“Wash my stuff and make breakfast!” — declared my husband’s niece, living in my apartment for free… -

Emily always considered herself a lucky woman.

Thirty-eight years old, her own one-bedroom apartment in downtown Chicago, which she inherited from her aunt, a stable job as chief accountant in a construction company, and her husband, Michael, who adored her. At least, that’s what she thought until that fateful Thursday in November. Michael Smith was a soft man, even too soft for a forty-two-year-old guy.

He worked as an electrician at a factory, earned decent money, but his main trait was a pathological attachment to his relatives. Especially to his younger sister Sarah, who lived in a small town in Illinois with her daughter, a college student. That Thursday, Emily returned from work a bit later than usual.

The tax report dragged on, and she barely caught the last bus. Climbing the stairs to the fifth floor, she was already dreaming of hot tea and a quiet evening in front of the TV. But right at the door, she sensed something was off.

Michael greeted her with an overly cheerful smile and an unnaturally upbeat voice. “Emmy, sunshine!” he exclaimed, hugging her a bit too tightly. “How was work? Tired, huh? Sit down, I’ll pour you some tea.”

Emily frowned. In five years of marriage, she had studied all her husband’s habits perfectly, and such ostentatious care meant only one thing—he had already done something wrong and was now smoothing over the guilt in advance. “Michael, what happened?” she asked directly, taking off her coat.

“Nothing special,” her husband waved his hands. “Just good news.” Sarah called, told me how things are going for Olivia at college.

“She’s growing into an A-student,” she says, “all the professors praise her.” Olivia—that’s Michael’s niece. The nineteen-year-old daughter of his sister.

Emily had seen her only a couple of times at family gatherings, and the girl didn’t make much of an impression on her. An ordinary small-town college student, nothing remarkable. “And what’s so good about that?” Emily asked, heading to the kitchen.

“She was doing well before too.” Michael fussed around, getting cups and cookies, clearly stalling for time. This finally alerted Emily.

“Listen, Mikey, let’s get to the point. What do you want to tell me?” Her husband sighed and scratched the back of his head, a sure sign that the conversation would be tough. “You see, Em, Olivia has problems with the dorm.

Her roommate turned out to be… well, not a very nice person. Constantly drinking, bringing guys over, blasting music loud.

Olivia is totally worn out, can’t even study properly. Well, let her move to another room, Emily shrugged. Or rent a place.

That’s the thing, Michael perked up. There are no other spots in the dorm, all occupied. And renting a room is too expensive.

Sarah is raising her alone. Low salary, barely making ends meet. Emily sensed where the conversation was heading, and she didn’t like it at all.

“And what do you suggest?” “Well, I thought… maybe Olivia could stay with us?” Just for a short while, until the dorm situation sorts out. The girl is quiet, modest, won’t bother anyone.

Emily set her cup on the table and looked closely at her husband. “Michael, we have a one-bedroom apartment. Where will she sleep? In the kitchen? What are you talking about, of course not!” her husband waved his hands.

“The couch folds out, plenty of space. And we can sleep in the bedroom on the bed. Stop,” Emily interrupted him.

“You’re suggesting we cram into the bedroom, and your niece takes the living room? That’s our common relaxation area, where we watch TV, entertain guests. What guests do we even have!” Michael got indignant. “Your mom comes once a month, and not for long.

And Olivia will be at college most of the time, just coming home to sleep.” Emily was silent, thinking over the situation. She wasn’t against helping relatives.

But something in her husband’s behavior bothered her. He was too nervous and in a hurry to get her agreement. “And how long is this all?” she asked.

“Well, until the situation sorts out,” Michael replied vaguely. “That’s not an answer. A month? Six months? A year?” Her husband hesitated and looked away.

“Maybe until the end of the school year. That’s just a few months. A few months, that’s until June.

It’s November now. That means seven months,” Emily calculated. “Michael, are you serious? Come on, Emmy, be human!” her husband pleaded.

“It’s family. Olivia is a good girl, well-raised. She’ll help you around the house, buy groceries, do cleaning.”

She said herself she doesn’t want to be a burden. That’s when Emily realized the catch. “Stop-stop-stop! You already arranged everything with her? Without me?” Michael blushed and started fidgeting.

“Well?” Sarah called yesterday, crying into the phone. “She says Olivia is really suffering from that roommate, can’t even sleep. I couldn’t refuse my sister.”

“So you already said ‘yes,’ and you’re just putting me in front of the fact?” “No way!” Michael waved his hands. “I said I need to consult with you. But in principle, we won’t refuse help to a relative.

Emily stood up and paced the kitchen. What angered her wasn’t that they’d have to squeeze in, but that her husband decided everything without her. And even more, how he was trying to pressure her with pity and present it as if refusing was almost a crime.

“Michael, you understand that seven months is serious. We’ll have to completely restructure our life. No privacy, someone always home.

At least it won’t be boring.” Her husband tried to joke. And besides, Olivia can pay for utilities, at least help a bit with expenses.

“Does she work?” “Well, odd jobs. Hands out flyers on weekends, does something online.” Emily realized arguing was pointless.

