My name is Sarah, and my story began with a tragedy. When I was two, my mom died in a car accident, and my dad left us. My grandparents took me in. They became my whole world. They loved and supported me through everything. Thanks to them, I just graduated from high school and got into a great college.
Graduation day was supposed to be perfect. I couldn’t wait for my grandparents to see me get my diploma. I was so excited.
Graduation party | Source: Pexels
“This is for you, Grandma and Grandpa,” I thought as I put on my cap and gown. I couldn’t wait to see my grandparents’ proud faces when I walked across the stage. They had given me everything.
Suddenly, I heard someone call my name. “Sarah?”
I turned around and saw a man I didn’t recognize. He had a kind face but looked a bit worn out. “Yes, that’s me,” I said cautiously.
Man with blue eyes looks at the camera | Source: Pexels
He smiled, his eyes sad. “It’s me, your father.”
I felt my breath catch. “My father? No, my father left me when I was two.”
His face fell. “No, that’s not true. I’ve been looking for you all these years. Your grandparents hid you from me.” The man opened his wallet and showed me my childhood photo with a young man I knew as my father. This was the only photo of him I’ve ever seen.
Young man with his small daughter | Source: Pexels
My mind spun. “What? They said you abandoned me.”
He pulled out his phone and showed me text messages. Angry, hurtful words from my grandmother. “They told me to stay away, Sarah. They never wanted me around.”
Tears filled my eyes. Could this be true? My grandparents had lied to me?
“Why would they do that?” I whispered, feeling a mix of anger and confusion.
Shocked Sarah looks at her father | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t know, Sarah. But I’m here now. I’ve always wanted to be part of your life,” he said softly.
I saw my grandparents sitting in the audience, smiling and waving at me. My emotions were in turmoil. I couldn’t believe they had lied to me for so long. I marched over to them, anger boiling inside me.
“Leave,” I said loudly, my voice trembling with rage.
Sarah shouts at her grandparents | Source: Midjourney
Grandma’s smile faded. “Sarah, what’s wrong?” she asked, her eyes filling with tears.
“Leave now!” I shouted, my voice echoing in the hall. People turned to look.
Grandpa stood up slowly, his face pale. “Sarah, please, talk to us. What’s happening?”
“You lied to me! You kept my father away from me all these years. Just go!” I insisted.
Angry but determined Sarah | Source: Midjourney
My father approached me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you, Sarah. I know this is hard.”
“Why did they lie?” I asked, tears streaming down my face.
“I don’t know, but we can talk about it,” he said gently. “Let’s get through today first.”
Later, I sat across from my father in a quiet corner of the cafe, my coffee growing cold in front of me. I studied him, trying to reconcile the man before me with the stories my grandparents had told.
Coffee cup in a cafe | Source: Pexels
“So,” I began, my voice trembling slightly, “tell me everything. Start from the beginning.”
He sighed and took a sip of his coffee. “It’s a long story, Sarah. But you deserve to know the truth.”
He paused, collecting his thoughts. “When your mother and I first got together, everything was great. We were young and in love. But your grandparents never liked me. They thought I wasn’t good enough for her.”
Sarah’s father | Source: Midjourney
“What do you mean?” I asked, my eyes searching his face for honesty.
“They were always judging me,” he continued, shaking his head. “Your grandfather thought I was a loser because I didn’t have a fancy job. They wanted your mom to marry someone else. When you were born, it got worse.”
My heart ached. “Why didn’t you come back? Why didn’t you try to find me sooner?”
Sad Sarah talks to her father | Source: Midjourney
Silently, he pulled out his phone and showed me old text messages from Grandma. They were filled with anger and demands to stay away.
My hands shook as I read them. “I can’t believe they would do this.”
“They thought they were protecting you,” he said softly, squeezing my hand. “They didn’t trust me, and I can’t blame them for being angry, but they lied to you. I’ve been trying to get back into your life ever since.”
Hand squeeze | Source: Pexels
Tears welled up in my eyes. “Why did you come to my graduation?”
“I heard about it through an old friend,” he explained. “I wanted to see you, to congratulate you. I thought maybe enough time had passed that you’d be ready to meet me.”
I nodded slowly, absorbing his words.
