Alevtina stood in the doorway watching her husband primp in front of the mirror.
“Well, my beauty, how do you like my look?”
“Everything is excellent, really good.”
Mikhail turned to her sideways, adjusting his tie.
“Of course, I always look impeccable. You know that as well as I do.”
“Of course,” she repeated, barely smiling. “By the way, will you stay for dinner?”
“How could I not! I’m famished.”
Alevtina headed to the kitchen to get hot meatballs and a fresh salad from the fridge. She used to enjoy watching Mikhail devour everything in sight. Even his clumsiness—spilled soup or crumbs scattered across the table—seemed endearing. But now, those moments no longer made her smile.
“Why aren’t you eating?” he asked, noticing her detachment.
“I’m not really hungry.”
“Perhaps that’s for the best. You should think about your figure. A leader should have a perfect family. And such a wife…” he grimaced, “is no longer an adornment.”
Alevtina lowered her eyes, trying to hide the tremor in her hands.
“By the way,” Mikhail continued, chasing a meatball with a big gulp of water, “I’ll be going to the New Year’s Eve party alone.”
“But you promised that this year you’d definitely take me with you!”
“I’ll say you’re sick. Sorry, but it’s much easier for me to appear there without such a klutz as you.”
Holding back her emotions, Alevtina silently left the room. Thoughts swirled in her head. How could he call himself a boss when his team had only three people? And they were only there because they were friends. As for his looks—he should look in the mirror himself! Over the years, he’d not only grown fatter, but his face had become gruesomely unrecognizable.
Yet, she said nothing. She had long gotten used to Mikhail having the last word. Not because she agreed with him, but because he simply noticed no one but himself. Such people exist in life—incorrigible narcissists. Mikhail was a prime example. He sincerely believed in his uniqueness and exclusivity.
Approaching the window, Alevtina watched children playing in the yard. Sadness gripped her heart. She once dreamed of a big family, but Mikhail always found reasons to postpone it. A career rise here, financial difficulties there…
He expected her full support so he could focus on “hunting mammoths.” She left a good managerial position, sacrificing her career for their future together. But now, she realized: the only person who got everything he wanted was Mikhail. Career, home comfort—it all went to him, while she was left with monotonous household chores. No thanks, no recognition.
Now, Alevtina worked from home, editing texts. It was boring and monotonous, but at least it paid. She had learned to endure this peaceful, conflict-free routine.
Gradually, she realized that her avoidance of arguments with Mikhail led to how he treated her now. To him, she became just a convenient tool, a part of his life. Not a person, much less a loved woman.
She recently came across a novel about a woman’s fate. Reading it overnight, she was surprised to find herself in the heroine. She experienced the same events. Immersed in the book, Alevtina didn’t even notice the errors. The next morning, looking at her husband, she realized her idealized view of him had shattered. Now, the real Mikhail stood before her—self-satisfied, selfish, using her for his purposes.
He didn’t appreciate her sacrifices for the family, nor did he plan to give her what she wanted from the marriage. Worse, he started to reproach her for her “abnormal” job, even though it was he who insisted she leave her career to “keep the home.” That was the last straw.
Mikhail began to disgust her. His manners at the table seemed awkward, his sweaty palms irritated her, and his plain smile no longer brought joy. She once saw him as an ideal; now, his flaws were increasingly apparent.
When this realization hit, Alevtina wondered: how could she have been so wrong? She wasted her energy on someone who didn’t deserve it. All their savings went on his car, suits, accessories. He had to impress colleagues, while she didn’t even have a suitable dress for a corporate party. Life was slipping through her fingers.
Now, secretly from her husband, she had been looking for a job for a week. Today, she was preparing for an interview. At first, it brought joy, but soon fear arose: the new job was connected to Mikhail’s company. She knew their paths would cross eventually, but she was determined to move forward if accepted.
At the office, especially before the New Year holidays, there was always a special atmosphere. Mikhail immediately noticed the new employee—not just as a professional but as an object for his fantasies. He didn’t plan anything serious, as the usual arrangement with Alevtina fully satisfied him. However, his soul and body craved something new, bright emotions, and adventures.
He had already had short-term affairs, which he hardly took seriously. Alevtina always spent time at home, and her reaction to his adventures was predictable: she either didn’t know or preferred to remain silent. In any case, Mikhail was sure that if she found out, she would accept it with her usual patience. He believed she should appreciate his “presence” in her boring life.
When a colleague asked: “Mikha, are you going to the corporate party with your wife?” Mikhail glanced at the newcomer standing by the window and replied: “With my wife? To such events? I’m going there to relax, without unnecessary interference.” “But everyone usually goes with their partners. What about you?” “It’s complete absurdity. If she starts whining and begging, I’ll explain to her where her place is.”
