Olga was diligently organizing the kitchen as she usually did. Though the morning began peacefully, she was well aware her mother-in-law, Lyudmila Petrovna, would arrive at any moment. Known for her sudden appearances and ability to unsettle plans, Lyudmila Petrovna’s visits had forced Olga to become adaptable over time.
During the initial months following her marriage, the mother-in-law’s involvement hardly seemed intrusive.
“Add a pinch more salt to the soup—Andrey prefers it that way,” she would suggest kindly.
Or she’d remark, “This technique of folding laundry is much more efficient; it’s the method I’ve always used.”
Though Olga nodded, occasionally she wanted to object but held back.
With passing years, those small remarks morphed into constant directives. Lyudmila Petrovna began entering the home without hesitation, scrutinizing every detail from the contents of the refrigerator to the arrangement of furniture.
Then, the doorbell rang again.
“Olga, I thought I’d stop by!” declared Lyudmila Petrovna, stepping inside without invitation.
Olga responded warmly, “Good morning, Lyudmila Petrovna.”
The mother-in-law glanced at the hallway, then headed straight to the kitchen.
“Is lunch prepared yet?” she inquired.
“Yes, the soup is simmering on the stove,” Olga replied.
“Andrey favors borscht. Why not prepare that?” Lyudmila Petrovna asked as she peered into the pot.
Suppressing irritation, Olga replied, “Since we had a hearty dinner last night, I decided something lighter today.”
The mother-in-law shook her head disapprovingly.
“Olga, I understand your efforts, but a man needs food that warms his soul.”
Olga said nothing.
Later that evening, Dmitry, Andrey’s brother, burst into the flat with his usual carefree manner, greeting Olga.
“Hey, sis! What’s good to eat?”
Silently, Olga placed a bowl of soup before him.
“Enjoy your meal,” she murmured.
Throughout dinner, Dmitry entertained everyone with stories and jokes, but Olga’s mind wandered. The mortgage apartment she shared with Andrey increasingly resembled a dormitory.
“You look down, Olga,” Dmitry observed, stealing a glance over his mug.
“Just a bit tired,” she answered as she cleared plates.
When Andrey came home, he casually invited his brother to stay the night.
“Dima, you should spend the night here. It’s quite late.”
Olga looked at her husband, hesitant.
“Really?” she questioned.
“He’s family,” Andrey replied, shrugging dismissively.
Although Olga’s protests were unspoken, she recognized her input was no longer heeded.
That same night, after tidying up, Olga brewed tea and sat at the kitchen table, her thoughts tangled between Lyudmila Petrovna’s visit, Dmitry’s behavior, and her husband Andrey’s passivity. These concerns weighed heavily on her.
A notification flashed on her phone. Opening it revealed a letter from a notary.
“Inheritance?” she whispered to herself.
A cocktail of surprise and nervousness swept over her.
Opening the attached documents made her hands tremble: her grandmother had bequeathed her two apartments in the city center, despite their fifteen-year estrangement.
As she sat in the kitchen, staring at the screen, everything seemed upended. How would this inheritance alter her life with Andrey? What should she do with the properties? She searched for answers.
The next morning, Olga visited the notary’s office, greeted by an expansive room painted gray with a large central table. It combined a sense of comfort with unease. The notary reviewed the files, then spoke.
“Olga Sergeyevna, your case is quite uncommon—owning two apartments in the city center is fortunate.”
Though her heart pounded intensely, Olga nodded.
“Your grandmother arranged everything ahead of time. The ownership rights belong exclusively to you. Both dwellings are in excellent condition.”
Her vision blurred reading the papers. After formalities, the notary asked, “What are your intentions for these apartments?”
She paused before answering, “I plan to rent them out, which will aid in paying off the mortgage.”
The man smiled approvingly. “An excellent choice. Don’t hesitate to reach out if assistance is needed.”
With keys jingling in her jacket pocket, Olga left. Relief soon gave way to anxiety—how would she break the news to Andrey?
That evening, upon meeting her husband at the door, Andrey quickly noticed her unusual mood.
“Did something important happen?”
After gathering courage, Olga shared, “Andrey, I have vital news. My grandmother left me two apartments downtown.”
He paused, then smiled warmly. “That’s fantastic, Olga!”
“I thought renting them would be the best plan. It’ll help with our mortgage.”
Andrey embraced her. “You’re right; a wise decision.”
Life appeared tranquil for a time, with Andrey supporting her choice. Yet, peace was fleeting after Lyudmila Petrovna caught wind of the inheritance.