Sarah slowly nods | Source: Midjourney
“We fell on hard times,” he said. “My son, your half-brother, is very sick. I need a lot of money for his treatment, and I thought I could borrow at least $1000 from you.”
I looked at him, torn between anger and pity. “Why didn’t you tell me all of this before?”
“I didn’t want to ruin your big day,” he said with a sad smile. “I wanted to wait until we could talk properly.”
Sarah’s father tells her his side of the story | Source: Midjourney
I sighed, feeling a mixture of emotions. “This is a lot to take in.”
“I know,” he said gently. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”
I looked out the window, watching the world go by. “I need to talk to my grandparents. There’s so much I need to sort out.”
Cafe windows | Source: Pexels
“Of course,” he said, reaching across the table to take my hand. “I’ll be here when you’re ready.”
I squeezed his hand, then stood up. “I need to go. But thank you for being honest with me.”
“Thank you for listening,” he said, his eyes hopeful.
As I walked out of the cafe, I felt a heavy weight on my shoulders. I had a lot to think about and even more to discuss with my grandparents.
Sarah walks out of the cafe | Source: Midjourney
I walked into our house, feeling a heavy weight on my shoulders. The decorations from the graduation party were still up, and the colorful balloons seemed to mock my confusion. My grandparents were sitting at the kitchen table, talking quietly. Their faces lit up when they saw me, but the joy quickly faded when they noticed my expression.
“Sarah, what’s wrong?” Grandma asked, her voice full of concern.
Sarah realizes what she has done | Source: Midjourney
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my trembling hands. “I’m so sorry,” I began, tears welling up in my eyes. “I shouldn’t have made you leave my graduation. I need to know the truth. Please, just tell me everything.”
Grandma’s face softened, and she reached out to take my hand. “Oh, Sarah, we understand. It must have been so confusing for you.”
Grandpa nodded, his eyes sad. “We did what we thought was best to protect you. But you deserve to know the whole story.”
Grandma | Source: Midjourney
I sat down, my heart heavy with guilt and curiosity. “Dad said you kept him away from me. He showed me messages, Grandma. They were from you.”
Grandma sighed deeply, her eyes filled with pain. “Yes, I sent those messages. Your father…he wasn’t a good man, Sarah. He started drinking and using drugs after you were born. He was drunk when he caused the accident that killed your mother. We didn’t want him to hurt you too.”
Sarah’s grandmother tells her the story | Source: Midjourney
I swallowed hard, trying to process their words. “But he said he’s been sober for years. And he said he needed money for his son’s treatment. Is that true?”
Grandma and Grandpa exchanged a worried glance. “He always knew how to manipulate people,” Grandpa said softly. “If he’s back, it’s because he wants something.”
I took a deep breath. “I need to know for sure. Do you think we could find out more about his life now?”
Sarah learns the truth about her father | Source: Midjourney
Grandpa nodded. “We can try. Maybe we can find something online.”
We all moved to the living room, and Grandpa opened his laptop. He logged into Facebook, and we began searching for my father. It didn’t take long to find his profile. His profile picture showed him with a woman and a young boy.
“Is that his new family?” I asked, my heart pounding.
Young family | Source: Pexels
“It looks like it,” Grandpa said, clicking on the woman’s profile. Her name was Lisa, and her profile was public.
We scrolled through her posts, looking for any mention of the boy’s illness. My heart ached as I thought about the possibility of my father lying to me.
“Look at this,” Grandma said, pointing to a post from a few weeks ago. It was a picture of the boy playing soccer, smiling and healthy.
Boy plays soccer | Source: Pexels
“Doesn’t look like he’s sick,” Grandpa muttered, scrolling further. There were more pictures of the boy, all showing him active and happy.
Grandma hugged me tightly. “We’re so sorry you had to go through this, Sarah. But we’re glad you know the truth now.”
I nodded, tears streaming down my face. “I’m so sorry for doubting you. I should have trusted you from the start.”
Grandpa put his arm around me. “We forgive you, Sarah. You were just looking for answers.”
Grandpa hugs Sarah | Source: Midjourney
We sat together, the three of us, finding comfort in each other. I knew I had made mistakes, but I also knew I was loved and forgiven. My grandparents had always been there for me, and now, more than ever, I realized how lucky I was to have them.
