When Carina’s parents kick her out after high school, she has no choice but to navigate her way around life. Years later, after making a success of her life, and her wedding is around the corner, she reaches out to them, only for them to storm into her life, trying to take ownership of what she has worked so hard for.
“Carina,” my mother said, opening a packet of biscuits. “You’re going to regret not going to medical school.”
“Mom,” I replied. “My brain doesn’t work like Jade’s; she’s the doctor in the family, not me.”
A packet of biscuits | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t see why it can’t be the both of you,” she sniffed, dunking a biscuit into her lukewarm tea. “Why do you even waste your time with computers? Those machines are not going to make your life comfortable.”
This wasn’t anything new. My parents hated that I loved computers, and when school was out in the next few months, I was going to be off to college, studying IT.
A girl sitting with a laptop and headphones | Source: Midjourney
“Who cares about cyber security, Carina?” my father asked while he sat down with a pork chop. “Saving people’s lives, honey. That’s what success is. Not playing on computers.”
“Cyber security is how your important details are protected, Dad,” I would always say, rolling my eyes. “It’s how countries keep their people safe.”
Pork chops on a plate | Source: Unsplash
“It’s not good enough,” my mother said from the sink.
After graduation, my parents made me leave the house.
“You’ve chosen this path,” my mother said when I bought my IT textbooks. “So you’re capable of taking care of yourself.”
A pile of books | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t think that’s fair, Mom,” I retaliated. “You let Jade live at home for her whole degree.”
“Yeah, well, she was learning how to save lives, Carina,” she said.
A woman looking through a microscope | Source: Pexels
Fast forward 13 years. I’ve got a successful career, a beautiful house, and the most caring fiancé, Mark, I could have ever asked for.
“Are you sure that I should invite my parents to the wedding?” I asked Mark as we took a walk one evening.
“Yes, darling,” he said, taking my hand. “Why wouldn’t you? I’m so proud of who you are and where you’ve come from. You’ve done all of this on your own.”
A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels
“But they’ve been such horrible people, Mark. I mean, they kicked me out of their home when I got into college. I had to work as a dog groomer to make enough money to cover the rent for my tiny apartment,” I said.
“Yes, I understand that,” my fiancé said diplomatically. “But you’ve made it now. And you’ve made it without them. Look, honey. Our home is yours; it’s in your name, and I love that for us.”
A person grooming a dog | Source: Pexels
Eventually, I gave in. The excitement of our wedding planning made me realize that I was proud of myself and where I had come from.
“I did it without their support,” I told Mark as I fried bacon for us one morning. “So, I’m going to invite them.”
Mark smiled at me while he poured milk into his coffee.
A person pouring milk into coffee | Source: Unsplash
“Good, this is a big moment for us,” he said.
When my parents and sister arrived, they were stunned by my house. They assumed that I was renting a room of the house. Of course, they didn’t think that I was capable of something bigger and better than that.
A beautiful home with a large garden | Source: Midjourney
“Carina! You own this entire house?” my father asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.
“Yes, Dad,” I said, wheeling my mother’s suitcase in, they seemed to think that they were spending the night. “I worked hard for this.”
A suitcase in a living room | Source: Midjourney
“Wow, I didn’t expect this,” my sister said, looking around.
“So, I thought that we could do dinner at a restaurant tonight, and then come home for dessert and coffee. You guys can spend time with Mark and my in-laws.”
They were going to be over at any moment, the first meet and greet almost underway.
But that’s when the entitlement kicked in.
A beautiful living room | Source: Unsplash
My mother’s eyes narrowed as she scanned the living room, taking in my television and other things.
“You know, Carina,” she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. “We deserve to live in comfort after all we’ve done for you.”
Then, she promptly sat down on the couch.
An older woman sitting | Source: Pexels
“Mom, what are you talking about?” I was incredulous. “This is my home. I bought it with my own money. You did absolutely nothing for me after high school.”
“But we’re your parents,” she insisted. “We should live better than our children. It’s our right. It’s the only right thing.”
“You can’t be serious,” I said, my voice rising. “Jade still lives with you because you wanted to baby her after her night shifts. And me? You didn’t care. This isn’t my responsibility.”
An older woman looking around | Source: Pexels
My father stepped in at this point, crossing his arms.
“After everything we’ve sacrificed for you, this is the least you can do.”
“Jade needs a place to stay, too,” my mother said.
