“So? Are we going to the seaside?” Anya raised her eyes to her husband, who was intently studying the calendar on the kitchen wall.
“Of course we are,” Vlad smiled, though not very confidently. “I talked to my parents yesterday. As usual, they’re getting vouchers for the Sea Breeze resort, two weeks in July.”
“And you told them that I’m going too?” Anya put her fork down. “In previous years I always refused, but this time I really want to go. I finally have a proper summer vacation.”
Vlad hesitated, looking away.
“You did talk to them about it, didn’t you?” There was a worried note in Anya’s voice.
“I’ll tell them today,” he got up from the table. “We’re having dinner at their place tonight, remember?”
Anya nodded. Family dinners at her mother-in-law’s had become a weekly tradition it was impossible to wriggle out of. Irina Olegovna always found a reason to gather the family—some distant relative’s birthday, an anniversary of something, or just “we haven’t seen each other in a while.”
That evening, sitting at the large dining table in Vlad’s parents’ apartment, Anya finally decided to speak up:
“Irina Olegovna, I’m so glad that this year I’ll be able to go to the seaside with you. Vlad told me what a wonderful resort that Sea Breeze is.”
Silence fell. Her mother-in-law slowly set her knife and fork down on the plate and raised her eyes to her daughter-in-law.
“What did you say?” Irina Olegovna’s voice sounded deceptively calm.
“I…” Anya faltered. “Vlad said you’re planning to go to Sea Breeze in July, and I…”
“No, my dear daughter-in-law, you’re not going on vacation with us. We don’t need our summer spoiled,” Irina Olegovna cut her off with a cold smile.
Anya felt her face flush. She looked at her husband, expecting him to stand up for her, but Vlad sat there staring into his plate.
“Mum,” he finally said quietly, “we could at least talk about it…”
“There is nothing to talk about,” snapped Irina Olegovna. “It’s our family tradition. We’ve always gone there as the three of us: you, me and your father. And this year will be the same.”
Oleg Petrovich, Vlad’s father, cleared his throat awkwardly but said nothing.
“Vladislav,” Anya said his name with emphasis, “you promised me we’d go together.”
“I never said it was decided,” Vlad muttered. “I said I would talk to my parents…”
“And he did talk,” his mother cut in. “We’ve decided everything. The tickets are already bought—for three people.”
The ride home passed in heavy silence. As soon as their apartment door closed behind them, Anya turned to her husband:
“What was that? Why did you let your mother talk to me like that?”
Vlad sighed as he took off his jacket.
“Anya, you know what my mum’s like. She likes to control everything. And this vacation really is our tradition.”
“Your mother just doesn’t want to see me there,” Anya crossed her arms over her chest. “And you know that perfectly well. But the worst part is that you didn’t even try to defend me!”
“What do you want from me?” Vlad spread his hands. “For me to make a scene right there at the table?”
“I want my husband, at least sometimes, to take my side!” Anya’s voice trembled. “Especially when your mother treats me like… like some unwanted guest. I’m your wife, Vlad!”
“Listen,” he tried to hug her, but Anya pulled away. “Maybe it’s for the best? You yourself said my mum can be… difficult sometimes. Two weeks with her in the same room…”
“In the same room?” Anya raised her brows in surprise. “I thought we’d have a separate room.”
Vlad hesitated.
“Well… the booking system there is… anyway, they’re family rooms, we’d all have to stay together.”
“Perfect,” Anya laughed bitterly. “So, the tickets really are already bought? Without me?”
Vlad reluctantly nodded.
“When were you going to tell me? After you got back from vacation?”
“I wanted to find the right moment…”
“Three years, Vlad,” Anya cut him off. “For three years I’ve been living with the feeling that your mother doesn’t accept me. And for all those three years you keep promising that things will get better, that she just needs time. But it only gets worse!”
She picked up her phone and dialed a number.
“Who are you calling?” Vlad asked anxiously.
“Natalya,” Anya answered. “I’ll stay at her place tonight. I need to think.”
The next day at work Anya just couldn’t concentrate. Her students noticed her distraction but didn’t ask questions. After classes, Natalya peeked into the staff room—they worked at the same school.
“So, how are you?” her friend asked, closing the door behind her.
“I don’t know,” Anya answered honestly. “Vlad called this morning, asked me to come home, said we’d talk everything through.”
