— Masha, look what I brought you! — Andrey burst into the house carrying a huge bouquet of peonies and an elegant vase.
I put my laptop aside and gave a weak smile. Three years ago, he brought flowers every Friday — just as joyful, as if it wasn’t just an ordinary weekday, but a celebration. True, back then the peonies were more modest, and his smile was wider.
— Beautiful vase, — I nodded, accepting the flowers. — Thank you.
— Why are you so indifferent? Did something happen?
— No, everything’s fine. Just tired.
Andrey came up behind me and started gently massaging my shoulders. His hands were warm, his movements familiar. Once, those touches would make me freeze with excitement. Now — just pleasant.
— By the way, Seryoga called. He and Lenka are going to a restaurant, inviting us.
— Andrey, I have an important deadline tomorrow. I told you.
— So what? You can work later. Or get up earlier tomorrow.
I turned around. Irritation flickered in his eyes — the kind that had started appearing more often.
— I can’t. The project is too important.
— More important than me?
The words hung in the air. Before, I would have rushed to explain that I loved him, that it wasn’t about him, that everything would be fine… But now I just sighed wearily.
— Go alone. Say hi to Seryoga for me.
— You know what? — He stepped back a step, his voice sharper. — I’m tired of this. I try, buy flowers, invite you out, and you’re always with that laptop. So maybe now you can feed us?
— Andrey…
— No, listen. I’ve given five years to this job. Five! And no promotion. The young ones are moving up, and I’m stuck in the same place. Maybe I should change something too?
Something tightened inside me. Not pain, not heartbreak — more like tension before a decisive leap.
— What do you mean?
— Nothing. Just thinking. Kolyán from the neighboring department quit a month ago. He says he’s resting, his wife supports them. They live fine.
— He just got divorced recently.
— So what? It’s definitely not about money.
I put the vase on the table and started straightening the petals. The flowers really were beautiful — snow-white with a pink edge. Probably expensive.
— Go to the restaurant, — I said without looking at him. — Relax. I’m really busy.
— As usual, — Andrey muttered, but without anger — only tiredness. — Okay. Don’t wait for me early.
The door slammed. I returned to my laptop, but the letters blurred before my eyes. His words kept spinning in my head: about Kolyan, about quitting, about the wife who earns money.
The spring inside me compressed even more.
— I quit, — Andrey said, standing in the kitchen holding a bottle of water.
Almost two months had passed since that evening. During that time, he hinted several times that he would leave, complained about the boss, compared himself to others. But when it happened, I still wasn’t ready.
— What? — I almost dropped my cup.
— Well, you heard. I’m tired of it. Let them deal with their problems now.
— Andrey, we haven’t even discussed this! We have a mortgage, a car loan…
— Then you pay. Temporarily. I worked all those years while you developed yourself. Now it’s my turn.
I looked at him, not recognizing him. Where was the guy who used to dream of his own business? Who was passionate about ideas?
— And what will you do?
— Rest first. Need to recover after all this. Then we’ll see.
The first week he really rested. Slept till noon, watched series, met friends. I came home from work — he was lying on the couch.
— Masha, what to eat? — he called from the room.
— Check the fridge, I’m still working.
— Okay, finish up. Cook something, I’m hungry.
Second week. The apartment was a mess: dirty dishes, crumbs on the floor, socks everywhere.
— Andrey, maybe you should clean a bit? You’re home all day.
— I’m resting. Don’t bother me.
Third week. Bills piled up, my salary barely covered them.
— Give me money, I want to go to the bar with the guys.
— Andrey, mortgage payment is tomorrow.
— So what? You’ll get more. You have a new project, there should be a bonus.
— The bonus is only in a month.
— Masha, don’t be stingy. I worked hard, I deserve it.
A month. I took extra orders, worked late. Andrey demanded more and more.
— Why is there only three thousand on the card? — he showed my phone.
— The rest went to payments.
— And me? You left me nothing?
— Maybe you should start looking for a job?
Then he exploded. His face reddened, neck tensed, eyes filled with anger.
