Alina’s hands trembled slightly as she held the knife above the cutting board, preparing to slice carrots for the borscht. Anxiety gripped her, making the simple task feel daunting.
From behind, Nina Petrovna swiftly took the knife away. “You’re cutting it all wrong,” she remarked, demonstrating the proper way by slicing the carrots into thin strips.
Softly, Alina replied, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
Nina Petrovna continued, reorganizing the dishes. “You’re also placing the plates incorrectly. Everything has its designated spot in my home.”
A voice echoed from the living room—Viktor Ivanovich’s. “Girls nowadays have forgotten the art of managing a household. Our generation knew what it meant to run a home properly.”
Alina blushed but remained silent. It was clear Viktor Ivanovich’s comments were directed at her.
“Be careful with the salt,” the mother-in-law cautioned. “Antosha has had a sensitive stomach ever since he was a child.”
Anton entered, beaming. “You’re doing great! Thanks, Mom, for helping Alina.”
“Of course, Antosha,” Nina Petrovna replied with warmth.
Weeks passed and visits to his parents became a regular routine. Back in their small rented apartment, Anton often encouraged his wife. “Alina, you’re doing really well,” he said while they cooked. “My parents notice your efforts. Just a little more and you’ll win them over.”
Leaning against the counter, exhausted, Alina endured constant criticism from her mother-in-law. Comments about her appearance, her job, and the absence of children after a year of marriage wore her down.
“Anton, your mother is never satisfied,” she confided. “And your father even suggested you could have married someone better.”
“Don’t be so dramatic,” Anton said dismissively. “They just care about our future.”
Alina sighed, aware that Viktor Ivanovich never minces words when it comes to his son’s choice in a spouse.
Anton’s birthday approached, and relatives gathered in his parents’ living room. Nina Petrovna proudly presented her son with an elegant box containing a costly smartphone.
“Antosha, this is from Mom and Dad,” she declared. “The latest model!”
The guests admired the gift with surprise as Alina sat quietly, unnoticed in the corner of the couch.
“Our Anton was always so intelligent,” Viktor Ivanovich boasted loudly. “It’s a shame he ended up with this girl. He could have chosen better.”
The harsh words wounded Alina deeply. Clenching her fists to control herself, she watched Anton laugh with friends, seemingly oblivious.
“Your father’s right,” Nina Petrovna added. “Antosha deserves someone better.”
Tears gathered in Alina’s eyes. Surrounded by those who saw her as a stranger, she felt isolated.
Time passed quickly until an unexpected phone call turned Alina’s world upside down. Answering an unknown number, she heard:
“This is the Petrov notary office. Are you Alina Sergeevna Volkova?”
“Yes,” she responded, sitting down in surprise.
“You have an inheritance: your grandmother, Ekaterina Mikhailovna, bequeathed you a three-room apartment in the city center.”
Speechless, Alina struggled to absorb the news.
“Are you certain?” she asked.
“Absolutely. The apartment’s worth is ten million rubles. Please visit tomorrow to finalize the documents.”
Anton entered then.
“What’s wrong? You look pale.”
“Grandma left me a three-room apartment downtown,” Alina whispered.
Anton’s eyes lit up. “Really? Now we can finally have our own place! That’s amazing, Alina!”
Though excited, Alina was still coming to terms with the revelation.
During the next week, amidst paperwork and discussions, Anton returned from work one day and asked:
“Are the documents ready?”
“Almost,” Alina replied, setting the papers aside. “We only need to complete the title registration.”
He embraced her and kissed her temple. “Can you believe our luck? A three-room apartment right in the city center! We must tell my parents.”
Alina hesitated, the thought of their reaction stirring mixed emotions.
“Do you think we should?” she inquired.
“Definitely!” Anton smiled. “Let’s invite them for dinner tonight and share the news properly.”
As hope stirred within, Alina wondered if the inheritance could soften her in-laws’ attitude.
That evening, at their cozy home, Viktor Ivanovich and Nina Petrovna settled on their sofa. Anton announced his wife’s inheritance solemnly.
“Ten million rubles! What a valuable asset you’ve received!” Nina Petrovna exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. Suddenly, she stood and embraced Alina warmly—an unexpected gesture of kindness.
“Our clever girl,” she said, gently patting Alina’s back. “Indeed, a fortunate one.”
Viktor Ivanovich, clearing his throat, donned a serious demeanor. “While this is wonderful news, managing such wealth requires experienced guidance. Real estate demands careful handling.”
Alina listened attentively, with Anton sitting next to his parents.
“What exactly do you mean, Viktor Ivanovich?” she asked cautiously.
“I specialize in this field,” he explained, adjusting his glasses. “I’m well-acquainted with the intricacies of the property market. Reliable advice will be essential.”
Alina felt joy at this sudden warmth. Nina Petrovna stayed close, praising her intelligence and fortune.
Days later, the family toured the inherited apartment. With spacious rooms, high ceilings, and gleaming parquet floors, the flat impressed everyone.
