{"id":8978,"date":"2025-03-06T01:46:03","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T01:46:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=8978"},"modified":"2025-03-06T01:49:25","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T01:49:25","slug":"the-millionaire-kicked-out-his-wife-and-children-but-ten-years-later-she-returned-and-took-everything-from-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/8978","title":{"rendered":"The millionaire kicked out his wife and children, but ten years later she returned and took everything from him."},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-body\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<p>Warm May evening gently enveloped the city as if wrapping it in a delicate blanket. Ksenia settled on the balcony of their new country house, watching Artem fussing with the grill in the yard. Four-year-old Lera, trying her best to help her dad, handed him all sorts of little things, while six-year-old Maxim tirelessly chased the ball around the property.\n</p><p>&nbsp;\n</p><p>\u00abKsyush, come down!\u00bb Artem\u2019s voice reached her. \u00abEverything will be ready in a couple of minutes!\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia smiled, looking at her family. Life seemed filled with meaning and bright prospects. Artem had recently opened his own construction materials manufacturing company, and business was confidently moving up. Ksenia had always supported her husband, helping with documentation and accounting at the very beginning of their journey. Although she had to interrupt her university studies, she continued to hope that someday she would become a lawyer.\n</p><p>\u00abMommy, look how I\u2019m helping!\u00bb Lera proudly raised a plastic plate, showing it to her mother.\n</p><p>\u00abGood job, dear!\u00bb replied Ksenia, descending into the yard and adjusting her light summer dress.\n</p><p>Artem hugged his wife, kissing her cheek: \u00abI would have achieved nothing without you. You know that better than anyone.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abI know,\u00bb Ksenia whispered, pressing against him. \u00abWe are a team.\u00bb\n</p><p>Five years flew by unnoticed. From a small firm, the company grew into a large business occupying an entire floor in a business center. However, Artem began to be at home less frequently. Meetings and business engagements consumed him.\n</p><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/i.pinimg.com%5C/236x%5C/84%5C/07%5C/ea%5C/8407ea27e399ae7e796bf677a5957852.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"This' may contain: a man standing next to two women and children on brick walkway with buildings in the background width='\"500\"' height='\"778\"'>\n</p><p>\u00abDad, will you come to my birthday?\u00bb Maxim looked at his father with tender hope. \u00abI\u2019ll be eleven!\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abOf course, son!\u00bb Artem replied absently, continuing to study his phone. \u00abI\u2019ll definitely be there.\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia, setting the table, just shook her head. She no longer believed his promises. In the past year, Artem had missed many family holidays and school events. Even the planned vacation went on without him.\n</p><p>When the children went to bed, Ksenia sat down next to her husband.\n</p><p>\u00abArtem, we need to talk seriously.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abTomorrow, dear,\u00bb he brushed her off, not looking up from his laptop. \u00abI have important negotiations; I need to prepare.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abYou say that every day. The kids miss you. And so do I.\u00bb\n</p><p>Finally, Artem looked away from the screen:\n</p><p>\u00abKsyusha, you understand: business takes time. I\u2019m working for us, for our family.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abFor which family, Artem? The one you see once a week?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abWhat do you want from me? To abandon the business of a lifetime?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abJust remember us, dear. Maxim was waiting for you at the school concert. And you didn\u2019t even bother to call to let us know.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abI had an important meeting with investors! You think it\u2019s easy for me? I provide you with a luxurious life, and you reproach me with such trifles!\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abSuch trifles?\u00bb Ksenia stood up, her voice trembling. \u00abIt was our son\u2019s first solo performance. He had been preparing for a month to show you how he learned to play the guitar. It was important to him. Very important.\u00bb\n</p><p>But Artem had already plunged back into work on his laptop, clearly indicating: the conversation was over.\n</p><p>A month later, a young, ambitious girl named Vika appeared in the office, whom he appointed as his personal assistant. Ksenia immediately noticed changes in her husband: he began to stay at work more often, a new perfume appeared, expensive accessories.\n</p><p>\u00abMom, why doesn\u2019t dad spend the night at home?\u00bb Lera once asked, looking at her mother with her big eyes.\n</p><p>\u00abDaddy has a lot of work, sunshine,\u00bb Ksenia replied, trying to maintain composure, though inside everything was crumbling.\n</p><p>\u00abWhy doesn\u2019t he answer the phone when I call?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abProbably busy with important meetings,\u00bb she hugged her daughter, hiding the tears welling up.\n</p><p>That same evening, Artem returned home earlier than usual, which was unusual. His face looked tense and detached.\n</p><p>\u00abWe need to talk,\u00bb he said, entering the living room without even taking off his coat.\n</p><p>\u00abWhat happened?\u00bb Ksenia\u2019s heart clenched with foreboding.\n</p><p>\u00abI filed for divorce,\u00bb he said bluntly.\n</p><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/i.pinimg.com%5C/236x%5C/66%5C/3c%5C/c7%5C/663cc7dce553e5266f75c1d08e735739.