Natalya emerged from the notary’s office clutching a folder of documents tightly against her chest. After a six-month wait, the moment she had anticipated had finally arrived—her grandmother, Yelena Nikolayevna, had bequeathed her a significant inheritance that could transform the family’s circumstances.
The autumn breeze tousled her hair, and the crisp, yellow leaves crunched beneath her feet as she walked toward the bus stop, contemplating her plans. They could finally refurbish their apartment, purchase fresh furnishings for her daughter Liza’s room, and save for educational expenses. Perhaps they could even enjoy a family getaway as it had been ages since they traveled beyond their summer cottage.
Her husband, Sergey, was waiting for her when she returned home, leaning against the doorframe with a stern look fixed on his face.
“So, did everything go smoothly?” he asked, skipping the usual greetings.
“Yes,” Natalya replied, removing her jacket. “All the paperwork is sorted. The funds will arrive in the account within a week.”
Sergey straightened abruptly. “You will transfer the entire amount to my mother. Don’t even think about arguing—otherwise, it’ll lead to divorce!” he exclaimed, his voice rising.
Natalya froze, astonishment washing over her as she processed his words. She regarded him closely, searching for signs of sanity. This was not at all what she had foreseen.
“Could you repeat that?” she asked deliberately. “What you just mentioned sounded rather unusual.”
“You heard me,” he interrupted, impatience creeping into his tone. “Valentina Ivanovna needs this money more than we do. She’s elderly, her health is declining, and her medication costs a fortune. Plus, Irochka doesn’t have a stable job and is just scraping by with odd jobs.”
Natalya hung her jacket slowly on the hook, never tearing her gaze from Sergey.
“So, I’m expected to hand over my grandmother’s inheritance to your mother? Is that correct?” she questioned, incredulously.
“That would be the right thing to do,” Sergey insisted. “We are young and can earn more. My mother’s time is limited. And family should support one another.”
With heat rising to her cheeks, Natalya stood tall and met his gaze squarely. “Then it seems divorce is the answer,” she stated without hesitation.
Sergey blinked, taken aback. He had anticipated tears and pleas, not such a decisive response.
“What are you talking about?” he stammered, confused. “I didn’t mean any harm. I just want everyone to be happy.”
“Everyone?” Natalya shot back. “And I’m not part of this ‘everyone,’ am I?”
“You know how it goes…” Sergey started, but she gestured for him to stop.
“I do know. Very well,” she replied before stepping away into another room.
Sergey remained in the hallway, clearly perplexed at her reaction. He had anticipated her resisting, but not such a firm rejection.
Natalya settled at her desk and powered up the computer. A clear and immediate decision formed: the inheritance belonged to her—Yelena Nikolayevna had specifically designated it to her granddaughter, not to Sergey or anyone else. It was entirely Natalya’s choice how to manage it.
While Sergey paced through their home, grumbling under his breath, Natalya accessed her online banking. She opened a new savings account in her daughter Liza’s name, planning for her future. In three years, Liza would turn eighteen, and that money could prove invaluable for her university education.
The following day, upon receiving the inheritance into their main account, Natalya swiftly transferred half the funds to her daughter’s account. She printed all relevant documents and secured them within a safe, leaving the remaining half in her account for day-to-day expenses and potential legal fees.
That evening, when Sergey opened Natalya’s banking app, he discovered the transfer. “What have you done?!” he yelled, bewildered. “Where’s the money?”
“It’s placed securely,” Natalya replied tersely, not bothering to look up from her book.
“I instructed you to give it all to my mother! Put it back, now!”
Finally looking up, Natalya met his anger with serene composure. “The money is now in our daughter’s account. It’s the most prudent investment I could envision.”
“But Liza is still just a child! She’s only fifteen!” Sergey exclaimed, gesturing wildly. “She doesn’t grasp the concept of money!”
“Well, I do,” Natalya retorted coolly. “And I also understand the importance of honesty within a family.”
Sergey attempted to argue, threaten, and persuade her, but Natalya remained resolute—the funds would remain where they were.