“Such a fantastic layout!” Nina Petrovna exclaimed as she wandered through the rooms. “And the location is prestigious—right in the city center!”
Viktor Ivanovich scrutinized every corner, jotting notes.
“At today’s market, this property will only appreciate,” he proclaimed confidently. “It’s an excellent investment.”
Alina stood near the large living room window, admiring the bustling city square outside. Nina Petrovna approached.
“You know, Alinochka,” her mother-in-law mused, “wouldn’t it be wonderful if our whole family lived together? Closer, more connected.”
Confused, Alina asked, “What do you mean?”
“This apartment is quite large,” Nina Petrovna gestured around. “For a young couple without children, it’s almost too grand.”
Alina’s suspicion grew but she remained silent. Meanwhile, Anton and Viktor Ivanovich discussed the apartment’s technical aspects nearby.
In the following days, the in-laws’ visits increased, bringing frequent discussions about what to do with the apartment. Every evening brought fresh suggestions.
Once more, the whole family gathered in the kitchen. Viktor Ivanovich sat solemnly at the table.
“I’ve given this much thought,” he began formally. “A three-room apartment is too large for a young couple without children.”
Nina Petrovna nodded with emphasis.
“That’s true,” she stated. “For us, such a spacious home right in the center would be ideal. We are not getting any younger.”
Anxiety constricted Alina’s chest as she realized the conversation was heading where she feared.
“Besides,” Viktor Ivanovich added, “big apartments traditionally belong to the elders in the family.”
“But it’s my inheritance,” Alina timidly objected.
Her father-in-law turned sharply toward her, eyes stern.
“You are our daughter-in-law,” he asserted. “That means this apartment belongs to us as well.”
Frozen, Alina understood their real intentions: they aimed to seize her inheritance.
On the bus ride home, Alina remained quiet, gazing outside. Anton attempted conversations but received only brief answers. The tension between them grew with each stop.
Once inside their small rented apartment, Alina confronted her husband.
“Anton, I need your clear stance after what your father said.”
He shrugged uncomfortably and headed into the kitchen.
“Alina, why be so harsh?” he pleaded. “My parents only want what’s best; they want to help.”
“Help?” Alina followed him. “They want to take my apartment!”
Anton drank water slowly. “Maybe they have a point. They possess more experience and understand better how to manage such property.”
Alina had reached her limit.
“Anton, I have to tell you something,” she began. “Your parents have humiliated me constantly throughout our marriage.”
“Alina, that’s an exaggeration,” he said, waving her off. “Mom can be strict, but it’s out of concern.”
“Strict?” Alina’s voice rose. “She criticized every step and small detail! And your father said you deserved someone better!”
Anton shook his head in disbelief. “That’s not true. You’re overreacting.”
Determined, Alina visited a law office the next day. A middle-aged attorney listened carefully.
“Your ownership rights are unequivocal,” the lawyer explained. “The apartment belongs solely to you according to the will.”
“What if my relatives insist on claiming it?” Alina asked.
“No one can forcibly take or make you sell your property,” the lawyer assured. “Any coercion from them is illegal.”
She warned Alina about potential manipulations and provided a strategy to protect her interests.
That evening, when Anton’s parents arrived, Viktor Ivanovich dove right into the matter.
“So, Alina, have you considered our proposal?” he asked as he sat down.
“My decision is final,” Alina responded calmly. “The apartment remains mine.”
Breaking down in tears, Nina Petrovna embraced herself. “How ungrateful!” she sobbed. “We took such good care of you!”
“Selfish girl!” Viktor Ivanovich shouted. “We accepted you as our own daughter!”
Anton paced uncertainly, unsure where to stand.
“Alina, maybe we can compromise?” he suggested.
“Anton, make a choice! Either your wife gives us the apartment or you divorce this snake!” Nina Petrovna snapped.
“We don’t want such a daughter-in-law,” his father added.
Silent for a long time, Anton finally looked at his wife. “Maybe my mother is right,” he said quietly.
That marked the end.
When the in-laws left, Alina began packing her belongings. Anton sat on the couch, speechless.
“Alina, you’re destroying the family,” he accused. “Can’t you compromise to keep peace?”
“What peace?” Alina replied, folding her last blouse. “The one where I’m belittled and used?”
“Then we’ll get a divorce. You’ll be alone!” he said coldly.
Zipping her bag, Alina left. Shortly after, she stood in the spacious living room of her inherited apartment. The high ceilings, parquet floors, and large windows symbolized her independence.
Anton remained in their rented one-room flat. Alina embraced her new home, feeling certain she’d made the right choice. She had finally learned to stand up for herself, even though it cost her marriage.
Key Insight: Sometimes, standing firm on one’s rights demands great sacrifice, yet it’s essential for one’s dignity and self-respect.
In conclusion, Alina’s experience highlights how family dynamics can complicate inherited wealth. Despite years of criticism and attempts to undermine her, inheriting the apartment empowered her to assert control over her life. While painful, severing ties with unsupportive family members sometimes becomes necessary. Her story exemplifies the courage needed to prioritize personal boundaries and self-worth above all else.