Who are you, Vanya, to tell me how to live?» Tamara Pavlovna’s voice was sharp, and her eyes gleamed with fury. «Do you think just because you're seeing my daughter, you have the right to interfere with my life?»

«I’m not interfering, Tamara Pavlovna,» Ivan responded, trying to keep his composure, though a storm was building within him. «I’m only asking that you stop meddling in Katya and my relationship. It’s ours to manage, and we’ll handle it on our own.»

«Your relationship?» she scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. «It’ll be yours when you can provide for yourself. As long as my daughter depends on me, her life is my business. And I’ll decide who is worthy of her, not you. And you…» She looked him up and down. «You’re not worthy. You can’t even take care of yourself.»

From the next room, Katya stood silently, her hand pressed against the door, shaking with a mix of fear and frustration. She could feel the weight of her mother’s words but couldn’t find the courage to intervene. How could she explain to her mother that Vanya wasn’t the person Tamara Pavlovna thought he was? How could she calm Ivan, who was clearly hurt by the constant criticism?

«Tamara Pavlovna, please,» Ivan tried again, his voice steady but strained. «I know you care about Katya, but I’m doing everything I can.»

«Everything? And what does that look like?» she mocked. «Your poor, empty promises. Katya’s hungry because you can’t even put food on the table. How do you think she’ll be happy with you? Where’s the guarantee that you’ll be able to give her a decent life?»

Unable to hold it in anymore, Katya barged into the room, her voice trembling. «Mom, stop! I love Vanya. He loves me, and we don’t need anyone else deciding what’s best for us!»

«Fine,» Tamara Pavlovna sneered, crossing her arms. «You want to ruin your life, go ahead. Don’t even think about asking for my blessing for a wedding. I’m done watching you throw everything away on someone who has nothing to offer.» She shot a disdainful glance at Ivan. «A man without prospects.»

Ivan stood still, his face pale, but his voice remained firm. «I do have goals, just not the ones you’re demanding.»

Tamara Pavlovna let out a scoff. «Goals? All I see is someone who’s too lazy to work for his future. No money—find a way to make it. No home—take on more work. No ambitions—develop them! But no, you’d rather come up with excuses for your weakness!»

Katya’s heart sank with each harsh word. This wasn’t her mother—the woman who had raised her with such care. The reality of the situation struck her with force. «Mom, please,» she pleaded, but Tamara Pavlovna shrugged her off, walking toward the door with finality.

«I’ve said what I had to,» she snapped, walking out without another word.

The air in the room was thick with tension. Ivan turned to the window, his back to her, and Katya stood in the center, her hands over her face, trying to block out the pain. Tamara Pavlovna’s words were clear: Katya was forbidden to live with Ivan until she saw some evidence of his financial stability. «I won’t give you my blessing until I see results,» she had said coldly, dismissing them both.

For Katya, the situation was unbearable. She loved Vanya—he was twenty-five and worked tirelessly in a small furniture workshop, creating beautiful and durable pieces. His earnings were modest, but he had his own apartment, even if it was small. It was simple and full of warmth, decorated with things he had crafted with his own hands. She admired his dedication and simplicity.

But for her mother, Vanya was nothing but a «poor man,» someone unworthy of Katya’s time. Tamara Pavlovna believed that only wealth and status would guarantee Katya’s happiness. The memories of her own struggles, of raising Katya alone after her husband abandoned them, weighed heavily on her. She wanted something better for her daughter—a life without hardship.

Katya often tried to talk to Vanya about her mother’s concerns. «Why don’t you try something different?» she asked once. «There are better opportunities in the city. You’re smart and capable. You could do more.»

Vanya had sighed deeply, a pained look in his eyes. «I’ve thought about it, Katyusha. I’ve considered moving to a bigger city—St. Petersburg or Moscow. But here, I have a start. I can develop my business in furniture. It’s slow, but I know I can make it work.»

Katya had understood. She liked seeing the passion in his eyes when he talked about his work. He didn’t promise her an easy life, but he was real. He worked, he created, and he believed in the future he could build with her.

But Vanya didn’t talk much about his family. She knew only that his father was a businessman, and Vanya had once mentioned it casually. «A businessman, huh?» she’d thought, not thinking much more of it.

In reality, Vanya came from a world of unimaginable wealth. His father, Mikhail Petrovich, was a billionaire with vast connections. But Vanya had chosen to leave that life behind and start anew. His father, while firm in his values, had understood his son’s decision. «If you want to live simply, do so. But remember, the time will come when you’ll need to step into the family business.»

Vanya never expected to inherit the business so quickly, but he didn’t seek the luxury either. He enjoyed his independence. His apartment, filled with handcrafted furniture and simple comforts, reflected his love for creating something from nothing. But Tamara Pavlovna, with her sharp criticisms, never saw past his humble exterior. She dismissed him as a man without prospects.

Katya, on the other hand, admired his independence and strength of character. She didn’t care for wealth; all she wanted was to be loved and to love in return. With Vanya, she felt secure, something she’d never felt before. They didn’t need riches—just each other.

But Tamara Pavlovna wouldn’t let up. «It’s time for you to end this relationship! Find someone who can give you a future!» she repeated again and again. Katya tried to ignore her mother’s words, but they cut deep.

The breaking point came when Tamara Pavlovna publicly humiliated Vanya, calling him irresponsible and dismissing him as a failure in front of Katya. The argument that followed was heated and loud, with Tamara Pavlovna storming out, leaving behind a suffocating silence.

In the days that followed, Katya was torn. She wanted to support Vanya, but her mother’s words haunted her. «What should I do?» Vanya had asked, looking helpless. «Your mom doesn’t believe in me, and I don’t know how to change her mind.»

«She doesn’t believe in us,» Katya whispered. «She doesn’t believe in building a future together. She’s just scared, scared of repeating her own mistakes.»

Vanya had suggested they take a break, to focus on their lives and let things settle. «Maybe we should break up for a while, Katyusha? I want you to focus on your mom and take care of yourself. I’ll work on my goals. Maybe in the future, we’ll see where we stand.»

Katya had agreed, though it shattered her heart. She went back to her mother, trying to keep the peace, but the guilt of leaving Vanya behind gnawed at her.

Six months passed, and the spring air was thick with anticipation. Katya still thought about Vanya, wondering if he had moved on, wondering if she had made the right choice.

One day, her mother told her about a news broadcast that changed everything. «Vanya?» Tamara Pavlovna asked in disbelief. «He’s the president of a major furniture company now!»

Katya’s heart skipped a beat. «Vanya?» She couldn’t believe it. How could she not have known?

The truth came crashing down on her. Vanya had never wanted to boast about his background. He had wanted to prove himself on his own terms, not relying on the wealth of his family.

Tamara Pavlovna, realizing her mistake, suggested that Katya call him. «I was wrong. We both were. You should call him, Katya. Apologize.»

Katya hesitated, but eventually, she did. The moment she heard his voice, she knew that the love between them was still alive.

«I’m sorry, Vanya,» she whispered. «I didn’t support you, and I let my mom tear us apart.»

«I understand,» he replied gently. «Love is never about money. I never blamed you. I just wanted you to see me for who I am.»

Katya’s heart soared as she realized they still had a chance. «I miss you,» she said softly.

Her mother, seeing the joy on her face, smiled. This was the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter where love, forgiveness, and understanding would lead the way.