THE CLEANING LADY was sorting through the clutter in a wealthy man’s mansion when she unexpectedly found her childhood PHOTOS.

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Alexandra sank heavily into a chair in the cramped storeroom of the “Blesk” cleaning company. The day had been packed—three apartments, a country house, and an office. Every step was a struggle: her back ached, her legs buzzed. She was only forty, but it felt like much more. She gave a sad smile to her … Read more

Congratulations on the inheritance from your aunt!” the mother-in-law cheered. “Now we’ll finally solve the problem of my little one’s debts.

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Victoria stared at yet another unpaid bill spread out on the kitchen table. She mechanically brushed a stray lock of hair back into place and let out a heavy sigh. In the next room, Artem was enthusiastically telling someone on the phone about his new project—online self-improvement courses. “Imagine, it’s simply revolutionary!” His excited declaration … Read more

Elena remembered that she had forgotten her money, returned home, and saw something that made her unable to forgive her husband.

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— Are you absolutely sure nothing is needed? — Lena repeated her question, striving to be as attentive as possible. — Oh, come on, everything’s there! — Dmitry replied, his voice laced with a hint of irritation. Lena felt his tone slightly sting her, but she decided not to pay attention. Lately, her husband had … Read more

— Where the hell are you, you bitch? We’ve been standing under the door for a whole hour!” shrieked Aunt Zina.

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Suddenly, an outburst of a telephone call burst into the morning silence, shattering the peace of the bedroom. With great effort, Marina forced her heavy, sleep-fused eyes open and reached out to the bedside table. The screen lit up with the name “Aunt Zina.” Her heart involuntarily tightened – their last conversation had taken place … Read more

This is my apartment, not your son’s; I bought it, and I’ll be calling the shots,” Nelli declared to her mother-in-law.

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— Nelli, dear,” said Vera Nikolaevna with a hint of irony, “I only acted out of the best intentions. You have no idea how things are done in our family…” “— In your family, perhaps,” Nelli replied, carefully unfolding the blueprints on the table. “But now we’re talking about my home and the New Year … Read more

Have you all lost your minds? I’m not going to register a gift deed in favor of your son!” Irina was stunned by her future mother-in-law’s proposal.

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— Oh dear, I expected better. Vadik, you said the apartment was in decent condition, but here it looks like it needs six months’ worth of repairs, and the appliances will have to be replaced. Keep in mind, the renovation is on your dime! — declared Olga, Vadik’s sister. It was her first time in … Read more

The conductor seated a pregnant stowaway with a strange old man in the compartment. That night, the carriage was awakened by screams.

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Natalya slammed the door with a loud bang. Since early morning, she’d had a feeling this day was going to go badly. Lyusya, her 19-year-old daughter, had recently brought home a kitten named Muska, and the cat had already made a mess right on the bathroom rug. It was hard for Natalya to scold her … Read more

We’ll stick your mother in a home for the old and frail, and then we’ll finally live a full life!”

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— Don’t you understand, Seryozha?— Lena’s voice rang with tension, approaching its highest pitch. — All you need to do is explain to your mother that she’d be better off among people her own age! Meanwhile, we’d get an apartment in a prestigious neighborhood and finally forget this rented hole! — Lena, do you even … Read more