Irina, we are getting a divorce. Please move out by tomorrow.
**What? Anton, did I hear you right? Divorce?**
**Yes.**
**But why should I leave my own apartment?**
**Your own? You’re mistaken. I’m the sole owner. These are the documents.**
Irina’s vision blurred as she tried to make sense of what Anton was saying. She had left work early today to surprise her husband for their wedding anniversary. She’d even ordered food for their small gathering with friends. But it seemed they had planned a different surprise — and it wasn’t a pleasant one.
**Wait, I don’t understand. Is this some kind of joke?**
**No joke. I’ve made my decision,** Anton said, his tone dismissive, as if he were speaking to a stranger.
**What decision?** Irina asked, still in shock.
**I’ll say it again: pack your things. Don’t be here by morning. We’ll meet at the registry office on Monday at noon. I hope you won’t make a scene.**
Irina stood frozen in the kitchen, still holding the mixer in her hand. She had just been preparing dessert. The excitement and anticipation she’d felt for the evening had evaporated, leaving only a sense of disbelief.
**Anton, what do you mean by divorce? Today is our anniversary, and friends are coming soon!**
**Friends?** Anton raised an eyebrow, then smiled. **Perfect. We’ll show them we’re parting on good terms. But the divorce stands. Don’t forget: you need to be gone by morning.**
An hour later, the apartment was filled with the chatter and laughter of their friends, unaware of the tension hanging in the air. Irina put on a brave face, accepting gifts and congratulatory words as Anton gave the first toast.
**I want to thank my wife, Ira, for 10 wonderful years of marriage. We’ve been through a lot together. There have been ups and downs, but we always supported each other,** Anton said with a smile. The guests clapped politely, and Anton raised his hand to continue. **Today, we celebrate our last anniversary. We’ve decided to part ways. I thank Ira for everything and promise to always treat her with kindness.**
The room fell silent. Irina blinked back tears and, with a forced smile, raised her glass.
**And I thank you, Anton, for being my husband. I wish you all the best.**
The guests exchanged surprised glances. Irina and Anton had always seemed like the perfect couple. The news stunned them just as much as it had Irina earlier.
She excused herself soon after, claiming she had a headache. In the bedroom, she sat on the edge of the bed. What should she pack? Clothes, a few photos, her laptop… but there were also the little things — a few mementos, maybe the cat’s carrier.
**Well, Anton, this is quite the party!** Denis, one of their friends, said from the hallway. **I’ve never been to an anti-wedding before. Ira actually agreed to host it!**
**She’s a great woman,** Anton said proudly.
**I know, I introduced you two, and now I regret it,** Denis joked, **I wish I had someone like her. My ex used to complain about everything.**
**Well, just marry Ira! She’s almost free!** Anton grinned.
The friends laughed, but Irina’s mind was far away. She quietly packed her things and left. A taxi was waiting downstairs.
At her mother’s house, Irina sat in the kitchen, overwhelmed with emotion.
**What happened, sweetheart?** her mother, Valentina Ivanovna, asked gently, noting how distressed Irina seemed.
**Mom, it was all a misunderstanding. He asked for a divorce. Said the apartment was his and I should leave.**
**Anton did that?** Valentina Ivanovna couldn’t believe it. She had always thought of him as family.
**Yes,** Irina sighed. **I packed up and left.**
Her mother was silent for a moment, then shook her head.
Irina leaned back in the chair, thinking about the past. She had always worked hard — even as a teenager. She’d saved up money, helped her mother, and worked hard for the future.
**Mom, I’ve got a spot at a good university!** she had told her mother excitedly years ago.
**Which faculty?** her mom had asked with a smile.
**Economics. Let money bring more money, right?**
Her mother had been thrilled. Over the years, Irina had worked hard, rented apartments, made new friends, and had some relationships that didn’t quite last. But through it all, Irina had remained independent, proud of her achievements.
Eventually, she met Anton, through a mutual friend, Denis. They’d decided to be roommates, and it didn’t take long before they became a couple.
**Why don’t you live alone?** Irina had asked Anton one night, over dinner.
**And why don’t you?** Anton had replied with a smile.
After a few months, Irina realized she had fallen for him. The little gestures — the notes, the surprise meals — made her feel special.
One day, Anton had confessed, **I think I’m in love.**
Irina’s heart skipped a beat, and she had shyly smiled back, **I feel the same.**
But now, everything was falling apart.
**Irina, what are you doing? Why did you leave?** Anton yelled when he called her later, his voice full of frustration.
**I’m at my mom’s,** Irina said, her voice calm despite everything.
**How could you leave during the party? You’ve put me in a terrible position!**
**Really?** Irina responded, almost amused. **And what are they saying?**
**Don’t you get it? They think I kicked you out.**
**Well, that’s right, Anton. You kicked me out of MY apartment.**
Anton tried to argue, but Irina was already done. She had made her decision. She would fight for what was rightfully hers — and she would not back down.
