— Irina, we are getting divorced. Please be kind enough to move out of here by tomorrow.
— What? Anton, did I hear you right? Divorced?
— Yes.
— And why should I move out of my own apartment?
— Yours? You’re mistaken, baby. Here are the documents. Look: the sole owner is me.
Irina’s vision darkened. She had taken time off work today, came home early, and planned to surprise her husband on their wedding anniversary. She had prepared everything, ordered delivery… The guests would arrive in an hour. But it turned out she was the one being surprised — and not in a good way.
— Wait, I don’t understand anything. Is this a joke?
— No, it’s not a joke. I’ve made my decision, — Anton looked down on Irina with obvious superiority.
— What decision? — Irina still couldn’t grasp what Anton was saying.
— I’ll say it again: pack your things. You must not be here by morning. On Monday at noon we’ll meet at the registry office. I hope you won’t make a scene.
Irina stood in the kitchen with a mixer in her hands — she had just been whipping cream for dessert. The last remnants of good mood and anticipation for the guests melted away like cotton candy in water.
— Anton, what divorce? Is this a joke? We have our anniversary today! Friends will be here soon!
— Friends? — Anton frowned but then brightened up. — Great! Let’s show them we’re parting on good terms! But that doesn’t cancel the divorce. Don’t forget: you must be gone by morning.
An hour later, the apartment where they had happily lived for almost 10 years filled with the voices of friends. Warm words, bouquets, gifts — Irina accepted them gratefully, while Anton asked to save congratulations for the meal. When everyone settled, he made the first toast.
— I want to thank my wife Ira for 10 wonderful years of marriage. You know how much we have been through together, how difficult it was. We both had ups and downs, but we always knew we had each other, — guests applauded Anton, but he raised his hand and continued. — Today we celebrate the last anniversary: we decided to divorce. I thank Ira for always being my support and promise to keep a kind and tender attitude toward her.
The guests quieted down. Everyone looked at Irina. She barely held back tears, forced a warm smile, and gave a response toast.
— And thank you, Anton, for being a husband. I hope everything goes well for you.
The guests were silently surprised. Anton and Irina’s couple had indeed been considered ideal, so the news shocked friends as much as it had Irina just an hour and a half ago.
Soon Irina excused herself, citing a headache, went to the bedroom, and closed the door. So, what things did she need to pack? Clothes for a while, photos, laptop, cat carrier. What else? Dishes, furniture, blankets? No, that would be stingy. She couldn’t cut the blanket or mattress in half, or saw the wardrobe or TV apart.
— Well, Antoha, you’re something else! This is the first time I’m attending an anti-wedding party! And Ira actually agreed to hold it! — came Denis’s voice from the hallway, one of Anton and Irina’s friends.
— She’s my wonderful woman! — Anton declared with undisguised pride.
— I know, I introduced you. Still regret it, — Denis winked. — I’d like someone like her! My ex kept nagging — never enough money or attention…
— Then marry Ira already, she’s almost free! And you’re divorced.
The friends laughed. Denis’s laughter held a hint of envy, while Anton’s was full of self-confidence and pride at how cleverly he had pulled it off.
There were very few things to pack. The guests didn’t even notice when Irina got dressed and left the house with a bag and the carrier. A taxi was waiting downstairs.
Half an hour later, Ira sat in the kitchen at her mother, Valentina Ivanovna’s, house and cried.
— Ira, daughter, what happened? — Valentina Ivanovna hadn’t seen her daughter so unhappy for 25 years, since Irina’s father died.
— Mom, it was all a mistake. He proposed divorce. Said the apartment is his. And that I should get out.
— Who, Anton? — Valentina Ivanovna said, then immediately covered her mouth with her hand: her beloved son-in-law couldn’t have done that!
— Yes. I don’t know why.
— And what did you do?
— Packed and left.
— Daughter… — her mother shook her head.
Irina sat in her favorite armchair. The shocked cat immediately jumped onto her lap and pressed close, scared. She stroked the pet’s soft fur and recalled the brightest moments of her life.