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"This' may contain: a man and woman standing next to each other in front of table with lights on it width='\"445\"' height='\"445\"'>\n</p><p>These words struck like thunder out of a clear sky. Ksenia slowly sank into a chair, feeling the world around her begin to blur.\n</p><p>\u00abWhat?.. Why?..\u00bb her voice trembled.\n</p><p>\u00abIt\u2019s better for everyone. I\u2019ve met someone who really understands me, shares my interests and aspirations.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abVika?\u00bb Ksenia quietly clarified.\n</p><p>Artem nodded: \u00abI need to move on. The family has become a burden for me. I\u2019m tired of being who everyone expects to see.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abA burden?\u00bb her voice was barely audible. \u00abFifteen years of our life together for you is just a burden?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abI want you to vacate the house by the end of the week. It\u2019s registered in my name, as is all the other property.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abWhat about the children? Have you even thought about them?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abI\u2019ll be paying alimony. And even more\u2014I\u2019ll help with the rent for the first time.\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia looked at the man before her and couldn\u2019t believe this was the same Artem she knew fifteen years ago.\n</p><p>At that moment, sleepy Maxim appeared in the doorway: \u00abMom, what\u2019s happening?\u00bb\n</p><p>Artem sharply turned and, slamming the door, left the room. Ksenia hugged her son, realizing that their lives would never be the same again. How to explain to a child that the world they knew no longer exists?\n</p><p>Soon, Ksenia and the children settled into a modest apartment on the outskirts of the city. Artem left them practically without means of subsistence.\n</p><p>Lera often cried, not understanding why they could no longer live in their cozy house. Maxim withdrew into himself, distancing himself from friends and beginning to skip classes at the music school.\n</p><p>Ksenia looked at the sleeping children and whispered: \u00abI need to find a job. I have to become strong for them.\u00bb\n</p><p>The first weeks in the new life were the hardest. Ksenia searched for a job with all her might, but everywhere she faced the same requirement\u2014work experience, which she did not have. The last fifteen years she had fully dedicated to the family, and now it was taking its toll.\n</p><p>Finally, she was lucky: the owner of a small cafe, Nina Petrovna, agreed to hire her as a waitress despite the lack of experience. In the evenings, when the children fell asleep, Ksenia took up textbooks\u2014she had re-enrolled in the law faculty, choosing a correspondence form of education.\n</p><p>Years went by. One day, Ksenia accidentally learned about serious problems in her ex-husband\u2019s company. Artem, it was said, was on the verge of bankruptcy.\n</p><p>\u00abImagine, Vika spent almost all his money,\u00bb a former colleague of Artem\u2019s, who stopped by the cafe, shared the information. \u00abShe invested in elite real estate and opened boutiques, but everything went up in smoke.\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia silently wiped tables, but each word deeply imprinted in her memory. That evening, returning home, she began to dig through old documents, looking for papers related to the creation of Artem\u2019s first company.\n</p><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/i.pinimg.com%5C/236x%5C/9c%5C/3f%5C/fa%5C/9c3ffa384aed6a0831031b407356e60b.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"This' may contain: two people are sitting at a table with papers and cell phones in front of them width='\"483\"' height='\"481\"'>\n</p><p>\u00abMom, what are you looking for?\u00bb Maxim asked, peeking into the room.\n</p><p>\u00abJust old documents, son, nothing special.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abI saw dad today,\u00bb the boy suddenly added. \u00abHe was buying discounted groceries at the supermarket.\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia pondered. If the rumors were true, then Artem\u2019s situation was indeed serious. If business had been going well, he wouldn\u2019t have even noticed such offers. However, houses and cars were still registered in his name. Perhaps he was maintaining property to create the appearance of well-being, continuing to cover debt holes.\n</p><p>The next day, Igor, an old family friend working at a major bank, came to the cafe.\n</p><p>\u00abI\u2019ve been wanting to talk to you for a long time,\u00bb he began when the shift ended. \u00abDo you know what\u2019s happening with Artem?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abJust by rumors.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abActually, it\u2019s much worse. He was involved in tax fraud, hiding real incomes. I have documents that prove it.\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia listened attentively, and a plan was already forming in her mind.\n</p><p>A week later, she filed for a review of the divorce terms. The collected evidence was irrefutable\u2014Artem had been understating his income for years to pay minimal alimony.\n</p><p>\u00abYou were entitled to significantly more compensation,\u00bb the lawyer explained. \u00abConsidering your contribution to business development and your role in raising the children, allowing him to focus on his career.\u00bb\n</p><p>The trial lasted several months. Ksenia didn\u2019t miss a single session, methodically proving her case. Artem looked exhausted\u2014his suit hung on him like on a hanger, and deep shadows lay under his eyes.\n</p><p>When the judge read the decision, a crushing silence hung in the hall. Artem was required to transfer a significant portion of the assets to Ksenia and the children.\n</p><p>\u00abAre you happy now?\u00bb Artem confronted his ex-wife outside the courthouse. \u00abYou know I\u2019m almost bankrupt!