The next morning, while Sergey was at work, Natalya consulted a lawyer to clarify family law issues and ascertain what claims he could potentially have after their divorce.
The lawyer, a thoughtful woman named Viktoria, was attentive to Natalya’s concerns. “An inheritance acquired during marriage is not considered marital property,” Viktoria clarified. “Your husband has no rights over those funds. You made a wise decision by transferring the inheritance to your daughter.”
“And what if he proceeds with divorce?” Natalya inquired.
“Who is on the title of the apartment?”
“It’s mine; I inherited it from my parents prior to marriage.”
“Then that’s off the table for him too. Only assets jointly acquired during marriage—like furniture or vehicles—can be divided.”
Natalya acknowledged as she knew that the furniture and appliances were not worth disputing in court.
“Gather any documents that validate the origins of your funds,” Viktoria recommended. “Include inheritance certificates and bank statements. Document any threats from your husband if he raises them again.”
Upon returning home, Natalya realized Sergey had brought reinforcements—sitting at the kitchen table were her mother-in-law, Valentina Ivanovna, sipping coffee, along with Sergey’s sister, Irina.
“Glad you’re home,” Valentina Ivanovna declared without a greeting. “We need to discuss something seriously.”
Natalya entered the kitchen and poured herself some water. “I’m all ears,” she said curtly.
“Sergey informed us about the inheritance,” her mother-in-law continued. “We’re genuinely happy for you. However, you must understand that family is not just you and Liza. We are here, too, along with Irochka.”
“And?” Natalya prompted.
“It would be fair to share,” Irina interjected. “I’ve been job hunting for months without success, and this amount is considerable…”
Natalya set her glass down and scrutinized her in-laws. “Let me ask you, Valentina Ivanovna—when your mother passed and left you an apartment, did you share that with anyone?”
Valentina Ivanovna hesitated. “Well… that was different. She was my mother.”
“And Yelena Nikolayevna was my grandmother,” Natalya replied evenly. “She made her will in my favor—not in Sergey’s or yours.”
<p“But we’re family!” Irina protested.
<p“Indeed, family,” Natalya concurred. “Yet it’s a peculiar relationship. When you need financial help, we’re family. But when I requested assistance with renovating Liza’s room, everyone was far too preoccupied.”
Valentina Ivanovna flushed at the words.
“We helped as much as we could…”
“As much as you wanted to, you mean?” Natalya clarified. “Because I recall asking Sergey for help to move a wardrobe. He claimed he was injured, yet just two days later he was gladly aiding you, Valentina Ivanovna, with your cottage furniture.”
An uncomfortable silence hung in the air.
“Regardless, the funds have been allocated to my daughter,” Natalya stated firmly. “It cannot be reversed, so this discussion is concluded.”
Sergey, who had remained quiet throughout the encounter, abruptly stood. “Fine. Then gather your things and vacate my house!”
Natalya couldn’t help but smirk. “Your house? Sergey, don’t forget—the apartment is in my name. Therefore, you’ll be the one packing up.”
In that moment, Sergey realized the gravity of the situation.
“You’re kicking me out?”
“I’m safeguarding my interests and those of my daughter,” she asserted. “You can stay with your mother. Since Valentina Ivanovna values family so highly, perhaps she can provide you a place to stay.”
Later that evening, Natalya explained everything to her daughter. “Mama, what will happen to Dad?” Liza asked innocently.
“I’m not sure, sweetheart. He chose to prioritize Grandma Valentina’s wishes over our own family.”
“Did you indeed transfer the money to me?”
“Half of it is for your education. The other half will cover the renovation of your room, and perhaps we can take a holiday.”
Liza nodded in agreement.
“You know, Mom, I’m alright with this. I never liked how Grandma Valentina treated you like you owed her something.”
Natalya embraced her daughter, proud of her wisdom.
That night, Sergey returned home, entered the bedroom, and began packing a bag. “So, you’re truly going to ruin our family over money?” he questioned.
Natalya stood at the doorway silently, observing him.
“You dismantled our family when you assumed you could command me,” she responded. “I’m not coercing you to do anything. If you wish to remain—stay. But the manipulation stops now.”