“Jade is an adult,” I snapped. “She made her choice to live with you, just like I made my own.”
An older man | Source: Unsplash
I felt bad that I was speaking about Jade in this way, especially because she was sitting on the couch and looking at my plants.
But my sister had chosen my parents when they kicked me out. She barely kept in contact with me, only stopping to text me on my birthday or Christmas morning.
A woman sitting on a couch | Source: Unsplash
At that moment, the door opened, and my future in-laws walked in. I had always been close to them, wanting to find parental figures in Mark’s parents.
“We’ve been hearing this entire conversation from outside,” Tom said.
“Carina’s achievements are hers,” my future mother-in-law, Carol, said firmly. “She’s worked hard for this, and she deserves every bit of it.”
A smiling woman holding a bouquet of flowers | Source: Pexels
My mother turned to her, eyes blazing.
“Who the hell are you? We have rights to this house; she’s our daughter.”
Carol didn’t flinch; she stood with her arms folded, a smile playing across her face.
“Why did you remember that only now? Where have you been all these years? Being her parents doesn’t mean that you can take credit for her hard work. Carina has earned this.”
An angry old woman | Source: Pexels
My parents were stunned into silence, and Jade couldn’t even look up.
“Carina invited you to celebrate her wedding, to celebrate the union of her and our son. To join our families. She did not invite you to berate her and have her hard work claimed,” Tom said.
“She owes you nothing but respect because you raised her, but that doesn’t mean giving up her home,” Carol said.
A young mother and daughter | Source: Pexels
“But we’re her family,” my mother said, clearly not expecting this level of pushback.
“Only by blood,” Mark said, stepping into the house. “Family supports one another. They don’t tear you down. And that’s what you’ve done to Carina for years.”
“You should be so proud of your girl,” Carol continued. “She’s done so much for us. I am so proud of her. Tom, too. She’s the daughter that I wanted all along.”
A smiling man | Source: Pexels
Mark found his way to me, wrapping his arm around my waist.
I looked at my parents, seeing the dawning realization on their faces.
“I love you, I do,” I said. “But this is my life, and you’ve only been in it again for five minutes, and you’re already demanding things of me. Is that fair? I’ve worked too hard to let anyone take that away from me.”
My father sighed heavily.
An elderly man looking down | Source: Unsplash
“We didn’t mean to upset you,” he said.
“Then respect my choice,” I said gently. “Be present for my wedding, but after that, you can go your own way again.”
After the confrontation, my parents seemed to understand, if only a little.
A bride holding a card | Source: Pexels
When we left to the restaurant, everyone was subdued, except for Mark and my in-laws. I didn’t see a point in canceling the dinner because of the confrontation.
We sat down to eat, everyone lost in their own thoughts while Carol made comments about seeing me in my dress.
“Mark, you’re in for such a treat. Carina looks beautiful in that dress,” she said, digging into her salmon.
I smiled at my future mother-in-law. I always knew that she loved me, but her comments of the day had truly made me realize just how much.
A bride with wedding dresses | Source: Pexels
I was lucky. I had gotten lucky with Mark, but even more so with his parents.
I watched as my mother’s face fell when Carol went on, talking about the dress fitting. But I didn’t have it in me to make her feel better.
After dinner, we left the restaurant, parting ways with my parents and sister.
“We’ll see you at the wedding,” my father said, getting into the car.
“Yes,” I said. “I’ll see you then.”
A man sitting in a car | Source: Pexels
Let’s see what happens at my wedding.
What would you have done?
I Noticed Things Disappearing from My Sick Mother’s House, so I Installed Hidden Cameras and What I Saw Shocked Me — Story of the Day
Taking care of Mom was hard enough without the tension with my sister. Accusations flew when precious things started disappearing. I thought I knew who was to blame, but the truth shattered my world. Betrayal came from where I least expected, leaving me questioning everything—and everyone—I trusted.
I was scrubbing the kitchen counter after another exhausting day at work, the faint smell of bleach lingering in the air.
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The more time I spent cleaning my mother’s house, the angrier I became with my younger sister, Jane. It felt like she’d completely forgotten this was her mother too.
This wasn’t unusual for Jane. In school, she was reckless—running away, taking money from Mom’s wallet, skipping classes. Yet, no matter what, she was always forgiven.
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Jane’s brilliance seemed to excuse her flaws. She graduated with honors, earning a scholarship, and became the family’s golden child.