“And what did you decide?”
“I’ll go back, of course. You can’t run away from problems forever,” Anya smiled sadly. “But I can’t live like this anymore, Natash. Every time his mother interferes in our life, Vlad… just backs away. As if I’m less important to him than Irina Olegovna’s opinion.”
Anya’s phone vibrated—a message came in. She glanced at the screen and frowned.
“What is it?” asked Natalya.
“It’s from Marina,” Anya showed her friend the screen. “Vlad’s sister says she urgently needs to talk to me.”
Marina was waiting for them in a small café not far from the school. She was visibly nervous, twisting her cup in her hands.
“Thanks for coming,” she said when Anya sat down opposite her. “I’ve been thinking for a long time whether I should tell you, but… you have a right to know.”
“To know what?” Anya tensed.
“Veronika is going to that resort too,” Marina blurted. “Vlad’s ex-girlfriend. Mum arranged it on purpose so they’d be there at the same time.”
Anya felt something break inside her.
“Veronika? The one he dated at university?”
Marina nodded.
“Mum always thought they were the perfect couple. Veronika is from ‘our circle’, as Mum puts it. Her parents have been friends with ours for about thirty years.”
“And does Vlad know about this?” Anya’s voice sounded hollow.
“I’m not sure,” Marina looked away. “But they saw each other at a class reunion a month ago. Mum said they had a nice chat.”
“A month ago?” Anya frowned. “But Vlad told me he was at a company event…”
“That’s why I decided to talk to you,” Marina covered Anya’s hand with her own. “Mum is clearly plotting something. And Vlad… he’s a good person, but he’s never been able to stand up to her.”
That evening Anya went back home. Vlad met her looking guilty and tried to hug her, but she gently pulled away.
“We need to talk,” she said, walking into the living room.
“I know I was wrong,” Vlad began. “I should’ve told you about the tickets right away…”
“It’s not about the tickets,” Anya interrupted him. “Or not just about them. I saw Marina today.”
Vlad froze.
“She told me about Veronika,” Anya went on. “That she’ll be at the resort too. About the class reunion a month ago. The one you supposedly skipped because of a corporate party.”
“Anya, it’s not what you think,” Vlad ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, I went to the reunion. But not because of Veronika! I just… I knew you’d be upset if you found out she was there.”
“So you lied to me to protect my feelings?” Anya gave a bitter smile. “How noble.”
“Listen, there’s nothing between me and Veronika! Yes, we talked at the reunion, but only because we ended up at the same table. Mum knows her parents, that’s all.”
“And does she know that Veronika will be at the resort?”
Vlad shifted uneasily.
“Most likely… yes.”
“And you think that’s normal? That your mother arranges for you to meet your ex, while doing everything she can to keep me from going?”
“Anya, you’re exaggerating,” Vlad shook his head. “Mum is just used to us going as a threesome. And Veronika… it’s just a coincidence.”
“I don’t believe in those kinds of coincidences,” Anya said quietly. “And I don’t think you do either. Vlad, your mother is trying to destroy our marriage. And as far as I can see, you’re letting her.”
The next day Anya decided to talk to her father-in-law. Oleg Petrovich was a calm, level-headed man who usually tried not to interfere in family conflicts. She found him at home alone—Irina Olegovna had gone out.
“Come in, Anechka,” he greeted her warmly, letting her into the apartment. “Irina’s not here, if you’ve come to see her…”
“Actually, I came to see you, Oleg Petrovich,” Anya walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. “I wanted to talk… about our family.”
Her father-in-law sighed, pouring tea.
“Irina can be… difficult,” he began cautiously. “She loves our little Vladik very much and wants the best for him.”
“And I’m apparently not ‘the best’?” Anya asked bluntly.
Oleg Petrovich was silent for a long time, searching for words.
“You see, Irina is one of those people who believe in ‘proper’ matches. Status, social standing—those things matter to her. When Vlad started seeing Veronika, Irina was over the moon. A girl from a good family, her parents old friends of ours… Irina was already planning the wedding when they broke up.”
“And then I showed up,” Anya smiled sadly. “An ordinary schoolteacher, no special connections, no wealthy parents.”
“Don’t take it to heart,” her father-in-law gently touched her hand. “In time Irina will see what a wonderful person you are. She just needs time.”
