Gennady’s decision to marry Lena had not been an easy one for his parents to accept. They had raised him in luxury, surrounded by the best doctors, money, and status. So when he announced his decision to marry a simple girl with no wealth or social standing, they were far from thrilled.
“Are you sure about this, Gena?” his mother asked again, her voice trembling with concern. “I don’t want you to make a mistake.”
Gennady sighed, his patience wearing thin. “I understand your concerns, Mom, but Lena and I are in love. She’s not after my money. We’ve been through a lot together. You don’t know her like I do.”
His father, Alexander, remained silent as he flicked through his newspaper, but Gennady could sense his father’s disapproval. Over the years, Alexander had become resigned to Anna’s constant interference, knowing that it was futile to argue. Gennady had always felt that his mother was more concerned with the family’s image than his well-being.
“Why do you keep acting like you know what’s best for me?” Gennady asked, his voice shaking with a mix of exhaustion and frustration. “I’m a grown man. I’ll be happy, and that’s what matters.”
Anna’s eyes widened, a mixture of anger and hurt flashing across her face. “But Gena, you’re a wealthy man. What will happen to your legacy, your inheritance? This girl—she doesn’t care about you the way we do. She’s just using you.”
Gennady felt his resolve weaken as he glanced at his father, who offered only a faint, noncommittal shrug. “Don’t you want me to be happy, Mom? Or is it just about status for you?”
The words stung more than he expected, and Anna’s face fell, the fight leaving her as quickly as it came. Alexander, sensing the tension in the room, spoke up in his calm, measured tone.
“Anya, he’s an adult. Let him make his own choices. Perhaps Lena will bring him the peace he’s been seeking. We can’t control everything.”
But Anna wasn’t ready to let it go. “What’s going to happen when he gets sick again? You think she’ll stay? She won’t, Sasha. She’ll run just like all the others.”
Gennady turned away from his parents, his heart heavy. He had never wanted to disappoint them, but he had made his decision. He couldn’t live his life for them anymore. He wanted to find happiness on his own terms.