Boss Fires Poor Gardener, Humiliating Him—On His Last Day, He Finds a Buried Box in the Backyard

After the spoiled heir of the estate he’s tended for decades cruelly fired Arthur, the humiliated gardener visited one special garden one last time. As he reminisced, Arthur noticed something strange, leading him to make a life-changing discovery.

I was on my knees in the east garden, hands deep in the cool soil, when Margaret from the kitchen staff rushed over, her face flushed with worry.

A woman hurrying through a garden | Source: Midjourney

“Arthur, have you heard? Mr. Stuart is coming home today. He’s taking over everything.”

I nodded slowly, carefully placing another bulb into the ground. “Yes, I heard.”

I’d been dreading this day since old Mr. Jared passed. For years, I’d tended these grounds and watched the seasons change from behind my wheelbarrow, pruning shears in hand.

A wheelbarrow filled with pruned foliage and garden tools | Source: Pexels

This estate knew my footprints better than any place on earth. And now Stuart was coming home to claim his inheritance.

“What will happen to us?” Margaret asked, her voice small against the vastness of the estate.

“We do our jobs,” I said simply. “That’s all we can do.”

A man transplanting a young plant | Source: Pexels

What I didn’t say was how my heart ached when I thought about Jared. He wasn’t just my employer — he was my friend.

We’d spent countless hours working side by side in the small garden behind the main house. There, among the climbing roses and stubborn weeds, we’d shared stories, silence, and laughter.

“Grandpa, I finished my homework. Can I help with the planting?”

A teen boy smiling at someone | Source: Midjourney

Eli, my 14-year-old grandson, stood at the garden’s edge.

Since the accident two years ago that took my daughter and her husband, Eli had been my reason for waking up each morning. He was polite, studious, and hungry for books in a way that amazed me.

“Sure, come on over. We’re putting in the spring bulbs.”

Plastic crates filled with bulbs and plants | Source: Pexels

We worked in comfortable silence until the sound of tires on gravel broke through the morning calm. A sleek car pulled up to the main house and out stepped Stuart.

“Is that him?” Eli whispered.

I nodded, watching as Stuart surveyed the property. It had been many years since I’d last seen him, but he had the same air of arrogance and entitlement as when he was a rude boy who pulled up the irises to spite me.

A haughty man standing near a luxury car | Source: Midjourney

“Remember what I told you,” I said quietly. “Be respectful, keep your distance, and—”

“Never let anyone make me feel small,” Eli finished. “I remember, Grandpa.”

The first few weeks with Stuart in charge were worse than I’d imagined.

The staff walked on eggshells as he inspected corners for dust and fired people for minor infractions.

A tense cleaner arranging a pair of slippers near a bed | Source: Pexels

Where Jared had been kind and thoughtful, his son was impatient and cruel.

“Arthur, isn’t it?” Stuart asked one afternoon, as though we’d never met before. “The gardener my father was so fond of.”

“Yes, sir,” I replied, stopping my work to face him.

“These hedges look uneven. And those roses are half dead,” he declared. “My father may have tolerated mediocrity, but I expect excellence.”

A man examining a hedge | Source: Midjourney

I bit my tongue. “I’ll see to it right away, sir.”

“See that you do.”

As he walked away, I took a deep breath and returned to my pruning. I tried to forget Stuart’s criticism and his pretense at not knowing me, but I was concerned. I couldn’t afford to lose this job.

A man pruning a plant | Source: Pexels

The weeks turned into months, and with each passing day, Stuart’s parties grew louder, and his friends grew more reckless.

They’d roar through the gardens in expensive cars, laughing as they knocked over planters and scattered gravel.

The once peaceful estate became a playground for the rich and careless to party.

People partying | Source: Pexels

One morning in late summer, I was preparing to compost the beds when I heard angry footsteps approaching. Stuart stormed toward me, his face flushed with rage.

“You! Old man!”

My heart sank. Margaret had warned me to steer clear of Stuart that morning. Apparently, his latest gold-digging girlfriend had left him to go skiing in Switzerland, and Stuart was‌ on a rampage.

