Young Woman Gets a Job as a Maid and Notices Mother’s Framed Photo in Boss’s Bedroom – Story of the Day

Caroline got a job as a cleaning lady in New York and went to her first assignment. It was a beautiful house in Manhattan, but something shocked her. There was a picture of her mother in the office. Then a man walked in.

“I’m going to do a great job,” Caroline psyched herself up in front of her first assignment. She and her friend, Melissa, moved to New York a few days ago to make their dreams of being Broadway stars come true.

But they needed to find jobs first to rent an apartment together. Luckily, Melissa got hired at a clothing store, and Caroline got a job at an agency for domestic cleaners.

It was perfect. It wasn’t that time-consuming, and she loved cleaning because it had a calming effect on her. Moreover, if no one else was home, she could practice her singing voice.

Caroline was going to her first assignment as a cleaning lady. | Source: Shutterstock

Caroline was going to her first assignment as a cleaning lady. | Source: Shutterstock

Unfortunately, her mother’s face popped into her mind before walking into her first home. Her mother, Helen, didn’t want her to chase after such silly dreams, much less live in New York.

Caroline was born and raised in Philadelphia, which wasn’t that far away. She didn’t have a father, and her mother never said a word about him. For some reason, Helen really hated New York. She also sheltered Caroline all her life, which was why she had to escape.

When she and Melissa planned their move, she knew her mother would not allow it. Caroline suspected she may even fake an illness just to get her to stay. But Caroline needed to fight for her dreams. It was her life. So, she left a tiny note on her mother’s dresser when she was asleep and ran away.

It had been several days, and Helen had not called her, which was weird. But Caroline assumed she was probably mad at her. Hopefully, she would get over it once Caroline debuted on Broadway. Now, it was time to focus on cleaning this house.

According to the agency director, an older man lives in the house alone, so it was not particularly messy in the first place. When Caroline finally walked inside using the key under the mat as was instructed, she wasted no time to start cleaning — first, the kitchen, then the living room, and moving towards the bedroom.

She noticed the pictures above the mantelpiece. | Source: Unplash

She noticed the pictures above the mantelpiece. | Source: Unplash

“I’m almost done, sir. But may I ask a question? Who is this woman?”

She hesitated a bit right at the entrance of a serious-looking office, but there were no instructions against coming in. She resolved not to touch too much around the desk and continued cleaning.

There was a beautiful fireplace with a mantelpiece on top and huge bookshelves along the opposite wall. It was the kind of office Caroline had only seen in movies.

She tidied as quickly and thoroughly as she could but stopped short at the mantelpiece. There were several pictures on top, but one caught her attention. A picture with her mother’s face. She was at least 18 years younger, but it was her. “Why is my mother in this man’s pictures?” she wondered out loud.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps and an older man entered the office. “Oh hello there! You must be the new cleaning lady. I’m Richard Smith. I own this house,” the man introduced himself with a warm smile. “Are you done in here already?”

“I’m almost done, sir. But may I ask a question?” Caroline hesitated, hoping that the man wouldn’t be mad if she asked about the image. “Who is this woman?”

The man moved closer to see what picture she was talking about. | Source: Pexels

The man moved closer to see what picture she was talking about. | Source: Pexels

“Who?” he wondered, moving closer to her and putting on his glasses. “Ah yes. That’s Helen. She was the love of my life.”

Caroline’s senses started pinging. “What happened to her?” She couldn’t help but ask.

“She died during a bus crash. She was pregnant at the time too. I couldn’t even go to the funeral because her mother hated me. It was crazy… I tried to move on and never did. To this day, I still love and miss her,” Richard responded, removing his glasses and moving towards his chair.

“Sir, I’m sorry to intrude like this, and thank you for telling me. But this woman… she looks so much like my mother. It’s insane,” Caroline revealed.

The older man frowned at her. “What do you mean?”

“Well, my mother, Helen, looks exactly like this woman. Obviously, she’s older now, but the resemblance is uncanny. I’m 98% sure this is her,” she continued, facing Richard but gesturing toward the photograph.

