Meeting your child’s significant other can be nerve-wracking, but for these parents, the first encounters took unexpected and shocking turns. From hidden secrets to surprising revelations, these stories prove that family ties are sometimes tested in the most unbelievable ways.
Every parent hopes their child finds happiness, but what happens when meeting their partner brings more questions than answers? Scroll down to read three stories where things took an unexpected turn the day these parents met their children’s significant others.
A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney
1. My Only Daughter Terrified Me When She Revealed the Rare Habit Her Boyfriend Had
After our Sunday dinner, my daughter Susan brought the last dishes to the sink. She had this look on her face that signaled something important was coming.
“Mom,” she began, “you know I’ve been seeing someone new, right?”
“Yes!” I replied. “What about him?”
Susan rarely shared much about her relationships. At 24, she kept her love life close to her chest, so I was always ready to listen when she did open up.
A smiling young woman | Source: Pexels
“His name’s Jack,” she said. “He’s quirky, and maybe it’s because of the age difference, but he has this strange habit.”
“Oh?” I asked, curious.
“He only eats the top of the muffin! Says it’s the best part,” she giggled.
My hands froze, the plate slipping from my grasp and shattering on the floor. That habit was too familiar.
“Mom! Are you okay?” Susan rushed to clean up the broken pieces.
A broken plate on the floor | Source: Pexels
“I’m fine, sweetheart,” I said, though my mind was spinning.
The memory of my Jack and his habit of eating just the muffin tops flooded back. Could it really be the same person?
Later that night, I lay in bed, thinking about him.
Jack was the man who had once been the center of my world. We parted ways years ago when life pulled us in different directions. He went abroad to study, while I stayed behind to care for my father.
Eventually, I married Phil and had Susan. However, my marriage with Phil ended in divorce a few years later.
A woman taking her ring off | Source: Pexels
At that point, Jack was still in my heart.
Could Susan’s Jack be the same Jack? I thought, but I was too afraid to ask my daughter.
Months passed, and every time Susan mentioned Jack, the unease grew. I avoided meeting him because I was too terrified to confront the possibility.
Then came the day Susan called me.
“Mom, Jack proposed!” she exclaimed. “We’re getting married!”
A few minutes later, she sent a photo of her ring, and it was beautiful. But Jack wasn’t in sight.
A woman using her phone | Source: Midjourney
As Susan prepared for the wedding, she often asked if she could come to my place with Jack. I came up with a new excuse every time, trying my best to avoid meeting him.
However, as the wedding day approached, I couldn’t avoid meeting him any longer.
I prepared myself for the worst at my daughter’s wedding.
As I stepped inside the venue, my gaze landed on the groom.
A groom | Source: Midjourney
“Thank God,” I whispered to myself.
The man standing next to my daughter wasn’t my Jack. Feeling relaxed, I began talking to the guests.
A few minutes later, I heard a voice behind me.
“Elizabeth?”
I turned, and there he was. My Jack, standing with his son, Susan’s fiancé.
The world seemed to stop as we locked eyes. He looked as stunned as I felt.
A man at his son’s wedding | Source: Midjourney
“Susan’s your daughter? I had no idea!” Jack exclaimed.
We spoke briefly during the reception, catching up on the years that had passed. He had lived a life parallel to mine.
He got married, parted ways with his wife, and now had children who meant everything to him.
I felt so happy watching Susan walk down the aisle that day. This was her moment, her future, and the love in her eyes told me everything I needed to know.
Later, as Jack handed me a glass of champagne, he said softly, “I came back for you, but you were gone.”
“I had to leave after my father passed,” I whispered.
A woman talking to a man | Source: Midjourney
“I’m sorry,” he said, and I knew he meant it.
While dancing with Susan that night, I realized this wasn’t just her new beginning. It was a moment of healing for me too.
Jack and I had come full circle, but this time, it wasn’t about us. It was about my daughter’s happiness and that was all that mattered.
A bride and groom holding hands | Source: Pexels
2. Woman Humiliated Me at a Restaurant, but the Next Day, She Appeared at My Door as My DIL
I’ve always lived simply, saving everything for my son, John. I raised him alone, and now he is a hardworking business owner.
One day, I decided to visit his new restaurant to surprise him. I wore my usual modest clothes and took a bus.
Upon reaching there, I walked in and found a quiet table by the window. The waiter greeted me, and I asked him to bring me a cup of tea.
A waiter in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
As I waited, a young woman dressed in designer clothes approached me with a smug expression.
“Excuse me,” she said condescendingly, “This table is reserved for my boyfriend and me. You’ll have to move.”
