— Apologize? To her? — Nina Viktorovna laughed, raising an eyebrow. — Have you lost your mind? Has she somehow bewitched you? You chose some nobody, and now I, your mother, am supposed to apologize to her?
— She’s no match for you! If you have any respect for our family, you’ll cut her out of your life immediately!
Lena stood nervously in front of the mirror, smoothing down her hair. Her simple dark blue dress and modest earrings felt completely out of place. She was thinking about meeting Maxim’s mother. Nina Viktorovna clearly wasn’t a woman used to modesty.
— I’m not sure this is a good idea… — Lena sighed, twisting a strand of hair around her finger, a nervous habit from childhood. — Maybe we should postpone?
Maxim came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and smiled at their reflection.
— What are you afraid of? — he said gently. — You’re beautiful. Mom needs to meet the woman I love.
Lena smiled, but anxiety still lingered. They had met two years ago—she was an accountant at a construction company, he an investor attending meetings. Lena always sat quietly in the corner, focused, taking notes, attentive to every word. After one meeting, Maxim lingered just to ask her about a report, even though he could have asked anyone.
Maxim was tired of the usual high-society girls—polished, glamorous, but superficial. Lena was different: genuine, with a subtle sense of humor and no ambitions to flaunt. She didn’t care about his status or connections; she simply saw the man, not the heir.
— Come on, let’s go before we’re late! — Lena said, stepping away from the mirror.
A taxi took them to the “Imperial” restaurant, and Lena felt like she’d stepped into another world. Marble stairs, crystal chandeliers, impeccably dressed waiters—the place radiated luxury. She didn’t belong here.
Nina Viktorovna sat by the window, elegant and poised like a character from a classic novel. Her designer dress and expensive jewelry spoke of aristocracy.
— Maxim, dear! — Nina rose, offering her cheek for a kiss, surrounded by an aura of expensive perfume. Then she glanced over at Lena, appraising her. — This must be Lena?
— Hello, — Lena extended her hand.
Nina touched it delicately, as if afraid to soil herself.
— What an… interesting dress, — she said with a faint smirk. — Vintage, I suppose? It’s quite fashionable now.
— It’s new! — Lena blushed.
— Really? Well, it looks very… economical, — Nina whispered, raising an eyebrow.
Maxim didn’t notice the jab.
— Mom, I ordered your favorite wine! — he said, trying to ease the tension.
Dinner went on, but Lena felt more like background scenery. Nina’s questions felt like an interrogation.
— So, you’re an accountant? Where did you study?
— At the city’s economic university.
— Oh, the municipal university… — Nina squinted. — I thought Maxim said you came from a good family?
— Mom! — Maxim interrupted sharply.
— What? I’m just clarifying! — Nina smiled innocently. — You know, Maxim’s used to the best. He studied in London, has so many opportunities… — she looked at Lena with subtle disdain. — He deserves a woman of his caliber!
Lena clenched her fists under the table, nails digging into her palms. She felt like a specimen under a magnifying glass.
— What does your mother do, Lena? — Nina sipped her wine.
— She’s a nurse at the local clinic.
— How noble! — Nina nodded. — And your father?
— He left when I was five.
— Oh… — Nina exchanged a knowing glance with Maxim. — Quite the complicated situation!
After that meeting, Lena hoped Nina’s hostility would fade, but instead, a cold war began.
The first sign was Nina’s constant early morning calls.
— Maxim, you must come to me today! — her voice was commanding even over the phone. — I have urgent paperwork for one of the stores! Only you can fix this!
Maxim obediently went, though the matter could have been handled remotely. Nina had a knack for turning minor issues into crises that demanded her son’s immediate attention.
— Why are you rushing across town for a signature? — Lena asked once, frustrated at Maxim’s third trip in a week.
— You don’t understand! — he snapped. — It’s family business! I can’t ignore my mother’s problems!
— But why at six in the morning? Can’t it wait?
— She’s used to immediate action! — Maxim shrugged. — Our business runs on quick decisions!
Nina’s “business calls” turned into surprise office visits, often bearing expensive gifts.
— Son, I was passing by and brought you a new shirt! Look how perfect it is with your suit! — she’d say, laying out designer clothes. — And Victoria Serebryakova will come to our family dinner Sunday! Remember her? Just returned from Paris, graduated Sorbonne!