Richard dialed right there from his desk. | Source: Pexels

Richard dialed right there from his desk. | Source: Pexels

“Helen? Your mother’s name is Helen? Where did you grow up?”

“Philadelphia,” she answered, shrugging her shoulders. Her eyes widened now that she realized that if that was Helen, then this man might be her father.

Richard covered his mouth with his hands. “This is not possible…” he whispered. “Can I have your mother’s phone number?”

“Sure,” she said and gave it to him.

“Can you stay here while I call her?” he requested, and Caroline agreed.

He dialed right there from his office phone, and her mother’s voice answered after a few rings. “Hello? Is it you, Caroline?”

Richard looked up at Caroline for a second but decided to speak up first. “Is this Helen Geller?”

“Yes. Who am I speaking to?” Helen asked from the other end of the line.

He told her about the alleged bus crash. | Source: Pexels

He told her about the alleged bus crash. | Source: Pexels

“Helen, it’s Richard,” he continued, his voice starting to get emotional.

“Richard, who? Wait a minute. Richard Morris? What do you want after all these years?” Helen asked, her voice hardening for some reason.

Caroline and Richard started at each other in confusion, but he continued. “What do you mean after all these years? I thought you were dead!”

“What?”

Richard explained what he knew of the alleged accident when he had lost his future wife and unborn baby. He also explained how Helen’s mother didn’t allow him at the funeral and refused to tell him anything afterward. But Helen had no idea what he was talking about and told him what she knew.

“My mother told me that you called and decided you wanted nothing to do with me. So I raised my daughter on my own,” Helen revealed, and Caroline was shocked by this turn of events.

Caroline wanted to make it on Broadway first. | Source: Pexels

Caroline wanted to make it on Broadway first. | Source: Pexels

“That’s not… Helen, I would never abandon you. I never moved on. I still thought of you every day. I mourned you. I’ve been in pain thinking about you and our kid for almost two decades,” Richard continued, but Helen was quiet.

“I can’t believe Mom would do this. But well, that was her way. I don’t know what do now,” Helen finally stated. “Wait. How did you find out I was still alive?”

“Mom, I’m here,” Caroline chimed in at last. She hurriedly explained what happened and reassured her mother that she was fine in New York.

“I can’t believe this is happening at all. I can’t even ask my mother why she would do something so cruel to us. She died years ago. But anyway, when are you coming back home, Caroline?” Helen asked, in a firmer voice toward her daughter.

“I’m not coming back until I make it on Broadway. And now, well… now I have another reason to stay here,” Caroline continued, looking at Richard with a tiny smile.

They broke the ice with one silly statement. | Source: Pexels

They broke the ice with one silly statement. | Source: Pexels

“Fine, but I’m coming up to New York soon,” Helen said and hung up. Richard and Caroline started at each other in silence for a few moments before either of them spoke up.

“So, I guess you’re my dad,” she chirped. He laughed, and that’s how they broke the ice.

What can we learn from this story?

  • Let your children pursue their dreams. Caroline ran away because her mother was overprotective. You should guide your children but let them decide what to do with their lives.
  • Some parents don’t have your best interests at heart. Helen’s mother did something horrible to her and Richard, and they would never know why.

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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who didn’t end the call with her husband, and he heard her conversation.

I Was Excited to Meet My Daughter’s Fiancé, but One Look at Him Changed Everything and I Knew This Wedding Couldn’t Happen — Story of the Day

I had been waiting for months to meet my daughter’s fiancé, imagining the perfect introduction. But when I opened the door and saw him, my excitement vanished. This wasn’t what I expected. I knew, in that moment, this wedding couldn’t happen. I had to stop it—no matter what it took.

I had been running around the kitchen all day like a madwoman because today was important—Kira was finally bringing her fiancé and his parents over for dinner.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I had dreamed of this moment for months, picturing how we’d sit together, laughing over stories, bonding as future in-laws.

