Back then, Igor was just developing his business and kept repeating:
— Veronichka, you understand that all funds are needed for business development right now. I’ll make it up to you later.
She understood. She had always understood everything.
That’s why she registered the house in her name—just in case.
The next peice was the bank accounts. Veronika opened her online banking and methodically began to examine the flow of funds. She knew exactly which amounts belonged to her personally thanks to her habit of checking all finances,
Her phone shaked—a message from Igor:
— Running late at an important meeting.
Don’t wait for dinner.
Veronika smiled:
— An important meeting… Yes, dear, I saw just how important it was.
She contacted Mikhail Stepanovich—the family lawyer. Or rather, now her personal lawyer.
— Good evening, Mikhail Stepanovich. I’m sorry for the late call, but I need a consultation.
Does ten o’clock tomorrow work for you? Excellent. And one more thing… Let’s meet not in the office, but at the “Swallow” café.
Yes, that’s right—the matter is tender.
The morning started with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Igor, who had returned after midnight, was still asleep, while Veronika was already sitting in the kitchen, reviewing her documents.
For the first time in twenty years of marriage, she was excited by her habit of noting down every little detail.
— Good morning, dear. How did yesterday’s meeting go?
— Productive.
We planned a new contract.
— Oh? And what is this… contract called?
— What do you mean?
— Nothing special. I’m just curious about your affa:irs,
— I have to go; I have a meeting.
— A meeting?
With whom? — now his voice carried a note of worry.
— With the future, — she replied.
Mikhail Stepanovich was already waiting at a table in the far corner in the “Swallow” café.
— Veronika Alexandrovna, I must admit, your call sh0cked me
— Lately, many things surprise me, — she said
— Tell me, Mikhail Stepanovich, how quickly can a divorce be finalized if one party owns most of the jointly acquired property?
— Pardon… what?
— You know the house is bought in my name, don’t you? And most of the funds in the accounts are my personal savings.
I want to know my rights.
— You know, — he said towards the end of their meeting, — I’ve never seen such a prepared woman. Usually, in these situations, everyone worked on emotion.
— And I don’t want to act on emotion,
— I want to give a special gift.
After leaving the café, she headed straight to the bank. It was time to begin her plan.
At the bank, Veronika spent nearly three hours
— So then, — she summarized, — we close the main account, transfer the funds to a new one registered solely in my name.
And block the cards.
— And what about your husband? — the manager asked carefully.
— He will keep his salary card. I think thirty thousand a month is enough for… important meetings.
Next on her plan was the travel agency.
— Hello.
I need a tour to Italy. The Tuscan valley, two weeks, the most picturesque places.
— For two? — the young woman asked out of habit.
— No.
Just for me. And the sooner, the better.
That evening, upon returning home, she found Igor in an unusually agitated state.
— Veronika, do you know why our joint cards are blocked?
— Really? — she said surprisingly.
— Perhaps it’s a system glitch. We’ll check it tomorrow.
— But I needed to pay for… — he faltered.
— Pay for what, dear?
— Perhaps for dinner at the restaurant?
Igor paled:
— You… you were there?
— Oh, don’t worry,
Their twentieth wedding anniversary day came.
Veronika woke up early, put on her favorite black dress, and neatly arranged her hair.
Igor came downstairs, holding a bouquet of roses:
— Happy anniversary, dear! I reserved a table at…
— At the Bellagio?
— No need.
I have a special gift for you.
She handed him the folder:
— Open it. I’m sure you’ll want it.
— What is this?
— Have you lost your mind?
— No, dear. For the first time in twenty years, I’m thinking completely clearly,
— The divorce papers, confirmation of my sole ownership of the house, and… oh yes, the restaurant bill.
I thought it would be right if I paid for our last dinner together.
— You can’t do this!
— This is my business! My house!
— Yours?
— Look at the documents more closely.
— You… you’re just taking harsh plan to me
— No, dear. I’m giving you a gift—I’m giving you freedom
— Where are you going?
— Igor asked in a daze.
— To Tuscany. Remember, I always dreamed of visiting there?
At the doorway, she looked back:
— You know what’s most surprising? I’m truly happy to you.
If it weren’t for your… meeting, I would never have dared to transform my life.
A taxi was already waiting outside.
— To the airport? — the driver asked.
— Yes, — Veronika smiled. — To a new life.
