You’re supposed to be a wife, not a guest!
One Sunday morning, while Nika made breakfast, Lev walked in.
— Good morning. What’s for breakfast? — he asked.
— Omelet and coffee, — she smiled.
He hugged her and said:
— You really are the mistress of the house.
Nika tensed. Lev’s compliments often came before bad news.
— Mom and Kristina are coming for lunch, — he added. — Around one. Kristina’s bringing the kids.
Nika sighed. Their visits always lasted for hours, leaving chaos behind. Still, she prepared meat and potatoes, salad, and even baked a cake.
At 2:15 p.m., they arrived. The twins stormed through the apartment with dirty shoes. Varvara Dmitrievna and Kristina criticized everything: the food, the carpet, even Nika’s “obsession with cleanliness.”
Over lunch, they proposed gathering at Nika’s place *every Sunday*. Without asking, they began planning menus and visits.
— I need a day off, — Nika said quietly.
The table fell silent. Lev frowned, but she stood firm.
After they left, Lev exploded:
— You’re supposed to be a wife, not a guest! You have responsibilities to the family!
— I’m tired of being just your family’s servant, — Nika replied.
The next Sunday, Nika refused to cook. She stayed in the bedroom while Lev struggled in the kitchen. His mother and sister were furious. When they left without lunch, Lev blamed Nika for humiliating him.
That evening, she packed her things.
— I’m leaving, — she said.
— Where will you go?
— To Alina’s. I need peace.
Lev begged, but Nika knew it was over. Five years of compromises had led only to exhaustion.
Later, in her friend’s warm apartment, Nika felt free. She muted her phone, ignoring angry messages from Lev’s family.
Days passed. Lev showed up, pleading.
— Things will change, — he promised.
— No, — Nika said. — I’m done.
Three months later, divorced and living alone, Nika finally felt at home. When Lev sent a final “I miss you,” she deleted it without hesitation.
Looking out at the night sky, she smiled. For the first time, she was living her own life — not for others’ expectations, but for herself.