Anna shut her final report and leaned back in her chair. The role of financial director in her father’s family business demanded relentless focus. By the age of thirty-two, she had already accomplished significant milestones.
“Dad, I’m home,” Anna called as she peeked into her father’s office. “We’ll discuss the new investments tomorrow.”
“Of course, darling,” her father replied, lifting his head from the documents. “Say hello to Alexey for me. When will you come to the country house again?”
“Definitely this weekend,” Anna smiled. “Alexey promised to help you with the greenhouse.”
The journey home took about thirty minutes. Parked the new car in the yard, Anna climbed to the second floor of their three-room apartment, which she had purchased before marriage. Spacious rooms, high ceilings, and large windows made the place feel like their cozy family nest after four years of marriage.
“Lesha, I’m home!” Anna called out, removing her shoes in the hallway.
“In the kitchen!” her husband replied. “Dinner’s nearly ready.”
Alexey was stirring something in a pan by the stove. Although his salary as a mid-level manager was modest, Anna never minded. They shared household duties equally.
“How’s work?” Anna hugged her husband from behind.
“The usual bustle,” Alexey turned toward her. “And how’s your project with the new partners going?”
“Still sorting through the documents,” Anna sat down at the kitchen table. “By the way, did your mother call?”
“Yes, after lunch,” Alexey served dinner onto plates. “She’s fine. Talked about neighbors and complained about the weather. You know, her birthday is coming soon.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Anna took her fork. “Sixty years – a significant milestone. We need to think of a meaningful gift.”
They often visited the countryside house Anna inherited from her grandmother. It was a small, cozy place perfect for relaxation. Galina Ivanovna always loved that spot.
“Remember last year when we helped her with dental treatment?” Alexey sat opposite his wife. “Mom still speaks kindly of you.”
“Family is family,” Anna shrugged. “We also bought her a trip to Sochi and did some renovation. Galina Ivanovna deserves the care.”
Her mother-in-law had always been warm toward Anna, calling her daughter, showing interest in her work, and never interfering in their family matters. Anna was sincerely grateful for such a relationship.
“So, what about the gift for mom?” Alexey cleared dishes in the sink. “Maybe some jewelry?”
“I considered 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 contemplated various gift ideas. A trip? Galina Ivanovna had recently traveled. Appliances? She already had everything she needed. It had to be something special and memorable.
“Dad, what do you think about the country house idea?” Anna asked during lunch break.
“In what sense?” her father paused to set aside his sandwich.
“A small plot with a house for Galina Ivanovna on her birthday,” Anna spread out a plan. “She’s always dreamed of having her own vegetable garden.”
Her father looked attentively at his daughter.
“Smart idea,” he nodded. “Look for options near the city. Something nice but cozy.”
Anna spent several days browsing listings. Many didn’t fit her criteria: too big, too far away, or in poor condition.
“This plot seems promising,” a realtor said, flipping through papers. “Suburban area, twenty minutes by car. Small but sturdy house, six hundred square meters, and fruit trees included.”
“What’s the price?” Anna scrutinized the photos.
“Two and a half million. Negotiable. The owners are relocating to another city.”
Anna noted down the address. The property looked exactly right—small, well-maintained, and with room for growth. Galina Ivanovna would definitely appreciate such a present.
That evening, she discussed the idea with her father over the phone.
“Excellent choice,” her father approved. “Your mother-in-law is very practical; a country house will surely be useful to her. And the price suits your budget.”
Ending the call, Anna called Alexey. Her heart raced with excitement—he would surely like the idea. Galina Ivanovna always wished for her own garden.
“Hey Lesha!” Anna’s tone sparkled with joy. “I have news about a gift for your mom.”
“Tell me, sunshine,” Alexey sounded intrigued. “What did you come up with?”
“How about a country house?” Anna paced around the office. “I found a wonderful option in the suburbs: a six-hundred-square-meter plot, neat house, and fruit trees already growing.”
“Really?” Alexey’s excitement was clear. “Mom will be thrilled! She always wanted to grow her own tomatoes.”
Anna smiled, enjoying his enthusiastic reaction. Alexey always supported her efforts to care for his family.
“They’re asking for two and a half million,” Anna continued. “But it’s worth it. Imagine how happy she’ll be.”
“That’s the best idea ever!” Alexey was clearly stirred. “She’ll remember that gift forever. You’re a genius, darling.”
The warmth in his voice comforted Anna’s heart. She pictured the three of them planning the birthday celebration.
“I have to go,” Alexey said softly. “See you tonight, my dear. We’ll discuss the details over dinner.”
Just as Anna was about to say goodbye, she noticed the call hadn’t ended. Through the phone, a familiar voice spoke—her mother-in-law.