A man staring at someone with wide eyes | Source: Midjourney

I straightened up slowly, my knees creaking in protest. “Good morning, Mr. Stuart.”

“Don’t ‘good morning’ me. Did you see what happened to my car? Someone scratched the paint. Was it your grandson? That quiet, sneaky kid?”

“Eli was at school yesterday, sir. He’s been there all week for the summer program.”

“Well, someone did it. And since you’re supposed to be watching this place—”

“I’m the gardener, sir. Not security.”

A man working in a garden | Source: Midjourney

I instantly regretted my words, but it was too late. Stuart’s face contorted with anger.

“You know what? I’ve had enough of your attitude. You think because my father liked you, you’re untouchable? You call this work?” He kicked at a pile of weeds I’d pulled. “My dog could rake better than you! You’re nothing but a leftover from my father’s pity. Consider this your last day. I want you off my property by sunset.”

A shouting man | Source: Midjourney

The words hit hard, but I kept my expression neutral. As he stomped away, I felt a strange calm wash over me. Maybe it was for the best.

I removed my uniform overalls and walked to the garden Jared and I had tended together. I hadn’t touched this spot since Jared died because the memories were too painful.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Jared,” I said as I kneeled by the garden. “The least I can do for you before I go is clear away the weeds.”

A man in a garden staring sadly at the plants | Source: Midjourney

As I was working, I noticed a patch of ground that had been disturbed.

It wasn’t recent, but I knew this garden better than the back of my hand and someone had been digging here and left half the bulbs to wither and die on the surface.

I dug into the earth with my hands. Soon, I felt a hard surface beneath my fingers. I cleared away the dirt and soon uncovered a small wooden chest, sealed with a simple latch.

A chest in a hole | Source: Midjourney

My hands trembled as I opened it.

Inside, neatly arranged, were bundles of cash, small gold bars, and a folded note. I recognized Jared’s handwriting immediately.

“This is for you, friend. I know you need this! I love you. Your friend, Jared.”

Tears fell onto the paper as I clutched it to my chest.

A sad man staring down at something | Source: Midjourney

Even in death, Jared had found a way to look after us. The cruel irony wasn’t lost on me — being fired had led me to this discovery, this last gift from a true friend.

I left the estate without another word to Stuart.

The next day, I went to the bank and opened a safe deposit box. I transferred everything from Jared’s box into it and placed it in Eli’s name. Not for now, but for his future.

Safety deposit boxes | Source: Pexels

I found work maintaining the grounds at the local high school. The pay wasn’t much, but it was honest work, and I could be close to Eli during the day.

Two years passed faster than I expected.

Eli thrived in school — he was top of his class and his teachers were talking about scholarships and potential. He grew taller and stronger but kept his gentle nature and curious mind.

A cheerful teenage boy | Source: Midjourney

“Grandpa, I got accepted into the summer science program,” he announced one evening, waving the acceptance letter.

“That’s wonderful news,” I said, genuinely proud. “Your parents would be so proud of you.”

“Do you think Mr. Jared would be proud too?”

The question caught me off guard. “Yes, I think he would be very proud.”

AN earnest teenage boy | Source: Midjourney

While we built our new life, news of Stuart’s downfall reached us through Margaret, who still worked at the estate.

His recklessness had finally caught up with him. He lost everything — the estate, the cars, and whatever illusion of control he’d once had.

“They say he’s moving out next week,” Margaret told me when we met for coffee. “The bank’s selling the place.”

The interior of a cozy coffee shop | Source: Pexels

I nodded, feeling no satisfaction in his misfortune. “That’s a shame.”

“A shame? After how he treated you? Arthur, you’re too kind for your own good.”

Perhaps I was. But bitterness was a luxury I couldn’t afford, not with Eli watching and learning from every reaction, every word.

One evening, as Eli and I walked toward the park, he asked me a question that had been on his mind.

A thoughtful teen boy on a city street | Source: Midjourney

“Grandpa, are you ever going to tell me what was in that box you brought from the estate?”

I looked at him — no longer a boy, but not quite a man — and saw in him the future Jared had helped secure.

“When you’re ready,” I said with a small smile. “When the time is right.”

“And when will that be?”

