Who are you, Vanya, to tell me how to live?» Tamara Pavlovna’s voice was piercing, and her eyes sparkled with anger. «Do you think just because you’re courting my daughter, you can interfere in my affairs?» «I’m not interfering, Tamara Pavlovna,» Ivan tried to speak calmly, though anger was boiling inside him, «I’m just asking … Read more
«Your mother is calling again, Misha,» I said irritably. «Every three hours, it’s getting on my nerves.» «He misses you, I don’t see anything wrong with that,» my husband replied. I could understand my mother-in-law’s attachment to her only son, but her constant interference in our life had been a strain from the first day … Read more
Maxim looked at Irina with disgust. Why was he subjected to such a trial? Truthfully, he had never agreed to babysit a ghost. Lately, he had tried to minimize his time at home, just to see his wife less, who had turned his life into a real nightmare. They had lived together for ten years. … Read more
I was completely exhausted when I went to bed, but then Kirill suddenly reached out and touched my shoulder. — Anya, we’re almost done with the construction,» he said, trying to speak quietly so as not to disturb my sleepy state. «I think in a month we can start the finishing work and, as they … Read more
You know, it’s just impossible to exist with you,» Andrei said, turning his back on Olga by the window. His silhouette stood out against the gloomy October sky. «You’re always so perfect, so convenient… like old house slippers.» Olga intently observed his back in a gray sweater. For twenty years she had watched it: every … Read more
Semyon Markovich, an elderly yet meticulously groomed millionaire who owned a variety of firms and companies, found himself seated in the police chief’s office, his head bowed as if he wished to disappear into the floor. The police chief was reprimanding him like a schoolboy. “Semyon Markovich! This is utterly unacceptable! We’ve turned a blind … Read more
When my husband abandoned our golden retriever, Bailey, at an animal shelter amidst our divorce, I was heartbroken. Unbeknownst to him, this heartless decision would unravel his deep-seated secrets and cost him significantly. Bailey was not merely a pet; she was the emotional anchor I clung to as my marriage crumbled. By attempting to sever … Read more
«Again, you?» Ivan Petrovich, the baker, asked, noticing the girl. Ivan Petrovich was already an old man, his hair gray. The girl stood as if rooted to the spot. Her eyes were drawn to the fresh golden buns on the counter. Anna looked at the baker and, after a deep sigh, nodded to him. «I’m … Read more
Zoya had dedicated her life to teaching, but now, with only a modest pension, she found herself selling vegetables at the market. Her family dynamics had shifted too—her son-in-law had remarried and moved in with his new wife, while her daughter and grandchild had come back to live with her. Despite the challenges, Zoya did … Read more
«I never thought that a simple request from a neighbor could turn my life upside down. Work had me held up; I stayed in the office until 9 PM. – Anton! Anton, wait! I turned around at the entrance. Larisa from the fifth apartment was running towards me, holding onto her bag. Her chestnut hair … Read more