“Mom won’t interfere again,” Sergey vowed. “I’ll talk to her.”
“Sergey, this isn’t solely about your mother,” Natalya said tiredly. “It’s the principle of you not even consulting me. You issued a command, indicating you don’t view me as your equal.”
Her husband froze with a shirt in his hands. “That’s not accurate…”
“It is, and until you grasp that, I have nothing further to discuss.”
Having concluded his packing, Sergey headed for the door. He turned around. “I will return, and we will talk things through calmly.”
<p“Maybe,” Natalya nodded. “But only when you learn to communicate instead of dictate.”
As the door clicked shut behind him, Natalya made her way to Liza’s room, where her daughter lay peacefully asleep. Tomorrow she would consider the next steps. Yet, the most crucial task had been accomplished—the money was secure, and no one could take it away.
A week passed without incident. Sergey called from time to time, seeking to arrange a meeting, yet Natalya remained steadfast—an apology for the ultimatum was essential before any conversation could commence. Sergey, steadfast in his beliefs, showed no intention of apologizing.
On Friday evening, the doorbell rang insistently. Looking through the peephole, Natalya spotted Sergey alongside Valentina Ivanovna. Her mother-in-law clutched a folder and appeared resolute.
“Open up, Natalya!” Sergey shouted. “We need a serious discussion!”
Natalya complied, opening the door but preventing them from entering the apartment. “What precisely is it you wish to discuss?” she asked, maintaining her cool demeanor.
“We demand to know!” Valentina Ivanovna declared, pushing the folder toward her. “And all the documents revealing what you did with the inheritance!”
“Documents?” Natalya echoed, feigning surprise. “Oh, certainly.”
She turned around, fetched the bank statements from her safe, and brought them back to the hallway, placing the papers on the shoe cabinet.
<p“The funds have been allocated. This represents my legal share of the inheritance,” Natalya articulated with calm authority.
Valentina Ivanovna grabbed the documents and began rifling through them hastily, her face growing increasingly crimson. “You have robbed the family!” she raged. “How can you give that amount to a child?! Liza is clueless about life!”
Natalya stood upright, meeting her mother-in-law’s hostility with a calm demeanor. “I didn’t take what isn’t mine—I merely acted within the law,” she explained. “Yelena Nikolayevna was my grandmother, not yours.”
<p“But we anticipated…” Sergey tried to interject.
<p“Anticipated what?” Natalya cut him off. “That I’d follow your orders without hesitation? Sergey, you issued an ultimatum—either give the funds to your mother or face divorce. Do you recall?”
<p“I simply wanted to assist the family,” he defended.
<p“Which family?” Natalya questioned with a thin smile. “Honestly, Valentina Ivanovna—when did you last show interest in Liza? When did you inquire about how she’s navigating school or what piques her interest?”
Her mother-in-law hesitated, searching for words. “We… of course, we care…”
“That is not the truth,” Natalya interrupted. “You only concern yourself with your granddaughter when you desire something from me. The rest of the time, Liza is invisible to you.”
Sergey attempted to regain control of the conversation. “Alright, if you’re going to be so principled, we’ll get a divorce!” he declared. “We’ll see how you manage when you’re left without support!”
Natalya replied with calm conviction, “Fine. I’ll see you in court.”
His surprise was evident. Clearly, Sergey had expected a flood of emotions—tears, pleas, or attempts at reconciliation. Yet, Natalya remained unfazed.
<p“Do you mean it?” he asked, uncertain.
<p“Absolutely. Tomorrow I’ll initiate the divorce proceedings and division of assets.”
The next day, Natalya indeed went to the district court, filing a petition for the dissolution of marriage and division of property. The list was modest; it included a TV, refrigerator, washing machine, and kitchen appliances—all had been acquired during their marriage. They didn’t own a car, and the apartment was solely hers, inherited before marrying.
One week later, Sergey received a court summons. Relaying his indignation over the phone, he yelled, “Have you lost your senses?! Why file a lawsuit? We can sort this out!”