A man and his grandson entering a city park | Source: Midjourney

“When you’ve built a foundation strong enough that it won’t change who you are.” I squeezed his shoulder gently. “Some gifts aren’t meant to be opened right away.”

As we continued our walk, I thought about Jared, about the garden we’d tended together, and about the seeds we plant that grow long after we’re gone. Some in soil, some in souls. Both lasting far beyond what we can see.

My Fiancé Humiliated Me in His Wedding Vows — He Regretted It Later

My Fiancé Humiliated Me in His Wedding Vows — He Regretted It Later

As Emily walks down the aisle, she feels as though she is finally living her wedding dream. The dress is perfect just like the venue, music, and her groom. Until it’s time for the vows when Jason completely humiliates her in front of everyone. But later, he gets a taste of his own medicine.

It was the day that I had been waiting for. After months of wedding planning and dieting to fit into my dream dress. This was the moment.

Bride walking down the aisle | Source: Midjourney

“Come on, darling,” my father said, holding out his hand, ready to walk me down the aisle to Jason.

“How do you feel?” my father asked me, kissing my forehead.

“Happy,” I said simply. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for years now, Dad.”

We walked down the aisle to soft music that I had chosen months ago. The guitarist perched on a wooden stool.

A bride and her father | Source: Midjourney

“You look beautiful, Emily,” Jason said, taking my hand from my father.

The ceremony began with the priest talking about love and commitment, just as he had told us he would.

“It’s time for the vows,” the priest said, smiling at us both.

“Jason, you are my best friend, and I’ve always wanted to marry my best friend. I promise to support you, to always laugh with you, and to grow with you. I vow to be faithful and cherish every moment we have together. In this life, and the next.”

Bride saying her wedding vows | Source: Midjourney

My sister sighed next to me, wiping away her tears.

“Jason,” the priest said. “It’s now your turn.”

Jason looked at me and smiled, and then he turned to his groomsmen, causing them to snigger.

A bridesmaid crying at a wedding | Source: Midjourney

“Emily, my love,” he said. “I promise to always be there for you, even when you’re nagging me to take out the trash because you think the house smells.”

Jason’s groomsmen chuckled.

“And I’ll always hold your hand, especially when we’re walking through spider-infested areas because we all know how much you love those eight-legged critters.”

The groomsmen laughed louder. Some of our guests joined in.

Groomsmen laughing | Source: Midjourney

And still, Jason continued.

“I vow to remind you to pick up your dragging feet when you walk, so we can avoid another trip to the emergency room like that time you tripped over absolutely nothing. And to taste all the burnt lasagna in the world because that’s your signature dish.”

The more Jason spoke, the more embarrassed I got.

Groom reading his vows | Source: Midjourney

I frowned at him, hoping that he would understand that there was nothing beautiful or romantic about his words. But he ignored me and continued.

“Also, I will tolerate your singing in the shower. It may sound like a cat in distress but at least it makes me appreciate good music! And most importantly, Emily,” he said.

“I promise to forgive you for basically forcing me to propose to you after you left those bridal magazines all over the apartment.”

My jaw dropped.

A woman in the shower | Source: Unsplash

I didn’t know how to react. Jason’s groomsmen were all but falling over each other with laughter.

“Really?” I whispered to him.

Jason winked.

“Now, it’s time for you to exchange rings,” the priest said.

Jason’s niece came up to the altar with the wedding rings tied onto a little cushion that she clutched tightly.

“Here you go, Aunty Emily,” she said nervously.

A little girl holding a ring cushion | Source: Midjourney

“Thank you, sweetheart,” I said, taking the rings from her.

Holding the rings, I realized I didn’t want to put Jason’s ring on his finger. We were married now, all but for signing the registration book.

But after hearing Jason’s vows, I didn’t know if I wanted to be with this man.

“Give me your hand,” Jason said, pulling my hand.

He slid the ring onto my finger and held his hand out for me to do the same.

A bride putting on the groom’s wedding ring | Source: Unsplash

My stomach turned. Suddenly, my dream bubble had burst. Nothing felt as it had moments before.

“Jason, you may now kiss the bride!” the priest exclaimed.

