I was sitting at my laptop when Andrey returned from work. Hearing the front door click shut, I quickly closed the banking statement tab and opened the translation document I was working on.

My husband peeked into the study and casually kissed the top of my head. «Good evening, hard worker. How’s the progress? Translated a lot today?»

«Just a bit at a time,» I smiled. «A technical order, rather complicated. But we’ll manage! We always do!»

«At least earning some bread?» he smirked, leaning against the doorframe. «I’ve been watching you sit all day without much to show. Maybe it’s time you got a real job? Our neighbor landed at Gazprom with a decent salary. Why not you?»

«No, thank you,» I tried to stay calm. «I feel comfortable this way.»

«Comfortable for you,» he shook his head. «How about me, carrying the family alone? Sergey told me his wife stayed home too, dabbling in translations, but she eventually realized and found a real office job. Now at least some money comes home.»

«Andrey, let’s not argue,» I faced him. «I have orders, well-paid ones. And I prefer remote work.»

«Sure, especially when half the day’s spent on social media,» he grunted disapprovingly.

«I’m not on social media. I’m working. And I have an urgent order right now…»

«Alright, alright, won’t disturb your ‘work’,» he air-quoted fingers mockingly. «I’m going to shower. By the way, did you at least make dinner, or were you ‘busy’ again?»

«There’s a casserole in the oven and salad in the fridge,» I replied.

«Well, something,» he nodded condescendingly before leaving.

I exhaled deeply, trying to calm myself. These talks happened increasingly often. Andrey sincerely thought my job was just a hobby with petty earnings.

Three years ago, when I left the office for freelancing, he patted my shoulder patronizingly, «Good luck with that.» Since then, he’d constantly tease my ‘translations.’

I never argued, just steadily built my clientele.

Initially, orders were small and unreliable clients frequent.

Gradually, I carved a niche in technical translation, particularly IT. Big clients, including international ones, appeared. Income grew.

For half a year, I consistently earned about half a million rubles monthly and saved the money in an account unknown to my husband.

Honestly, I planned a surprise for him. I intended to buy a new car for his upcoming birthday. His old Toyota had long deserved retirement.

Andrey worked as a manager in a car dealership, bringing in about 150 thousand rubles and believing himself the primary provider, while I kept that illusion for peace.

He was sensitive to others’ successes, especially close ones. When his younger brother launched a profitable business, Andrey went silent for a month, upset that their parents were prouder of Dimka.

That evening, we ate dinner in the kitchen. He spoke about a difficult client; I nodded. Then he turned on the TV while I returned to my urgent large order.

At 1 AM, with Andrey asleep, I checked the special account balance: 3.5 million rubles — enough for a good car.

I imagined Andrey’s joy at the gift and smiled, hoping he might finally stop ridiculing my work.

As I drifted to sleep, I considered how well my life was arranged: a job I loved, a solid income, without family tension over my earnings surpassing his.

The only worry was the constant need for secrecy, but for the family’s wellbeing, I was willing to endure it.

«Building a secret fund for a special gift can sometimes protect fragile relationships.»

***

A week later, during dinner, Andrey brought up a talk that chilled me inside.

«Masha, remember the client who bought a jeep from us?» He put his fork down, eyes hopeful. «He offered me a partnership. He’s opening a chain of car washes and already picked locations…»

I froze.

Three years ago, it started exactly the same — with a ‘promising proposal.’

That time, Andrey’s brother Dimka opened his first store. Andrey was restless, saying he wanted his own business. I saw how much his brother’s success hurt him. When the chance to buy a small café arose, I supported him.

We had no money, so took a loan. Two million rubles were huge for us then. Andrey was thrilled, planning eagerly.

Half a year later, everything collapsed. It turned out the previous owner hid debts and cunningly arranged papers.

We ended up with a massive debt and shattered dreams.

The following three years were marked by extreme thrift: no vacations, no new things.

I took extra orders at night to repay the debt faster. Andrey swore never to dive into business again.

And now, again…

«Andrey, don’t you remember how the last attempt ended?» I gently began.

«This is completely different!» He brightened. «I checked! This client’s serious…»

«Listen,» I interrupted. «Maybe focus on your career. You’re valued at the dealership…»

«What does the dealership have to do with this?» He waved irritably. «This is different money! Masha, understand! Such chances come once in a lifetime.»

«How much do you need?» I asked, already guessing.