“Three years isn’t time?” Anya shook her head. “Oleg Petrovich, she deliberately arranged this trip so that Vlad would meet Veronika. That’s not just being unfriendly anymore, that’s… an attempt to break up our marriage.”
Her father-in-law looked away.
“I’ve talked to her, but you know Irina… She’s convinced she knows what’s best for Vlad.”
“And you? What do you think?”
“I see how you love my son,” he answered quietly. “And that’s what matters. But Irina… she won’t back down easily.”
That evening Anya walked into Vlad’s parents’ apartment with determined steps. This time she came with her husband—they had agreed to put all the cards on the table.
Irina Olegovna met them with a strained smile.
“What a surprise,” she said, letting them into the living room. “We weren’t expecting you today.”
“Mum, we need to talk,” Vlad said firmly. “About the trip to the resort and… about Veronika.”
For a moment, his mother’s face froze, but she quickly pulled herself together.
“What is there to talk about? The vouchers are bought, everything is decided.”
“Why don’t you want Anya to go with us?” Vlad asked. “And why didn’t you tell me Veronika would be there too?”
“What’s the big deal?” Irina Olegovna shrugged. “Veronika is our friends’ daughter. We’ve always vacationed at the same time.”
“Always?” Anya raised an eyebrow. “But last year she wasn’t there. And the year before that, either.”
“Coincidence,” her mother-in-law brushed it off. “Last year she had a business trip, and the year before she went to Turkey with her friends.”
“And this year you coordinated the dates on purpose,” Anya looked her straight in the eye. “Just admit it, Irina Olegovna, you’re trying to set Vlad up with his ex-girlfriend.”
“What nonsense!” the older woman snapped. “I simply don’t want our family vacation turning into… something else.”
“Something else?” Anya repeated. “What do you mean by that?”
“Well, you and Vladik… you’re so different,” Irina Olegovna pursed her lips. “Different interests, different outlooks. Your father-in-law and I are used to a certain way of vacationing. I’m afraid you’ll just be bored.”
“Mum,” Vlad cut in, “Anya is my wife. If she goes with us, then I go. If she doesn’t, then I’m not going either.”
His mother’s face changed.
“What? You’re going to throw away our family tradition because of her? After everything we’ve done for you?”
“I’m not throwing it away,” Vlad explained patiently. “I’m suggesting we take Anya with us. We can book a separate room if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“It’s not about the room!” cried his mother. “It’s about her… she’s not right for you, Vladik! You could be with a girl from a respectable family, with prospects, with…”
“With Veronika, you mean?” Vlad shook his head. “Mum, we broke up six years ago. I love Anya. You’re going to have to accept that.”
“Never,” his mother said sharply. “I will never accept her as part of our family. And if you choose her over us… well then, that’s your choice.”
A heavy silence followed. Anya looked at her husband, waiting for his reply. But Vlad was silent, his head bowed.
“Vladik,” his mother finally said in a softer tone, “think this over carefully. We’ve always wanted only the best for you. Maybe we should go as usual, just the three of us? And then you and Anya can take a trip somewhere on your own, if you like.”
To Anya’s surprise and disappointment, Vlad raised his eyes and nodded uncertainly.
“Maybe that really is the best option,” he said quietly. “Anya, we could go somewhere in August, just the two of us…”
“You’re joking, right?” Anya stared at him. “After everything she just said about me, you… agree with her?”
“I don’t agree,” Vlad hurried to say. “I’m trying to find a compromise. Mum is right, we do have family traditions, and…”
“No, Vlad,” Anya stood up. “A compromise is when both sides make concessions. And this… this is capitulation.”
She turned to her mother-in-law:
“Congratulations, Irina Olegovna. You’ve won. Enjoy your vacation with your son and, of course, with Veronika. As for me, I think it’s time I packed my things.”
Anya spent three days at Natalya’s place. Vlad called, sent messages, came over, but she didn’t open the door or pick up the phone. She understood that their marriage was over—not because of some seaside trip, but because of a deep problem they’d never managed to solve.
On the fourth day she returned home to collect the rest of her things. To her surprise, Vlad was there—he had taken a day off.
“Anya, please, let’s talk,” he blocked her way to the bedroom. “I’ve realized everything, I talked to Mum…”
“And what did you tell her?” Anya asked tiredly.
