“I was in an emotional state, Your Honor. I didn’t want to lose my family. Perhaps I was harsh, but I had no serious intention of threatening her. They were just words spoken in the heat of the moment.”
The judge played the audio recording. Vladimir’s voice, recorded by Anna, filled the courtroom:
“You’ll regret this. Do you think it’s so easy to leave me? I won’t give you a divorce. I’ll fight to the end. You are my wife and you will remain my wife. I can have you fired from your job. I can ruin your reputation. I can…”
The recording stopped. Silence hung in the room. The judge continued:
“Mr. Kornilov, is that your voice?”
Vladimir turned pale, sweat beading on his forehead.
“Yes, Your Honor, but I didn’t mean… It was just emotions. I had no intention of acting on those words.”
“That’s enough,” the judge cut him off in a cold tone. “I see sufficient grounds for the dissolution of the marriage. Considering the circumstances of the case, the systematic psychological pressure on the plaintiff, the harm caused to her health by insisting on wearing a contraindicated item, and the threats made against her, I find the preservation of this family impossible. I will not grant a period for reconciliation due to the obvious impossibility of restoring the family relationship. The marriage between Vladimir Sergeevich Kornilov and Anna Vasilyevna Kornilova is hereby dissolved. The decision will take effect one month from today’s date.”
Anna felt something inside her snap. Not from pain, but from relief. An enormous, all-consuming relief that washed over her entire body in a wave. She was free. Officially, legally free.
Vladimir leaped from his seat, his face contorted with rage.
“This is unfair, Your Honor! I will appeal. You can’t just destroy my family.”
“You may file an appeal in accordance with the law,” the judge replied calmly. “But the decision in this case has been made based on the evidence presented and the norms of the Family Code. This session is adjourned.”
She struck the gavel on the table, and the sound echoed through the hall like a final verdict.
Anna walked out of the courthouse, feeling as if her legs were moving on their own. The sun was shining brightly, dazzlingly; the air was warm and fresh, smelling of lilac and new leaves. Elena Grigoryevna walked beside her, smiling.
“Congratulations, Anna Vasilyevna. You are free. In a month, the decision will take effect, and you will receive your certificate of divorce.”
“Thank you,” Anna hugged her, feeling tears stream down her cheeks. “Thank you for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You would have managed,” the lawyer smiled. “You are a strong woman. Sometimes we just need support to realize it.”
A month later, when the court’s decision came into effect, Anna received her certificate of divorce. She stood by the window in the apartment she had rented a week ago—a small one-bedroom in a quiet neighborhood near a park. The apartment was modest, but she was the only one living there. No one controlled when she came and went. No one checked what she ate or who she talked to. No one forced her to wear something that harmed her health. Anna held the document in her hands, official proof that she was a free, independent woman. And she smiled. Life was starting anew.
She returned to work in mid-June. Stanislav Dmitrievich greeted her warmly, shaking her hand firmly.
“Glad to see you back in action, Anna Vasilyevna! I hope you are feeling well?”
“Yes, thank you. I’m ready to work.”
Irina Dmitrievna gave her a motherly hug.
“If you need anything, just ask. You know where to find me.”
Her colleagues congratulated her on her return without asking too many questions. They all understood she had been through something difficult and respected her choice not to share the details. Anna resumed her duties—scheduling meetings, coordinating departments, leading briefings. Work consumed her, but now it wasn’t an escape from problems, but a return to her true self. She felt her strength, confidence, and joy in what she was doing return with each passing day…
Comments are closed.