Anna closed the last report and leaned back in her chair. The job of a financial director in her father’s family business required constant attention. At thirty-two, she had already achieved a lot.
“Dad, I’m home,” Anna peeked into her father’s office. “We’ll discuss the new investments tomorrow.”
“Of course, darling,” her father looked up from the documents. “Say hello to Alexey for me. When will you come to the dacha again?”
“We’ll definitely come over the weekend,” Anna smiled. “Alexey promised to help you with the greenhouse.”
The drive home took half an hour. Anna parked her new car in the yard and went upstairs. She had bought the three-room apartment before marriage. Spacious rooms, high ceilings, large windows. Everything breathed their family nest after four years of marriage.
“Lesha, I’m home!” Anna called out, taking off her shoes in the hallway.
“I’m in the kitchen!” her husband replied. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
Alexey was standing by the stove, stirring something in a pan. He worked as a mid-level manager; his salary was modest, but Anna was never bothered by that. They divided the household chores equally.
“How’s work?” Anna hugged her husband from behind.
“The usual hustle,” Alexey turned to her. “And how’s the project with the new partners going?”
“We’re still sorting out the documents,” Anna sat down at the kitchen table. “By the way, did your mom call?”
“Yes, after lunch,” Alexey was plating dinner. “Everything’s fine. She talked about the neighbors, complained about the weather. You know, her birthday is coming soon.”
“Of course I remember,” Anna took her fork. “Sixty years — a milestone. We need to come up with something special for a gift.”
On weekends, they often went to the country house Anna inherited from her grandmother. Small, cozy, the perfect place to relax. Galina Ivanovna had always admired this place.
“Remember how we treated her teeth last year?” Alexey sat opposite his wife. “Mom still speaks kindly of you.”
“Family is family,” Anna shrugged. “Then we bought her a trip to Sochi, did some repairs. Galina Ivanovna deserves care.”
Her mother-in-law had always treated Anna warmly. She called her daughter, took interest in her work, and never interfered in their family life. Anna sincerely thanked fate for such a relationship.
“What about a gift for mom?” Alexey cleared the dishes into the sink. “Maybe some jewelry?”
“I thought about that,” Anna thoughtfully twirled a ring on her finger. “But I want something more meaningful. Jewelry is beautiful but quickly forgotten.”
In the following days, Anna pondered the gift. A trip? Galina Ivanovna had recently been on vacation. Appliances? Her mother-in-law already had all the necessities. It had to be something special, memorable.
“Dad, what do you think about a dacha?” Anna asked during lunch break.
“In what sense?” her father put down his sandwich.
“For Galina Ivanovna’s birthday. A small plot with a house,” Anna unfolded a plan. “She always dreamed of having her own vegetable garden.”
Her father looked at her attentively.
“Reasonable idea,” he nodded. “Look for options in the suburbs. Something nice but cozy.”
Anna spent several days studying listings. Realtors offered various options. But most didn’t fit. Too big a house, too far away, too neglected.
“This plot is interesting. Suburbs, twenty minutes by car. Small but sturdy house. Six hundred square meters of land, with fruit trees.”
“How much do they ask?” Anna carefully examined the photos.
“Two and a half million. Price negotiable,” the man flipped through documents. “The owners are moving to another city.”
Anna wrote down the address. The plot looked exactly like what they needed. Small, tidy, with potential for development. Galina Ivanovna would surely appreciate such a gift.
In the evening, she discussed the idea with her father on the phone.
“Excellent choice,” her father approved. “Your mother-in-law is practical; she’ll find a use for the dacha. And the price is reasonable for your means.”
Anna finished the call and dialed Alexey’s number. Her heart beat with anticipation — her husband would surely appreciate the idea. Galina Ivanovna had always dreamed of her own garden.
“Lesha, hi!” Anna’s voice sounded joyful. “I have news about your mom’s gift.”
“Tell me, sunshine,” Alexey sounded interested. “What have you come up with?”
“How about a dacha?” Anna walked around the office. “I found an amazing option in the suburbs. Six hundred square meters of land, a neat little house, fruit trees already growing.”
“Seriously?” her husband’s voice was enthusiastic. “Mom will be thrilled! She’s said so many times she wanted to grow her own tomatoes.”
Anna smiled, listening to his delighted reaction. Alexey always supported her desire to care for his family.
“They’re asking two and a half million,” Anna continued. “But it’s worth it. Imagine how happy she’ll be!”
“That’s the best idea you could come up with!” Alexey was clearly excited. “She’ll remember that gift forever. You’re a genius, my love.”
The warmth in his voice warmed her soul. Anna imagined how the three of them would plan the celebration day.