I was startled. “Oh, I didn’t realize. There wasn’t a reservation sign.”
“Doesn’t matter. This table is for someone dressed more… appropriately. You wouldn’t want to embarrass yourself.”
A woman in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Her words made me angry, but I didn’t want to cause a scene. I quietly gathered my things and left without even meeting John.
I felt extremely humiliated but didn’t tell my son about it because I thought that would spoil our meeting the next day.
Little did I know that things would only get worse.
A woman going home | Source: Midjourney
The following day, I was preparing lunch at home, eager to meet John’s girlfriend. I was so excited when the doorbell rang, but it immediately faded away when I opened the door.
The same woman who had humiliated me at the restaurant was now standing on my doorstep. She was John’s girlfriend.
Her eyebrows furrowed as she recognized me, but then she just smiled. She pretended like she was meeting me for the first time.
“Mom, meet Sarah,” John said.
A close-up shot of a man smiling | Source: Midjourney
“Hi, Sarah,” I said, forcing a smile. “Please come in.”
As we sat down to eat, John began talking about their plans. Then, he dropped a bombshell.
“Mom, Sarah has a great idea. She wants to buy a café, and we were hoping you could lend us some money to help get it started.”
“A café?” I asked, looking at her with wide eyes. “That’s a lot of money, John.”
Before John could respond, Sarah stood abruptly and excused herself to use the restroom.
A woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
I immediately turned to John once she left. “Are you sure about this? I don’t trust her, John. She treated me poorly yesterday at your restaurant.”
“What are you talking about?” John asked, confused.
Then, I told him everything that happened yesterday.
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
Before I could say more, Sarah returned and sensed the tension.
“What’s going on?” she asked sweetly.
“Mom says she won’t give us the money,” John replied, clearly upset.
Sarah’s eyes narrowed. “Why not?”
A close-up shot of a woman’s face | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t trust you, Sarah,” I said. “You treated me terribly yesterday at the restaurant.”
She feigned innocence at first, but when that didn’t work, her tone changed.
“If your mom doesn’t accept me, our relationship is over,” she spat, turning around to leave.
I thought my son would stay back, but he didn’t. He stood up, held her hand, and left me alone.
At that point, I knew Sarah wasn’t the right woman for John. I felt helpless because I couldn’t do anything to make him realize that.
An older woman crying | Source: Pexels
A month later, I received an invitation to the café’s opening. John told me he had arranged the money for Sarah through a few friends.
“I’ll be there, sweetheart,” I told John as a plan brewed in my mind. “I’ll definitely be there.”
On the day of the opening, I wore my best dress and took a bus to the café.
“Mom! How are you?” John greeted me at the entrance. “Come in, the celebrations are about to begin.”
I smiled and made my way inside.
A few minutes later, I asked Sarah to step out with me for a short conversation. Before leaving, I discreetly nodded to the bartender, signaling to set my plan into motion.
A bartender | Source: Pexels
“So, Sarah, I’m curious about your plans for the café. How do you see its future?” I asked casually.
Sarah smiled, confident in her victory. “Oh, it’s going to be a great success. I’ve got big plans.”
“Really? And what about the money John arranged for you? How are you planning to use it?”
I quietly watched as she rolled her eyes.
A young woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, that? It’ll help with the expansion and a few personal investments,” she said before looking around to ensure we were alone. “You see, I need John only for the financial benefits. Love is nice, but security is better.”
I couldn’t believe my ears.
“Your son loves me so much. He’s never gonna realize he’s being manipulated. And we all saw how he refused to believe you the other day,” she chuckled.
After a few more minutes of her revealing her true intentions, I decided it was time to return inside.
A woman in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Everyone was silent when we stepped inside.
“What’s up, babe?” Sarah asked, but John just looked at her with wide eyes.
“Mom was right about you,” he said. “I heard everything you said outside.”
Sarah had no idea I had connected my phone to the Bluetooth speaker in the café, and everyone had heard our conversation. Everyone in the room knew Sarah didn’t love John.
An upset man | Source: Midjourney
“John, it’s not what you think!” she pleaded, but it was too late.
John, humiliated and heartbroken, ended their relationship. He later apologized to me over a quiet dinner.
3. I Met My Fiancé’s Parents, Only to Find Another Woman Posing as Me at Dinner
I’ll never forget the first time Mark and I met. It wasn’t love at first sight or any kind of sight, actually. We worked at the same company for three years without ever crossing paths. But one day, Mark emailed me about a sales issue, and that’s how it all began.
He called me to discuss the email, and soon our work-related conversations turned into something else. I found myself looking forward to his calls.
Eventually, he asked me out on a date.