The next day, my father came to the house, looking hopeful. “Did you get the money?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No, Dad, I can’t give you any money.”
He frowned. “But it’s for your brother’s treatment.”
Sarah sends her father away | Source: Midjourney
“I know you lied about that,” I said firmly. “I saw the photos. He’s not sick. You just wanted the money.”
His face turned red with anger. “You’re just like your grandparents,” he snapped. “I should’ve stayed away.”
“Maybe you should have,” I replied, my voice steady. “I’m done with your lies.”
Enjoyed this story? Check out this one, where Christine’s grandparents shockingly cut her off from the inheritance. Unbeknownst to them, this is all part of Christine’s plan to bring her family together.
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.
Grandmother Sets Marriage Deadline for Granddaughter by Her 70th Birthday or She’s Excluded from Will — Story of the Day
Sophie was enjoying a delightful evening with family when her grandmother, Evelyn, decided to drop a bombshell. Evelyn’s announcement went beyond the ordinary. To get her inheritance, Sophie needed to get married within a month—in time for Evelyn’s upcoming birthday!
The living room was noisy as the whole family gathered at Evelyn’s large, old-fashioned house. With her pink clothes, she was always a vibrant character. For years, her energy was unmatched.
“Everyone, I need your attention!” Evelyn’s voice rang out, commanding silence. Her eyes sparkled as she surveyed her gathered relatives. The chatter ceased, and all eyes turned to her.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Sophie,” Evelyn began, her gaze fixed on her granddaughter, who sat uncomfortably under her family’s eyes.
“You have dedicated your life to your career, which is commendable. But you’ve paid a price by neglecting our cherished family values.”
Sophie shifted in her seat, her expression one of slight annoyance. She knew this conversation was coming. Her grandmother’s values were from a different time, after all.
Evelyn continued, “I stand before you as the last guardian of our family’s traditions, and it pains me to see them so easily cast aside.” Her words hung heavily in the air: “That is why I have decided, unless Sophie can find a husband by the time I turn 70 next month, she will not be included in my will.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Sophie’s face turned pale, eyes wide in shock as the room fell eerily silent.
“Grandma, you can’t be serious,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, but Evelyn’s face remained resolute.
“I am utterly serious, Sophie,” Evelyn responded sternly. “I cannot pass on my legacy to someone who shows no interest in continuing our family line.”
Her voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Sophie’s frustration boiled over as she stood up abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor.
“I’ve spent years building my career, investing time and energy to become who I am today,” she protested, her voice rising with each word. “And now, just because I haven’t married, you want to cut me off from the inheritance? That’s not fair!”
Evelyn looked up at her granddaughter, her expression unyielding.
“Life is about choices, Sophie. You chose your path, and now I am choosing mine.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Stung by the harsh reality of her grandmother’s words, Sophie felt a surge of emotion. She stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her with a loud bang that echoed through the quiet house. She sat in her car, crying out in the night silence.
***
Sophie approached her grandmother’s challenge like another task at work, thus tackling it with due diligence.
She threw herself into the dating world, setting up profiles on several online dating sites, attending speed dating events, and even letting her friends set her up on blind dates. However, her experiences ranged from bizarre to downright disastrous.
One evening, she met Jason, who seemed charming at first. As they sat in a cozy restaurant, Jason leaned in.
“Do you know that the moon landing was staged?” he whispered conspiratorially. Sophie choked on her drink, her eyebrows raised in disbelief. The date went downhill as Jason delved deeper into his conspiracy theories.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Then she met Peter, who talked at length about his collection of exotic reptiles.
“And here’s a photo of my pets, Monty and Tweedy!” he exclaimed, showing Sophie pictures of his cat and dog on his shelf. Sophie smiled politely, her interest waning by the second.
Each date left Sophie more disillusioned. During a date at a quaint coffee shop, she slipped into managerial mode, discussing revenue streams and market dynamics, completely missing her date’s glazed-over expression.
These failed attempts and each awkward goodbye underscored her growing despair. She was utterly unprepared for this unpredictable world of dating.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
***
Back at the office, Sophie was scrolling through her phone, her latest date yet another letdown. She sighed and turned to Steven, her reliable assistant, who was busy organizing files.