Michael had already made the decision, and now he was just trying to get her formal consent. If she refused, he’d pressure with pity and accuse her of heartlessness. And if she agreed, she’d regret it in a week.

When is she supposed to arrive? she asked with a sigh. Tomorrow evening, Michael answered quickly, and from his face, it was clear he breathed a sigh of relief. “Tomorrow?” Emily jumped up.

“Michael, have you completely lost it? You’re telling me this today, and she’ll be here tomorrow?” “Well, circumstances turned out that way,” her husband justified. Olivia’s last day in the dorm is tomorrow, they’re evicting her. “Evicting?” Emily got alert.

They’re moving her to another room. Michael hesitated again. “Well? It’s a complicated situation.

In general, it’s better for her to stay with us until everything settles.” Emily felt her husband was holding something back. But it was too late to clarify details—the decision was made, the girl was coming tomorrow.

All Friday, she walked around like in a fog, thinking about the upcoming changes. It was hard to work, her thoughts kept returning to home problems. Colleagues noticed her distraction, but Emily brushed it off and didn’t talk about her issues.

In the evening, she and Michael prepared the apartment for the guest’s arrival. They cleared some things from the living room, freed up space in the closet. They made the couch with fresh linen….

Michael was unusually animated and kept telling stories about his niece. Olivia is such a smarty. She was an A-student in school, won prizes at olympiads.

And what a craftswoman! She sews her own dresses, simply beautiful. Emily listened half-heartedly and thought that tomorrow their measured life would change drastically. And what’s her character like? she asked.

Golden. Michael answered without hesitation. Calm, quiet, wouldn’t hurt a fly.

Sarah raised her wonderfully. If her character is so golden, then why are they evicting her from the dorm? Usually, they kick out problematic students. Michael paused for a second, then waved his hands.

It’s a total mess there. The dorm supervisor is old, mean, picks on everyone. Olivia just got unlucky.

But Emily noticed her husband’s eyes darting and his voice becoming uncertain. Clearly, he knew more than he was telling. On Saturday around six in the evening, the doorbell rang.

Michael rushed to open it, while Emily stayed in the kitchen preparing dinner. She heard her husband’s joyful exclamations and a young female voice in the hallway. “Olivia, dear! How was the trip? Tired, huh? Come in, come in, don’t be shy.

Uncle Michael, hi!” Yeah, the trip was fine, the bus was just an hour late. The girl’s voice was ringing, confident, not at all timid as Michael described. Emily wiped her hands and went to meet the guest.

In the living room stood a tall, slender girl with long chestnut hair and bright makeup. She was dressed in fashionable jeans and an expensive jacket, stylish high-heeled boots on her feet. She didn’t look like a poor small-town student at all.

“Olivia, meet my wife Emily,” Michael introduced. The girl gave Emily an appraising look and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Aunt Emily!” “Olivia!” The handshake was firm, almost masculine, and in the girl’s eyes, Emily read not gratitude, but something like condescending assessment.

Likewise, Emily replied dryly. “How was the road?” “Fine.” Though it was stuffy on the bus, I could hardly wait to arrive.

Michael fussed around his niece, helping her take off her jacket and get comfortable. “Are you hungry?” “Em is cooking dinner, we’ll eat soon.” “And where’s the suitcase?” “Left it in the hallway, it’s really heavy.”

“Can you bring it?” “Of course, of course!” “I’ll go now.” Michael ran for the suitcase, and Emily was left alone with the guest. Olivia walked around the living room, surveying the surroundings.

“The apartment is small,” she noted. “But cozy.” “And where will I sleep?” “The couch folds out,” Emily pointed.

“Got it. Do you have internet?” “I need it for studying.” “Yes, the password is written on the fridge.”

Olivia took an expensive smartphone from her purse and started setting something up on it. Emily noticed the phone was the latest model, clearly not affordable for an ordinary student from a low-income family. “Nice phone,” she remarked.

“Oh, this?” “A birthday gift,” the girl replied casually, without even lifting her eyes. Michael returned with a huge suitcase. “Oof, it’s so heavy! What did you stuff in there, Liv?” “Lots of stuff, I’m here for six months,” the girl laughed.

“Six months?” Emily asked again. Michael said until the end of the school year. “Yeah, approximately.

Maybe a bit longer if there’s no spot in the dorm.” Emily wanted to say something, but Michael quickly changed the topic. “Liv, how’s college? Exams soon?” “Yeah, in a month.”

“But I’m not worried, I’ve got it all under control,” the girl replied confidently. At dinner, Olivia talked about her plans and dreams. She spoke a lot and with pleasure, clearly loving to be the center of attention.

Michael listened with admiration, constantly nodding and praising his niece for her smarts and quick wit. “And what exactly happened in the dorm?” Emily asked when the conversation touched on the reasons for moving. Olivia hesitated for a second, then waved her hand.

“It’s such a mess there. The dorm supervisor picks on everyone, makes up stupid rules. And the roommates are a nightmare.

One drinks constantly, the other brings guys every night. Can’t study normally. And they evicted all of you?” Emily persisted.