Back in school, Irina began working. She found part-time jobs that paid immediately: handing out flyers, conducting surveys, summer weeding flowerbeds and neighbors’ garden plots. Valentina Ivanovna was delighted with her helpful daughter. Irina saved part of the earnings, gave part to her mother. Unknown to Irina, her mother also secretly saved money to help her daughter buy an apartment.
— Mommy! I got a budget place! — the schoolgirl Irina rejoiced.
— Which faculty have you chosen?
— Economics. Let money bring money!
— Exactly! I’m so glad you’ll get a good education!
— Mommy, but I didn’t tell you one thing… I’ll study not at the branch university in our city, but at the main university. The admissions committee invited me. I agreed.
— What does that mean?
— That I’ll be far from you…
Valentina Ivanovna cried then: she didn’t want to let go of her daughter! But the prospects were very promising…
In the third year, Irina and a friend rented an apartment to study and relax in a quiet environment. Later, the friend got married, and Irina found a new roommate: it was cheaper to rent together!
— Mommy, I love you very much, but I’ll live independently. I’ll rent an apartment with someone, like at university, — Irina said upon returning to her hometown.
— Daughter, but you have a house, — her mother was surprised.
— And you have your own life, — Irina smiled. — You’re getting married, and newlyweds should live separately from their parents! So best wishes to you, and a good apartment and decent neighbors for me!
— You’re so wise, daughter, — Valentina Ivanovna laughed.
Irina really got a job and soon rented an apartment with a colleague. Her personal life didn’t work out: some romances, but nothing serious. Meanwhile, her colleague got married after six months. A new colleague moved in, and she also married. Soon Irina was considered a talisman among acquaintances: live in her apartment a bit, and your personal life will improve.
— Irka, you’re my best friend! — Denis packed suitcases and sincerely thanked the former neighbor for help. Honestly, he was in love with Irina himself, but she never responded to his signs. — If not for you, I’d never have met the love of my life!
— Go, Romeo, to your Juliet! — Irina laughed. — And help me find a new roommate.
— I’ve already found one. I have a colleague, Anton, such a guy! — shining like a polished samovar, Denis gave a thumbs-up. — Neat, cultured, won’t cause problems, be sure.
Anton really turned out to be an interesting man. He was three years older than Irina, worked in a very good company, and quickly rose through the ranks.
— Anton, why don’t you rent your own apartment? Why a room with a roommate? — Irina asked one evening while they were having dinner in the kitchen.
— And why don’t you live alone? As far as I know, you’re a co-founder of an accounting outsourcing firm.
— Yes, you’re right. We have a young company…
— …but a very well-known one! I’ve heard a lot about you, they say you have many clients.
— You’re right, — Irina smiled. She liked that her neighbor could appreciate what she did. — I’m saving for an apartment, so it’s convenient to rent with someone.
— And how are your former roommates?
— Exceptionally interesting and decent people!
Anton smiled and unexpectedly said,
— You know, Irina, I’ve been living in the same apartment with you for a week now. You’re a wonderful neighbor. I think it’s time to switch to informal address.
— Agreed!
After a couple of months, Irina realized she had fallen in love with the new neighbor. It was unlike anything she had felt before. She liked everything about Anton: his eyes, smile, cologne scent, sense of humor. In mornings and evenings, when their schedules didn’t match, they left each other something tasty in the kitchen.
“Baked a pie but didn’t finish it. I know you’ll come late today, have dinner!” — such notes and thoughtfully covered pies were often left by Anton.
“This is your breakfast: oatmeal pancake with cream cheese and a piece of fish. Tell me if you liked it,” — Irina responded the same when she left for work earlier than Anton.
— Irin, I think I’m in love, — Anton said one day.
Irina almost cried hearing these words from Anton for the first time. She was sincerely happy for other neighbors who found their other halves. But this time, she fell in love herself.
— I see, — lowering her eyes so Anton wouldn’t see the tears welling up, Ira replied. — Then tomorrow I’ll start looking for a new roommate.
— Silly girl, you, — Anton suddenly said and for the first time touched her hand. The touch struck Irina like an electric shock. — But if the feelings aren’t mutual, we’ll really have to look for new roommates.
