“Why do you need such an expensive apartment?” demanded my mother-in-law
Polina brushed her hand across the smooth surface of the kitchen granite. Her two-bedroom apartment in a prestigious neighborhood was her pride. Panoramic windows revealed a park view. Light-colored walls and expensive furniture — all a result of her efforts.
“I finally have a home of my own,” she whispered, captivated by the sunset outside her window.
At thirty-one, Polina could afford this. Her divorce three years ago had nearly broken her. The betrayal by her first husband left deep wounds. But she didn’t give up. A financial analyst at a major company — it was a job she was proud of. Her income let her live comfortably.
A month after she bought the apartment, fate brought an unexpected gift. The corporate event promised to be dull. Polina planned to leave early, but then he showed up.
“Excuse me, can you tell me where I can get some coffee around here?” a tall man asked her.
Andrey turned out to be an engineer from the neighboring office. Dark hair, kind eyes, a sincere smile. He didn’t try to impress with expensive watches or cars. He was just himself.
“Do you work far from here?” he asked.
“In the same business center,” Polina replied with a smile. “Amazing we haven’t met before.”
“I guess I haven’t been paying attention,” Andrey laughed.
The conversation flowed easily. He admired her career and asked questions about her work. There was none of that typical condescension towards a successful woman.
“How did you get to be so good with finance?” he asked, genuinely interested.
“Math was my favorite subject in school,” Polina admitted. “And then I just didn’t stop pursuing what I loved.”
“This is amazing,” Andrey shook his head. “I could never handle so much responsibility.”
Six months flew by in a blink. They met every weekend. Andrey admired her independence, intelligence, and strong character. For the first time in ages, Polina truly relaxed around him.
“Polya, you’re an incredible woman,” he would say, wrapping her in his arms as they sat together on her living room couch.
“Don’t exaggerate,” she would reply, waving him off.
“No, really. You’ve built your career, bought your own place. Plenty of men don’t manage that.”
They decided to move in together. Andrey had been renting a small studio, so he moved into Polina’s apartment. The place became their shared home.
The proposal happened on the rooftop of her building. A starry night, with the city lights twinkling below.
“Polya, I want to spend my whole life with you,” Andrey said, dropping down on one knee.
“Andryusha, of course yes!” she exclaimed, tears of joy in her eyes.
The wedding was simple. Just a close circle of friends, a plain white dress, and a bouquet of wildflowers. Polina didn’t want a flashy affair. What mattered most was that they were together.
The first visit from her mother-in-law was a true test. Tamara Ivanovna slowly walked around the apartment, inspecting every detail closely.
“Very… modern,” she commented, gazing at the kitchen cabinets.
“Mom, do you like it?” Andrey asked.
“Of course, son. It’s just unfamiliar,” Tamara Ivanovna replied with a strained smile.
She paused by the huge TV mounted on the wall.
“Why do you need something that big?” the mother-in-law wondered.
“Andrey and I love watching movies,” Polina explained.
“I see,” Tamara Ivanovna nodded, but there was a hint of disapproval in her voice.
In the bedroom, the mother-in-law lingered by an expensive dresser.
“That must have cost a lot?” she couldn’t help but ask.
“Mom, why are you asking things like that?” Andrey said awkwardly.
“Just curious how young people live these days,” Tamara Ivanovna deflected.
Conversation over dinner was awkward. The mother-in-law was clearly uneasy in the unfamiliar setting.
“Where do you work, Polina?” she asked.
“I’m a financial analyst at Alpha Consulting,” Polina replied.
“Wow, sounds impressive,” Tamara Ivanovna said slowly. “Do they pay well?”
“Mom,” Andrey warned her.
“What do you mean, ‘Mom’? I’m just asking,” the mother-in-law said, offended.
A year of married life brought mixed feelings. Andrey was the perfect husband—attentive, caring, and understanding. He supported her career ambitions and was proud of her achievements.
“Polya, you actually got that promotion!” he rejoiced. “I’m so proud of you!”
“I couldn’t have managed it without your support,” Polina smiled at him gratefully.
But Tamara Ivanovna was becoming a constant source of tension. Her visits became more frequent, and her comments increasingly sharp.
“Andryusha, darling, isn’t it time you thought about getting your own place?” she said during yet another Sunday lunch.
“Mom, we’ve talked about this. We’re happy here,” her son replied.
“Of course this is nice. But everyone needs their own space,” Tamara Ivanovna said, pursing her lips.
Polina clenched her teeth, doing her best not to react to the jabs.
“Mom, we’re a family. We share everything,” Andrey would interject.
“Yes, yes, everything is ‘shared’. Especially Polina’s salary,” her mother-in-law remarked sarcastically.
The difference in their incomes was a sore spot for Tamara Ivanovna. She and her husband rented a shabby one-bedroom apartment on the outskirts. Polina earned several times more than Andrey.
“So, how much do you make, dear?” her mother-in-law asked bluntly during one visit.
“Mom, that’s a bit too direct,” Andrey blushed.
“Why is it inappropriate? We’re family, aren’t we? Or do you keep secrets from each other?” Tamara Ivanovna persisted.
Polina named the amount. Her mother-in-law’s face fell.
“Wow. And Andryusha makes three times less,” she drawled.
“A salary doesn’t determine a person’s worth,” Polina replied calmly.
“Of course, of course. It’s just… unusual for a wife to earn more than her husband,” Tamara Ivanovna shook her head.
After she left, Andrey apologized for his mother.
“Polya, just ignore her. She’s just worried about me,” he said.
“I understand, Andrey. But her hints make me uncomfortable,” Polina admitted.