A man texting on his phone | Source: Pexels
“Are you sure, Mark? I might not be what you expect,” I told him.
After all, I wasn’t the slim, polished woman someone like Mark might typically go for.
“Anna,” he said, “I love tea, and you’re my cup of tea.”
I laughed and agreed to the date.
When we finally met in person, I could see the surprise in Mark’s eyes. I wasn’t blind. I knew I was plus-size, and that wasn’t always what people expected.
But by the end of that lunch, we had hit it off. I thought we were perfect together.
A couple holding hands on a date | Source: Pexels
Six months later, Mark proposed. It was a dream come true, but something always felt off.
He kept me away from his friends and family, and I could tell he was embarrassed about my size.
Still, I thought love could overcome anything. I didn’t know how wrong I was.
One day, Mark’s parents were hosting their 40th wedding anniversary. He told me we’d drive up to Connecticut and spend the weekend with them.
I was excited to finally meet his family.
A woman standing in her house | Source: Midjourney
But then, just two days before the event, Mark called with some bad news.
“I’m flying to Colorado for a work emergency,” he said. “I’ll meet you in Connecticut on Saturday, but you can’t come with me.”
I was disappointed, but I wanted to surprise him. So, I decided to deliver the anniversary gift to his parents myself. Wrong decision.
I knocked on the door, and an older woman answered a few minutes later.
“Yes?” she asked with a smile.
A woman standing in her house | Source: Midjourney
“Hi, I’m Anna, Mark’s fiancée,” I introduced myself. “This is an anniversary gift for his parents.”
Her smile vanished.
“Is this a joke?” she asked, stunned. “Mark’s fiancée is inside having dinner with us right now.”
Confused and horrified, I pushed past her and into the dining room. There, sitting next to Mark, was a beautiful, slim woman clinging to his arm.
“Mark! What’s going on?” I demanded.
I still remember the look on his face.
A man in his house | Source: Midjourney
“Anna, this isn’t what you think. She’s an actress. I—”
“I don’t understand,” I cut him off. “If you didn’t love me, why did you propose?”
“I do love you!” he insisted. “I just… I was afraid. You know, you’re so… big.”
His words broke my heart. I immediately took off my engagement ring and placed it on the table.
“If you loved me, you wouldn’t be ashamed of me,” I said quietly and walked out.
Mark tried calling me for days, but I didn’t pick up. I couldn’t. I was heartbroken. How could someone who claimed to love me be so ashamed of who I was?
A man using his phone | Source: Pexels
A few days later, I arrived at work and saw a crowd gathered outside the building. Everyone was pointing at a huge billboard across the street. I gasped when I saw it.
There was a picture of Mark and me with the words, “I LOVE ANNA AND I WANT TO MARRY HER!”
Before I could process it, Mark appeared, dropping to one knee.
“Anna, I’m an idiot,” he said. “But I love you. Please marry me.”
I stood there for a moment as tears streamed down my cheeks.
A woman standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney
“You ARE an idiot,” I finally said. “But I still love you.”
Now, we’re planning our winter wedding in Connecticut. I never thought I’d forgive him, but love, it turns out, is bigger than any fear.
If you enjoyed reading this compilation, here’s another one you might like: Instant karma doesn’t wait for the guilty to escape unscathed. These three stories show how people who thought they could get away with wrongdoing were served poetic justice on the spot.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Woman Got Involved in a “Best Mother” Competition but Quit After Reading Her Daughter’s Diary – Story of the Day
Martha made it her mission to ensure her daughter’s success: numerous classes, a violin teacher, and daily chores. Martha was certain that all of it would help Ellie find happiness. But after participating in a “Best Mother” contest with her neighbors, she realized what being a mother truly meant.
Martha and her cheerful neighbor Jen strolled up the pathway to Lois’s house, the faint scent of freshly trimmed grass mingling with the floral perfume wafting from Lois’s garden.
As the door swung open, there stood Lois, her impeccably styled hair and tailored outfit a testament to her attention to detail.
“Welcome, ladies,” Lois greeted them with a smile that hinted at smugness. She grandly gestured for them to enter.
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“Come in, come in.”
Jen, ever the social butterfly, stepped in first. “Wow, Lois, your home looks stunning as always!” she said, her tone warm and genuine.
“I can’t wait to hear what’s new with you.”
Martha followed, already feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. For her, stepping into Lois’s house wasn’t just a visit — it was entering enemy territory.
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Lois wasn’t just a neighbor; she was Martha’s unspoken rival, someone who always seemed to flaunt her accomplishments.
Lois led them into the living room, a space that looked like it had been pulled straight out of a magazine. Every piece of furniture was perfectly coordinated, and the room practically sparkled.
