When Maria’s parents gifted the young couple an apartment, it seemed like the perfect beginning of their new life. The renovation took months, but the result was worth it: a cozy kitchen, a bright living room, and a spacious bedroom. Maria lovingly picked out every detail of the interior, dreaming of finally inviting guests and showing everyone the home they had built together.

But reality turned out to be far more complicated.

The first housewarming and a shocking blow

At the housewarming celebration, Maria’s husband, Andrey, suddenly gave a speech that stunned everyone:

— Thanks to my wife’s parents for this apartment! But we won’t be living here. We’ll give it to my sister, and later we’ll buy a new place for ourselves!

The words hit like thunder. His mother burst into applause, thrilled with his decision. But Maria’s own mother rose to her feet and retorted sharply:

— Excuse me, but who asked us, the ones who gave the gift? This apartment was meant for you two, not for your sister!

The silence that followed was suffocating. Maria’s parents felt betrayed.

Months later

The renovation was completed, and Andrey unexpectedly admitted he had been wrong. He apologized to his wife, saying his earlier words were a mistake. He even thanked Maria’s parents once again for their generosity. It seemed like the conflict was over.

But his mother, unwilling to let things go, declared:

— For a home to be truly happy, we must celebrate with a proper party!

And so a second housewarming was planned.

The second betrayal

The guests gathered, the table was set with care, and the atmosphere grew warm. Maria hoped that this time things would be different. But during dinner, her mother-in-law stood up, smiling, and announced:

— I’m happy for you, children. But you two are together, you’ll manage to save for your own place. My daughter Olya, though, is raising three kids alone. Isn’t it unfair that she lives cramped while you enjoy this gift?

And then she suggested that the apartment be given to Olya instead.

To Maria’s horror, Andrey immediately supported her:

— Mom is right. Let Olya raise her children here. Maria and I can buy our own place later.

The reaction

For Maria, these words were like a dagger to the heart. She saw her parents’ faces: her father, speechless, his fork slipping from his hand; her mother, struggling to hold back tears.

Her mother-in-law, however, was radiant with pride, convinced she had restored “justice.” It didn’t matter to her that the apartment had been a gift specifically for Maria and Andrey.

In that moment, Maria realized her husband was still completely under his mother’s control. His apologies had meant nothing.

The conclusion

The apartment, meant to symbolize a fresh start, had instead become a source of endless conflict and manipulation. A gift of love was turned into a battlefield.

Maria now faced a painful truth: either Andrey would finally learn to make decisions on his own and protect his family, or both the home — and their marriage — would remain forever in doubt.