Meanwhile, Alevtina knew nothing about her husband’s new interests. She successfully passed the interview and got the job. Although she had a lot of news, she decided there was no point in telling Mikhail—it would be too much honor for him.
The long-awaited evening of the corporate party arrived. Mikhail spent a long time trying on clothes in front of the mirror, while Alevtina watched him with cold indifference.
“Al, I think this shirt doesn’t fit very well.” “Nothing really suits your complexion. Maybe you should smoke less?”
Mikhail did not expect such a retort. He hoped for compliments, her usual delights, but instead, he received a sharp comment. She left the room without bothering to add anything else.
“You just don’t understand anything! You have absolutely no taste!” he flared up. “And it’s good that I’m not taking you with me. Imagine how you’d look there. So stay at home and make borscht. You know, after a good party, it’s always nice to eat it.”
Alevtina stood silently, watching his back. If Mikhail had paid attention, he would have noticed deep contempt in her eyes.
This evening had special significance: the management was to announce the name of the new department head. Mikhail was almost certain it would be him.
Guests gathered in the hall, forming small groups. Everyone discussed the possible candidate, making assumptions. Mikhail quickly found the newcomer among the guests. She stood alone, slightly bewildered, looking around.
“Good evening, may I keep you company?” he asked, offering her a glass of champagne.
“Oh, at least one familiar face. Where is everyone else?” she asked, accepting the glass.
Mikhail shrugged: “Why do you need everyone? After all, there’s me! May I invite you to dance?”
The woman shook her head and, frowning, walked away. But Mikhail just smiled—the refusal only spurred him on. His hunting instinct flared up with new force. He was sure they would definitely spend time together tonight. And when he became the boss, she would surely appreciate his company.
The celebration unfolded in full force. Mikhail, positioned not far from the main table, kept his eyes on that spot, imagining himself there as the future boss. He briefly surveyed colleagues with their partners: some looked impeccable, others as if they had just emerged from a home kitchen.
The music stopped, and everyone fell silent, awaiting the announcement of the new department head. This event excited the entire team—the position was not only prestigious but also highly paid.
“Dear colleagues! The moment for which we’ve all gathered has arrived. I know you’ve all been waiting for this moment with bated breath. Without further ado: before you is a wonderful professional, a person with deep knowledge and vast experience. Her ideas have already brought significant improvements to our company. We are incredibly pleased that such a talented individual has decided to join us. Please welcome your new leadership—Alevtina Sergeyevna Veselova! And let today be a celebration! Business can wait. Happy upcoming [New Year]!”
Mikhail didn’t even notice how he jumped to his feet along with everyone else. Guests were clinking glasses, and he was still frozen with a stunned look, staring at his wife. In her evening dress, she appeared completely different—so beautiful and confident that he barely recognized her.
“Mikha, this is a deception! You said you’d come alone, and now this?” he heard a displeased objection from a colleague.
Mikhail cast an angry glance and hurried to disappear. In the corridor, he waited for Alevtina.
“How dare you come here? I clearly said you should stay home!”
“Mikhail, you no longer have the right to forbid me anything. I’m tired of being your ‘obedient’ wife, and you were never a real husband. This game is over.”
“You think this scares me? Who are you to tell me anything?”
Before, his rudeness caused Alevtina pain, but now her gaze remained cold and indifferent.
“Misha, don’t make a scene. People might hear. In case you forgot, I’m now your boss. And who are you to talk to me in that tone? By the way, I filed for divorce. You always wanted freedom for your entertainments? Now you have such an opportunity. Good luck.”
Alevtina waved briefly, attracting someone’s attention. The very same new employee Mikhail planned to spend the evening with approached her. Together, they headed to the bar counter. He watched as everyone around enjoyed the party, and suddenly realized: his world was beginning to crumble before his eyes. What to do? Measures must be taken urgently.
Mikhail hurried to catch up with his wife. “If you really need a job, for God’s sake. But don’t forget about your household duties. To always have it ready and cleaned. And, of course, you shouldn’t take such high positions. You don’t have the necessary skills. Maybe you’ll find something simpler, like part-time?”
She kept silent, and Mikhail immediately felt a surge of confidence. Now he knew how to fix the situation. She would return home, again becoming the submissive and speechless wife she used to be. But Alevtina, looking at him with a chill in her voice, said: “Personal issues can be discussed later. For now, Mikhail, maintain subordination.”
After these words, he froze in place, then slowly turned around and headed to the exit. There was nothing more for him to do here. Later, sitting by the window, he waited for her return. When he saw that her boss brought her home, his heart sank—now it was truly over.