«One and a half million,» he looked at me intently. «I have 300,000. Don’t you have savings? You said orders increased…»

I remained silent, torn between wanting to help and fearing a repeat of the past.

Money was available on my side.
Yet, I clearly recalled how we struggled last time.

«Masha, please,» Andrey took my hand. «I calculated everything; risk is minimal. We’ll triple the investment in a year, I promise.»

«Dear, sorry, but I don’t have that kind of money,» I tried to be gentle. «You know my income’s barely enough to live.»

«Come on, there must be something!» He pleaded. «Maybe parents or friends can help?»

«No,» I shook my head. «Let’s stop this discussion.»

Andrey abruptly got up:

«Fine. So, you don’t believe in me. As always! What kind of wife are you?»

For several days afterward, he barely spoke to me, leaving early and coming back late.

I reassured myself my decision was right: better to buy him a nice car, practical and reliable.

Yet, the thought brought no ease.

***

One week remained till Andrey’s birthday.

Resentment over the failed business attempt seemed to have subsided. He began talking normally and even tried joking. Meanwhile, I focused on preparing the surprise.

Finding the car took me nearly a month.

I reviewed dozens of reviews, searched forums, compiling five models. Andrey had long dreamed of a Volkswagen Tiguan — practical, dependable. A new one was pricey, but I resolved not to skimp.

I visited the dealership across town secretly during his work hours.

Oleg, the salesman, warmed up to the idea once he heard about the surprise and assisted with all paperwork. We chose features and the deep blue metallic shade Andrey wanted.

«Haven’t seen this in a while,» Oleg smiled while preparing documents. «Usually, husbands gift cars to wives — this is rare.»

Simultaneously, I arranged the party.

I reserved a room at Chester, Andrey’s favorite restaurant, and contacted his colleagues, family, friends. Everyone was excited, especially upon learning the main gift.

«Masha, you’re crazy!» my best friend Irka exclaimed. «Where did you get that kind of money?»

«Saved gradually,» I said evasively. «Always wanted to make him a special gift.»

The evening before the party, Andrey nearly caught me off guard. He saw me speaking with Oleg, who was confirming delivery details.

«Who was that?» he asked suspiciously.

«Just work,» I mumbled, blushing.

«Work? At 10 PM?»

«Urgent order,» I steadied myself. «Client’s in a different time zone.»

Andrey snorted doubtfully but didn’t probe further.

***

Saturday dawned — the big day.

I was nervous from morning, repeatedly checking my phone for progress.

Oleg confirmed the car was ready and would arrive on time. Irka sent photos of the decorated hall. Everything appeared perfect.

At seven PM, a taxi arrived.

Andrey was in high spirits, joking all the way, believing we were just dining together. I kept the party a secret.

Entering the hall, a chorus of «Surprise!» echoed. He froze for a moment then smiled broadly. Thirty guests, everyone dear to him, had gathered to celebrate.

Toasts, gifts, laughter ensued. Andrey beamed, accepting congratulations. I watched, anticipating the main event.

At nine, per plan, Oleg sent a message: «All set.»

I asked everyone to step outside for a group photo. Andrey was clueless.

In the streetlight, stood a brand-new Tiguan, wrapped with a massive red bow. I handed him the keys:

«Happy birthday, my love!»

A stunned silence held for a second. Then whistles and astonished voices.

Andrey looked at the car with an expression I couldn’t read.

«This… for me?» he whispered hoarsely. «Where from?»

«From me,» I said, offering the keys. «I’ve long wanted to surprise you with something special.»

Applause erupted and congratulations flowed. Champagne popped, photos snapped.

But the birthday boy stood still, his face growing increasingly tense…

***

Throughout the evening, I observed his precarious mood. He forced polite smiles, but I noticed his jaw muscles twitching.

Andrey was monosyllabic in replies and drank more than usual.

Guests attributed his mood to being overwhelmed by such a generous gift.

«Lucky you, Andryukha!» his boss from the dealership patted his shoulder. «What a surprise! And you said she’s just doing some translations…»

Andrey smirked grimly and downed another shot.

After the party, driving home in his new car, silence filled the cabin.

«Andrey,» I finally broke it, «aren’t you happy?»

«Shut up,» he growled through clenched teeth. «Just… shut up.»

I stayed quiet, feeling the tension building.

He exploded right after the door clicked shut behind us.

«You!» He turned to me, shaking with rage. «You lied! All this time you lied to my face!»