<p“Sort out what?” Natalya asked. “You sought a divorce—so that is how it should be handled. But now everything must adhere to legal protocols.”
<p“I didn’t think you were serious…”
<p“I am,” she affirmed before disconnecting the call.
Meanwhile, Valentina Ivanovna consulted a legal acquaintance seeking a way to challenge Natalya’s handling of the inheritance but was met with disappointment. “Valentina Ivanovna,” the lawyer stated, “an inheritance received during marriage is not subject to division. It is Natalya’s individual property. Transferring funds to her minor daughter is completely lawful.”
<p“But the apartment?” her mother-in-law persisted. “My son is registered there!”
<p“The apartment was Natalya’s prior to marriage. Ownership is not conferred by simply being registered. If anything, your son might receive a minor compensation for the household goods.”
<p“Mom, what do we do now?” Sergey asked Valentina Ivanovna.
<p“Seek reconciliation,” she sighed. “There’s no other avenue.”
But by then, Natalya had resolved her path and was not inclined to relent.
The courtroom appearance was brief. Natalya submitted all relevant documents—apartment title, inheritance certificates, and evidence of the money transfer to her daughter. Sergey attempted to object, yet the facts were overwhelming.
The verdict favored Natalya, confirming her ownership of both the money and the apartment. Sergey was awarded a trivial compensation for half the household appliances.
After the proceedings, Sergey approached his ex-wife. “Natalya, perhaps it’s not too late to mend our marriage?” he implored. “I see my errors now.”
Natalya shook her head. “Sergey, you didn’t recognize your mistakes; you realized you miscalculated. Those are distinctly different things.”
<p“But I care about you…”
<p“Care?” Natalya raised an eyebrow. “A person who genuinely cares doesn’t impose ultimatums. Rather, he confers with the one he loves, and does not deliver proclamations.”
<pDefeated, Sergey bowed his head. “What comes next?”
<p“Now you’ll live with Valentina Ivanovna and understand what it feels like to play second fiddle in someone else’s residence.”
A month later, the divorce was finalized. Sergey ended up with nothing and moved back in with his mother, where Valentina Ivanovna could finally indulge him as she had always desired—cooking his meals and overseeing his every step.
Natalya continued her life peacefully with Liza. The money set aside for her daughter enabled Liza to enroll in art college without the burden of loans. A portion of the inheritance was invested into transforming the apartment, creating a cozy studio for Liza to flourish as an artist.
Occasionally, Sergey reached out, attempting to rebuild some semblance of a relationship with their daughter. However, Liza found little desire to connect with her father, recalling his attempts to claim the funds meant for her future.
<p“Mom, do you ever regret any of this?” Liza asked one evening over tea in their newly updated kitchen.
<p“Regret what, sweetheart?”
<p“That everything turned out this way—with Dad, the marriage, the family.”
After a moment’s thought, Natalya replied, “You know, for a long time, I was the accommodating wife. I obliged to everything, avoided arguments, and never asserted my views. I believed that was how a family functioned, only to realize I was being exploited.”
<p“And you don’t miss him?”
<p“Miss someone who issued ultimatums? Not at all,” Natalya smiled softly. “But I have brought closure to this chapter. I have finally learned to stand up for myself and for you.”
That night, standing by the window, Natalya gazed out at the autumn scene—the vibrant yellow leaves under the lamplight, the branches swaying gently in the wind. A new life was on the horizon, coinciding with the season of change when the old makes way for the new.
Natalya felt certain she had made the right choice. The inheritance from Grandmother Yelena Nikolayevna had not only secured her daughter’s future; it had also unveiled the true nature of her husband. The money had merely served as a catalyst—the real issue lay in Sergey’s inability to regard his wife as an equal.
Now, Natalya found herself liberated. Free from others’ commands, from the necessity to justify her decisions, and from the pressures of her husband’s family. Ahead, she saw a future she could shape through her choices alone.
And the inheritance that had ignited this entire conflict rested quietly in Liza’s account, awaiting the moment her daughter could pursue her aspirations. This was precisely why Grandmother Yelena Nikolayevna had provided the inheritance—not for outsiders, but for her true family.