Alevtina stood in the doorway watching her husband prepare in front of the mirror.
“Well, my beauty, how do you like my look?”
“Everything is excellent, really good.”
Mikhail turned to her sideways, adjusting his tie.
“Of course, I always look unblemished. You know that as well as I do.”
“Of course,” she said. “So, will you wait for dinner?”
“How could I not! I’m very hungry.”
Alevtina prepared dinner with hot meatballs and a fresh salad from the fridge. But now, those moments no longer made her happiness.
“Why aren’t you eating?” he asked.
“I’m not really hungry.”
“Perhaps that’s for the best. You should think about your figure. A leader should have a perfect family. And such a wife…is no longer an ornamentation.”
“By the way,” Mikhail continued, chasing a meatball with a big gulp of water, “I’ll be going to the New Year’s Eve party alone.”
“But you said that this year you’d definitely take me with you!”
“I’ll say you’re tired. Sorry, but it’s much easier for me to appear there without such a bumbler as you.”
Yet, she said nothing. Not because she agreed with him, but because he simply noticed no one but himself.
Approaching the window, Alevtina watched children playing in the yard. She wanted to have a big family, but Mikhail always found reasons to reject it. A career grows here, financial difficulties there…
He predicted her full support so he could center on “hunting mammoths.” She sacrificed her career for their future together and became a true housewife. But now, she realized: the only person who got everything he wanted was Mikhail. Career, home comfort while she had nothing. No thanks, no recognition.
Gradually, she considered that her avoidance of arguments with Mikhail caused how he treated her now. To him, she became just a handy gadget, a part of his life.
The next morning, looking at her husband, she saw her idealized view of him had bursted. Now, the real Mikhail stood before her—self-satisfied, greedy, using her for his demands.
He didn’t recognize her sacrifices for the family, nor did he plan to give her what she wanted from the marriage.
Now, secretly from her husband, she had been seeking a job for a week.
Today, she was preparing for an interview. At first, it brought joy, but soon fear arose: the new job was connected to Mikhail’s company.
Alevtina knew nothing about her husband’s new interests. She successfully passed the interview and got the job.
The long-awaited evening of the corporate party arrived. Mikhail spent a long time trying on clothes in front of the mirror, while Alevtina watched him with unconcerned.
“Al, I think this shirt doesn’t fit very well.” “Nothing really suits your complexion. Maybe you should smoke less?”
He hoped for congratulations, her usual delights, but instead, he received a negative comment. Then, she left the room.
“You just don’t understand anything! You have completely no taste!” he said. “And it’s good that I don’t attend party with you. Imagine how you’d look there. So stay at home and make dinner. You know, after a good party, it’s always nice to eat it.”
Guests attended in the hall, forming small groups. Everyone discussed the possible candidate, making assumptions.
“Good evening, may I keep you company?” he asked.
“Oh, at least one familiar face. Where is everyone else?” she asked.
Mikhail shrugged: “Why do you need everyone? After all, there’s me! May I invite you to dance?”
The woman disagreed and, frowning, walked away. But Mikhail just smiled.
The music stopped, and everyone fell silent, awaiting the announcement of the new department head.
“Dear colleagues! The moment for which we’ve all gathered has arrived. We are surprisingly pleased that such an outstanding individual has decided to join us. Please welcome your new leadership—Alevtina Sergeyevna Veselova! And let today be a celebration! Business can wait. Happy upcoming [New Year]!”
In her evening dress, she appeared completely different—so stunning and confident that he seldomly recognized her.
“Mikha, this is a deception! You said you’d come alone, and now this?” his colleague said.
“How dare you come here? I clearly said you should stay home!”
“Mikhail, you no longer have the right to forbid me anything. I’m tired of being your ‘obedient’ wife, and you were never a real husband. This game is over.”
“You think this scares me? Who are you to tell me anything?”
“Misha, don’t make a scene. People might hear. In case you forgot, I’m now your boss. By the way, I filed for divorce. You always wanted freedom for your entertainments? Now you have such an opportunity. Good luck.”
Alevtina expressed opinions, attracting someone’s attention.
Mikhail hurried to overtake his wife. “If you really need a job, for God’s sake. But don’t forget about your household duties. To always have it ready and cleaned. And, of course, you shouldn’t take such high positions. Maybe you’ll find something simpler, like part-time?”
But Alevtina, looking at him with a chill in her voice, said: “Personal issues can be discussed later. For now, Mikhail, we’ll break up.”
After these words, he froze in place, then she moved out this house.
