– Darling, let me remind you, Yuri is your son. Not mine. And he’s already thirty. If he wants to live in a bigger apartment, he should pay for it himself.
I’m not going to contribute to your mortgage anymore… – Gergő said firmly, locking his gaze on Okszana.
– Gergő, I’m sorry I’m going to be late… The traffic is terrible – Okszana’s tired, sad voice came through the phone.
– No problem – the man replied calmly, without losing his patience for a moment. – Be careful. I’ll wait for you.
After the call ended, Gergő moved to the window in the café and stared at the young couples passing by on the street. They were smiling, holding hands, talking – and all of it stirred deep, bittersweet thoughts in him.
He had just turned sixty not long ago. His friends had thrown a lavish birthday party for him, full of laughter, champagne, and small gifts.
Yet before Gergő’s eyes, it wasn’t their happiness that appeared, but emptiness. He had lost his wife ten years ago, they never had children, and now he had to navigate life alone.
The only thing warming his heart was the thought that he had managed to accumulate a nice fortune: a huge house, a car, and a significant bank account. The interest alone was enough to live comfortably.
But life wasn’t only about money. Gergő longed for a partner, a woman with whom he could share his days, laugh, make love, and care for each other. And then Okszana appeared.
Okszana was ten years younger than him, divorced, and brought with her a twenty-something, unreliable son, Yuri. Yuri constantly changed jobs, had no steady income, and had not completed his studies.
Yet Okszana was captivating: she could cook, was always well-groomed, and loved taking care of Gergő. Everything was perfect in the bedroom too. She had her own apartment, a car, and a summer house, so there was no fear of financial disputes.
And perhaps most importantly: they did not claim anything from each other’s wealth. Gergő married her in peace and security.
The day Okszana arrived, Gergő held the ring tightly in his hand, ready for the big question:
– Will you marry me?
Tears filled Okszana’s eyes, and she nodded:
– Yes!
Two months later, they held the wedding. It wasn’t extravagant, but intimate and beautiful. Only the closest friends and family were invited. Gergő made sure everyone left full and satisfied.
That night, in the bedroom, as they held each other, Gergő said:
– Summer is coming; we need to fix up the summer house. I want to go there, relax, and sunbathe by the lake.
– The roof leaks a little, and there’s some repair work to do inside – Okszana replied.
Gergő didn’t waste any time: he hired workers, bought materials, and supervised the work strictly. A few weeks later, the old Soviet-era summer house was barely recognizable.
– You’re amazing – Okszana said, kissing him on the cheek.
Gergő was surprised, and his face flushed.
But a shadow gradually crept into their happiness: it turned out Okszana didn’t have a steady job, and the family’s income was almost entirely depleted. She and Yuri had been relying on the savings left from her late husband.
– I didn’t think the money would run out so quickly – Okszana said, looking at Gergő apologetically.
Gergő sighed deeply but didn’t want to start an argument.
– Don’t worry, I have enough money to support both of you. But Yuri… he needs to find a job. I don’t want to carry an adult child on my shoulders – he said.
– Of course – Okszana hugged him. – I’ll talk to him. I love you.
– I love you too – Gergő replied, though a small doubt had begun to settle in his heart.
In the first few weeks, money was never an issue. Gergő made sure Okszana got a card from the bank, into which he regularly deposited small amounts, enough for groceries and minor expenses.
But a month later, Okszana asked for money again:
– Darling, give me sixty thousand forints.
Gergő was surprised: the money was there, but he wanted to know what it was for.
– For what? – he asked cautiously.
– I won’t tell – Okszana replied, fluttering her lashes and smiling mysteriously.
Gergő chuckled a little:
– Nothing illegal, I hope?
– Of course not – Okszana said, then kissed him, distracting him from all thoughts.
But this was just the beginning. A month later, the request came again:
– Gergő, give me sixty thousand forints.
Gergő frowned:
– For what?
– It’s a secret – Okszana tried the trick again.
– This is the second time. Tell me! – the man said sternly.
– You don’t need to know why, it’s about the family… – Okszana mumbled.
– What? – Gergő asked.
Okszana lifted her head proudly:
– The mortgage!
Gergő was almost speechless:
– What mortgage? You bought another apartment? We already have enough housing!
– No, I’m paying off my apartment – Okszana sighed.
A dark shadow crossed Gergő’s face:
– Wait… Before our marriage, I asked if you had any debts or loans. You said no. And I trusted you. But now it turns out you lied?
– Of course, I lied. I knew you wouldn’t marry me if you knew the truth. Forgive me – Okszana admitted.
– Alright – Gergő tried to stay calm – What’s the total debt?
– Five million more.
Gergő just whistled.
– And does Yuri pay anything?
– Of course not! I’m not going to take money from my son.
– But you can’t cover the mortgage either. So what now? – Gergő asked, beginning to get irritated.
– Darling, you have money, I know. You’ll help, right? – Okszana asked, smiling.
But Gergő didn’t want to finance something that had nothing to do with him.
– I have an idea – he said firmly. – You live with me, Yuri doesn’t need your two-bedroom apartment. Sell it, pay off the debt, and buy a smaller home for Yuri.
Okszana’s face darkened.
– I’m not selling my apartment! And then Yuri would live in one room? What if he starts a family? Where would he bring his wife? Where would they raise children?
Gergő put his hands on his face, then looked at Okszana seriously:
– Darling, let me remind you, Yuri is your son. Not mine. And he’s already thirty. If he wants to live in a bigger apartment, he should pay for it himself. I’m not contributing to the mortgage.
– Then why do I need you? – Okszana shouted angrily.
At that moment, Gergő realized: to Okszana, he was not a partner, but a wallet, expected to support both her and Yuri.
– I have the same question… for you, Okszana.
It was no surprise that soon after, Gergő and Okszana divorced. She tried to claim something from him, but all his savings were made before the marriage, so she had no rights.
Gergő decided: enough of marriages. If he meets someone again, they would live together without papers, and he would not fully support his partner.
The saved money would come in handy: medical expenses, health, retirement… age was no joke.
