Liliya was in her office, engaged in thought. Important real estate documents lay on the desk in front of her.
She had taken over symbolic property from her parents—three apartments in a prestigious area of the city and a compact shopping center on the outskirts.
Her husband’s mother had no comment she was paying rent to her own daughter-in-law.
Liliya had specifically prepared the entire deal through a real estate agency to keep this secret.
Three years ago, when her relationship with Igor was just starting she decided not to uncover her financial capabilities to him.
“My dear,” Liliya had said then
“I don’t care at all how much you earn. All that matters to me is how you treat me.”
Igor flushed, feeling somewhat rude.
He was an ordinary engineer in a construction company, and his income left much to be treasured.
“But how can… You’re so beautiful, so smart. Surely you won’t be satisfied with a simple life?” he wondered.
The girl laughed and hugged him.
“I love you, dear. Everything else is secondary.”
Therefore, Liliya preferred to keep her wealth a secret.
She said she worked as a manager at the shopping center. The apartment where they lived, she granted as part of her inheritance.
Two years into their marriage, Liliya sometimes regretted her choice, especially because of the constant attacks from her mother-in-law. Alla Sergeyevna had disliked her daughter-in-law from day one.
“How could you choose such a one?” she often asked her son.
“She can’t cook, doesn’t know how to manage a household. The only thing she does is run to work.”
Liliya quietly remained silent, although these words carefully hurt her. For the sake of her cherished husband, she was willing to accept any reproaches from his mother, even when they became more open and malicious.
One day, while preparing dinner, Liliya overheard a phone conversation of her mother-in-law:
“Imagine, Galina, this girl bought herself another new dress!” Alla Sergeyevna complained loudly.
“I don’t understand where she gets the money.
Probably, my Igor spends all his savings on her.”
“My son has completely lost his mind,” continued the mother-in-law. “If it weren’t for him, this person would probably be living under a fence. No decent education, no proper job…”
Liliya’s hands fluttered.
She had graduated from two faculties and received a red diploma, but Igor had asked her not to tell his mother about it, because she
purportedly disapproved of “too educated” women.
Every visit from the mother-in-law transformed into a real trial period for Liliya.
“This borscht is simply impossible to eat,” Alla Sergeyevna smirked tasting the dish prepared by her daughter-in-law. “In my time, girls were taught to cook before marriage.”
In fact, she cooked excellently—she had even taken special culinary courses before the wedding to please her husband. However, the mother-in-law always looked ior a reason for criticism.
In anticipation of their wedding anniversary, Liliya decided to give Igor a special gift.
Placing the envelope with the tickets in the desk drawer, the girl smiled.
Perhaps, after such a gift, the mother-in-law would alter her opinion about her? Although, perhaps, it would only exacerbate the situation.
When Igor returned from work in the evening, Liliya immediately spotted his fearful state. He was silent for a long time, ate reluctantly, and then finally decided to speak:
“You know, mom called today…” he said with obvious uncertainty.
Liliya tensed internally.
After conversations with his mother, Igor always became more harsh with his wife.
“She mentioned that the rent for the apartment has gone up,” continued the husband.
“Now it will be difficult for her to manage alone…”
“And what does she suggest?” asked Liliya quietly.
“Maybe we can help?” Igor said guiltily. “I understand that it’s not easy for us either, but after all, she’s my mother…”
“Igor, I…” Liliya began.
The girl sighed heavily. She had always been against the mother-in-law having keys to their apartment, but Igor insisted.
“There you are!” Alla Sergeyevna confidently walked into the kitchen, not even taking off her shoes.
“I just knew I would find you at dinner.”
“Mom?” Igor exclaimed in surprise. “What happened?”
“Happened! They switched off the water in my apartment because of some repair works.
I’ll have to live with you for a few days,” declared the mother-in-law, tossing her bag right onto the table.
Liliya froze. Tomorrow they were supposed to celebrate their wedding anniversary, and the day after tomorrow, they were to leave for Turkey.
“Alla Sergeyevna, maybe…” Liliya tried to start.
“Maybe what?” the mother-in-law interrupted sharply. “Are you saying I can’t stay?
My own son’s mother?” Alla Sergeyevna’s voice became hysterical. “I knew it! There’s your true nature!
And you, son, can’t you see what kind of person is next to you!”
“Mom, calm down,” Igor tried to intervene. “Liliya just…”
“Just what?” Alla Sergeyevna flared up. “Just wants to kick me out?
She’s always wanted that! Looking down on me, even though she’s nothing herself!”
Liliya clenched her teeth. How she wanted to now back out the documents and show who the real owner was.
But she restrained herself.
“Useless!” the mother-in-law continued..
“Can’t even cook properly. Look at this pot—what kind of soup is this? Just water!”
“Mom, stop,” Igor tried to stop her.
“Liliya cooks perfectly.”
“You’re just under her influence!” the mother-in-law threw up her hands. “I’ll stay and teach her how to manage the household!”
“Alla Sergeyevna,” Liliya made an ef
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