“Well, not all. But I can’t stay there anymore.” Michael quickly picked up the conversation and started talking about his work, clearly not wanting to delve into the dorm problems.

After dinner, Olivia settled on the couch with her laptop and turned on music. Not too loud, but not quiet either. Emily and Michael went to the bedroom.

“So, not a bad girl, huh?” her husband asked, closing the door. “Michael, are you sure she’s a student?” Emily asked quietly. “What a silly question?” “Of course she’s a student.”

“Why?” — she looks too… expensive. Phone, clothes, makeup—all not affordable for someone from a poor family.

But maybe she has good side jobs. Or a rich boyfriend,” Michael brushed off. “Or maybe she didn’t leave the dorm because of roommates?” Michael frowned.

“Emily, what are you trying to say?” “Nothing. It just seems like you’re not telling the whole truth.” “What truth?” “The girl needs help, we’re helping.”

“What’s unclear?” Emily decided not to insist for now. Time would show what Olivia was really like and why she came. From the living room came sounds of music and keyboard clicking.

Judging by everything, the niece had settled in thoroughly and wasn’t planning to go to bed early. “Did you explain the rules to her?” Emily asked. “About quiet after eleven, cleaning, groceries.

Why rules?” Michael was surprised. “She’s not a kid, she knows how to behave.” But Emily wasn’t so optimistic.

Something told her the problems were just beginning. She was right. Already an hour later, the music in the living room got louder, and some friends came to Olivia.

Emily heard laughter and conversations, clinking dishes in the kitchen. “Michael, your niece brought guests,” she nudged her husband. “So what?” “Young people socializing, that’s normal.”

“At eleven in the evening on Saturday, maybe. But not every day. And not until morning.

Come on, don’t dramatize,” her husband grumbled and turned to the wall. Emily lay listening to the sounds from the living room. Something told her tomorrow would be an interesting day…

And she wasn’t wrong. Sunday morning started with Emily waking up to noises in the kitchen. The clock showed half past six.

From the kitchen came loud clattering of dishes, sizzling of a frying pan, and carefree humming. Emily threw on a robe and went to see what was happening. In the kitchen, she saw a scene that instantly ruined her mood.

Olivia stood at the stove in short shorts and a top, frying eggs—four of them—and around her was total chaos. On the table lay eggshells, bread crumbs, open packages of butter and sausage. The pan was spitting grease everywhere, and the stove was splattered.

“Good morning,” Emily said, surveying the mess. — Oh, Aunt Emily! Hi! — Olivia responded cheerfully, without even turning around. — I’m having breakfast, mind? I’m so hungry from the trip.

Emily silently opened the fridge. As she expected, from the groceries she bought for the week, little was left. Almost all the sausage, cheese, butter, half the bread had disappeared.

— Olivia, and what are Michael and I supposed to have for breakfast? — she asked, trying to stay calm. — Go to the store, — the girl replied carelessly, flipping the eggs. Everything’s open nearby now.

— At half past six on Sunday morning? Well, then wait until nine, — Olivia shrugged. — No big deal, skip breakfast once. Emily felt her hands starting to shake with indignation.

The kid ate their groceries, made a mess in the kitchen, and even advises waiting until stores open. — Olivia, aren’t you planning to clean up after yourself? — I’ll clean after breakfast, — she brushed off. — What’s the rush? But breakfast dragged on because Olivia’s friend came—a similarly young and brazen girl.

They sat at the table, lounged in chairs, and started loudly discussing last night’s party. Naturally, no one was going to clean the dishes. Emily tried to hint to the girl, maybe tidy up the kitchen? — Can’t cook anywhere.

— But we haven’t finished yet, — Olivia was surprised. — We’ll finish our coffee and clean. But coffee smoothly turned to tea, tea to discussing plans for the day.

And no one started cleaning. In the end, Emily washed the dishes herself and tidied the kitchen, while the girls moved to the living room and turned on music. Michael woke up only at 10 AM, when Emily had already returned from the store with new groceries.

— You’re up early, — he noted, yawning. — Your niece woke me at half past six with her breakfasts, — Emily replied dryly. — Oh well, you’ll get used to it, — her husband waved.

— Young people like to get up early. — Michael, she ate all our groceries and turned the kitchen into a pigsty. — Em, don’t dramatize.

— Groceries aren’t a problem, we’ll buy more. — And about order, I’ll talk to her. But that talk never happened, because Michael spent the whole day hovering around his niece like a devoted puppy.

He showed her the neighborhood, took her shopping, bought little things she asked for. And in the evening, the three of them with her friend went to the movies. The company returned home at 11 PM, noisy and cheerful.

Michael was in high spirits, telling jokes. And the girls laughed loudly. Emily tried to read a book, but couldn’t concentrate.

— Maybe quieter? — she asked. — Work day tomorrow. — Come on, Aunt Emily, — Olivia brushed off.

— It’s only eleven. We’re not rowdy. And indeed, they weren’t rowdy.

Just talking loudly, laughing often, playing music. But for Emily, who was used to quiet and peace in her own home, it was too much. Monday started even worse.