“Let me show you something,” Lois said, her voice dripping with pride. She motioned to a set of plants lining the windowsill.
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“These are imported from Italy. Aren’t they divine? They really bring a sense of elegance to the room.”
“Oh, they’re gorgeous!” Jen said, leaning in for a closer look. “You have such a knack for decorating, Lois.”
Martha, however, merely nodded, forcing a tight smile. To her, this wasn’t about plants — it was Lois reminding everyone how much better she was.
The tightness in Martha’s jaw betrayed her efforts to stay calm.
“And look at this,” Lois continued, picking up a delicate tea set from the table.
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“It’s made from a rare ceramic. Took weeks to arrive, but it was worth it, don’t you think?”
Jen clapped her hands together.
“Beautiful! You really know how to choose the best.”
As the women settled into their chairs, Jen suddenly lit up with an idea.
“You know what we should do? Let’s have a little contest this weekend — a ‘Best Mom’ competition!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Lois raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Yeah!” Jen said, her excitement growing.
“Each of us can cook a dish, show off our homes, and have our kids perform something. It’ll be fun! A little family-friendly rivalry never hurt anyone.”
While Jen imagined a fun, lighthearted event, Martha and Lois exchanged glances.
To them, this was more than a casual game — it was a chance to prove who was better. Both women nodded without hesitation, their competitive spirits igniting.
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“Sounds perfect,” Lois said, her tone sharp and confident.
“I’m in,” Martha added, determined not to be outdone.
Jen clapped her hands together.
“This will be so much fun!” she exclaimed, oblivious to the subtle tension simmering between her neighbors.
Back home, Martha stood in the kitchen, her mind already racing with ideas for the competition.
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She called out sharply, “Ellie! Come here, please!” Her voice echoed through the house, urgency clear in her tone.
Ellie appeared moments later, her hair slightly messy from playing outside. “What’s up, Mom?” she asked, her cheerful demeanor lighting up the room.
Martha wasted no time.
“This weekend, we’re participating in a competition with Lois and Jen — a ‘Best Mom’ contest. We need to give it everything we’ve got. Our family’s reputation is on the line.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ellie’s smile faltered slightly, sensing the weight in her mother’s voice. But she nodded quickly, her usual optimism kicking in.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t let you down. I’ll do my best.”
Martha gave her a brisk nod. “Good. Let’s get started.”
They dove into the first task: cooking. Martha had decided on her famous apple pie, a recipe she knew could impress.
She meticulously instructed Ellie; from peeling the apples to mixing the dough.
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“No, not like that,” Martha corrected when Ellie tried rolling out the crust. “It needs to be perfect.”
Ellie smiled nervously and adjusted her technique. “Got it, Mom.”
Despite the sharpness in Martha’s tone, Ellie didn’t complain. She softly hummed as she worked, trying to stay positive.
The kitchen smelled heavenly as the pie baked, its golden crust a testament to their hard work.
Next, Martha dragged Ellie outside to inspect the lawn.
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“We can’t have a single weed or blade of grass out of place,” she declared, bending down to straighten a flower. They worked side by side, ensuring every detail was flawless.
Finally, they moved to Ellie’s room to rehearse her violin performance. Ellie set up her sheet music, her fingers slightly trembling as she began to play.
Halfway through, she stumbled on a note, her nerves taking over.
“Ellie, focus!” Martha snapped, her frustration clear. “You need to get this right.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ellie’s cheeks reddened, and she swallowed hard.
“I will, Mom. Let me try again.”
As she lifted the bow to the strings, the pressure in the room felt almost tangible.
Ellie pushed forward, determined to meet her mother’s expectations, even as the weight of it all began to build.
The day of the competition dawned bright and chilly. Neighbors gathered in the crisp morning air, chatting excitedly as the three contestants prepared for their first challenge.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Martha stood near her table, carefully arranging her apple pie on a decorative platter.
Nearby, Jen cheerfully set out her mac and cheese, and Lois placed her lasagna with an air of confidence that made Martha’s jaw tighten.
Nigel, the elderly man appointed judge from across the street, shuffled forward to begin the tasting.
His reputation for fairness and thoughtful opinions made him the perfect choice. He picked up his fork with a kind smile and approached Jen’s dish.
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“Mac and cheese,” he remarked, taking a bite. Jen’s sons watched with wide, eager eyes as he chewed thoughtfully. Finally, he smiled warmly.
“Simple but comforting. Well done.”
Jen grinned, clearly pleased. “Thank you, Nigel!”
