Inessa meticulously reviewed the financial data in the spreadsheet for what felt like the hundredth time. Although everything appeared accurate, she wanted to ensure perfection before the upcoming presentation—her supervisor was known for scrutinizing every detail. Delivering a quarterly report at a prestigious bank demanded absolute precision. The clock indicated 8 PM, signaling it was finally time to head home.
As she made her way, Inessa contemplated the whirlwind of events that had shaped her life over the last six months. A chance encounter with Gleb at a corporate gathering hosted by mutual acquaintances sparked a rapid romance and a swift engagement. Their story resembled a film script—except without the expected joyful conclusion.
The apartment Inessa shared with her husband was a legacy from his grandmother: a two-bedroom unit in a desirable area, considered a symbol of affluence by contemporary standards. However, there was a catch. One of the rooms was still occupied by Gleb’s mother. According to Gleb, Tamara Ivanovna was reluctant to live alone. “Mom promised she won’t meddle; she’s happy to have a young hostess around,” he had reassured Inessa before they married, a promise she naïvely trusted.
Crossing the threshold of her new home, Inessa instantly sensed an uneasy atmosphere. Her mother-in-law greeted her with a forced smile, her eyes cold and evaluating.
“Well, you’re officially the second lady of the house now,” Tamara Ivanovna remarked, handing Inessa an apron. “I hope you’re skilled at more than just making sandwiches?”
The initial week passed with relative calmness. Inessa ignored the subtle barbs from her mother-in-law. Yet, each day, the scrutiny intensified.
- “You’re folding the towels improperly,” Tamara Ivanovna would critique, reorganizing the wardrobe’s linens.
- “That’s not salt; it’s ruin for borscht,” she’d sigh while observing Inessa in the kitchen.
- “How much did those tomatoes cost? Are you insane? They’re cheaper right next door,” she grumbled, examining grocery bills.
Inessa voiced her concerns to Gleb, but he merely shrugged and said, “Don’t take it to heart—she’s always like this. It’s easier to comply than resist.”
When Inessa proposed managing a shared budget, Gleb hesitated. “We’ve handled things differently so far,” he muttered. “Mom has always controlled the finances—she knows how to save efficiently.”
“But now we are a family,” Inessa countered. “We must learn to manage our expenses ourselves.”
“Why disrupt the tradition? Mom’s done well her whole life. It’s your turn now to support her,” Gleb replied, as though it were evident.
“My turn? What do you mean?” Inessa asked, bewildered.
“I previously contributed money for household expenses; now it’s your responsibility,” he explained. “It’s not a difficult task for you, right?”
Inessa was stunned. She realized that Gleb had sought not a life partner but someone to fund the household. Reflecting back, their relationship had progressed at an alarming pace—after just three months, Gleb insisted on marriage, despite Inessa suggesting cohabitation first. “Why delay? I already know you’re the one for me,” he said. Perhaps, he was only after a capable wife with a steady income.
The harshest blow came one month after the wedding. During a Sunday lunch, Tamara Ivanovna abruptly set down her fork and cleared her throat to command attention.
“Inessa, I believe that every wife should assist her husband’s parents. It’s our tradition,” the mother-in-law stated firmly, arranging her napkin carefully.
“What exactly do you mean?” Inessa asked cautiously.
“Financial support, naturally,” Tamara Ivanovna responded, as if articulating an undeniable truth. “My pension is insufficient to cover expenses. I devoted my youth to raising my son, endured countless sleepless nights. Now, it’s your duty to care for me.”
“I’m not sure I understand… In what way?” Inessa felt a tightening in her chest.
“You will transfer a portion of your paycheck to me monthly,” the mother-in-law said calmly. “Start with twenty thousand. We’ll evaluate after that.”
Inessa could hardly believe her ears. Was this a genuine demand? She glanced towards her husband, seeking support.
“Gleb, do you approve of this?”
“What’s the issue?” he replied nonchalantly. “It’s reasonable. I have no objections if Mom receives some money.”
“Some? Twenty thousand equals one-fifth of my salary!” Inessa protested. “I already cover most of our living costs!”
“Don’t overstate it,” Gleb grimaced. “This is how it’s done in our family. Mom deserves it.”
Pointless to argue further, Inessa realized the decision had been predetermined, likely long before their wedding day. This might have been the main motivation behind their union.
That evening, Inessa attempted to reason with Gleb in private.
“It feels strange to have to hand over money to your mother,” she said quietly. “I’m willing to assist, but not as if paying tribute.”
“Don’t blow it out of proportion,” Gleb brushed off her concerns. “It’s only twenty thousand. It’s pocket change to you, but it pleases Mom.”
“This is about principle! Why should it be me? Why not you?”
“I’m short on cash right now, you know that,” Gleb sighed. “When sales improve, I’ll contribute.”
Inessa silently scoffed; she had heard similar promises before. In reality, Gleb spent his earnings on personal indulgences like lunches, gym fees, and social outings, while Inessa paid rent, groceries, and cleaning supplies.
During the following month, Inessa appeared compliant but made no money transfers. Her mother-in-law eyed her suspiciously yet waited.
During this period, Inessa reflected on her circumstances: she was financially supporting both her husband and his mother but only receiving criticism in return.
“Got any plans?” she asked Gleb. “Maybe find a more stable job? We could save for our own home.”
“Why bother? We already have a place,” he said, puzzled. “A job’s a job—what does the source matter? You handle things.”
This reply made everything clear: Gleb was unwilling to assume responsibility.
Turning point: One month later, the atmosphere exploded into conflict. Returning from work, Inessa sensed tension immediately. The scent of baked pies—a sure sign of a serious discussion.