“Steven, can we talk?” Sophie’s tone was serious.
“Sure, what’s up?” Steven asked, attentive.
Sophie hesitated, then blurted out, “I need a huge favor. I want you to pretend to be my boyfriend for a week.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
She rushed on, “I’ll pay you, of course.”
Steven blinked, taken aback. “Pretend to be your boyfriend? Sophie, are you sure about this?”
“It’s just a week to get my grandmother off my back,” Sophie explained hastily. “We can call it off right after her birthday party.”
Seeing her distress, Steven agreed, albeit reluctantly. “Okay, I’ll do it. But let’s make it believable, at least.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
They started spending more time together, exchanging basic information like favorite foods and hobbies.
Sophie, ever the perfectionist, turned their casual chats into intense interrogations about Steven’s background, his views on marriage, and even his credit score.
Realizing they needed a different approach, Steven suggested, “How about we spend this weekend at my cousin’s lake house? Just relax, be ourselves. It might help us be more convincing.”
Sophie agreed to Steven’s suggestion.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
***
“Okay, Steven, how hard can this be?” Sophie asked with a laugh, tying an apron around her waist as they stood in the small, rustic kitchen of the lake house. They were both attempting to cook dinner, an activity neither was exceptionally skilled at.
“According to my cousin, just throw everything in the pot and hope for the best,” Steven replied, chopping vegetables.
For illustration purposes only | Source: pixabay
The pot simmered on the stove while they tried their luck fishing by the lake. Standing side by side with fishing rods, they quickly realized they needed more talent for it. After several failed attempts, Sophie burst out laughing. “Why are we so bad at this?”
“It’s about spending time together, isn’t it?” Steven smiled in answer.
As night fell, they sat by a small fire pit, wrapped in warm blankets and sharing stories of their childhoods.
“You know, I used to think being strong meant doing everything alone,” Sophie confessed, her voice soft against the crackling of the fire. “But this… this is nice. Sharing moments, I mean.”
Steven nodded, passing her a marshmallow to roast.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Yeah, life’s better with good company. Even if it’s just roasting marshmallows and failing at fishing.”
By the end of the weekend, as they packed up to leave, Sophie realized she enjoyed Steven’s company far beyond the confines of their initial agreement.
“It’s strange,” Sophie mused as they drove back, “how a weekend can change so much.”
The atmosphere on their way home was warm and relaxed. Steven finally felt comfortable in the friendly setting and opened up about his dreams.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“You know, I’ve been thinking a lot lately,” he started, navigating the winding road. “This weekend helped me realize how much I want to pursue my dreams. I’ve always wanted to start my own business. Maybe a bakery or a café.”
Despite the warmth of their shared weekend, her initial self-interest shadowed her reaction. She remained silent, keeping her concerns to herself, not wanting to discourage him, and dreading the potential disruption to her plans.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
***
Sophie and Steven arrived at Evelyn’s elegant home, where Evelyn had organized a formal dinner to meet Steven, whom she had heard much about. The house was aglow with soft lights, and a gentle aroma of roasted meats and seasoned vegetables filled the air.
As they walked in, Evelyn greeted them with a beaming smile.
“Steven, I’m so pleased to meet you at last,” she exclaimed, offering a hand that Steven shook warmly.
“Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. It’s an honor to be here,” Steven responded, his voice carrying genuine respect.
Steven was the epitome of charm and grace during the dinner, effortlessly engaging with other guests and sharing amusing anecdotes that brought smiles.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Sophie, however, seemed distant. Despite the cozy atmosphere, her interactions with Steven were cold and formal, contrasting with the warmth they had shared over their weekend getaway.
After dinner, Evelyn noticed their tension as they retreated to the living room for dessert. She decided to find out what was going on.
“Sophie tells me you two had a wonderful weekend at the lake house, Steven. It must have been quite the getaway.” Her eyes twinkled with curiosity.
Steven glanced at Sophie, a hint of warmth in his expression.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Yes, it was amazing. We got to know each other beyond work.”
Sophie’s response was curt, almost dismissive. “It was a nice break,” she said, avoiding Steven’s eyes.
