Paid for my sister’s wedding, and my mother sent me a message: «You don’t have to come to the celebration. Your stepfather thinks you’re ruining the family photo.» The next morning they received a notification that made everyone in the family FURIOUS…

Victor has a job in the administration, reminded Alex. Rent an apartment. On his salary? You’re joking.

We won’t be able to rent anything decent. Then you’ll have to rent something less decent, Alex took a sip of coffee. Or move further from downtown.

Alex, tears appeared in his mother’s voice, you can’t do this to us. We’re your family. You were always such a caring boy.

Apparently, something changed, Alex cut off. Maybe at the moment when you decided I wasn’t good enough to attend my own sister’s wedding. That was just stupidity.

We got carried away. Victor will apologize, I promise. It’s too late, Mom.

The decision is made. You have exactly 30 days from the notice. He hung up, ignoring the stream of calls that followed.

Half an hour later, the phone rang from an unknown number. Alex, sensing a trick, still answered. Hello, Alexander? The official male voice sounded emphatically polite.

My name is George Stevens, I’m a lawyer representing the interests of Victor Peterson and your mother, Helen. Alex smirked. Victor didn’t waste time.

I’m listening. My clients received your eviction notice, which they consider legally unfounded, the lawyer continued. According to housing legislation, family members of the owner permanently residing with him have certain rights.

In this case. But I don’t live with them permanently, interrupted Alex. I moved out five years ago.

They live in my apartment based on a verbal free use agreement. Such an agreement can be terminated by the owner unilaterally at any time. A short pause on the other end.

Nevertheless, considering the duration of residence and degree of kinship. Contact my lawyer, Alex gave Andrew’s name and phone. He’ll explain the legal position in more detail.

Have a good day. Ending the call, Alex immediately dialed Andrew. They’ve already hired a lawyer, he reported when his friend answered.

Some Stevens. I know him, Andrew chuckled. Third-rate specialist.

Takes on any cases to make money. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. Throughout the day, Alex fully immersed himself in work.

The code required concentration, leaving no room for thoughts about the family drama. By evening, when he finished the project, a message came from Andrew, talked to their lawyer. He understood the futility of the case.

Most likely, they’ll try to resolve it personally. As Andrew predicted, the next morning, Victor appeared at the door of Alex’s apartment. He looked unusually disheveled, tie slightly askew, eyes red as if from insomnia.

We need to talk, he said instead of greeting. Alex silently stepped aside, letting his stepfather into the apartment. Victor looked around, assessing the setup: minimalist design, modern tech, spacious rooms.

Not bad for yourself, he noted, walking into the living room. What do I owe the visit? Coldly, asked Alex, not offering his stepfather a seat. Victor, however, sat on the edge of the couch himself, nervously tapping his fingers on his knee.

Listen, Alex, he began, trying to speak calmly. I understand that we might have been not too tactful. This situation with the wedding, a misunderstanding.

We were all nervous, said things we didn’t mean. And what did you really mean? Alex stood with arms crossed on his chest, towering over the sitting stepfather. That you, of course, should have been there, Victor replied hastily.

Just. You understand, appearance. In our position…