— We won’t…
The memories were interrupted by a phone call. “Beloved” — that’s how Anton was still saved in Irina’s phone.
— Irina, what does this mean?! Where are you? — he shouted worriedly into the receiver.
— I’m at my mom’s, — the woman answered calmly.
— What do you think you’re doing? Why did you leave the guests? How could you leave while we have guests? Don’t you realize what position you’ve put me in?!
— You yourself said to clear the apartment by morning.
— But not during the celebration! Now everyone looks at me sideways…
— Really?! — Irina theatrically feigned surprise. — And what do they say?
— Don’t you understand? That I kicked you out!
— That’s right! You kicked me out of my own apartment.
— No, I asked you to move out of MY apartment, — Anton deliberately emphasized.
— Anton, — Irina’s voice rang with indignation. — You know: the apartment is entirely my achievement! I saved 70% of the down payment. And then I made all the payments too.
— Well, sure, blame me for not being as cunning as you and not getting a high position, — Anton said hurt. — That I was edged out, lost my job. I knew you’d bring up all the failures to reproach me with in old age!
— What old age? You’re not even 40! — Irina laughed angrily.
— Exactly! I’m almost 40, want a family, children. But that’s impossible with you…
Anton went too far with reproaches. Irina bit her lip and ended the call. Children… there was a tragic accident, and they lost their only daughter. Seeing his grieving wife, Anton said they both needed a lot of time to decide to become parents again. But no matter how much Irina hinted that she wanted to hear children’s laughter in the house again, her husband always dismissed it.
Anton immediately called back.
— Don’t you dare hang up! — he screamed.
— Don’t yell at me, — Irina answered as calmly as possible.
— Anyway, I expect you at the registry office on Monday!
— No, Anton, at court.
— Why?
— I won’t leave you the apartment.
— Fool! — Anton laughed loudly. — Any court will just look at the documents and laugh at you. I’m the sole owner!
Anton was right. When they decided to buy the apartment, he suggested not bothering and registering it only in his name. He said it didn’t matter whose name was on the documents since they were a family. And Irina somehow believed him.
— But…
— What “but”? I need the apartment more. I’m marrying right after the divorce; we’ll have a baby in six months. So your antics aren’t needed by anyone!
Irina hung up again. Six months?! So while she worked like a beast of burden, her husband was seeing someone else? She wouldn’t leave him anything, she would fight to the end! All gloom was blown away like wind.
— Vyacheslav Borisovich? Hello, I’m Irina, Anton Sergeev’s wife, remember, he worked for you? — Irina came to the head of the company where her husband recently worked.
— Irina, hello, of course I remember your husband, and you too, — the tall older man confidently shook her hand, then pointed to two armchairs where they could talk informally.
— That’s very good. I need your help.
— What kind?
— A character reference for Anton.
— Irina, I know you as an excellent specialist and, forgive my bluntness, a very beautiful woman. Many of my acquaintances are your firm’s clients. So allow me to speak frankly.
— Of course, — Irina was surprised.
— I can’t give a positive reference for Anton.
— Why? — Irina strangely expected that answer, and it pleased her.
— You see, he resigned without scandal only thanks to you. Out of respect for your professionalism, I didn’t want to spoil his reputation.
— What does that mean?
— Shortly before the personnel reshuffle, Anton got caught in fraud. You better not know the sums involved. And after dismissal, I checked: everywhere Anton tried to pull shady schemes.
— Really? — Irina rejoiced.
— Yes, — the man looked at Irina in amazement. — I can testify to that in any court!
— Vyacheslav Borisovich, thank you so much, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Can you really testify in court?
— Is that necessary?
— Yes.
— Good, — Vyacheslav Borisovich shrugged. — I have nothing to hide; I run an honest business.
The more witnesses Irina found, the more horrified she became. It turned out she didn’t know her own husband at all! Yes, he was a great guy for friends. At every new workplace, people fell for his charm but then discovered shortages. Only Vyacheslav Borisovich caught Anton red-handed; others couldn’t find evidence. So the apartment scam was just the tip of the iceberg.