Emily got up at seven to have breakfast and get ready for work, but the kitchen was chaos again. Olivia and her friend, who apparently stayed overnight, had made themselves an early breakfast from the remnants of Emily’s Sunday purchases. — Girls, are you serious? — Emily couldn’t hold back.

— I specifically bought groceries yesterday for the work week. — Oh, Aunt Emily, sorry, — Olivia made innocent eyes. — We didn’t think.

— But you won’t leave us hungry? — And where does your friend live? Nothing to eat at home? Katie’s parents are strict, the friend herself chimed in. They don’t allow bringing friends over. — And here it’s so nice, cozy.

Emily had to breakfast on tea with cookies and buy something on the way to work. All day she was in a bad mood, colleagues noticed her irritability. — What’s with you, Emily? — asked her friend Lisa.

— You look exhausted. My husband’s niece came to stay with us, — Emily sighed. — A college student.

— And what, so awful? — Not awful, but… presumptuous. Acts like it’s her home, even more. Eats our groceries, brings friends, makes noise.

— And what does your husband say? — He’s thrilled. For him, the niece is gold, and I’m the evil stepmom. — Maybe talk to her seriously? — I’ll try today.

But at home, another surprise awaited Emily. In the living room sat not two, but four girls, all eating, drinking, and chattering loudly. On the table were the remnants of the groceries Emily bought that morning on her way to work.

— Olivia! — Emily called her niece. — Yes, Aunt Emily. She responded quickly.

— Can I see you in the kitchen? They went to the kitchen, where the usual mess reigned. — Olivia! I need to talk to you, — Emily began. — You see, we have a small apartment, and we need to agree on rules for living together.

— What rules? — the girl got wary. — Well, for example, that groceries should be bought together, or at least ask permission. — That you need to clean up after yourself.

— That guests are fine, but in moderation. Olivia listened and smirked. — Aunt Emily, are you serious? I’m not some renter.

I’m family, a relative. — And family doesn’t behave like that. Precisely because you’re family, I’m asking you to be more considerate of me and Uncle Michael…

— I am considerate. Olivia got indignant. — I’m not demanding a separate room, — I agreed to the couch.

— I’m not complaining about inconveniences. — And you’re making a scandal over some groceries? At that moment, Michael entered the kitchen. — What’s going on here? — he asked, seeing the tense faces.

— Aunt Emily is explaining some rules to me, — Olivia complained. — Says I eat too much and bring too many friends. — Emily! — her husband looked at his wife reproachfully.

— How can you? The girl just arrived, hasn’t settled in yet, and you’re already educating her. — Michael, I just asked her to clean up after herself and not eat all the groceries. — Big deal, groceries.

We’ll buy more. And about cleaning, Olivia didn’t do it on purpose, just not used to it yet. Olivia smiled triumphantly and hugged her uncle.

— Thanks, Uncle Michael. I knew you’d understand me. Emily realized arguing was pointless.

Michael had already taken his niece’s side and wasn’t going to change anything. The next few days went in the same vein. Olivia acted like the full-fledged owner of the apartment, and Emily felt like a guest in her own home.

The kid got up early and had loud breakfasts, brought friends who stayed until late evening, and sometimes overnight. The fridge emptied at an alarming rate, and dishes piled up in the sink like mountains. — Michael, to all his wife’s complaints, — replied the same: don’t dramatize, Em.

Olivia is young, she needs to socialize. And groceries aren’t a problem. The problem isn’t the groceries.

It’s that she doesn’t consider us at all. Emily exploded one day. — She does consider.

You’re just too picky. Maybe you’re jealous that you didn’t have such a youth. That was a low blow.

Emily didn’t reply but remembered those words. Meanwhile, Olivia’s audacity grew day by day. She started using Emily’s makeup, forgetting to ask permission.

Rearranged furniture in the living room as she liked. Occupied the bathroom for half an hour, belting out songs. The climax came on Friday morning.

Emily, as usual, got up at seven to have breakfast and get ready for work. In the kitchen, she found Olivia with yet another friend. The girls sat in pajamas and lazily picked at food remnants on plates.

Good morning, — Emily greeted restrainedly. Morning, — the friend grumbled, without lifting her eyes. And Olivia suddenly stood up, stretched, and looked at Emily with some strange expression.

Then she picked up a pile of dirty laundry from the floor next to the couch and threw it right at Emily’s feet. — Wash my stuff and make breakfast! — declared her husband’s niece, living in the apartment for free. Emily was stunned by such audacity.

And Olivia, not satisfied with what she said, bent down and picked dirty underwear from the pile, then casually threw it right in Emily’s face. But the kid miscalculated. Emily wasn’t one to tolerate such rudeness.

The reaction was instant and harsh. Before Olivia could react, the underwear she threw ended up in her mouth, and she herself on the floor. Michael, who was coming out of the bedroom at that moment, heard the noise and rushed to the living room.

— What’s happening? — he shouted, seeing his niece on the floor with dirty laundry in her mouth. Her husband jumped up from the couch, but Emily quickly sat him back down with just one phrase: “Sit!” Her voice was such that Michael instantly plopped back on the couch and didn’t try to get up again.

