“You filed for divorce?!” her husband shouted. “Really?!”
“Absolutely,” Veronica confirmed. “I see no point in continuing.”
— Because of one argument? Veronica, we’ve been together for four years!
« For four years, I watched Galina Petrovna boss you around, » Veronica replied. « You didn’t even try to set boundaries. And when you had to choose between me and your mother, you chose her. It all makes sense. »
— I couldn’t leave her on the street!
« Your mother could have rented an apartment with her salary and pension, » Veronica reminded her. « But no, she decided to take advantage of me. And you supported that decision. The choice was made, Dima. Deal with the consequences. »
– But…
Veronica hung up. She blocked the number. There was nothing more to say.
A month later, the divorce was official. Weronika received the certificate and emerged from the courthouse into the fresh air. Free. Free at last.
Dmitry tried to talk after the meeting, but Veronica walked past. She showed no interest. The chapter closed, the book slammed shut.
Life quickly improved. Weronika continued working and meeting friends. The apartment remained her fortress – quiet, peaceful, and cozy. No one called demanding money. No one threw tantrums. Just peace.
Six months later, I accidentally met Maksim, Dmitry’s younger brother. We ran into each other at a shopping mall. He greeted me awkwardly.
— Hi, Veronica. How are you?
“Okay,” Weronika smiled. “And you?”
“Okay,” Maxim scratched his head. “Listen, I wanted to apologize about Mom. She really overreacted.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Weronika shrugged.
« Dima’s living with her now, » Maksym announced unexpectedly. « They’re renting a two-room apartment on the outskirts. His mom drives him crazy; he can barely walk. »
Veronica nodded. As expected. Galina Petrovna continues to suck the life out of her middle son.
“It’s his choice,” Weronika said. “I have nothing to do with it.”
« I understand, » Maksym hesitated. « I just wanted to say—you did the right thing. Not everyone could handle Mom’s manipulation. She was like that her whole life. Dad, by the way, ran away from her once too. He left and never came back. »
Interesting information. Weronika giggled.
– So I’m not the only one who is so heartless.
« You’re not heartless, » Maksym replied. « You were just defending your boundaries. That’s normal. »
They said goodbye. Weronika returned to her own affairs. Thoughts of her ex-husband no longer tormented her. Of course, it was a shame things had turned out this way. But there was no reason to regret the decision.
The apartment greeted her with its customary silence. Weronika turned on some music, cooked dinner, and sat by the window with a glass of wine. Outside, the city sparkled with lights. Life went on.
Now Veronika really didn’t care where Dmitry and Galina Petrovna lived. Let them live as they pleased. Let his mother continue to squeeze money out of her son. Let Dmitry work two jobs to support his mother-in-law. It was none of her business.
And Weronika now had a life of her own. Peaceful, moderate, and free. The apartment belonged solely to her—by virtue of documents, law, and fact. No one could claim, demand, or pressure her.
Veronica raised her glass towards the window.
“For freedom,” his wife said quietly.
She took a sip. The wine was tart and pleasant. Like new life.
A year later, Weronika met Igor. He was an engaging conversationalist and an attentive man. They started dating. They took their time, didn’t put pressure on each other. They simply enjoyed each other’s company.
Igor never questioned her about her past. He didn’t offer advice. He respected her personal space. Weronika appreciated this approach.
One day at dinner Igor cautiously asked:
— Why did you divorce your first husband? If it’s not a secret.
Veronica thought about it. Why tell the whole story?
“He chose his mother over me,” Weronika replied curtly. “I didn’t fight for a place in his life.”
Igor nodded.
— I understand. This is a difficult situation.
“Yes,” Veronica agreed. “But I made the right choice.”
“I have no doubt,” Igor smiled.
The topic was never brought up again. The past was the past, where it belonged.
Veronica never saw Dmitry or Galina Petrovna again. She wasn’t interested in their fate. From time to time, Maxim sent short messages asking how things were going, what was new. Veronica responded politely, but without unnecessary details.
Life is stable. My job is stable, my relationship is healthy, my apartment is cozy. Everything is as it should be. Everything is as I wanted. And there’s no manipulation, demands, or hysteria.
In the evenings, Weronika would sit by the window with a book or her laptop. Sometimes Igor would drop by—they’d cook dinner together, watch a movie, and chat about trivial matters. It was simple and peaceful.
One day Igor said:
— It’s nice here. Cozy.
“Because it’s my space,” Weronika replied. “And I decide who goes in there.”
Igor nodded.
– A wise approach.
“It was a tough fight,” Veronica explained.
There was no need to explain anything further. Igor understood without words.
The apartment remained a fortress. A personal space. A place where Veronica felt safe. And no one—neither her mother-in-law nor her weak husband—could change that.
Veronica looked out at the city lights and smiled. Freedom was worth the scandal. Worth the divorce. Worth the loneliness, which, however, turned out not to be so lonely after all.
Life went on. Good, peaceful, our own life. And that was enough.