Sophie’s behavior puzzled Evelyn when Steven’s earnestness spoke volumes. As he excused himself to fetch some appetizers, Evelyn paused to talk privately with Sophie.
“Sophie, dear, what’s going on? I can see Steven cares deeply. Don’t play with his feelings,” Evelyn whispered, her voice stern yet concerned.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Sophie masked her surprise with a feigned smile.
“Grandma, everything is fine. Steven and I are pleased. He’s even thinking about proposing soon,” she lied, hoping to appease her grandmother.
Evelyn, however, was only partially convinced. She nodded slowly, her doubts quietly mounting.
At that very moment, Steven reappeared, holding a plate of snacks. His timing was such that he likely overheard the conversation. His demeanor changed for the rest of the evening; he became quieter and more reserved.
When it was time to say goodbye, he nodded to Sophie and left without a word, his silence heavy with unspoken thoughts.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
***
The following day, the office felt colder and emptier. Sophie soon discovered why: Steven had resigned. He came to collect his belongings.
“I thought we were getting closer, Steven. What happened?” Sophie asked in confusion.
Steven sighed, his frustration evident.
“After the weekend, I thought we had something real. But you shut down and returned to treating me just as an assistant.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Sophie looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
“I’m sorry, Steven. I just… I got scared.”
Steven shook his head, his decision firm.
“I need more than this, Sophie. And I can’t accept your money for the charade.”
He picked up his box, his shoulders set as he walked away, leaving Sophie alone with her regrets.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
***
Sophie spent the morning before Evelyn’s birthday party lost in thought, meticulously choosing her outfit, each piece selected to reflect a blend of respect and celebration.
As she dressed, her mind was awash with memories of Steven—their weekend at the lake, the arguments, the confessions, and finally, his resignation. The intensity of her feelings surprised her; she hadn’t realized just how deeply she had fallen for him until he was gone.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
When Sophie arrived at the party, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Steven mingling among the guests. Ever the astute matriarch, Evelyn, had extended the invitation to Steven, a gesture that spoke volumes of her fondness for him.
Sophie’s nervousness was palpable as she approached him, her palms sweaty, her heart pounding.
“Steven,” she began, shaky but sincere, “I owe you a huge apology.” She took a deep breath, gathering her courage.
“The truth is, I missed you terribly. But it’s more than that. Our pretending… it turned into something real for me. I feel for you, genuinely and deeply. I’m so sorry for all the deception—it started about my grandmother’s will, but it became about so much more.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Steven’s expression, initially guarded, softened as he listened to her words.
“Sophie,” he replied gently, “I forgive you. I was part of the charade, too, remember? I agreed because… well because I’ve had feelings for you for quite a while. I thought this might allow us to explore if something could be real between us.”
Evelyn had been quietly observing their moment of reconciliation until she chose to join them, her approach soft yet deliberate. She took a seat opposite Sophie, her eyes glinting with wisdom and a bit of mischief.
“Sophie, you’ve finally not disappointed me,” Evelyn said, a warm smile spreading across her face. “You’ve come to realize what truly matters. That’s why I’ll leave the inheritance to you and whatever family you build.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Her voice grew tender, “I never intended to follow through if you married just to meet the will’s conditions. I know you well enough, my dear. It wouldn’t have been right. All this was a test, a push to get you to look beyond your career achievements.”
Before the conversation could dip into awkward silence, Steven, ever the peacemaker, made a light-hearted announcement.
“And speaking of new beginnings, I’ve opened my own bakery.” His face lit up with pride.
“I’ve also baked a special birthday cake for tonight. It would mean a lot to me if everyone could come by the bakery sometime to enjoy some coffee and cake.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
The evening unfolded with a celebratory air, the earlier tensions dissolving into laughter and shared stories. Friends and family gathered around, their conversations filled with admiration for Steven’s culinary skills and warm wishes for Evelyn’s continued health and happiness.
Evelyn watched the young couple, her heart full, knowing her unconventional method had ultimately led her granddaughter to reassess her priorities and embrace a future where personal connections held more weight than professional achievements.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Corinne was at a speed dating event. Frustrated by her failed relationships, she watched how men boasted about their material worlds one by one. But the next candidate caught her attention. He was interested in Corinne’s world. The intrigue grew when the stranger offered her to travel together.
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