Olivia spat out the underwear and yelled: you’re crazy. — I’ll call the police. — This is domestic violence.

— Go ahead, — Emily replied calmly. — But first explain to them why you threw dirty laundry in the face of the woman who sheltered you. Olivia’s friend, who had been watching with interest until then, suddenly fidgeted: “I’m going, time to head home.”

— Get out, — Emily threw shortly. The girl quickly gathered her things and ran away, and tense silence fell in the apartment. Olivia sat on the floor and looked at Emily in confusion.

For the first time during her stay here, she looked not like a confident brat, but a scared kid. — So what now? — she asked quietly. — And now, — Emily said slowly, — you have two options.

First—gather your things right now and get out of my apartment. Second—stay, but live by my rules. And to make it clear, the rules are simple.

Clean up after yourself, don’t touch others’ things, don’t bring guests without permission, and don’t eat our groceries without asking. And most importantly—never, hear me, never dare to be rude to me again. Because next time I won’t stop at underwear.

— Choose. Olivia looked at Uncle Michael, hoping for support, but he sat on the couch like a mouse and was silent. Apparently, Emily’s voice made such an impression on him that he didn’t dare interfere.

— I… I’ll stay, — the girl said quietly. — And I’ll behave well. — Excellent, — Emily nodded.

— Then start right now. Gather this laundry, wash it, tidy the kitchen, and apologize to me for your behavior. — Sorry, — Olivia mumbled quickly and rushed to collect the scattered things.

Emily turned to her husband: and you, Michael, remember once and for all, this is my apartment. And if you don’t like how I behave in it, you can pack up with your niece. Michael nodded like a bobblehead and didn’t say a word.

From that day, completely new orders were established in the apartment. Olivia turned into a model of obedience and politeness. She cleaned up after herself, washed dishes, bought groceries with her own money, didn’t bring friends without permission.

Greeted politely when meeting, was silent at the table. And in the evenings, quietly sat in the living room with books. It seemed the problem was solved.

But Emily wasn’t a fool and understood such a radical change couldn’t be sincere. Olivia had just gone underground, waiting for the right moment. And she wasn’t wrong.

A week after the laundry incident, Michael started cautiously bringing up that Emily was too harsh with his niece. “You see, sunshine,” he said in the evening in the bedroom, “the girl got scared. Now she’s like a mouse, afraid to say an extra word.

— And rightly so, — Emily replied. — Let her know her place. But you agree, the reaction was excessive.

Could have explained differently. I tried explaining differently for a whole week. It didn’t help…

Well, still. Maybe apologize to her? Show you’re not mean?” Emily looked closely at her husband. — Michael, whose ideas are these, yours or hers? — Mine, of course.

It’s just uncomfortable with such a tense atmosphere in the house. But Emily saw her husband was lying. Most likely, Olivia was subtly working on him.

Complaining about oppression and asking him to intercede. A few days later, the pressure increased. Michael started telling how his niece cries at night, is afraid to even go to the kitchen extra, suffers from such treatment.

— Emily, the girl has lost her appetite completely. Look how she’s lost weight. Emily looked and saw no signs of weight loss.

Olivia looked the same as before. — Michael, she’s leading you by the nose. — Don’t you understand? — What are you saying? Olivia isn’t like that.

She’s sincerely upset. And a couple days later, Emily accidentally overheard Olivia’s phone conversations. The girl stood in the hallway complaining to someone: imagine, she almost killed me over some laundry.

Uncle Michael says she was always so mean, but held back around him. Now she’s shown her true face. — I’m afraid to stay in the same apartment with her.

Emily realized the game had started. Olivia decided to turn not only her husband but all relatives against her. Present it as if she was the victim of a domestic tyrant.

In the evening, she directly asked Michael: did you tell anyone about that incident with Olivia? Her husband blushed and fidgeted. — Well? I called Sarah, asked how her daughter settled in.

— And what exactly did you tell? — Nothing special. — That we argued over household issues? — And about her throwing dirty underwear at me, did you mention? Michael looked away.

— Those are unimportant details. — Got it, Emily nodded. So in your version, I’m the evil stepmom offending the poor orphan? — No way.

I just didn’t want to upset Sarah with extra details. But Emily already understood everything. Her husband was fully on his niece’s side, and she had turned into the family monster.

Three days later, Michael’s sister Sarah called. The conversation was tough. — Emily, what’s going on there? The woman got right to the point.

Olivia calls, cries, says you yell at her and offend her. — Sarah, and are you interested why I yell at her? — Whatever for, she’s a child. Nineteen years old, in a strange city, without parents.

She needs support, not attacks. A child who throws dirty laundry? So what if she threw? Youth is hot-tempered. You’re an adult, should understand.

Emily realized talking was pointless. Sarah had already formed an opinion based on her daughter’s stories and wasn’t going to change it. — Fine, — Emily said.

— Then like this. If your daughter tries to be rude to me again, I’ll throw her out on the street. And you, Michael, and anyone can disregard my opinion, that’s your right.

