting her disapproval with a direct look.
Marina, who had been watching from the couch, couldn’t stand it:
«So that’s it! When it comes to helping our family, you start twisting away? You’re just a miser, Vlad! You can’t even spare a small amount, although Irina says everything’s fine!» Her voice was full of indignation.
«Marina, calm down!» Vera Stepanovna tried to smooth the conflict, giving her daughter a stern look, but it was already too late.
«No, mom, let him explain how this can even be understood! He has the money, everything’s fine, but he just crushes my simple dream of a wedding! By the way, remind you that he didn’t pay for his own wedding either—it was our relatives who did!» Marina spitefully squinted.
These words elicited only a bitter smile from Vlad.
«Are you sure that’s how it was, Marina?» he asked, approaching her. «At least, my mom told a very different story. She took out a loan to cover the expenses for our wedding and then paid it off alone. Neither you nor your mother even offered her help then. And now you have the audacity to claim that your family paid for everything? That’s a lie, even to yourself.»
The room seemed to freeze. Vera Stepanovna frowned but said nothing. Vlad continued, now addressing the mother-in-law:
«And explain to me, Vera Stepanovna: if you consider me part of your family, why did no one from your side extend a helping hand when my sister Galina needed support? When my mom, paying off the loan for our wedding, was barely making ends meet?»
Irina, who had been silently watching the conversation until then, suddenly stirred:
«Vlad, enough! You’ve proved your point to everyone! Yes, they didn’t help back then, but that changes nothing! Can’t you just show some generosity? This money could help Marina create her happiness, and you don’t even want to listen!»
«Generosity?» Vlad turned to his wife. «And you think I didn’t show it when I spent part of the money gifted to us for our wedding on renovating the apartment, paying utilities, and buying furniture? Or forgot that it was with that money we paid for your long-awaited courses?»
«It doesn’t matter!» Irina sharply countered. «You always think only of yourself, but a real family doesn’t act like this!»
The atmosphere was getting tenser. Both raised their voices, and emotions were running high. Finally, Vera Stepanovna, whose tone was cold and merciless, took the floor:
«Vladislav, if you don’t agree to help Marina right now, we’ll have to acknowledge that you’re unworthy of being part of our family. We’ll never accept you again!»
These words made Vlad freeze. He looked incredulously at his mother-in-law, realizing that her ultimatum might have far more serious consequences.
«Are you saying that Irina will also leave me if I refuse? Is that your ‘not worthy’?» his voice grew louder, rising in pitch.
Vera Stepanovna was silent, clearly hoping that the pressure would work. But Vlad just narrowed his eyes, sensing a catch.
«If that’s your ultimatum, listen carefully: my decision remains the same. I won’t let you load your problems onto my shoulders. If you want to consider me stingy—fine. But to make my place in the family dependent on your demands—that’s too much.»
«Then I don’t want such a son-in-law in our family!» Marina flared up, supporting her mother. Her voice trembled with anger. «You’re destroying my happiness, Vlad! If it weren’t for you, we would have already started preparing for the wedding…»
«Marina, with that approach to happiness, only an empty shell will remain. Better to be called ‘stingy’ but keep respect for myself. And you should learn to rely on your own strengths, not use others,» Vlad cut her off, his face showing determination.
Vera Stepanovna nodded disapprovingly at her daughter, signaling that it was time to leave. Marina, boiling with rage, was the first to exit the apartment, throwing back:
«You’ll regret this, Vlad.»
Following her, Vera Stepanovna left without even giving Vlad a farewell glance. The door slammed with a loud click, leaving behind an oppressive silence.
Vlad slowly took off his jacket and tossed it over the back of a chair. Irina still sat on the couch, her eyes cast down. A deep chasm seemed to have formed between them, seemingly impossible to bridge.
The apartment was enveloped in oppressive silence. Vlad continued to stare at the closed door behind which Vera Stepanovna and Marina had disappeared. Then he slowly turned to Irina, who remained on the couch, staring at the floor. Her confusion was evident—she seemed not to know how to react to what had just happened.
«Irina,» he began, trying to keep his voice calm, although tension seeped through every word, «please explain to me what just happened? What exactly did your mother mean when she said: ‘either the money or you’re no longer a family member’? Does she mean that seriously? So now I’m just a wallet to you, which can be crossed out if I don’t meet the requirements?»
Irina raised her eyes, filled with embarrassment and confusion. For a few seconds, she was silent, clearly struggling to find the words.
«I… don’t know, Vlad. I myself don’t understand what she meant by that,» she replied, her voice slightly trembling. «I think mom just got angry at the moment. And… I don’t want to talk about this right now.»
«How can you ‘not want to’?» his eyebrows came together, and dissatisfaction in his voice became more noticeable. «This concerns both of us! She essentially put you in a position to choose between family and me. Do you realize that? Or do you prefer to pretend that nothing happened?»
Her face twisted in a grimace of pain. She quickly got up from the couch, turning away to avoid his penetrating gaze.
«Vlad, I really can’t discuss this right now. Do you hear me? Just… give me some time to come to terms with it, okay?» her voice was a bit louder than usual, as if she was trying to shout over her own thoughts.
«So, you’ll go to another room again to avoid dealing with the problem?» he asked, closely watching her reaction.
She remained silent, but her silence was eloquent.
A whole month had passed.
Vlad sat at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and lazily scrolling through the news on his phone. At that moment, Irina entered the room. She nervously adjusted her hair, shifted from foot to foot, and finally spoke:
«Vlad, I need to talk to you.»
He looked up, immediately noting her agitated state.
«I’m listening.»
Irina took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.
«Remember when mom insisted that you finance Marina’s wedding? We had such a big fight then… So, mom said that now Marina won’t have a wedding at all. They broke up because they don’t have money, and mom thinks it’s your fault…»
Hearing this, Vlad slowly put down his phone on the table, fully aware that his wife was waiting for his reaction. He looked at her attentively, trying to determine whether she was joking, then unexpectedly burst out laughing.
«Wait a minute,» he said through laughter. «Now I’m officially the culprit of your sister’s family drama? And does that mean I’m no longer part of your mother’s family? Great! Does that mean Svetlana Grigoryevna won’t be visiting us anymore?»
Irina watched him with a slight sense of guilt, but when his laughter became contagious, she couldn’t help but smile.
«Vlad, I admit, I was wrong then, insisting on it so much. Sorry. You were right.»
She sat down opposite him and pulled a small brown document from her bag. Vlad raised an eyebrow in surprise.
«What’s this?» he asked.
Irina handed him the certificate with a wide smile.
«It’s my diploma from completing the courses that you insisted I take, and even paid for. I finished the program, and now I’ve been promoted at work!»
Vlad carefully examined the document, then joyfully looked up at his wife.
«Well done! That’s what it means to make the right choice. It was an investment not in someone’s wedding, but in you. This is what a real family is—you and me. Everyone else… they’re secondary.»
Irina pondered for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
«Yes, you’re absolutely right. We are our family.
