Aline, sweetheart, hurry up and prepare the table for us! Problem solved, finally! You can celebrate now,” declared Antonina Alexeyevna, the husband’s aunt, with gravity over the phone.
Curious, Aline paused her chores and responded, “Hello, Aunt Tonya. What exactly happened? What problem are you referring to?” She was multitasking—balancing her two-year-old daughter who was crying in one arm, while stirring porridge on the stove with her other hand.
“You’re selling your flat, aren’t you? And if I’m not mistaken, it’s been several months since you started trying?” Antonina continued eagerly.
“Yes, that’s right. We’re trying to sell it, but nothing’s come through yet. We urgently need funds to complete renovations in our new house. Everything has stalled because of it,” Aline explained, still unsure where this conversation was headed.
“Well, here’s the news! I’ve been telling you for a while, but you didn’t guess, did you? We’ve decided to purchase your apartment! It’s time to rejoice!” Antonina exclaimed loudly.
Aline was caught off guard. “You’re buying it? Really?”
“Exactly. Vasily and I want to buy it for Vitalik, to give him a place of his own. Even if he’s single now, maybe one day he’ll marry and will already have the flat,” Antonina explained enthusiastically.
“That’s generous, but you never mentioned this before. We’ve just posted the advertisement and informed the relatives about selling it,” Aline answered with some skepticism.
She was hesitant to celebrate the news. Aunt Tonya had a reputation for exaggerating or bending the truth. Simply put, she was not always a reliable source.
“Tell my nephew Dima, when he gets back from his trip, to be happy that his Aunt and Uncle are buying his apartment,” Antonina added.
“Where did you even get the money? Do you realize how much the apartment costs?” Aline asked doubtfully.
“Why does it matter to you where the money comes from? That’s none of your concern. Just be grateful that we’re solving your issue. Instead of thanks, you ask rude questions,” Antonina snapped.
“Thanks for what exactly?”
With each passing minute of the conversation, Aline’s mistrust grew; something felt amiss, though she couldn’t pinpoint it yet.
“So, are you going to set the table or not? My husband and I will be there soon to celebrate modestly. It’s our day off,” Antonina pressed.
“What table, Aunt Tonya? Dima won’t return until tomorrow, and I’m here alone with the kids. It’s a bad time for guests,” Aline responded irritably. “Besides, I don’t see any reason to celebrate right now.”
Honestly, she was growing tired of her husband’s relatives. They often dropped in unexpectedly, disregarding the presence of young children and the parents’ exhaustion.
“You’re being rude, Aline! Family deserves respect. We’ll be closing the deal shortly, so don’t bite the hand that might yet help you,” Antonina warned with displeasure.
The call ended, and Aline immediately contacted her husband to relay the surprising update. Dmitry shared her skepticism.
“What are they thinking? Buying? They’re barely making ends meet. Their son, Vitalik, is always short on cash, often borrowing from me. He’s been back from the army half a year, and still unemployed. Do you imagine they took on a mortgage for him? They barely manage their own expenses,” Dmitry said.
“I asked Aunt Tonya about the funds, but she was dismissive—said it wasn’t any of my business. No answers, as usual,” Aline remarked.
“Alright, I’ll come over tomorrow to get the full story,” Dmitry promised.
The following day, Aunt Tonya and Uncle Vasily visited.
“Hello, Dima, good to see you back. We’ve come with a business proposition,” Antonina announced with cheer.
“Business proposal? What, have you been watching too many soaps? You’re no businesswoman, Aunt Tonya,” Dmitry teased.
“I thought Aline briefed you yesterday. But anyway, let’s discuss it all together now,” Antonina responded.
“Dima, listen carefully; Tonya’s serious,” Vasily supported his wife.
“She hasn’t said anything yet, so spill it,” Dmitry said.
“We want to buy your apartment,” Antonina declared formally.
“Sounds fair. If you’re set, then proceed. Do you know the price? Good. We’re not reducing it—even for family. We have debts and renovation costs ahead,” Dmitry replied.
“Understood, Dima. No arguments. The price is fair—right, Vasya? It’s actually a bargain considering inflated market listings. We checked everything,” Antonina smiled.
“Yes, the amount is acceptable,” Vasily confirmed with a glance.
“Great. If all agree, when shall we schedule the deal?” Dmitry asked, still suspicious.
Everything appeared too effortless. Still, no mention of how they would finance it.
“Whenever you say, today or tomorrow. We can sign the contract to register ownership,” Antonina said eagerly.
“Will the payment be in cash or bank transfer?” Aline inquired.
“Here’s a catch… We don’t have the full amount now but will pay in installments. You can start renovating gradually and repay the loan over time,” Antonina explained with a sweet smile.
“Installments? Where will you get the money? No business, no steady income,” Dmitry exclaimed.
“No business, but we both work and earn well,” Aunt Tonya insisted.
“Yeah, I’m aware of your earnings! How long do you think you’ll pay this way? Fifty years? You won’t live that long! Besides, what will you eat if you give everything away?” Dmitry retorted sarcastically.
“Not all our salaries, only part. We’re family; why distrust us? We’re not scammers.”
Key Insight: Family ties don’t guarantee financial feasibility or trust in business matters.
“Family or not, it’s nonsense. Think I’ll hand the apartment over and wait for vague repayments? Never!” Dmitry insisted.
“Why is it nonsense? We have savings. Once ownership transfers, we’ll fund you immediately. Vitalik will find work and help repay us with combined salaries. Easy as that!” Antonina assured.
“Clear to you, not to me. Vitalik won’t get a job; he’s always lived comfortably under your support,” Dmitry countered.
“Dima, don’t talk about your brother like that. He’s trying and will find work soon. He’ll contribute to repayment,” Antonina objected.
“He’s childish. He doesn’t need the apartment—prefers living with you without worries,” Dmitry said.
“Dima, stop. You’ve hurt me,” Antonina replied sadly.
The carefully planned deal seemed to be falling apart right before their eyes.
“We’ll only sell to someone who can pay in full upfront. No other options, and ‘family discount’ doesn’t apply here,” Dmitry concluded firmly.
“You’ll regret this, nephew! We only wanted to help your young family with kids. The apartment was stagnant on the market. But you—” Antonina shouted, offended. “I’ll tell Vitalik not to speak to you! And spread the truth about you to relatives. Let them see your greed and heartlessness.”
“Enough. Leave now! You’re giving me a headache! Useless buyers—just wasting our time,” the young couple said as they escorted them out.
Exactly one month later, Dmitry and Aline sold their apartment to a young couple who appreciated the excellent purchase opportunity.
With the proceeds, they began renovating their new two-room flat.
As for Aunt Tonya and Uncle Vasily, contact with them ceased. They were even ignored during family occasions.
They remained deeply offended, holding grudges—but only they know why.
In summary, this story highlights how good intentions within families can clash with practical realities, and that trust in financial dealings requires transparency and realistic expectations.