Lena was never invited to those “family” dinners. Maxim said they were business meetings. But after them, he always seemed distant.
— How was the dinner? — Lena cautiously asked.
— Fine! Discussed new stores in the northern district! — Maxim avoided her gaze.
— And Victoria?
— How do you know about her? — he raised an eyebrow.
— You said she’d be there.
— Oh, just a socialite. Nothing special!
One day, Lena saw photos on Maxim’s phone—dinner with a glamorous blonde in a tight dress, Nina watching approvingly.
— Who’s this? — Lena asked, pointing.
— Victoria, my father’s business partner’s daughter! — Maxim quickly hid the phone. — Mom invited her; I didn’t know!
— Why call her “nothing special” then? She looks like a model!
— Lena, stop! You’re making too much of this!
The “coincidental” meetings with daughters of wealthy families grew frequent. Maxim spent more time after work at these dinners, and the wall between him and Lena thickened.
Nina continued her campaign, spreading rumors in their circle.
— She’s not good enough for you! If you respect our family, you’ll kick her out!
— You know what Olga from accounting said? — Lena shared once after work. — That your mom asked if I had money troubles, claiming you told her I’m always asking you!
— That’s a misunderstanding! — Maxim frowned. — I never said that!
— Your mother hates me, Maxim! Can’t you see she’s trying to tear us apart?
— You’re exaggerating! She just cares about me!
But Nina’s interference grew obsessive. She’d call in the middle of the night complaining, and Maxim would rush to her—only for her to feel better by then.
One day, Lena came home early and found Nina in their apartment, calmly going through papers.
— What are you doing here? — Lena asked cautiously, closing the door behind her.
Nina looked up as if the question was absurd.
— Maxim always has a spare key. I took it today when visiting! — she said calmly.
— You took the key without permission?
— Nonsense! It’s my son’s key to his apartment, which he pays for! — Nina stood gracefully, smoothing her impeccable dress.
Lena held back anger, feeling a storm build inside. Teeth clenched, she almost spoke her mind aloud.
— We both pay for this apartment! I have every right to know who’s here when I’m not!
Nina didn’t change expression but stepped closer, her expensive perfume filling the room.
— Let’s be honest, — she said with a smile that sent a chill down Lena’s spine. — I have a business proposal for you. As is tradition in our family.
Nina pulled out her phone, opened her banking app, and the air grew heavy.
— Name the amount you need to start fresh. I’ll transfer it to you right now!
Lena froze. Her eyes clouded.
— You want me to leave Maxim for money?
— If that’s what you want… — Nina winced, uncomfortable herself. — I’m offering a solution that suits everyone. You get money to start over—an apartment, maybe a business. Maxim can pursue a partner from his social circle. It’s better for his career!
Lena’s heart tightened. She swallowed hard.
— What if I tell Maxim about this?
— You think he’ll believe you? — Nina smiled smugly. — Between a mother and the woman he’s been with for two years, guess who he’ll trust? Especially if I say you tried to extort money?
Lena felt a cold shiver.
— Leave. Now. — she said firmly, hiding her panic.
Nina didn’t reply immediately but dropped a business card on the table, as if casually.
— Think it over! My offer stands until the end of the week! — she said, heading to the door.
That evening, Lena told Maxim about the visit, clenching her teeth. He listened stone-faced and asked only:
— Where’s the card?
Lena handed it over. Without a word, Maxim tore it into pieces.
—I’ll talk to her. This has gone too far.
But the conversation was postponed. Maxim left on a business trip for three days, and Lena was alone. Nina called daily, repeating her demands, lowering the amount each time.
— You’re losing your chance! After this week, you get nothing!
When Maxim returned, Nina demanded an urgent meeting. He invited her home to settle things once and for all.
Nina arrived on time, dressed as if for a gala. She surveyed the modest kitchen and immediately said:
— When will you move to a proper place? — her voice was ice. — I found a great apartment downtown! Three bedrooms, park view. You could move in next month!
— Mom, that’s not why I invited you! — Maxim tried to interrupt.
— Of course it is! — Nina nodded. — This can’t go on! Stop playing this game with a cheap apartment and a cheap girlfriend! — she gestured at Lena as if she were an accessory.