“Here comes our breadwinner!” Tamara Ivanovna greeted her with a false cheerfulness. “I checked my bank account—no sign of your deposits.”
“I never promised to send you money,” Inessa replied calmly, removing her coat.
“What do you mean ‘never promised’?” Tamara Ivanovna was taken aback. “We agreed! You consented!”
“I simply didn’t contest it,” Inessa explained, heading to the kitchen for water.
“Ungrateful girl!” the older woman exclaimed. “We welcomed you into the family, gave you shelter! Who do you think you are? Every good daughter-in-law supports her mother-in-law! It’s the law!”
“There’s no such law,” Inessa retorted. “And no one handed me this apartment—I pay more for utilities than a rent would cost.”
“City girl arrogance!” the mother-in-law snapped. “Big words, but you’re just a selfish miser! You have obligations—to family, to your husband, to his mother!”
Gleb appeared silently, offering no defense for his wife.
“Do you hear her?” Tamara Ivanovna spat at her son. “She grudges giving her mother-in-law money! I live on a single pension!”
“Inessa, what’s the fuss?” Gleb finally said. “Mom only needs a little.”
“It’s not about the amount,” Inessa tried to clarify. “Why must I support your mother? She has a pension—and you. Why is it my responsibility?”
“Because you’re family now!” the mother-in-law yelled. “And families share everything!”
“What has your family shared with me?” Inessa asked sharply. “Or is sharing a one-way street?”
The argument dragged on for nearly an hour. Realizing a breakthrough was impossible, Inessa chose to withdraw.
That next evening, she stayed late at work; home was filled with accusations. Amidst shuffling papers, she pondered how her existence had become so surreal in just six months.
The phone suddenly rang—Gleb.
“Where are you?” he demanded.
“Still working, finishing the report,” she replied.
“When will you be home? Mom’s furious—why haven’t you sent her money? She told you to transfer it monthly!”
Something snapped inside Inessa. Her husband behaved as if his mother were her employer and she had defied orders. That was the last straw.
“I’ll be home soon,” she said calmly before ending the call.
It was time to act. She retrieved important documents from the office safe: her apartment lease, bank statements, prenuptial agreement she had insisted upon—and withdrew a substantial sum from the bank, enough to sustain herself while securing new lodging.
Back home, two scowling faces awaited: mother-in-law sitting with arms crossed, Gleb pacing nervously.
“Finally!” Tamara Ivanovna exclaimed. “Care to explain yourself?”
“Mom’s furious—why no money!” Gleb repeated, mimicking the phone call.
Ignoring them, Inessa walked to the bedroom, pulled out her travel bag, and started packing essentials.
“Where are you going?” Gleb asked from the doorway.
She gave no answer, continuing to pack documents, clothing, toiletries, and chargers.
“Hey, I’m talking to you!” Gleb raised his voice.
“Let her go,” his mother interjected. “She thinks we’ll beg her to stay.”
Words wouldn’t change anything. Inessa zipped up her bag, grabbed her phone and wallet.
“At least tell me where you’re headed?” Gleb called as she passed by.
“Far away from here,” she replied and walked out.
She spent the night in a modest yet tidy hotel, barely sleeping until dawn. After morning coffee, she texted Gleb: “Thanks for the experience. From now on, I pay for myself.”
Taking a day off, she searched for housing promptly. A co-worker named Marina offered a spare room after her former roommate moved out. That same evening, Inessa moved in—a small, neat room within a three-bedroom flat shared with Marina and a retired teacher landlady. Peaceful. No commands, no criticisms.
Days passed in a haze—work, simple meals, streaming series, and much-needed quiet.
On the third day, Gleb’s phone calls started—first angry, then pleading, then accusatory. Inessa ignored them all. Tamara Ivanovna called from various numbers; text messages condemned her for breaking up the family. Inessa blocked everything and asked colleagues to keep silent.
Within a month, her life stabilized. She rented a small studio near work; although she still owned a one-bedroom apartment which she rented out, that income covered her new place’s rent. Financial pressure eased, and she felt liberated like never before.
One evening, the intercom buzzed.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me,” came Gleb’s unusually gentle voice. “Can we talk?”
“We have nothing to discuss,” Inessa answered.
“I brought flowers and apologies. Please let me explain.”
“Explain what? That you wanted a wallet, not a wife?”
“No, it’s not like that! I just didn’t understand. Mom won’t interfere anymore, I promise!”
“This is my life now,” she said, shutting off the intercom. Watching from her window, she saw him linger briefly before leaving the bouquet on a nearby bench.
Through a mutual acquaintance, Inessa learned that Gleb and his mother had rented out the two-bedroom apartment and moved into Tamara Ivanovna’s cramped studio. Apparently, her mother-in-law had found new tenants to target with her schemes.
Six months later, while sitting in a café, Inessa overheard a young woman at the next table arguing with her boyfriend: “But my mom says…” The phrase echoed painfully familiar—men dominated by “Mama’s words,” seeking wives who serve as caretakers and financial supporters.
“No one is obligated to live under another’s rules. Neither tradition, nor family, nor spouse should override self-respect.”
Reflecting on her failed marriage, Inessa comprehended the core issues were never about money or her mother-in-law alone. She had married a man unprepared for partnership, one who desired service rather than companionship.
Her conclusion was clear: personal dignity and autonomy surpass outdated expectations and imposed obligations. Now, Inessa spends her resources solely on herself and what truly matters.
One rainy day off, Inessa awoke to the patter of raindrops against the roof. The sky was gray, a cooling cup of tea on the table. Life had settled into a quiet simplicity. She stretched and smiled, embracing the freedom she had reclaimed.
Everything that belongs to Inessa—her money, life, and independence—is once again hers alone. No one dictates her contributions or commands her choices anymore.