“The man couldn’t quite figure out what was bothering him about his fiancée until he visited her parents’ country house.
Mom… It seems like you’re not getting grandchildren anytime soon,” Pavel joked as he eagerly enjoyed the pies Irina had just taken from the oven and generously placed on his plate.
“Why’s that?” his mother asked, surprised.
“Well… I’m already past thirty, and there’s no sign of a bride yet. Sasha’s son already goes to school, and he has another on the way. I don’t even have a prospect yet.”
“You’ll find her when the time’s right,” Irina reassured him with a gentle smile. “Getting married just to keep up with others or to please your father and me with grandchildren is foolish. I’d rather have no grandchildren at all than see my son unhappy in a marriage.”
“Mom, you’re gold! Better than any therapist. By the way, will there be more pies soon?”
About two years had passed since that conversation, and Pavel began seriously worrying about ending up alone. Up to this point, the idea of loneliness hadn’t particularly troubled him.
He was still relatively young, full of energy, and spent nearly all his free time with friends and acquaintances. He enjoyed solitude when he got it, but the thought of becoming a lonely old man gradually started to weigh heavily on him.
What would happen next? When his phone stops ringing with invitations for barbecues or casual hangouts—what then?
He didn’t want a future like that and realized he couldn’t delay any longer; he had to make a decision.
By that time, he’d already been dating Nastya for about six months.
At first glance, everything about her seemed ideal: she was mature but still youthful, beautiful, had a flawless figure, was highly intelligent with two university degrees, and worked for a reputable company. But Pavel felt something was missing—the feeling that makes your heart skip a beat with tenderness or soar with joy.
So, he was still hesitant to take the final step.
Moreover, he experienced vague doubts that he couldn’t clearly define. Small details in Nastya’s behavior triggered subtle concerns, but they never surfaced consciously, just leaving a slight sense of anxiety.
Nastya, however, appeared oblivious to his doubts, confidently envisioning their future together.
Just one month into their relationship, she introduced Pavel to her parents, clearly implying she saw him as her future husband. After all, you don’t just introduce anyone to your parents.
Increasingly, she discussed future plans, dreaming about a house, trips, and family goals.
Recently, she even caught Pavel off guard by suggesting they choose a name for their future child.
“What do you mean?” Pavel asked cautiously, preparing for any possible answer and maybe even open to hearing, “”We’re having a baby.””
“Oh, just planning ahead,” Nastya laughed casually. “Don’t stress about it. But seriously… Why don’t you introduce me to your parents?”
Pavel examined Nastya thoughtfully.
“In general, she’s really nice… She’ll make an excellent wife… We’d have beautiful children,” Pavel thought. Aloud, he said, “Of course, I’ll introduce you. Also, I’d like you to be my wife.”
“Oh, how romantic you are! Wow!” Nastya laughed, playfully ruffling Pavel’s hair. “Come on, don’t frown. It was great and even unique. A proposal by the river under falling golden leaves—not just candlelight and music.”
She danced joyfully, humming a popular song.
“Mom… I’d like you to meet my girlfriend. We’re getting married soon, your son’s finally settling down,” Pavel announced over the phone. “Hello… Hello? Mom, why aren’t you saying anything? Aren’t you happy?”
“Of course, I’m happy… It’s just…”
“Just what? You haven’t even seen Nastya or spoken to her, yet you already seem unhappy.”
“Where’d you get the idea I’m unhappy? Anyway, enough small talk. When are you coming?”
“Saturday evening. Is that okay?” Pavel asked.
Irina hung up thoughtfully. She knew exactly why the news didn’t excite her. But she didn’t voice her concerns to her son.
How could she explain to him that a mother’s heart is hard to deceive?
She hadn’t noticed that sparkle in his eyes—the one you see in someone deeply in love. She didn’t see the wings behind his back, like when a person is genuinely happy.
So, he was getting married simply because “”it’s about time.””
And what mother would be thrilled by that news?
Nastya was nervous about meeting her future mother-in-law, fully aware that first impressions are crucial.
She carefully chose her outfit to look stylish yet modest. Her makeup was understated, subtle.
She believed she’d made a good impression on Pavel’s parents. Pavel’s father was especially pleased, showering her with compliments.
However, Pavel’s mother, whose opinion Nastya valued most, maintained a polite yet reserved demeanor, showing no negativity but also no obvious warmth.
“So, what do you think of my parents?” Pavel asked her afterward.
“They’re nice. Especially your dad.”
“Yeah… Dad’s great! And Mom’s a true strategist.”
The next day, Pavel’s mother asked him to come over for a serious talk
“The man couldn’t quite figure out what was bothering him about his fiancée until he visited her parents’ country house.