Maxim froze.
— Mom… — he barely restrained himself.
— No, wait! Let me finish! — Nina pressed on. — You’re heir to a family business, not some kid who can afford questionable connections. You need a wife of your level! A serious girl with connections and education! And this one… — she glanced at Lena again.
Maxim went pale, his face hardening.
— Not another word! You leave now and don’t come back until you apologize to Lena! — his voice was firm.
— Apologize? To her? — Nina laughed. — You’ve lost your mind! She bewitched you? You picked a nobody, and now I have to apologize?
— I chose kindness, not your snobbery! — Maxim snapped. — Leave!
Six months later, Maxim and Lena married quietly at the registry office. A small celebration with close friends and Lena’s mother, a woman growing kinder with each year and hands worn from hard work.
Nina Viktorovna did not attend. Instead, she sent a cold message: “I do not bless this marriage.”
The newlyweds bought a small suburban home. Maxim launched his consulting firm from scratch. Lena kept working as an accountant in his company. When she discovered she was pregnant, they sat on the porch and talked.
— It’s a boy! — Lena said confidently, placing a hand on her belly. — I just know!
Maxim hugged her, smiling.
— How do you know?
— I just feel it! — she said. — Think we’ll manage?
— Of course! — he said firmly. — Everything will be fine!
They named their son Artem. With his arrival, life changed completely—sleepless nights, feedings, first smiles—small joys that felt immense. Lena gradually adjusted, and little Artem grew livelier each day.
Two months later, Nina unexpectedly appeared.
Lena opened the door, surprised to see her so soon.
—I came to see my grandson! — Nina said as if it was the most natural thing.
Despite her elegance, there was a weariness in her eyes, maybe regret. She carried a large bag of toys—obviously from a fancy baby store.
— Maxim isn’t home, — Lena stood firm, blocking her way.
—I didn’t come to see him but my grandson! — Nina tried to step past, clearly wanting inside. — You can’t keep me from seeing him!
—I can! — Lena replied calmly but firmly. — After everything you’ve done, do you really think I’ll let you near my child?
— He’s my grandson! My blood! — Nina’s voice hardened. — You have no right to keep his grandmother away!
— The same grandmother who called his mother a beggar and a tramp? — Lena crossed her arms, steadying her stance. — Who tried to buy me off so Artem wouldn’t be born?
Suddenly, a baby’s cry came from inside.
— He’s awake! I want to see him! — Nina stepped forward, but Lena blocked her.
— No! — she said firmly. — Wait for Maxim! He needs to decide, too!
Nina stood stubbornly at the threshold. Lena tried several times to persuade her to leave, but she stayed. Minutes dragged on.
When Maxim returned, Lena couldn’t hide her frustration.
— What’s going on? — he asked, approaching the door.
— Your mother wants to see Artem! — Lena replied.
— After two months of silence? — Maxim looked confused. — What changed, Mom?
—I have a right to see my grandson! I’m his grandmother! — Nina repeated her usual stance, but Maxim, refusing to yield, calmly said:
— You know, being a grandmother isn’t just a title by birth! — Maxim was firm. — It’s a relationship you have to build! You can’t ignore us for years and then just demand access!
— What do you suggest? That I crawl on my knees before your wife? — Nina lifted her chin, clearly offended.
—I suggest you start respecting my choices and family! — Maxim’s voice hardened. — Apologizing to Lena would be a good start!
— Impossible! — Nina straightened up proudly, masking any sign of weakness. — I won’t humiliate myself!
— Then there’s nothing more to discuss! — Maxim took Lena’s hand. — Goodbye, Mom!
— You’ll regret this! You all will regret it! Artem will never know what it means to be part of our family! — Nina threw a scornful glance at Maxim but said nothing else, walking away.
Maxim didn’t look back.
— Maybe that’s for the best. I want our son to grow up kind and open-hearted, not a snob judging people by their wallets.
Nina, without a word, threw her gift to the floor and left without looking back.
Back inside, Lena cradled their sleeping son Artem.
— Are you sure you did the right thing? — she asked softly.
— Absolutely! — Maxim smiled gently, touching Artem’s tiny hand. — Our family is us three. And I won’t let anyone destroy what we’ve built.