“Leshenka, are you done chatting with that rich girl?” Galina Ivanovna’s tone was sharp.
Anna froze, confused about whom she meant. Was her mother-in-law speaking about her? Her hand trembled holding the phone.
“Yes, mom,” Alexey sighed. “She keeps pushing gifts on us and flaunting her money.”
“I’m sick of her generosity,” Galina Ivanovna continued. “She helps, but I feel like a pauper beside her. She constantly stresses her superiority.”
Anna slumped in her chair, legs weakening from what she had heard. The ones she thought were family spoke of her with such bitterness.
“Mom, everything will change soon,” Alexey whispered. “Remember, I consulted a lawyer? There are ways to make her transfer the property to me.”
“Like what?” his mother asked, intrigued.
“I’ll trick her into signing papers disguised as normal documents,” Alexey explained. “She trusts me and won’t suspect a thing. Slowly, the assets will be under my name.”
Anna covered her mouth to stifle a scream. The man she had loved for four years coldly schemed to deceive her.
“And then?” Galina Ivanovna sounded pleased.
“First, we’ll extract as much money as possible from her for family expenses,” Alexey continued. “Then I’ll file for divorce and claim half of the savings from her personal accounts.”
“Smart boy,” his mother nodded. “Maybe we’ll pretend I have a serious illness and ask for cash for treatment abroad.”
“Great plan,” Alexey agreed. “After the divorce, we’ll live comfortably, and Anna will be left with nothing.”
Anna quietly ended the call, numbness gripping her. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but inside, a firm resolve grew.
The two people closest to her plotted to rob her. Those she trusted most regarded her merely as a source of income.
Wiping away her tears, Anna promised herself she would no longer be deceived.
That evening, Alexey returned home cheerfully, whistling as he took off his jacket in the hallway.
“Anna, sunshine, I’m home!” he called. “So, did you go see the country house for mom?”
Without a word, Anna placed a folder on the kitchen table. The divorce papers lay on top.
“What’s this?” Alexey grabbed the papers, scanning the lines. His face drained of color.
“Exactly what you and your mother deserve,” Anna responded calmly.
“What are you talking about?” Alexey feigned confusion. “Some kind of bad joke?”
Anna fixed a cold stare on her husband. This man had just plotted to steal from her and now acted innocent.
She reminded him, “You forgot to end the call earlier today. I heard everything you discussed with your mother.”
Alexey straightened abruptly, panic flickering in his eyes, but he quickly regained composure.
“Listen, you misunderstood,” he said, approaching the table. “Mom and I were just talking, imagining scenarios.”
“Imagining making me transfer property?” Anna stood up. “Fake documents? Feigning illness?”
“Anna, darling, calm down,” Alexey reached out. “We’re family. Surely, you won’t believe such nonsense.”
Anna stepped back. This man was still trying to deceive her, looking straight into her eyes.
“Pack your things and leave,” Anna said coldly. “The apartment belongs to me, bought before marriage. There’s no place for you here anymore.”
“You can’t kick me out!” Alexey protested. “I’m your husband!”
“Ex-husband,” Anna corrected. “I’ve already filed the papers.”
“My son’s a hawk, and you’re a sparrow intruding into the wrong nest!” his mother sneered.
A tumult broke out as Alexey paced the kitchen, searching for defenses. His façade of the caring spouse crumbled.
“Fine, want to play dirty? Bring it on!” the man shouted. “I’ll claim half your savings and see who wins!”
“Go ahead,” Anna replied calmly. “The property is premarital, and my savings have long been in corporate accounts.”
Alexey fell silent, realizing he lost.
Within the hour, he left the apartment with a single suitcase. Anna called a locksmith that same evening and changed the locks.
The divorce was swift. Alexey received only a minimal settlement.
A month later, Galina Ivanovna came to Anna’s door, tearful and apologetic, promising that her son had invented everything.
“Anna, dear, I loved you like my own,” she sobbed. “You know I’m not like that!”
“I now know who you really are,” Anna answered, not inviting her in.
“But we were family,” Galina Ivanovna persisted. “Maybe we can still stay in touch? You were always like a daughter to me.”
Anna shook her head.
“Family doesn’t betray each other,” she said firmly, closing the door.
The next day, Anna changed her phone number and blocked her husband’s former family on all social media. Galina Ivanovna was left without her usual financial support, and Alexey rented a room in a communal apartment.
Meanwhile, Anna moved forward, now understanding the true value of human relationships and the importance of guarding personal boundaries.
Key Insight: This story vividly illustrates how deceit can lurk even among those closest to us and underscores the crucial need for awareness and self-protection in relationships.