Now, Jane only visited Mom when she wanted something—or maybe to remind Mom of her presence so she’d stay in the will. Meanwhile, I faced the reality of Mom’s illness.
I had hired a caregiver, Nancy, but I couldn’t afford her full-time. After long shifts at work, I took care of Mom myself.
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I had asked Jane to help, but she always brushed me off. “I’m busy with work,” she’d say.
But I knew she’d been unemployed for months. I had a job, a husband, and a son who needed me too.
“Violet!” Mom called from her room. Her voice sounded sharp, almost panicked. “Violet, come here!”
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“I’m coming, Mom!” I called back, wiping my hands on a dish towel. I walked into her bedroom and saw her standing by her dresser. She was holding her jewelry box.
“My gold earrings are gone,” she said, her voice trembling.
“Are you sure you didn’t put them somewhere else?” I asked, stepping closer.
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“No. I haven’t touched this box in a long time,” Mom said. “I wanted to give you something special to keep, but when I opened it, the earrings were gone.”
“Did anyone visit today?” I asked, frowning.
“No. Nancy had the day off,” Mom said. “Only Jane came by this morning. She just wanted to check on me.”
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“I’ll ask Jane about it,” I replied.
“Don’t,” Mom said firmly. “Jane wouldn’t steal. I don’t want you two fighting again.”
“I’ll be careful,” I promised. “I just need to ask.”
After Mom went to bed, I drove to Jane’s place. My frustration had boiled over. I knocked on her door and waited. It took a while, but finally, she opened it.
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“Hi, sis,” Jane said. She stepped aside, letting me in.
“Hi,” I replied, my voice cold. I glanced around her living room. Empty delivery boxes and tools were scattered everywhere.
“Working on something?” I asked, pointing at the mess.
“Just some stuff for work,” Jane replied. “But you didn’t come here to talk about that, did you?”
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“Mom’s gold earrings are missing,” I said bluntly.
Jane folded her arms. “And you think I took them. Of course.”
“You were the only one who visited her today,” I said.
“Why would I take her earrings?” Jane asked, her tone sharp.
“Maybe because you’re broke. Maybe because you need money for some crazy stuff. Take your pick,” I snapped.
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“I have a job now! Do you even know how much I’ve done for this family?” Jane fired back.
“You’ve done nothing! I’m the one taking care of everything!” I shouted.
“I told you to hire someone full-time for Mom, but you didn’t!” Jane yelled.
“Because I’d be the one paying for it!” I screamed.
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“You don’t know what’s really going on,” Jane said.
“Then tell me!” I demanded.
“Why should I? You’ll just keep blaming me for everything!” Jane said. She turned away. “Leave. I’m done with this.”
“Fine,” I said, slamming the door as I left.
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When I got home, Kaden was putting on his coat.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“Just out for a walk,” my husband said, kissing my cheek. “Milo is asleep. Dinner’s in the fridge.” Then he walked out, leaving me in silence.
Kaden was a stay-at-home dad. We had agreed this was the best choice for our family. I spent most of my time either at work or taking care of Mom, leaving little time for anything else.
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Milo needed stability, and having Kaden at home gave him that. Even with his hands full, Kaden often stepped in to help with Mom. He never complained, and for that, I was deeply thankful.
Over the next few weeks, Mom kept complaining that things were missing.
At first, I thought she was just confused, but then I started noticing it too. Little items—jewelry, keepsakes—were gone.
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It always happened on the days Jane visited. My frustration turned into anger. How could she be so selfish?
I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I drove to Jane’s house, determined to confront her face-to-face.
Jane opened the door and stepped aside, crossing her arms. “Here to accuse me of stealing again?” she asked, her voice sharp.
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“Mom has lost more things,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Jane raised an eyebrow. “And you think I took them? Why would I?”
“Because this is how you’ve always been! You’ve done this before, and I know you need money!” I snapped.
Jane’s face hardened. “Why don’t you ask your husband what it’s like to need money?”
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“Don’t bring Kaden into this!” I shouted. “He’s the only one who actually helps me!”
Jane scoffed. “If you’re so sure, call the police. Go ahead. Do it.”
“Maybe I will!” I yelled. Without waiting for a response, I stormed out, slamming the door behind me.
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Instead of calling the police, I made up my mind to install security cameras at Mom’s house.
I went to the store, picked out a set of cameras, and drove back, determined to catch whoever was taking her things.