“I have to run,” Alexey’s voice softened. “See you tonight, my dear. We’ll discuss all the details over dinner.”
Anna was about to say goodbye when she realized the call hadn’t ended. A familiar voice spoke from the phone — her mother-in-law.
“Leshenka, are you done chatting with that rich girl?” Galina Ivanovna said irritably.
Anna froze, not understanding whom she meant. Was her mother-in-law talking about her? Her hand trembled holding the phone.
“Yes, mom,” Alexey sighed. “She started talking about gifts again. Keeps rubbing her money in our faces.”
“I’m sick of her generosity,” Galina Ivanovna continued. “Helping, helping, and I feel like a pauper next to her. She constantly emphasizes her superiority.”
Anna sank into the chair. Her legs gave out from what she heard. The people she considered family spoke of her with such malice.
“Mom, soon everything will change,” Alexey lowered his voice. “Remember, I consulted a lawyer? There are ways to make her transfer the property to me.”
“What ways?” the mother-in-law asked, intrigued.
“I’ll slip her papers to sign disguised as regular documents,” Alexey explained. “She’s trusting, won’t suspect anything. I’ll gradually transfer everything to myself.”
Anna covered her mouth with her hand to hold back a scream. The person she had loved for four years was coldly planning to deceive her.
“And then what?” Galina Ivanovna sounded pleased with the plan.
“First, we’ll get more money from her for various family needs,” Alexey continued. “Then I’ll file for divorce and claim half of the savings from her personal accounts.”
“Good boy,” the mother approved. “Maybe we can also say I have a serious illness? Ask for money for treatment abroad.”
“Great idea,” Alexey agreed. “After the divorce, we’ll live comfortably, and Anya will be left with nothing.”
Anna quietly ended the call. She felt numb. Tears streamed down her cheeks. But inside, determination was growing.
The two closest people planned to rob her. Those she trusted most in the world saw her only as a source of income.
Anna wiped her tears. She would no longer allow herself to be deceived.
That evening, Alexey came home in a great mood. He whistled something cheerful while taking off his jacket in the hallway.
“Anya, sunshine, I’m home!” he shouted from the corridor. “So, did you go see the dacha for mom?”
Anna silently put a folder with documents on the kitchen table. The divorce papers were on top.
“What’s this?” Alexey grabbed the paper and skimmed through it. His face went pale.
“What you and your mom deserved,” Anna answered calmly.
“What are you talking about?” Alexey tried to pretend confusion. “Is this some bad joke?”
Anna looked at her husband coldly. This man had just planned to rob her. And now played the innocent victim.
Anna reminded him:
“You forgot to end the call today. I heard your whole conversation with mommy.”
Alexey straightened abruptly. Panic flashed in his eyes but he quickly composed himself.
“Listen, you just misunderstood,” the husband started, moving closer to the table. “Mom and I were just chatting, fantasizing.”
“Fantasizing about how to make me transfer property? About forged documents? About faking an illness?”
“Anya, dear, calm down,” Alexey reached out his hands to her. “We’re family, would you really believe such nonsense?”
Anna took a step back. This man was still trying to deceive her, looking straight into her eyes.
“Pack your things and leave,” Anna said coldly. “The apartment is mine, bought before the marriage. You have no place here anymore.”
“You can’t kick me out!” Alexey protested. “I’m your husband!”
“Ex-husband,” Anna corrected. “The papers are already filed. I have the documents.”
Alexey paced around the kitchen trying to find arguments. The mask of a caring spouse finally fell off.
“Fine, want to play dirty?” the man shouted. “Have it your way! I’ll claim half the savings, and we’ll see who ends up winning!”
“Try it,” Anna said calmly. “The property is premarital, and I’ve long kept savings in corporate accounts.”
Alexey fell silent. He realized he lost.
An hour later, he left the apartment with one suitcase. Anna called a locksmith and changed the locks that same evening.
The divorce went quickly. Alexey got only a tiny compensation.
A month later, Galina Ivanovna came to Anna. She cried, begged for forgiveness, swore it was all her son’s idea.
“Anya, darling,” her mother-in-law sobbed, “I loved you like my own! You know I’m not like that!”
“I know now what you really are,” Anna answered, not inviting her in.
“But we were family,” Galina Ivanovna continued. “Maybe we can still keep in touch? You were always like a daughter to me.”
Anna shook her head.
“Family doesn’t betray each other,” she said and closed the door.
Anna changed her phone number the next day. She blocked her ex-husband’s family on all social networks. Galina Ivanovna was left without her usual financial support, and Alexey rented a room in a communal apartment.
Anna continued building her life — but now with an understanding of the true cost of human relationships and the importance of protecting personal boundaries.
