Victor’s world turned upside down the moment Alla Petrovna stormed in, her eyes blazing. She ignored his awkward greeting and went straight to the bedroom, where Zoina lay pale and recovering from surgery.
“Victor!” she barked. “Come here—now!”
He tried to charm her with a smile, but she cut him off. “I heard everything. You think she’s your servant?”
“But my mother and sister—”
“They can go to a restaurant!” she snapped.
Victor’s mother and sister, arguing in the living room, fell silent when Alla entered. “Good evening,” she said coolly. “Did you expect my daughter to cook after surgery?”
“She’s his wife!” his mother replied. “It’s her duty!”
Alla laughed. “Zoina paid for Victor’s education and this apartment. She’s not your maid.”
When his sister objected, Alla raised her voice: “Perfect! Go back where you came from—or let Victor cook for once!”
She turned to Zoina. “You’re coming home with me. I’ve arranged it with your doctor.”
Victor protested, but Alla shut him down: “You want her back? Learn respect.”
The next day, Victor arrived, flowers in hand. “Teach me,” he said.
Alla smiled. “Start with chicken broth.”