“That I love you and I won’t let her destroy our marriage,” Vlad tried to take her hand, but she pulled it away. “I refused the trip. We can go anywhere you want, just the two of us.”
“Vlad,” Anya shook her head, “it’s not about the trip. It’s about the fact that every time your mother forces you to choose, you choose her. Every time she tries to control our life, you let her. I can’t do this anymore.”
“I’ll change,” tears glistened in Vlad’s eyes. “Give me one more chance, please.”
“I’ve been giving you chances for three years,” she replied quietly. “And nothing has changed.”
At that moment the doorbell rang. Vlad reluctantly went to open it. Irina Olegovna was standing on the threshold.
“I knew she’d come back,” she said, walking into the apartment. “Anya, dear, let’s talk like adults. I’ve come to make peace between you two.”
“Mum,” Vlad said tensely, “now is not a good time.”
“On the contrary,” she objected. “This is the perfect time to dot all the i’s. Anya, I admit I was a bit harsh with you. But you must understand, I want what’s best for my son. And if he’s chosen you… well, I’m willing to try to accept that.”
“Willing to try to accept?” Anya gave a humorless smile. “Even now you can’t say you accept me as your son’s wife. Only that you’re ‘willing to try’.”
“Oh, don’t be so sensitive,” her mother-in-law waved a hand. “I’m here, I’m offering peace. What more do you want?”
“I want respect, Irina Olegovna. Not your attempts to manipulate me and Vlad, not your condescending ‘attempts to accept’, but simple human respect. But I’m afraid you’re not capable of that.”
She turned to Vlad:
“And you… even now you can’t tell your mother that she’s wrong. That she has no right to come here and talk down to me. Well, that explains a lot.”
Anya went into the bedroom and started packing.
“What are you doing?” Vlad asked anxiously, following her in.
“What I should have done a long time ago,” she said, putting clothes into the suitcase. “I’m filing for divorce, Vlad. Our marriage is over.”
“Because of one vacation?” his mother appeared in the doorway. “How childish!”
“No, not because of a vacation,” Anya fastened the suitcase and straightened up. “Because of three years of humiliation, neglect and manipulation. Because my husband never once took my side when his mother treated me like a second-class person. I deserve better, Vlad. And maybe you do too.”
She walked past Vlad and his mother, who were frozen in the doorway, picked up her bag and headed for the exit.
“Anya, please,” Vlad rushed after her. “Let’s talk it over without Mum, calmly…”
“It’s too late,” she shook her head. “I’ll contact you through a lawyer.”
Three months passed. Anya lived in a small rented apartment not far from the school. The divorce was moving along—she and Vlad had agreed to separate peacefully, without extra property disputes. He tried several times to win her back, came with flowers, even suggested going to family counseling. But each time he brought his mother along, who supposedly wanted to “reconcile them,” and in reality just tried to control everything again.
Anya gradually got used to her new life. She signed up for professional development courses, started spending more time with friends, even got a cat—a lively ginger troublemaker named Funtik.
One day at the supermarket she ran into Irina Olegovna. The woman looked pleased with herself and somehow younger.
“Oh, Anya,” her former mother-in-law said with a light smile. “How are you?”
“Not bad, thank you,” Anya replied politely. “And you?”
“Wonderful!” Irina Olegovna beamed. “We’ve got such news! Vladik is seeing Veronika again. They met at the resort and… well, old feelings have flared up with renewed strength! I always said they were the perfect couple.”
She looked at Anya expectantly, clearly waiting for some reaction—hurt, jealousy, anger. But Anya only smiled calmly.
“I’m happy for them,” she said sincerely. “I hope Vlad will be happy.”
“Oh, he certainly will,” her mother-in-law said pointedly. “Veronika is a girl from a good family, with prospects. She and Vladik are… two peas in a pod, you know?”
“I understand,” Anya nodded. “And I’m grateful to you, Irina Olegovna.”
“To me?” the older woman was surprised. “Whatever for?”
“For an important lesson,” Anya smiled. “You’ve taught me that a real family is people who love and respect each other, not just those who share a last name. I hope that one day Vlad understands that too.”
She nodded to the stunned Irina Olegovna and walked on, feeling lighter with every step. Autumn lay ahead of her—a time for new beginnings. Anya didn’t know what the future held, but she was sure of one thing: she deserved a relationship in which she would be valued and respected. And one day she would definitely find it.