Next, Nigel turned to Martha’s apple pie. Martha clasped her hands tightly, her stomach churning with nerves as he sliced into the golden crust. He took a bite, his face betraying nothing as he chewed.
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Then, with a small nod of approval, he said, “Lovely balance of flavors. A classic done right.”
Martha exhaled in relief, allowing herself a small smile. But that relief was short-lived as Nigel moved to Lois’s table.
Her lasagna, perfectly layered with bubbling cheese and a rich tomato sauce, looked straight out of a cooking show.
Nigel took one bite, then another, and another, finishing the entire serving.
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“Well,” he said with a chuckle, wiping his mouth. “This lasagna is exceptional. The first point goes to Lois.”
Lois beamed while Martha’s face fell.
“It’s just one round,” she muttered under her breath, trying to stay composed. She quickly urged Nigel to begin the next stage.
Nigel moved from house to house, inspecting the exteriors.
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Jen’s home was charming, with bright flowers in simple pots, but Nigel seemed more impressed by Martha’s perfectly manicured lawn and vibrant flower beds.
“This is beautiful,” he declared, awarding Martha the point for the best exterior. Martha felt a rush of satisfaction as Lois’s expression soured.
Finally, it was time for the last round: the children’s performances. Pam, Lois’s daughter, was first.
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She stepped forward confidently to sing but faltered midway, her voice cracking. Her face flushed, and she ran off, refusing to continue.
Martha smirked, feeling her chances of winning improve.
Next, Jen’s sons performed. Their dance routine was unpolished, but their playful energy and heartfelt song about their mom touched the audience.
“She’s our superhero,” they sang, drawing smiles and applause.
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As the boys finished, Martha realized Ellie was nowhere to be seen. Her confidence wavered.
“Go get her,” Nigel said, glancing at his watch. “We don’t have all day.”
Panicked, Martha rushed back to the house, her heart pounding. Something was wrong, and she needed to find Ellie fast.
Reaching Ellie’s room, Martha paused outside the door, hearing muffled sobs from within. Her heart sank.
Ellie was always cheerful, her laughter lighting up even the gloomiest days. Hearing her cry was like a punch to Martha’s chest.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She hesitated, unsure how to approach her daughter, then gently knocked and opened the door.
Ellie spun around, hastily wiping her eyes. Her face was red, and her hands trembled as she tried to shove something into her desk drawer.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Martha asked, her tone soft and concerned — a stark contrast to her usual commanding voice.
Ellie forced a shaky smile. “It’s nothing, Mom. Don’t worry. I’ll win. I promise to make you proud.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Her voice wavered as she spoke, but before Martha could say anything, Ellie grabbed her violin and bolted past her.
Martha stood frozen for a moment, staring at the desk. Something didn’t feel right.
Glancing toward the hallway, she hesitated. Part of her knew she should respect
Ellie’s privacy, but another part — her instincts as a mother — told her to look. Slowly, she opened the drawer and found Ellie’s diary.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Her hands trembled as she flipped through the pages, the last entries smudged with tear stains. The most recent page caught her eye. As she read the words, her heart broke:
“Today, I can’t fail. I have to be perfect. Mom is counting on me, and I know I can do it. But why am I so scared? I’ve played this piece perfectly before, so why do I keep messing up now? Please, let everything go right. I want Mom to be proud of me. I want her to love me. I can’t lose…”
Tears welled up in Martha’s eyes. She had never realized how much pressure she had put on Ellie — not for Ellie’s sake, but for her own pride.
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Ellie wasn’t trying to succeed for herself; she was doing it to win her mother’s love and approval.
Placing the diary back carefully, Martha rushed outside. Ellie was standing by the stage, gripping her violin tightly, her knuckles white.
Her eyes darted nervously across the crowd.
Martha ran to her without a second thought, pulling her into a tight embrace.
“I’m so sorry, Ellie,” Martha whispered, her voice breaking. “You don’t have to do anything. You don’t have to prove anything. I already love you, and I’m so proud of you — no matter what.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ellie froze for a moment, then relaxed into her mother’s arms. Her tears spilled over, but this time, they were tears of relief. “Thank you, Mom,” she whispered.
Back on stage, Nigel smiled kindly as he announced that the points would be shared evenly, declaring all three mothers winners.
Jen clapped enthusiastically, her joy infecting the crowd. “This was so much fun!” she exclaimed.
Martha turned to Jen, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you for helping me see what being a great mom truly means.”
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: As good friends often do, Lisa and Lora decided to show their support and took Emma to a ski resort for Christmas to help her forget about her recent breakup. However, veering off the trail with Sam made her realize that this Christmas wouldn’t go as planned. Read the full story here.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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