— You work and give me all the money, and I lie on the couch — he snarled at me. — That’s how it should be! I worked hard for years, now it’s your turn! Got it?
I recoiled. In his gaze was such a sense of justice, such inner calm in his righteousness, it was frightening.
— This is unfair…
— Unfair? — he stepped toward me. — And what about me breaking my back for five years while you were studying your courses — is that fair? What about me paying for your trainings?
— I worked too! And the courses were in the evenings!
— What difference does it make! You owe me. And you will pay. If you don’t like it — you can leave. Just remember: the apartment will stay mine.
— Our apartment. We bought it together.
— We’ll see what the court says. I have no income now, but you do. Who do you think will be right?
He smirked and left. I stood by the table, gripping its edge. How did this happen? How could the man I loved turn into this?
The phone vibrated. A message from Lena:
“Meet tomorrow? Haven’t seen you in a long time.”
I typed the reply with trembling fingers:
“Yes. Definitely.”
— Masha, you’ve lost weight, — Lena looked at me across the cafe table.
Olya and Katya, my university friends, sat nearby. We hadn’t seen each other for almost three months — since Andrey started controlling every outing.
— Lots of work, — I tried to smile.
— Lies, — Katya said shortly. — What’s going on?
And I told them everything. About his quitting, about his demands for money, about threats. The words poured out like from a bucket, and my friends grew darker with each minute.
— Wait, — Olya raised her hand. — Did he really say you have to support him?
— He says he worked for so many years… — I whispered.
— Masha, that’s nonsense! — Lena slammed her palm on the table. — He’s manipulating you!
— I know, but… Maybe he really is tired? Maybe he just needs rest?
— Rest? — Katya snorted. — Lying on the couch for three months isn’t rest, it’s parasitism.
— Girls, you don’t understand. He wasn’t like this before. Before…
— Before, he worked and hid his real self, — Olya said sharply. — Masha, it’s time to wake up. He’s using you.
I was silent. Inside, everything tightened at the realization of the truth.
— Do you have somewhere to stay? — Lena asked.
— What? No, I can’t just…
— Move in with me. I have a spare room.
— But the apartment… The mortgage…
— To hell with the mortgage, — Katya took out her phone. — I know a lawyer. We’ll help you with the paperwork. The main thing is to get away from him.
— I can’t just leave like that…
— You can, — Olya took my hand. — Masha, can’t you see what’s happening? Today he demands money, tomorrow he’ll demand more. This won’t end well.
I came home late. Andrey was lying on the couch, empty beer cans scattered around. A game flickered on the screen.
Quietly going to the bedroom, I started packing. Only the essentials: documents, a couple of clothes, laptop. Hands trembled, but inside my resolve grew stronger.
— Where are you going? — Andrey asked from the doorway.
— I’m leaving.
— What? — he rubbed his eyes. — Masha, what’s wrong?
— I’m leaving, Andrey. Forever.
— Because of money? Come on, I was just joking.
— No. Not because of money. Because you’ve changed. You’re not the person I once loved.
He stepped forward.
— You’re not going anywhere. You have to stay. You owe me.
— I don’t owe you anything, — I zipped my bag. — Goodbye.
— Masha, wait! What about me?
I looked back from the doorway.
— You’ll manage somehow. You’re a man.
When I left the building, I called Lena:
“Coming to you.”
“Good for you! Waiting.”
Three months later, I sat in my new apartment. Small, but mine. On the table — laptop, next to it — a cup of hot tea. Ordinary, but warm.
The phone rang. A message from an unknown number:
“Hi, it’s Maxim from the coworking space. Remember we talked about the project yesterday? Want to have lunch together today?”
I smiled. For the first time in a long time — sincerely and brightly.
“With pleasure,” I typed.
The sun shone outside. A new day. A new life. My life.
Five years later
— Mom, look, I drew a sun! — Liza ran to me with a sheet of paper.
— Very beautiful, sweetie, — I knelt, hugging her. — And who is this here?
— That’s us! You, me, and dad!
Maxim appeared in the kitchen, drying his hands with a towel.
— Someone mentioned dad? — he lifted Liza up. — What a drawing! Is that me with so much hair?
