June sunlight filled the kitchen as Anna brewed coffee. Igor entered, buttoning his shirt. “Good morning! It smells wonderful!” Anna poured coffee, knowing he loved her brewing skills. “How did you sleep?” she asked. “Great. Mom called yesterday. She needs a ride to the clinic tomorrow at nine.”

Anna froze. She had a crucial presentation. “Igor, I can’t. You know about the meeting.” “It’s just Mom. Can’t you help?” he pressed. Anna sighed. “Fine, I’ll reschedule.” Igor smiled. “You’re so understanding. Family matters.”

That evening, Igor’s sister Lena called. “Anya, can you watch the kids Saturday? We have theater tickets.” Anna hesitated. She’d planned to visit her parents. “Lena, I’m sorry, but—” “Your parents can wait! The kids adore you.” Reluctantly, Anna agreed.

A week later, Igor’s father called. “Annyushka, our car broke down. Can we borrow yours for a few weeks?” Anna was stunned. “I need my car for work.” “Take the metro. We’re family,” he insisted. Igor echoed, “It’s temporary. Dad needs it.”

Anna’s life became a series of concessions. When she got promoted, Igor said, “Now we can help my parents renovate and pay for Katya’s wedding.” Anna protested, “These are my earnings!” Igor shrugged. “We’re family.”

Their fifth anniversary approached. Anna hoped for a fresh start, but Igor declared, “You’re my wife, not some random woman! You should help my family!” Anna realized she’d become a resource, not a partner. She packed her things and left.

Igor tried to reconcile, but Anna refused. She moved into her old studio, reclaiming her independence. For the first time in years, she felt free. She focused on her career, reconnected with friends, and planned a solo trip to Europe.

On what would have been their anniversary, Anna stood by the river, watching the sunset. Instead of sadness, she felt liberation. Her life was hers again, and she was ready to live it on her own terms.