But in my apartment, people will live by my rules. — How dare you? — Sarah was indignant. — This is family.

— That’s why I’m tolerating it, — Emily replied and hung up. After that conversation, Michael completely withdrew. He was clearly unhappy with his wife but didn’t dare conflict openly.

And Olivia continued playing the role of a hunted victim. The girl became even more emphatically polite and quiet. Around Emily, she spoke in a whisper, in hallway meetings pressed against the wall as if fearing a kick.

At the table, she sat with downcast eyes, only occasionally raising them full of silent reproach. Michael watched all this and boiled with indignation. Several times he tried to start a conversation that this couldn’t continue, but Emily cut him off sharply.

— It can. And it will continue exactly as long as needed. One evening, when Emily was washing dishes, Olivia approached her.

— Aunt Emily, — she said quietly, — can I talk to you? — Speak. I understand I behave badly. And I want to improve.

But it’s very hard for me to live in such a tense atmosphere. Maybe we can reconcile somehow? Emily looked at the girl. Olivia stood with an innocent face, sincere plea in her eyes.

But something in her posture, intonation gave away the falseness. — Want to reconcile? — Emily asked. — Fine.

Then answer honestly why they kicked you out of the dorm. Olivia hesitated. — I told you.

— Because of roommates. — You’re lying. Tell the truth, then we’ll talk about reconciliation.

— But I’m telling the truth. Then the conversation is over, — Emily turned away. Olivia stood a bit longer, then went to the living room.

And an hour later, Emily heard her complaining on the phone to someone: she doesn’t even want to talk normally. — I tried to apologize, and she was rude to me. Uncle Michael says this can’t be tolerated, but what can I do? I have nowhere to go.

Emily understood—the war continued, just moved to another phase. Now Olivia played the martyr, and presented her as a home tyrant. And the scariest—her husband in this war wasn’t on her side.

Another week of tense existence in her own apartment passed when Emily accidentally learned the truth about what her husband really planned. On Wednesday evening, she returned from work earlier than usual—they let her go early due to a power grid accident. Climbing the stairs, she heard Michael’s voice from behind the door.

He was talking on the phone, his tone trusting, relaxed. “No, Sarah, everything’s going according to plan.” Emily of course resisted at first, but I thought she’d give in faster.

Girls usually understand you need to care for family. Emily froze on the landing, listening. But of course, I told her Olivia would help around the house.

Imagine how convenient: young, energetic, can cook and clean. And Emily comes home tired from work, it’ll be easier for her. Emily’s heart went cold.

So everything was set up in advance. Michael from the start planned to use her as free help for his niece, and assigned the niece the role of housekeeper. “What are you saying, Sarah! What cruelty!” Just showed her character.

I warned she can be hot-tempered sometimes. But nothing, Olivia now understands to behave more carefully. Emily took out her keys and deliberately loudly inserted them into the lock…

Michael immediately fell silent, and when she entered, was already ending the call. “Okay, Sarah, talk later.” Emily’s here.

“Hi,” Emily greeted dryly. “Oh, sunshine! You’re early today,” her husband fussed. How was work?” “Fine,” she replied shortly and went to the kitchen.

But inside, everything boiled with rage. So the whole spectacle with the poor niece who had nowhere to go was a pre-directed performance. Michael simply decided to provide his sister with free childcare for her daughter, and get a housekeeper in Olivia.

And didn’t even think to ask his wife’s consent. And the most disgusting—he discusses her with his sister like an unreasonable child who needs to be raised and taught the proper understanding of family duties. In the evening at dinner, Emily closely watched her husband and niece.

Michael was emphatically attentive to Olivia, constantly offering her something, asking about college matters. And the girl answered quietly, modestly, occasionally throwing cautious glances at Emily. “Liv, how’s the semester?” – Michael asked.

“Exams soon?” “Yes, in two weeks,” – the girl replied. – Preparing little by little. If you need anything—tutors, textbooks—say, don’t be shy.

– Thanks, Uncle Michael. But I’ll manage. Emily listened to this dialogue and thought that just a week ago, this modest girl threw dirty laundry at her.

And now she’s playing the quiet sufferer. After dinner, Olivia, as usual, cleared the table, washed the dishes, and modestly retreated to the living room with textbooks. Michael settled in front of the TV, and Emily went to the bedroom under the pretext of working on documents.

In fact, she was thinking over the situation. On one hand, externally everything had settled. Olivia behaves decently, helps around the house, doesn’t try to be rude anymore.

On the other hand, Emily understood perfectly it was all for show. The kid had gone underground, waiting for the scandal to die down, and then would show her true face again. And her husband? He turned out to be not at all the man she thought.

Five years of marriage, and she didn’t even suspect he was capable of such deception. Planning behind her back, discussing her with relatives, treating her like free help. The next day, Thursday, happened what Emily expected.

She stayed at work until eight PM, urgent report, needed to submit by morning. Got home tired, hungry, dreaming only of dinner and going to bed early. But in the apartment awaited a surprise.