— Yes! — laughed my daughter. — Your head looks like a hedgehog!
I smiled, watching them. Five years. A whole five years since I left the old life with just one bag.
Now I had a real family — a loving husband, a wonderful daughter, a cozy home in the suburbs.
— Masha, I’ll go to the store. What should I buy for dinner?
— Let’s make macaroni and cheese — Liza’s favorite.
— Great. I’ll pick up Alisa from dance class too, Katya asked me.
Alisa is Katya’s daughter, Liza’s best friend. We often helped each other with the kids.
The door closed. Liza ran back to drawing, and I returned to work. My own agency needed attention, but now I could balance work and family.
Suddenly, the phone vibrated. Unknown number.
— Hello?
— Masha? It’s… Andrey.
Everything froze inside. A voice from the past I hoped never to hear again.
— What do you want?
— I… can we meet? I need to talk.
— We have nothing to talk about.
— Please, just fifteen minutes. In a public place.
I looked at Liza’s drawing on the table. A happy family under a bright sun.
— No, Andrey. Goodbye.
— Wait! I’ve changed. I’m working now. I understand a lot…
I hung up and blocked the number. My heart was pounding, hands slightly trembling. Five years of peaceful life — and here he was again.
— Mommy, why are you sad? — Liza hugged my leg.
— It’s okay, sunshine. Just thinking.
— And dad soon?
— Soon, dear. Let’s watch cartoons?
Later that evening, I told Maxim about the call. He listened carefully, then hugged me:
— Don’t worry. If he pushes, we’ll handle it.
— He said he’s in debt. Big debt.
— That’s his problem. We have security here — cameras, guards. Won’t let him near.
I nodded, but anxiety didn’t fade. I knew Andrey: if he showed up — he wouldn’t leave just like that.
The next day he called the work number.
— How did you find this phone?
— You have a website. Masha, listen. I’m really bad. Collectors are threatening me.
— Go to the police.
— What police! I just need a hundred thousand. On loan. I promise to return.
— Goodbye, Andrey.
But he didn’t give up. He messaged in messengers, emails, even tried to contact through fake accounts.
— Mom, who’s that man? — Liza tugged my hand.
We just left kindergarten. Andrey stood by the gate — thinner, balding, in a wrinkled jacket. The confident man I knew was gone without a trace.
— Nobody, sunshine. Let’s go quickly.
— Masha, wait! — he ran after us. — Just listen!
I picked up Liza and quickened my pace. My heart was pounding.
— Masha, I see you have everything good. House, car, business. Can’t you help? I helped you once!
I turned sharply.
— Helped? Are you serious?
— Yeah! Paid for the apartment while you were studying…
— I paid too! And worked just as much!
Liza pressed to me scared. I took a deep breath.
— Go away, Andrey. Or I call the police.
— For what? I just want to talk!
— For stalking. I have all your messages.
He stepped back, but his eyes flashed with familiar anger.
— Oh really? Okay. I wanted to be nice. But you know — I get what I want.
In the evening, we gathered at home — Lena with her husband, Katya, Olya. The old guard assembled.
— We need to file a complaint, — Katya said. — The lawyer will help.
— Warn the kindergarten teachers not to let him in, — Olya added.
— I’ll talk to him, — Maxim said, clenching his fists.
— No, — I shook my head. — Don’t. You’ll only provoke him.
— What does he want anyway? — Lena asked. — Money?
— He says a hundred thousand. But it’s not about money. He sees my life is successful, and that annoys him.
The next day Andrey came to the office.
— Employees won’t let you in, — I said through the intercom.
— Then I’ll stand here all day. I’ll scare clients away.
I had to come out. Volodya, our security guard, stood nearby — Maxim had warned him.
— Five minutes, — I said.
— Masha, why are you like a stranger? We lived together for so many years. Isn’t there anything left?
— No, Andrey. There’s nothing left between us.
— Remember how I bought you peonies? Every Friday?
— I remember. And how for three months after that you did nothing, just demanded money.
His face twitched.
— I was depressed!
