It all started the day my son, Ilya, brought home a woman who was about 20 years older than him and announced that she was moving in with us. I didn’t say anything at first, but I had a plan. Let’s just say by the time they realised what they had done, it was too late.
For years I’d dreamed of seeing Ilya happy and finding someone who would love him the way I did. That desire became even stronger after my husband died three years ago.
But I never imagined that my dream would come true in such an unexpected way.
Chapter 1: Life Before I Met Lydia
For most of my life, I was truly happy. I had a loving husband, two wonderful children and a cosy home filled with laughter and joy.
My husband, Alexei, was a man who knew how to make life stable and secure. When he died three years ago, it was as if the ground was taken from under my feet.
Since then, I have tried to move on, even though it has not been easy at times.
My daughter, Anna, has always been my rock. She is hardworking, determined and reliable. Even as a child, she was proud of her academic success.
No wonder she graduated from university with honours and found a good job in another city. Anna is not married yet, but I don’t worry about her – she always knows what she wants.
Ilya, my youngest, is the complete opposite of her. He’s always been a free spirit.
As a kid, he was only interested in video games, comic books, and friends. Getting him to do his homework was like negotiating with a stubborn donkey.
But something changed as he got older. Maybe he realised that playing video games all his life would not work, or maybe his friends inspired him to start thinking about the future.
Eventually Ilya became more responsible, got a degree and got a stable job. Of course, he didn’t become the CEO of a large company, but he was reliable, and I was proud of him.
His main passion was travelling. He saved money to explore new places, and each time he came back with new stories.
I rejoiced in his passion, but often thought, ‘Maybe it’s time for him to think about the future.’
At 30, he was still living with me, and I didn’t mind. After Alexei died, his presence comforted me.
But like any mother, I dreamed of more. I wanted him to find someone who would make him truly happy.
Chapter 2: Lydia
When Ilya returned from France, he talked about Lydia.
‘Mum,’ he said at dinner, ’I’ve met a wonderful woman.’
‘Really? Tell me!’
He told her that her name was Lydia, and he had met her in a Paris gallery.
‘She’s smart, funny, and we hit it off right away,’ he said, brightening up.
‘What does she do?’
‘She’s in the business of selecting art collections for wealthy clients. I love her passion for what she does.’
‘When can I meet her?’
‘Not ready yet,’ he replied, ’but once things get serious, you’ll be the first to know.’
Chapter 3: Meeting
After a few months, he finally said he wanted us to meet. I imagined her to be a young, energetic woman, but my expectations were shattered the moment I opened the door.
Lydia turned out to be a woman about five years younger than me, elegant and confident.
Ilya was beaming and she greeted me with a wide smile: ‘Hello, Marina!’
Dinner passed like a blur, and then Ilya announced that Lydia would be living with us.
I couldn’t believe my ears.
Chapter 4: Moving
When Lydia moved in, the problems started: the bathroom was busy every morning, the groceries were used up, but she only cooked for herself and Ilya.
Then she suggested I move into the basement to free up a room.
‘You can go to Anna’s,’ Lydia said, ’and we’ll take your bedroom.’
That was the last straw.
Chapter 5: The Lesson
Instead of a scandal, I signed the house over to Ilya. A month later, Lydia calls in tears:
‘How come?! We didn’t know we had to pay for the house!’
‘Well,’ I said, ’welcome to adulthood.’
Ilya asked me to give it all back, but I refused.
I realised that sometimes you have to love yourself more than even your nearest and dearest.
