A Difficult Call from the Past
A sudden early morning phone call from her former mother-in-law caught Yulianna completely off guard. She chose not to answer and felt no desire to return the call either. What could Zoya Nikitichna possibly want? Perhaps she was fabricating some nonexistent debts—yet another ploy to squeeze extra money from her former daughter-in-law. However, Yulianna owed nothing to anyone—not to her ex-husband, nor to his mother. After their separation, she had returned every gift and possession linked to Alexey, leaving behind any token of their past life without exception. She stepped confidently into a new chapter, but Zoya Nikitichna refused to let go. From time to time, the woman barged into Yulianna’s life, showering her with anger and reproaches. It seemed today would be no different, likely another round of harsh words awaited.
Knowing that Sergey, her current husband, was still asleep, Yulianna brewed herself coffee and switched on her laptop. With most of the company’s responsibilities now falling on her shoulders since Sergey’s accident, she prepared herself for the day. Two months earlier, Sergey fell from a height at a construction site due to safety violations, suffering a severe spinal injury. The doctors’ prognosis was grim—they could not guarantee he would walk again, even after surgery. Yet, Yulianna remained hopeful and steadfast in supporting him. Even if he became wheelchair-bound, that would not be a barrier for their love. Together, they were ready to face any challenge.
After reviewing her emails and confirming that all critical appointments were scheduled for the afternoon, Yulianna felt a slight calm settle over her. She fixed breakfast and began preparing to leave for work. Her thoughts were focused on finishing tasks quickly, so she could take Sergey for a stroll. When he awoke, she helped him into his chair and wheeled him to the kitchen. Although he could manage some tasks independently, she willingly devoted herself to his care.
“Shall we go for a walk today?” she asked softly, wrapping her arms gently around his shoulders.
“If you want to,” he replied. “Just come back soon. I already told the deputy not to overload you. He should handle most of the meetings himself.”
“I’d like to, but you know no one does it quite like you. I’ll try to be quick. Don’t get bored.”
Placing a kiss on Sergey’s cheek, Yulianna hurried toward the car in the underground parking, mindful that she was running late. Memories surfaced from that harrowing time when she found herself homeless and penniless. Her mother-in-law had thrown her out into the rainy street, taking all her money and belongings, declaring Yulianna must now figure out her life alone. There was no one to count on. She couldn’t turn to her parents, as her mother’s heart condition was worsening, and stress was perilous. She stayed briefly with a friend before asking her boss for an advance salary. Sergey immediately stepped in—not only providing financial help, but assisting her in finding a new home and eventually promoting her to a higher position to increase her income. He genuinely cared, frequently checking if she had enough means and was comfortable. At that difficult time, she was repaying a car loan taken for her ex-husband and struggled. Sergey arranged a capable lawyer who ultimately convinced Alexey, unwilling to divide the car, to pay the remaining sum himself. Yulianna still didn’t fully understand how fate had brought Sergey into her life, but she felt his sincerity and care, gradually opening her heart. She committed herself to her work earnestly despite their personal relationship. Now, with the company tasks resting on her, she complained not once. She believed every challenge was part of a meaningful journey.
While Yulianna was in a meeting, Zoya Nikitichna called again. The call was dismissed, but later Yulianna returned it when free. Even though their connection had long ended, Yulianna refused to hide or avoid the call like an ostrich. Persistent calls suggested genuine motives.
“Yulianna, why aren’t you answering? I’m worried—are you alright? Maybe we should meet?”
Zoya Nikitichna’s voice sounded syrupy and sweet, clearly attempting to soften her approach. Hearing it instantly revived painful memories.
“For what? Do you need something? Speak over the phone,” Yulianna responded tersely.
“No, this is not the place for a phone chat,” Zoya insisted. “Let’s meet—I have so much to say.”
Sighing deeply, mentally scolding herself for being too soft, Yulianna nonetheless agreed to meet. She wanted to confront her former mother-in-law once and for all, making it clear that the wounds of the past remained and she desired no further contact. It was necessary to remind Zoya Nikitichna how she had been cast into the rain, how her life was shattered and her happiness denied.
Arranging to meet at five o’clock with limited time, Yulianna finished her duties and headed to a café where Zoya was waiting. Eager to return home quickly and spend time with Sergey, she determined the meeting would be brief—not to reconcile but to close the chapter. The endless interference from her ex-mother-in-law had to end, despite who had started the fire of bitterness and emptiness.