“She’ll get used to it. Give her some time,” her husband tried to reassure her.
But as time passed, things only got worse. Tamara Ivanovna kept finding new ways to express her dissatisfaction with her daughter-in-law’s success.
“Polya, why do you have such expensive dishes?” she’d ask, eyeing the porcelain plates. “Andrey’s father and I have always used simple ones.”
“It’s a gift from my colleagues for the wedding,” Polina explained.
“Oh right, you have wealthy colleagues,” her mother-in-law replied with a sour smile. “Not like us regular engineers.”
Every visit became a test. Tamara Ivanovna criticized everything—from the choice of curtains to the brand of coffee.
“Why buy such expensive coffee?” she protested. “Instant coffee is just as good.”
“Mom, Polya likes good coffee,” Andrey defended his wife.
“Likes it… but saving money, not so much,” his mother grumbled.
Sunday family dinner passed in the usual tense atmosphere. Tamara Ivanovna, as always, found reasons to be displeased.
“The neighbors have a smaller apartment, but it’s so cozy!” she said, glancing around the living room.
“To each their own,” Polina replied diplomatically.
The phone rang. The name of the car dealer appeared on the screen.
“Excuse me, this is an important call,” Polina said, getting up from the table.
She walked into the bedroom and closed the door. The dealership manager was ready to talk details about the purchase.
“Good evening! We’re ready to arrange the car loan,” he said cheerfully.
“Great! What conditions can you offer?” Polina asked.
“The down payment will be seven hundred thousand rubles. The rest can be paid off over two years.”
“Seven hundred thousand? That works for me. When can I pick up the car?”
“The car will be ready for pickup in a week. Metallic color, just as you requested.”
Polina smiled, imagining herself behind the wheel of the brand-new car. She had dreamed of upgrading for a while now.
“Fantastic! I’ll come by tomorrow to sign the papers,” she said happily.
“We’ll be waiting for you at ten in the morning. Please bring your passport and proof of income.”
“Of course, I understand. Goodbye!”
Ending the call, Polina turned around. In the doorway stood Tamara Ivanovna, her face flushed with indignation, her eyes burning with fury.
“What does this mean?” the elderly woman asked coldly.
“What are you talking about?” Polina replied, clearly caught off guard.
“A new car! Seven hundred thousand as the first payment!” her mother-in-law nearly shouted. “Are you out of your mind?”
Polina realized that Tamara Ivanovna had listened in on the entire conversation. The audacity was shocking.
“This is my personal business,” she replied in a controlled tone.
“Personal?” her mother-in-law screeched. “What about the family? What about the needs of your loved ones?”
They walked into the living room, where a confused Andrey was waiting for them.
“What’s going on?” he asked anxiously.
“Your wife is buying a car!” his mother shouted. “Instead of helping the family!”
“Mom, calm down,” her son tried to reason with her.
“How can I calm down?” Tamara Ivanovna was so angry she could barely breathe. “Your father and I are living in a rented apartment! And she’s spending money on a car!”
“I don’t owe anyone anything,” Polina said firmly.
“Don’t owe?” her mother-in-law moved closer. “What about your conscience? What about family ties?”
“What ties? You’re always criticizing my way of life!”
“Because it’s wrong! Selfish!” Tamara Ivanovna screamed.
Andrey was running back and forth between the women, not knowing whom to support.
“Ladies, let’s try to discuss this calmly,” he pleaded.
“And why do you need such an expensive place to live? So you can flaunt your wealth in our faces?” his mother shouted, reaching her breaking point. “Buy a more modest apartment and give us the difference!”
Polina froze. She felt a cold wave of outrage and hurt inside. There it was—the true face of Tamara Ivanovna.
“You want me to sell my apartment?” she repeated slowly.
“What’s so strange about that?” her mother-in-law shot back. “Young people can live in a one-bedroom. We need help!”
“Mom, what are you saying?” Andrey gasped.
“I’m telling the truth!” Tamara Ivanovna stood her ground. “It’s time to think about your elders!”
Polina tried to explain her position.
“I worked for years to buy this apartment. Nobody has the right to dictate to me what to do.”
“Dictate?” her mother-in-law exclaimed. “I’m asking for justice!”
“Justice?” Polina couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You’re able to handle your own problems!”
“We’re pensioners! We don’t have that kind of income!” Tamara Ivanovna screamed.
“That’s not my problem!” Polina retorted sharply. “I’m not obligated to support grown adults!”
“Heartless!” her mother-in-law blurted out. “Soulless career woman!”
Andrey tried to calm them both down, but every attempt to make peace only made things worse.
“Andrey,” Polina turned to her husband, “Do you hear what your mother is saying?”
“Polya, she’s just upset,” Andrey mumbled.
“Upset? She’s demanding I sell my apartment!”
“Mom didn’t mean it that way,” her husband tried to justify.
Polina felt her world collapsing. Her husband wasn’t ready to stand up for his wife.
“Andrey, I’m giving you an ultimatum,” she said resolutely. “Either you protect me from your mother’s attacks, or our marriage is over.”
Andrey turned pale. He was silent for several agonizing minutes, wrestling with his inner conflict.
“Polya, I can’t abandon my mother,” he finally said quietly.
“I see,” Polina nodded. “The choice is made.”
Their life together ended then and there. There was no longer any point in trying to prove or explain anything.
The divorce happened almost separately from Polina’s life. She hired a lawyer to represent her in court, then took off on vacation to Bali—a resort her almost-former mother-in-law would definitely have hated. But now, there was no one around to nag her about spending too much. Polina was finally enjoying the life she’d earned for herself.