«I wanted to do something nice for you…»

«Nice?!» he almost screamed. «I begged you for money for business! You pretended to be broke: ‘I barely get by…’ And yourself? You quietly shelled out three million on a car!»

«Because I knew how your business would end!» I snapped back. «You’d burn out again and we’d drown in debt…»

«Oh, so you think you’re the smartest!» he kicked a coffee table in fury. «You decide my life? Who do you think you are?!»

«I’m your wife! I wanted…»

«Wife?!» He cut me off. «Wives don’t betray! Don’t lie! Don’t manipulate! You’re selfish! Only thinking about yourself and your ideas of how things should be!»

«Andrey, please listen…»

«No, you listen!» He loomed over me. «I asked for help! To start something! To become someone! But you decided the car’s more important! Because it’s convenient for you! Because you know best! To hell with you and your car!»

I stood stunned by his outburst. Three years of saving, nights at the computer, secret funds… for what? To be labeled a traitor?

«You know what?» he quieted but sounded scarier. «I thought we were a family, with complete trust. But you were just playing me, pretending to be a poor translator…»

«I wasn’t pretending!» I exclaimed. «I really worked day and night to make you a gift!»

«A gift?» He laughed bitterly. «No, dear. This is a show of your power. Your superiority. ‘Look everyone! I can buy my husband a car! And he can’t even find business money!’»

«God, what are you talking about…» I covered my face. «What power? What superiority? I just wanted to make you happy!»

«Happy?!» He grabbed the new car keys from the nightstand and threw them hard against the wall. «You should’ve just told me to buzz off when I asked for money! That would’ve been honest!»

***

«Andrey, forgive me,» I wiped tears. «I truly thought I was doing the right thing…»

«Right thing?» He suddenly calmed, flashing a sarcastic smile. «Fine. Let’s test it. If you really want me happy, prove it.»

«Prove how?»

«Sell the car. It’s worth good money as new. Enough for the car wash business share.»

I froze, stammering:

«What…?»

«You wanted my happiness — here’s your chance! I’ll sell the car, invest, try again.»

«No,» I shook my head firmly. «No, Andrey. This is my gift to you. I picked it with love, saved for it…»

«Exactly!» He triumphantly raised a finger. «Your gift, your choice, your decision. And me? Am I just a puppet for you to control?»

«What does that have to do with anything? If you want to succeed in business, do it with your own money. Gifts should mean something.»

«Meaning?» He lost his temper again. «My greatest value, my dream is to have my own business! Not to be just a dealership manager! And if you really love me…»

«No!» I suddenly felt a rare calmness. «If you sell the car, I’ll file for divorce. Immediately!»

«What?!» He gasped, outraged.

«This isn’t just a car, Andrey. It’s a symbol of how I care for you. If you can discard this so easily…»

«And your attitude toward me is control?» He interrupted. «‘Do this, live like that, don’t even think about selling MY present!’ Maybe divorce is best. I’m tired! I don’t want a wife who thinks I’m incapable of decisions. I want to be a man!»

We stared at each other, and I realized: this was the end. Years of living in an illusion, trying to create a perfect family picture — devoted wife, successful husband, happy home — and this is what we ended up with.

«Fine,» I slowly removed my ring. «Tomorrow I’ll see a lawyer and prepare documents.»

«Great,» Andrey smirked bitterly. «Just return the car. It was a gift for me, right? So, I have the right to do as I please with it.»

«No,» I placed the ring on the table. «The car stays with me, as compensation for all these years of illusions.»

He opened his mouth to reply, but I went to the bedroom to pack. An hour later, I called a taxi and left for a friend’s home.

***

Two months later, we met to sign the final divorce papers.

Andrey looked calm, even happy. I heard he finally found money for the business and was developing the car wash chain.

I moved to a new district, changed my hairstyle, and bought an apartment. I still work hard but now proudly share my success. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly free.

I sold the Tiguan a month after the divorce. Not for lack of money, but because every time I sat behind the wheel, I remembered that night. Some gifts become too heavy a burden — for the giver and the receiver alike.

They say Andrey still gets irritated seeing blue Tiguans on the road.

As for me… I simply keep living and learning to give gifts without expectations, even when that gift is freedom.

Conclusion: This story reveals how financial secrets and unspoken expectations can deeply affect relationships. Genuine support, communication, and trust are essential foundations. Sometimes, what is meant as a loving gesture can uncover hidden rifts, emphasizing the importance of openness and understanding between partners.