“You’ve become so beautiful, a true lady! It’s a pity you weren’t like this before, but perhaps it’s for the best,” Zoya smiled as Yulianna took her seat.
“Speak your mind, I have little time.”
“Darling, I came with a request… for forgiveness. I realize now how cruelly I treated you back then. I should have accepted your choice, embraced you as a daughter, instead of placing obstacles. At that time, I was blind to your kindness, strength, and reliability. Now I see how mistaken I have been. Forgive me for harsh words, for throwing you into the rain, for false theft accusations, for poisoning your marriage with my son. I’m ashamed. I should have been your support, not your enemy. Your second mother, not a destroyer.”
If Zoya truly sought forgiveness, she could have simply said so on the phone. But Yulianna knew her too well; such sudden contrition seemed insincere, hiding other motives. She waited silently, bracing herself for what would come next.
“Honestly, I am deeply ashamed. I rage at myself for all I’ve done.”
“The past is better left behind,” Yulianna calmly replied. “Learn from it, try not to repeat those mistakes. If this is all you wanted to say, thank you. I have to go.”
“Wait, don’t leave!” Zoya grabbed her hand abruptly to prevent standing. “I heard about your husband—on the news. It must be so hard… You’re still young, with no children. How will you live now? I pity you so much… And I feel guilty. I ruined your first marriage, meddled, turned my son against you. You loved each other, and I spoiled everything. Now… I want to make it right.”
“Make it right?” Yulianna repeated, battling astonishment. “What exactly do you want to fix? I’m married. I’m happy. Yes, my husband was in an accident, but we’re facing it together. I have no regrets.”
Zoya tried to smile, but it twisted into a harsh grimace. Her face tensed and the familiar spite flashed briefly before she swallowed it, trying to maintain an appearance of humility. Yet her eyes betrayed pride raging inside.
“You think you can manage now,” she stated coldly. “But time will tell. He won’t be a full husband or father. Sooner or later, you’ll begin to hate him… then yourself for staying. You’re romanticizing, but life isn’t a fairy tale. When children come, and he can’t help, when you bear all alone—you will break. I don’t want you to suffer for my mistakes. Alexey still hasn’t found himself. He says he lost his one true love. You have a chance to be together again. Leave this helpless man behind. Return to Alexey. You’re well-off now—I’ll welcome you with open arms! Everything will change. You won’t regret it. And if you leave Sergey, you’ll get a share of his property. That’s enough to start fresh. You and Alexey can buy an apartment and have children. I’ll become a grandmother. Everything will be fine.”
Yulianna viewed her like a ghost of a cruel, incomprehensible past, devoid of humanity. How could anyone seriously propose such a thing? How can love be measured by money or advantage? Does losing the ability to walk mean losing the right to love? She smiled quietly and rose slowly.
“You have no idea how grateful I am. Because of you, I realized my first marriage was doomed. Only with Sergey did I find true love—unconditional, selfless, and faithful. I will not leave. I will be with him in sickness and health, in joy and sorrow. Say what you will, but my decision won’t change. I ask you once more: do not call me or seek meetings. If you interfere in my life again, I will do everything to prevent it. If your son can’t rebuild his life, it’s his tragedy, not mine. Goodbye.”
Her heart pounded—not from anger but from the burden and disgust at such cruelty. She almost felt pity for this woman, who had lost her humanity so far, willing to trade lives, love, and family for gain. What if her own son suffered as Sergey had? Would she abandon him, refuse help, turn away?
Stepping outside, Yulianna took a deep breath, determined to drive those thoughts away. To think like her was a risk she would never take. Better to focus on the light and what truly mattered.
Returning home earlier than usual, she found Sergey waiting. They went for a walk together. His strength grew with her support. Agreeing to surgery, he endured rehabilitation, overcoming pain step by step as doctors advised. Yulianna urged patience, promising to stay by his side, but he wanted to rise—for her and their future.
Six months later, signs of recovery appeared. Sergey could walk short distances holding a cane. Yulianna celebrated each step, holding his hand, offering steadfast support both physically and emotionally. Her love was sincere and complete, seemingly blessed by fate.
Meanwhile, Zoya Nikitichna faced a harsh twist of fate. One late night, drunk after work, Alexey was involved in an accident. Doctors now doubted he could walk again. She found herself attending to her bedridden son, tears falling as she recalled Yulianna’s words and wondered if she had brought this misery upon herself. But it was too late—no regret or tears could undo the past.
Key Insight: True love endures hardships without conditions, while attempts to control others for personal gain ultimately lead to isolation and regret.