Jason grabbed my waist and pulled me close to him, his other hand gripping the back of my neck. He kissed me without passion or feeling.

A couple kissing at the altar | Source: Midjourney

“What on earth was that?” I asked Jason when we were doing our photographs before the reception.

“What do you mean?” he asked, frowning.

“Your vows,” I said. “They were insensitive and embarrassing.”

“No! They were cute!” he said. “I kept them true to us.”

A bridal couple talking outside | Source: Midjourney

“You basically told everyone that I’m a nag and clumsy. And that I forced you into marrying me.”

I crossed my arms and waited for some kind of explanation.

“Oh, come on, Emily,” he said. “Everyone was laughing. It’s not as deep as you’re making it. Let’s just do this photoshoot and go back to the party. I am starving.”

I bit my tongue. I didn’t have it in me to fight.

A smiling groom | Source: Unsplash

At the reception, Jason truly let himself go. He went overboard with the drinks and ate enough steak and potatoes to make anyone sick to their stomach.

“Mom,” I said, kneeling next to my mother before the formalities began. “I don’t feel good.”

“What do you mean, sweetheart?” my mother asked.

“Jason…” I said, my voice trailing as the weight of my uneasiness set in. “Those vows were nothing but an embarrassment.”

“Maybe it was just nerves, Emily,” my mother said. “You know how Jason can be sometimes.”

A bride looking down | Source: Midjourney

“I don’t know, Mom,” I said. “I just feel like the magic has escaped.”

Soon after, the emcee got up and began the formalities. Jason’s brother stood up and spoke about how we met and his first impressions of me.

“I didn’t think Emily would stay!” Jackson laughed, his beer bottle in his hand. “But I guess she knows how to deal with my brother.”

It went on and on, and my husband ate up his brother’s words, chuckling loudly.

A man giving a speech | Source: Midjourney

Then, it was time for my father-in-law’s speech.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have a few words to say to my son and his new bride, the lovely Emily,” he said.

I held my breath. I had always gotten along with Robert, and he had always treated me well. But I had thought the same of Jason until his vows were said.

A man giving a speech | Source: Midjourney

I didn’t know if I had to prepare myself for something from Robert, too.

If I had to be honest with myself, I just wanted to run away. I didn’t feel like a bride. I didn’t feel much like anything. I didn’t even feel like myself.

I wanted to rip off my wedding dress and get into my comfiest pair of sweatpants. I wanted to cry.

A bride feeling sad | Source: Midjourney

“Jason, do you know what makes a marriage work, son?” Robert asked.

“Uh, love? Attraction? Chemistry?” Jason said, faltering.

Who on earth is this man? I wondered to myself.

“It’s respect,” Robert said, shaking his head. “It’s about cherishing your partner and never making them feel small or embarrassed. Today, you turned your vows into a series of jokes at Emily’s expense. That was not only inappropriate but also deeply hurtful.”

A groom looking upset | Source: Midjourney

I glanced around and saw some of the guests were shaking their heads.

“To teach you a lesson, Jason,” Robert continued. “I’m going to share something about you that you might find equally embarrassing.”

“What? Dad! Stop!” Jason said, standing up.

“Jason still sleeps with a nightlight. He says that it’s because he likes to read in bed, but we all know that it’s because he’s afraid of the dark.”

A nightlight next to a bed | Source: Midjourney

Laughter erupted through the room.

“And let’s not forget about the time when Jason tried to cook for Emily and set off the fire alarm because he didn’t know that normal people don’t put metal in microwaves.”

“Dad, just stop it,” Jason hissed.

“Or about the time when he got drunk after a party, and insisted that he needed to sleep on the floor in my bedroom.”

The crowd laughed louder.

A crowd laughing | Source: Midjourney

“I shared these stories not to embarrass you, Jason. But to show you how it feels. Humor at someone else’s expense isn’t funny, it’s cruel. You need to understand the consequences of your actions.”

I smiled at Robert, finally feeling seen.

“Emily, on behalf of my son, I apologize. Jason still has a lot to learn about being a loving and respectful partner. But I know that he can do better, and I hope you give him the chance to prove it.”