\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abDid you feel happiness when you kicked us out of the house?\u00bb Ksenia calmly replied. \u00abWhen our children asked why they could no longer live in their room?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abLet\u2019s talk about a compromise,\u00bb Artem suggested, lowering his voice. \u00abMaybe we can find common ground?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abThe time for compromises is over,\u00bb Ksenia firmly stated. \u00abThis decision can\u2019t be changed.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abAre you avenging me for leaving for another woman? But it\u2019s just business! I can fix everything, return\u2026\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia stopped and looked at him intently:\n</p><p>\u00abNo, Artem. This isn\u2019t revenge. This is justice. And it\u2019s not even about the other woman. It\u2019s about how you treated us, your family. You betrayed not only me\u2014you betrayed your children.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abThey\u2019re still my children!\u00bb his voice took on hysterical notes. \u00abYou can\u2019t\u2026\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abI can,\u00bb Ksenia interrupted him. \u00abAnd I will. Because someone has to take care of their future.\u00bb\n</p><p>Artem grabbed her hand:\n</p><p>\u00abListen, I have a proposal. We can start all over again. Vika\u2026 she turned out not to be the person I thought. And you were always there, supporting me\u2026\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia gently, but firmly freed her hand:\n</p><p>\u00abSorry, Artem, but that moment has passed. I have my own life, my own career. And I\u2019m no longer the girl who believed every word you said.\u00bb\n</p><p>A month later, the city buzzed with news of Artem\u2019s empire\u2019s collapse. Vika disappeared, having transferred a large sum to her accounts. The luxurious mansion and other assets had to be sold for next to nothing to pay off debts. Artem tried to maintain his reputation until the end, but unsuccessfully.\n</p><p>Ksenia watched this without gloating. The won lawsuits allowed her to buy a spacious apartment in a good area. The children finally got their own rooms, and Maxim equipped a small music studio.\n</p><p>Over the years, life became better for the whole family.\n</p><p>\u00abMom, look!\u00bb Lera burst into the room, waving an envelope. \u00abI got accepted on a budget!\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia hugged her daughter, feeling tears of joy fill her eyes. The prestigious economic university became a reality for Lera.\n</p><p>One spring day, Artem appeared at Ksenia\u2019s office. Changed, in worn clothes, he seemed a completely different person.\n</p><p>\u00abI\u2019ve realized a lot, Ksyusha,\u00bb he said quietly, lowering his gaze. \u00abMoney and power blinded me. I thought I could buy happiness.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abWhy are you here?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abI want to fix everything. Get the family back. I miss you, the kids\u2026\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia shook her head:\n</p><p>\u00abThe children grew up without you, Artem. You chose this path yourself.\u00bb\n</p><p>At that moment, Maxim drove up to the office in a brand-new car. He had become a confident young man, owning a successful IT company. Music remained just a hobby.\n</p><p>\u00abMom, are you ready?\u00bb he addressed his mother, deliberately ignoring his father. \u00abWe have a meeting with investors in an hour.\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abYes, son,\u00bb Ksenia replied, grabbing her bag. \u00abSorry, Artem, but we have to go.\u00bb\n</p><p>Their paths crossed again at a charity event. Artem, now a middle manager, tried to speak to his ex-wife.\n</p><p>\u00abKsenia Vladimirovna, can I have a minute?\u00bb he called out loudly, catching up with her in the hall.\n</p><p>Ksenia turned around, surrounded by colleagues and partners:\n</p><p>\u00abYes, Artem?\u00bb\n</p><p>\u00abI wanted to publicly acknowledge my mistakes\u2026\u00bb he began.\n</p><p>\u00abThere\u2019s no need,\u00bb Ksenia gently interrupted him. \u00abAll that is long in the past. I\u2019ve let go of the grievances and wish you only well.\u00bb\n</p><p>In the evening, sitting in her favorite chair with a cup of tea, Ksenia flipped through family photos: here\u2019s Lera at her school graduation, here\u2019s Maxim at the opening of his first office.\n</p><p>The phone vibrated\u2014Maxim sent a photo: he and his sister celebrating Lera\u2019s first closed session.\n</p><p>\u00abMom, come to us!\u00bb the son wrote. \u00abWe\u2019re celebrating Lera\u2019s success.\u00bb\n</p><p>Ksenia smiled. Life had taught her a serious lesson, but she had coped. No one could ever destroy her world, built on love for her children and faith in herself.\n</p><p>In the mirror reflected a confident, beautiful woman. Ksenia adjusted her hair and took the car keys. The children were waiting for her at the restaurant, and that meant much more than all past grievances and disappointments.\n</p><p>Stepping out of the house, she paused for a moment, breathing in the fresh evening air. Life continued, and it was filled with so much beauty: the love of her children, the respect of colleagues, a decent job. The main thing\u2014the freedom to be herself, not looking back at the past and not fearing the future.\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>Warm May evening gently enveloped the city as if wrapping it in a delicate blanket. Ksenia settled on the balcony of their new country house, watching Artem fussing with the &hellip; \n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8979,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8978"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8978\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8980,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8978\/revisions\/8980"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></div></header>