When Tamara became aware of her husband’s ex attempting to manipulate him through their children, she made the decision to personally intervene and take control of the situation.

In her 50 years of life, Tamara has navigated the complexities of motherhood and weathered a tumultuous marriage, now finding solace in solitude rather than seeking male companionship. Yet, when her loneliness intertwined with the gentle advances of her colleague Volodymyr, she found herself reconsidering the notion of companionship. The prospect of having someone to converse with, stroll alongside, and share breakfast with proved enticing, though the apprehension of accepting a stranger with his own unique idiosyncrasies and past held her back.

Volodymyr, despite being five years her junior, presented himself as a considerate and financially stable man. However, his three children from a previous marriage posed potential obstacles. When the idea of cohabitation arose, Tamara voiced her reservations. Volodymyr sought to allay her concerns, noting that his children were self-reliant and that financial issues were no longer a concern.

Despite her initial hesitations, Tamara agreed, ushering in a period where Volodymyr’s children suddenly began soliciting financial support: the eldest for college, the middle child for dance lessons, and the youngest to alleviate her longing for her father’s presence. It became apparent to Tamara that these requests were orchestrated by Volodymyr’s ex-wife, who sought to exert pressure on him through their children. Nevertheless, Volodymyr steadfastly dismissed such fears, unwavering in his paternal obligations.

In an attempt to find a compromise, Tamara proposed that Volodymyr’s interactions with his children take place solely within their shared home, in her presence. Though Volodymyr agreed, his children rebelled. Undeterred, Tamara stood firm in her decision. For several months, Volodymyr ceased communication with his children, interpreting their reluctance to visit her home as a sign that their financial needs were being met through alimony. Now envisioning tranquil days with Vladimir, supported by the peace she gained from averting further familial strife.