— That’s called lying on the couch and squeezing everything out of me.
— You left me at the hardest moment!
— I saved myself. And never regretted it once.
— You’re cruel, Masha. Sooner or later life will punish you.
— Is that a threat?
— Just a fact. Karma, you know?
I silently turned and walked to the office. Behind me, he still shouted something, but I didn’t listen anymore.
A couple of days later, Andrey’s mother called me.
— Mashenka, dear, help! Andryusha is falling apart. Huge debts… Some collectors…
— Elena Petrovna, we divorced a long time ago.
— I know, I know… But you’re a good girl. You have everything now, and he…
— He’s a grown man. Let him work and pay his debts himself.
— He’s working! Just can’t keep up! Won’t you help a little?
— Sorry, Elena Petrovna. I can’t.
After hanging up, I felt tired. The past was trying to come back, grabbing the edge of my new life.
— Mom, why is that man standing by our house again? — Liza pointed to the window.
Maxim came to the glass. Indeed, Andrey was lurking behind the gate. The third day in a row.
— Enough, — he said, taking out his phone. — I’ll call the police now.
— Wait, — I stopped him. — I have to do it myself.
— Masha, no!
— This is my past. I need to put a period.
I went outside. Andrey immediately brightened and ran to the fence.
— Masha! I knew you’d come out!
— Last conversation, Andrey. After this, I’ll file a police report.
— Again with the police! I just want to talk!
— You’re stalking my family. Scaring my child.
— Your child? — he grimaced. — Could have been ours. If you hadn’t run away.
— I didn’t run away. I left a man who wanted to live off me.
— Parasite? — his voice trembled. — I worked for five years, for what?!
— And what gave you the right to become a domestic tyrant? To demand the whole salary for yourself?
— I was depressed!
— No, Andrey. You were lazy, proud, and greedy. Thought I would endure forever.
Behind me the door slammed. I turned — Lena, Katya, and Olya. They came as soon as Maxim warned them.
— Oh, your friends, — Andrey sneered. — A nest of vipers.
— Thanks to them, I realized I deserve better, — I answered calmly.
— Better? — he pointed to the house. — This was supposed to be mine!
— No, Andrey. I built this. Myself. With my own hands and work.
— With my money!
I laughed.
— Your money? You lay around for three months doing nothing! What money?
— I worked before that!
— So what? I worked too. Always. Even when you demanded I quit everything for you.
Katya stepped forward.
— Andrey, leave. Nicely.
— Or what? — he grabbed the gate. — Will you beat me, four of you?
— No, — Olya replied calmly, taking out her phone. — Everything you said is already recorded. Enough for a complaint.
Andrey’s face turned pale.
— What threats? I’m just…
— “Life will punish you,” “I get what I want,” — Lena quoted. — Want me to continue?
He stepped back from the gate.
— You… All of you are against me. Conspired.
— No, — I shook my head. — We just support each other. You’ll never understand that.
Maxim came out of the house, next to Volodya, our guard.
— Problems? — my husband asked.
— No, — I smiled. — Andrey is leaving. Forever.
Andrey looked at us, at the men, at the house. Many feelings flashed in his eyes — anger, envy, resentment, fear.
— You’ll regret it, — he threw at us one last time. — Someday you’ll definitely regret it.
— The only thing I regret — is wasting three years of my life on you.
He sharply turned and walked away. His figure got smaller and smaller until it disappeared around the corner.
— Is that all? — Liza asked from the window. — Won’t uncle come anymore?
— He won’t come, sunshine. I promise.
In the evening we all gathered together — my family and my friends. The very people who helped me start a new life five years ago.
— To us, — Katya raised her glass. — For being there for each other.
— And for, — I added, looking at Maxim and Liza, — the fact that some lessons have to be learned to understand the value of true happiness.
Andrey never appeared again. Where he is now — I don’t know. Maybe he started a new life. Maybe he found a new victim. I’m not interested anymore.
My story — is not about him. It’s about how it’s never too late to leave. About people who won’t let you fall. About happiness being possible.
And also about how some doors need to be closed once and for all. Without regrets.