Anna’s life slowly turned into a series of sacrifices. At first, the requests from her husband Igor’s family seemed small and reasonable: drive his mother to the clinic, help his sister with the children, lend money, give up weekends. Each time she was told the same thing: “We’re family.”
But Anna’s own needs were always pushed aside. Her work deadlines were ignored, her plans canceled, her time treated as unlimited and free. When Igor’s father asked to use her car, and Igor insisted she could “manage without it,” Anna realized how little her life mattered in their decisions.
The final blow came after her promotion. Anna dreamed of traveling with her husband, but Igor immediately suggested using her higher salary to pay for his parents’ kitchen renovation and his sister’s wedding. To him, her success was not hers — it belonged to his family.
When Anna tried to talk, Igor accused her of being selfish and “thinking only about money.” In his world, a good wife was expected to give endlessly and ask for nothing.
That night, Anna understood the truth: she was not a partner anymore. She was a resource.
The next morning, she packed her things and moved into her small apartment. For the first time in years, she felt calm and free. No guilt. No pressure. Just space to live her own life.
Months later, Igor called and said he wanted to change. Anna refused. It was too late.
She booked a trip to Europe — alone, on her own terms — and finally chose herself.