In the living room sat Olivia and two of her friends, and on the table were remnants of an obviously abundant dinner. Moreover, cooked from the groceries Emily bought for the week. “Good evening,” Emily said, entering the living room.

“Oh, Aunt Emily!” Olivia jumped up. “We didn’t expect you so late. You usually come earlier.”

Delayed at work. “And who are these?” Emily nodded at the girls. “Oh, these are Megan and Sophia, my classmates.

We’re preparing for an exam together.” Emily surveyed the table. No textbooks were visible on it, but there were empty chip packages, soda bottles, and plates with food remnants.

“Got it,” she said dryly. “Girls, will you be here long?” The friends exchanged looks and started gathering. “We’re just leaving,” one said hastily.

“Thanks, Liv, for the treat.” When the girls left, Emily went to the kitchen. As expected, there was total mess.

Pile of dirty dishes, spilled sauces on the table, crumbs on the floor. And the fridge almost empty. “Olivia!” – she called her niece.

“Yes, Aunt Emily,” the girl appeared in the kitchen doorway. “And what’s this?” “We cooked dinner. For exam prep, need to eat well.

From my groceries? Well? I thought you wouldn’t mind. We’re family.” “Family,” – Emily repeated.

“Got it. And clean up after yourself? I’ll clean now,” – Olivia said hastily. “Just saw the girls off, then I’ll tidy right away.”

“No,” – Emily stopped her. “No need. I’ll do it myself.”

She took a sponge and started washing dishes. Olivia stood nearby, then quietly asked: Aunt Emily, “Are you mad?” “No,” – Emily replied without turning. “Not mad.

You have such a voice.” “My voice is normal.” Olivia stood a bit more, then went to the living room.

And Emily continued washing dishes and thinking her patience was ending. On Friday morning, she woke to noise in the hallway. Judging by the sounds, someone was rummaging in the coat closet.

Emily quietly got up and peeked from the bedroom. Olivia stood by the hallway closet, trying on Emily’s leather coat. The expensive one Emily bought for her birthday last year.

Olivia, Emily said quietly. The girl flinched and turned. “Oh, Aunt Emily! Good morning!” “I… I just wanted to look.

You have such a beautiful coat. Take it off!” “What?” “Take off the coat!” “Immediately!” Olivia hastily took off the coat and hung it back. “I just tried it on,” – she justified.

Didn’t do anything wrong. “Next time ask permission!” “Okay, I’ll ask!” But in the girl’s eyes flashed something like irritation. And Emily noticed it.

All day she was on alert, expecting a trick. And the trick didn’t wait long. In the evening, when Emily was taking a bath after work, Olivia entered the bathroom.

“Oops, sorry!” – she exclaimed. “Didn’t know you were bathing!” The door was closed, Emily said coldly. “Yes, but not locked!” I thought it was free.

Olivia left, but Emily understood it was a provocation. The kid was testing boundaries, seeing how far she could go. And on Saturday morning happened what finally overflowed the cup of patience.

Emily got up early to tidy the apartment before the weekend. In the kitchen, she found a note from Olivia: Aunt Emily. Went to a friend’s to prep for exam.

Will return late. Some groceries left in fridge, but if needed, store nearby has everything. Have a good day! Olivia.

Emily reread the note twice. The tone was polite, but the subtext clear: “do what you want, and I’ll live as I please.” She opened the fridge.

Indeed little left: a carton of milk, three eggs, and a piece of bread. Everything else gone. At that moment, Michael came out of the bedroom.

“Good morning, sunshine!” he greeted his wife cheerfully. “What’s for breakfast? And what would you like?” Emily asked. “Scrambled eggs from the last eggs, or sandwiches with air.

What do you mean? Open the fridge and look.” Michael looked in the fridge and frowned. “Strange.

Where are all the groceries? Your wonderful niece had a feast with friends yesterday. And this morning left a little note and ran off.” Emily handed her husband the note.

He read and shrugged. “So what? The girl is preparing for exams. That’s good.

Michael, she ate all our groceries and bailed. Em, don’t dramatize. Groceries aren’t a problem, we’ll buy more.

This is how many times this month. Every week, she gorges on our food, then disappears. What are you like a child.

Family should help each other.” Emily looked at her husband and suddenly realized he really saw nothing wrong in his niece’s behavior. Moreover, he thought she, Emily, should tolerate all this and even thank for the chance to help family.

“Fine,” she said. “Then explain please what exactly our family gets from Olivia’s presence? What? We’re helping the girl get an education. And what does she give us in return? Besides problems?” Michael hesitated.

“Well, she helps around the house.” “Helps?” “Michael, in a month, she hasn’t cooked us dinner once, hasn’t gone to the store for groceries once, hasn’t cleaned the apartment once. She only cleans after herself, and that after a scandal.

But she’s studying. Students have little time. Working people have even less time.

But somehow I manage to work, cook, clean, and buy groceries. Emily, why are you picking on the child? On the child?” Emily exploded. “Michael, she’s nineteen.

At that age, people already start families and have kids. And your child behaves like a parasite. How can you talk like that about a relative?” “Easily.