When I walked into the house, I was surprised to see Nancy. Her shift was over hours ago.
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“What are you doing here?” I asked, setting the box of cameras on the table.
“Jane said she’d pay me to work more hours so you could get some rest,” Nancy replied, wiping her hands on a dish towel.
“That doesn’t sound like her,” I said, narrowing my eyes.
“Why not? She’s done it before,” Nancy said, looking puzzled. “She just asked me not to tell you.”
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I stared at her, unsure what to say. It didn’t fit the picture I had of Jane, but I couldn’t argue with Nancy’s words.
I grabbed the cameras and began setting them up in the living room and Mom’s bedroom.
When I finished, I noticed a pile of new medical bills on the kitchen counter. I flipped through them and felt a lump in my throat. The amounts were enormous.
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“Nancy!” I called out. “Do you know anything about these bills? They weren’t here before.”
Nancy walked over and glanced at the papers. “Oh, they come every month. Jane usually pays them.”
Her words left me stunned. I was starting to think this was all some kind of prank.
A few days later, Mom called me from her room, her voice anxious. “My gold ring is gone,” she said.
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I felt my stomach twist. It was time to check the security cameras. I hadn’t told anyone about them—not even Mom—so whoever was taking things wouldn’t know to hide.
I sat at the kitchen table with my laptop, pulling up the footage. My heart raced as I fast-forwarded through hours of recording.
Then, I saw Jane. She was in Mom’s room, standing by the dresser. I leaned closer, certain I’d caught her.
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She opened the jewelry box and looked inside. My anger flared. But then, she closed the box and walked away without taking anything.
Relief turned to dread as the next clip played. A few hours later, Kaden appeared.
I watched in stunned silence as he walked to the jewelry box, took Mom’s gold ring, and slipped it into his pocket before leaving.
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I froze, unable to process what I was seeing. I had spent weeks blaming Jane, only to find out I had been wrong all along. My husband—my partner—was the thief.
I took the footage and drove home, my mind spinning. When I arrived, Kaden was putting on his coat, ready to leave again. I stepped in front of him, blocking the door.
“I know everything,” I said, my voice shaking.
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He looked confused. “What are you talking about?”
“I know you’ve been stealing from my mom,” I said, holding up the flash drive.
His face went pale. “Did Jane tell you?” he asked, his voice trembling.
“What? No! Why would Jane tell me?” I asked, anger and confusion swirling.
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Kaden sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. “Because I borrowed money from her. When she found out why, she stopped lending me more. She even offered to pay for rehab, but I refused. Then she caught me taking your mom’s jewelry.”
I felt like I had been punched in the gut. “I can’t believe this!” I shouted. “Why? Why would you lie to me and steal from my family?”
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“I started gambling. I thought I could win it back, but I kept losing. The debts grew faster than I could handle. I borrowed more to cover the old ones,” he confessed, his voice cracking.
“How could you?!” I yelled. “I thought you were spending time with Milo, being the father he needs. Instead, you wasted my money, Jane’s money, and Mom’s things!”
“I didn’t mean to hurt anyone,” Kaden said quietly.
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“And yet you didn’t stop me from blaming Jane,” I said, my anger boiling over. “You let me attack her while you hid.”
“I know. I hate myself for it,” Kaden said, his eyes downcast. “I’m ashamed.”
“I want you to leave,” I said firmly.
“Do you want a divorce?” he asked, his voice barely audible.
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“I don’t know. What I do know is I can’t look at you right now. Pack your things tomorrow while I’m at work. I’ll text you when I’m ready to talk.”
He nodded slowly, tears in his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Violet. I love you and Milo so much,” he whispered before leaving.
As soon as the door closed, I broke down, tears pouring down my face. After checking on Milo, who was sound asleep, I drove to Jane’s house.
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When she opened the door, I could barely speak. “I’m sorry,” I managed, tears streaming down my cheeks.
Jane pulled me into a hug without hesitation.
“And thank you,” I said through sobs. “For everything. Even for helping Kaden.”
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“I didn’t do it for him,” Jane said softly. “I did it for you, Violet.”
“Please forgive me, please,” I begged.
“It’s okay. I’ll always be here for you,” Jane said, holding me tightly.
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: When a grouchy old man slams the door on a persistent teen, he thinks he’s rid of her for good. But when a hurricane traps them together, the storm outside reveals the truth about her shocking connection to his past.
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