During a family dinner, as usual, the mother-in-law acted as if in command, handing out unsolicited advice. Dmitry joked while Andrey remained silent. Olga observed quietly, already planning the next week.
Suddenly, Lyudmila Petrovna laughed loudly and addressed Olga pointedly:
“Well then, Olyochka, things will be perfect now!”
Olga’s muscles tightened; she sensed an impending confrontation.
“You’ll transfer one apartment to me, and the other to Dimochka. We’re family; sharing is natural.”
The words froze Olga. She found no immediate reply.
“Lyudmila Petrovna,” she began cautiously, “but these apartments are my inheritance.”
Her mother-in-law dismissed the objection with a wave.
“Oh, Olga, we’re family. I never owned a place, and Dima struggles. This is all for the family’s benefit.”
Hoping for support, Olga turned to Andrey.
“Andrey, do you agree?”
He avoided eye contact, then murmured, “Mom’s right. Sharing will strengthen our marriage. If Mom had her own home and Dima could start independently, everyone benefits. It’s not difficult to arrange.”
That moment was the breaking point. Olga’s long-held restraint cracked wide open.
Rising abruptly, she looked at Lyudmila Petrovna with resolve.
“Inheritance is personal property! I will not hand over the apartments to anyone!”
Her mother-in-law stood abruptly, knocking down a chair in shock at Olga’s audacity.
“How dare you speak to me like that? This isn’t right! We are your family! You owe us care! Your selfishness is unbelievable!”
Olga stood unyielding, meeting the furious woman’s gaze.
“Lyudmila Petrovna, I am under no obligation. I have allowed you control for too long. Today, that ends.”
Andrey attempted to calm the storm.
“Mom, let’s discuss this calmly. Olga, redistributing apartments would strengthen family bonds. Mom gets her home, Dima gains independence, and it benefits all.”
Her anger still simmered as Olga faced him.
“Andrey, do you seriously expect me to relinquish my grandmother’s gift to suit your peace?”
He raised his hands peacefully. “I only want our family to be happy.”
“Everyone except me! No more manipulations.”
Olga turned sharply and headed to the bedroom. Lyudmila Petrovna followed quickly. In the bedroom, Olga started packing a suitcase from the closet, but her mother-in-law grabbed her arm.
“What are you doing? Do you wish to break up our marriage? Without Andrey, you’ll be lost! Think about your future!”
Her voice trembled, but Olga gently pulled her arm free and looked her in the eyes.
“I am thinking of my future—my own. No one will ruin my life anymore.”
Continuing to pack quietly, Olga ignored Lyudmila Petrovna’s repeated attempts to stop her. Andrey stood silently in the doorway, head bowed.
At the door, he finally implored, “Olga, wait! We can mend this. It’s a misunderstanding.”
Exhausted, she replied, “No, Andrey. This is the end.”
Olga walked out, the door slamming behind her. Clutching the apartment keys tightly, she soon settled into one of her grandmother’s apartments. For the first time in years, a strange relief washed over her. Although pain and disappointment lingered, breathing felt easier.
A week later, Olga filed for divorce. The process was challenging as Lyudmila Petrovna and Dmitry sought to claim the apartments. However, the courts ruled in Olga’s favor, confirming her exclusive ownership despite Andrey’s attempts to challenge the decision.
Only their shared bank account and mortgaged apartment remained joint property—and even then, minimal mortgage repayment had occurred.
During the final hearing, the mother-in-law accused Olga of destroying the family and robbing them of happiness. Dmitry backed her, interjecting at times.
Olga listened calmly, confident in victory. The legal system was on her side. She left the courtroom composed, knowing a new chapter awaited.
“The new apartment was a sanctuary where I finally felt secure. The silence that once scared me now brought peace.”
Seated on the sofa, she surveyed the room, a symbol of settled order. There was no need to accommodate others or justify her choices anymore.
Opening her phone’s to-do list, Olga saw the first task: renting out the apartments. The plan had evolved; only one apartment would be leased now. A smile spread across her face. Her decisions were finally hers alone.
Olga hadn’t felt this empowered in years. Without the burdens weighing her down, she knew she could confront whatever challenges lay ahead. The divorce not only granted freedom but ushered in an entirely new life.
Key Insight: Establishing firm personal boundaries and standing up for one’s inheritance can be daunting in family dynamics, but preserving one’s autonomy is crucial for lasting well-being.
Ultimately, Olga’s journey highlights the importance of protecting personal property and making independent choices despite familial pressures. Her story exemplifies resilience, self-respect, and the pursuit of a peaceful, autonomous future.