— Irish, I thought you knew, — Denis, Anton’s friend, said apologetically before court; he couldn’t believe Anton treated Ira like that. — He sent huge sums to his mother. I asked if you knew; he said of course.
— No, I didn’t. I thought Anton was the one whose salary wasn’t raised or bonuses paid, and who got set up.
— What! — Denis laughed. — When we worked together, I envied him: same position, same results, but he got more.
— He told me the opposite.
— Yeah. I guess I was wrong about my friend too.
— I want my apartment back; will you support me in court?
— Yes, Irish, of course, — Denis promised to stand by Irina until she sorted everything out.
Together with a lawyer, Irina found several witnesses whose testimonies were enough to open a criminal case.
A few days before the property division trial, Anton asked Irina to meet. They agreed to see each other at the cafe where he proposed. Irina smirked: last time he proposed marriage, this time he was taking away her heart and all property acquired mostly with her money in 10 years.
— Ira, don’t be foolish; no court will leave you the apartment. The most you can expect is some payout from me.
— Are you sure?
— Yes, learn the laws, — her ex lightly snapped Irina’s nose tip.
— Well, if I lose, you can calmly bring your new wife to my home.
— MY home, — Anton corrected. — By the way, want to take anything? Appliances or furniture?
— No, I don’t.
— Right. You don’t need it; we do. But I’m generous: I offer 200,000 rubles as severance.
Irina raised her eyes full of surprise, opened her mouth to say something, then burst into ringing laughter.
— Oh, I can’t! Severance! 200,000! What unprecedented generosity! — Irina laughed until tears appeared.
— You are such a… — Anton replied angrily. — You won’t get anything — you refused.
Proving Anton’s non-involvement in buying the apartment was easy. The lawyer provided statements of money movement on Anton’s and Irina’s accounts, found evidence that Irina paid the down payment and invested in repairs and furnishing. Vyacheslav Borisovich and several others testified.
— Wait, I don’t understand. Does that mean you don’t have an apartment? — Anton’s future wife, a vulgar and rude woman, caused a scandal right on the street.
— Seems so, — Anton stood pale, unable to believe the court decision.
— Where will we live then? — sarcasm and harsh irony were heard in the girl’s voice.
— Yours, — Anton quietly suggested.
— No way. I won’t let you into my door. Otherwise, you’ll claim it’s your apartment and kick us out with the child like a fox and a hare from a straw hut!
— Then we’ll rent for a while.
— Yes, you’ll rent. I’ll live at my place. Wait, daddy, bailiffs will come in six months, — Anton’s failed wife turned and strutted to the car.
— They won’t prove anything! We’re not married! — Anton clutched the saving thought.
— First, a DNA test will show whose child it is. Second, today at least 10 people heard your confession that you’re going to marry me and have a baby.
At that moment, Anton saw Irina walking with Denis. Ex-wife and ex-friend. Traitors!
— How dare you do this!
— How? Claim an apartment you bought yourself?
— You’re a liar and a traitor!
— Wait, weren’t you cheating on me? Weren’t you the one who kicked me out?
— You left yourself!
— Yes, after you said “I don’t want to see your face tomorrow!”
— Maybe I was wrong, — Anton lowered his eyes as if apologizing.
— Not maybe, definitely!
— How dare you! From you of all people…
Irina stopped listening to the stream of insults. She and Denis calmly got into a taxi and drove away. Anton was left standing alone in the middle of the street.
Irina returned to her apartment after work in the evening. The hallway light was on, carefully left on. The cat frowned by the door: it had to wake up to greet its owner. While Ira fed the cat and prepared dinner, the door opened and a gentle male voice asked,
— You’re home already, my dear?
— Yes, my love! Change quickly, my hands — I heated the dinner.
— How lucky I am with you! You’re a real treasure!
— Then cherish me!
— I do. Especially since soon we’ll have another treasure…
Denis gently hugged Irina and placed his hand on her rounded belly.
— It’s kicking!
— Of course! It knows how much everyone awaits and loves it…
Happiness is when you can trust your beloved and know he will never let you down.