Because it’s true. She eats our groceries, uses our things, occupies our home, and gives nothing in return. That’s called parasitism.”

Michael turned red with indignation. “Emily, you’re crossing all lines. This is family.”

“No, Michael. This isn’t family. Family is when people care for each other.

And here, some care, others use.” “How dare you? Olivia is a good girl. A good girl doesn’t throw dirty laundry at the woman who sheltered her.

Forget about that laundry already. Youth is hot-tempered, happens to anyone.” Emily looked closely at her husband…

“Michael, answer honestly one question. If your niece threw dirty underwear at your mom, would you say ‘happens to anyone’ too.” Michael fell silent.

“Because they both knew the answer perfectly.” “There you go,” – Emily said. “So rudeness is only okay to me.

Because I’m not blood, just the wife.” “What are you saying.” “I’m saying the truth.

In a month, you haven’t taken my side once. Haven’t told your niece once she was wrong. But every day you explain to me how I should behave in my own apartment.”

“Emily, be reasonable.” “I am reasonable. And that’s why I understand this can’t continue.”

“What are you saying? That either your niece starts living decently, or she gets out of here.” “Emily.” “That’s all, Michael.”

Conversation over. But her husband wouldn’t stop. All day, he tried to resume the discussion, explain to his wife she was wrong, persuade her to be more tolerant.

And in the evening, when Olivia returned home, he whispered with her long in the living room. Emily heard snippets of conversation. “Aunt Emily is very upset.

Need to be more careful. Maybe don’t bring friends for now.” And in response came the niece’s dissatisfied grumbling.

On Sunday, the atmosphere in the house was tense. Olivia walked with a sour face, showing dissatisfaction. Michael tried to smooth things over, but it went poorly.

And Emily just observed and waited. She didn’t have to wait long. On Monday evening, when Emily returned from work, Olivia met her with some strange expression.

“Aunt Emily,” – she said, – “I need to talk to you.” “Speak.” I’ve been thinking.

“Maybe it’s really better for me to move out? It’s obvious I bother you.” Emily looked closely at the girl. Her voice sounded offended, eyes showed challenge.

“And where are you planning to move?” “I have options.” Olivia replied vaguely. “Just don’t want to create problems in the family.”

“What problems do you create? Well, you’re unhappy with my behavior? Always picking, nervous. Maybe better to separate?” Emily realized it was a provocation. Olivia expected her to persuade her to stay, apologize for pickiness.

“You know what,” – Emily said, – “that’s not a bad idea.” “If you have options, you can try.” Olivia clearly didn’t expect such an answer.

She blinked in confusion. “So… you’re not against? I’m not against. It’s your decision.

But… what about Uncle Michael… Uncle Michael is an adult… he’ll sort his feelings.” Olivia stood a bit more, then went to the living room. And an hour later, Emily heard her talking on the phone with her mother: mom, “imagine, Aunt Emily agreed for me to move out.

I thought she’d persuade me, but she was glad. Now I don’t know what to do.” In the evening, a scandal erupted.

Michael learned about Emily’s conversation with his niece and flew into a rage. “How could you?” – he shouted. “The girl backed down, tried to find a compromise, and you’re kicking her out.”

“I’m not kicking anyone out,” – Emily replied calmly. “It was her own suggestion. She wanted you to persuade her to stay.

Since when do adults play such games?” Said she wants to move out, let her. “Emily, what’s happened to you? You used to be kind, responsive. Before, no one threw dirty underwear at me in my own apartment.

Again with that? How long will you go on about it? Until you understand it’s unacceptable.” “I understand. But she doesn’t be rude anymore. Behaves decently.

Michael, doesn’t it seem strange to you that a nineteen-year-old needs to be taught not to throw dirty laundry? That it’s an innate quality of a normal person?” Michael fell silent. Then said what finally decided everything for Emily: okay, let her be wrong then. “But now she’s improved.

And you hold a grudge like… like… like what?” Emily asked quietly. “Like a mean hag.” Silence hung.

Emily looked at her husband and understood: this is the end. The person who should protect and support her called her a mean hag for not allowing herself to be humiliated in her own home. “Got it,” she said.

“So I’m a mean hag. And your niece is an angel who just erred?” “Emily, I didn’t mean that.” “No, Michael.

You said exactly what you think. And that explains a lot.” “Explains what?” “Why you were ready from the start to turn me into a servant for your relative.

For you, I’m not a wife, but just a woman who should serve your family.” “What are you saying?” “The truth.” “In a month, you’ve shown your true face, Michael.

And I don’t like what I see.” Emily went to the bedroom and locked the door. And Michael knocked on the door long, demanding to continue the talk.

At night, she lay thinking about her life. Five years of marriage that, as it turned out, were based on illusion. She thought she married a kind, though soft, man.

But in fact lived with an egoist. Who just pretended well. In the morning, Michael tried to apologize.

“Forgive me, sunshine,” – he said. “Yesterday I lost it, said stupid things. I don’t think you’re mean.”

“You know, Michael,” – Emily replied calmly, – “and I don’t care what you think.” “What?” “I don’t care. Because I realized we’re completely different people…