But for some reason, Kira had avoided it, always coming up with excuses. “They’re busy, Mom.” “Another time, I promise.” It didn’t make sense. What could be so hard about introducing us?

But now, she had no choice. Marcus had proposed. It was official. And that meant I was meeting him—and his family—whether she liked it or not.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Bradley sat at the table, flipping through the newspaper, watching me with amusement.

“Sit down for a minute, Jessica,” he kept saying.

I waved him off. “I don’t have time to sit! The roast is in the oven, the table’s not set, and the flowers—where are the flowers?”

Just as I started setting the food on the table, the doorbell rang. My heart pounded. This was it.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh God, they’re here!” I shouted, yanking off my apron and tossing it onto the counter.

Bradley barely looked up from his chair. “I’ll get it,” he said, calm as ever.

“No!” I rushed to his side. “We have to greet them together!”

Bradley sighed but stood up. I grabbed his arm and straightened my dress, forcing the brightest smile I could manage.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Can I open it now?” he asked.

I nodded.

Bradley pulled the door open. There stood Kira, glowing with excitement, her fiancé Marcus beside her, and behind them, his parents. My smile froze. My breath caught. My heart sank.

They were Black.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I blinked, trying to process what I saw. My mind spun. This wasn’t what I had expected. I glanced at Bradley. His face had gone stiff.

“Mom?” Kira’s voice snapped me back to reality. “Are you going to invite our guests inside?”

“Yes, of course,” I said quickly, my voice strained. I stepped aside, letting them in.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I led them to the dining table, but my hands trembled. My thoughts raced. I needed a moment.

“Excuse me,” I said. “I just need to bring out a few more dishes. Kira, come help me.” I turned to Bradley. “You too.”

Kira hesitated but followed me. Bradley trailed behind.

As soon as the kitchen door swung shut, I turned to Kira.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Is there something you forgot to tell us?”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Your fiancé is Black!” The words burst out before I could stop them.

“Yes, Mom. I know.” Her voice was calm, but her eyes hardened.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Why didn’t you tell us?” I demanded.

“Because I knew how you’d react,” she said, crossing her arms. “Just give Marcus a chance. He’s a good man, and his family is wonderful.”

Bradley’s voice cut through the air. “My daughter is not marrying a Black man.”

“That’s not your decision to make!” Kira shot back. Her voice shook, but she stood firm. “Can you two just act normal for one night?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Without another word, she stormed out.

Bradley and I carried the dishes to the table in silence. No one spoke much during dinner, though Kira and Marcus did their best to keep the conversation going. The air felt heavy. Every bite tasted like nothing.

After dinner, Kira pulled out her childhood photo albums. She laughed as she showed Marcus old pictures. I watched them from across the room, my stomach tight.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Beside me, Marcus’s mother, Betty, leaned in. “What do you think of them as a couple?”

I hesitated. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not racist,” I said, lowering my voice. “I just think Kira would be better off with someone… more like her.”

Betty nodded. “I completely agree. I don’t think they’re a good match either. Marcus would be better off with someone who understands our… culture.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I exhaled, relieved. “You’re reading my mind.”

Betty straightened. “We can’t let this wedding happen.”

“No, we can’t,” I agreed.

From that day on, Betty and I formed an unspoken alliance.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

We both wanted what was best for our children—or at least, what we believed was best.

We picked fights over everything. Betty criticized Kira’s dress choice, saying it didn’t fit their traditions.

I argued with Marcus over the menu, insisting Kira wouldn’t be happy with his family’s preferences.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When it came to the church, Betty and I nearly came to blows. She wanted the ceremony at their family church, I wanted it at ours. We disagreed on music, guest lists, even the seating arrangement.

But none of it worked. The more we pushed, the stronger Kira and Marcus became. Instead of seeing their differences, they only clung to each other harder.

So, we had to be smarter.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I arranged a “harmless” lunch for Kira with my colleague’s son, a polite young man with a stable career and good family values.

Meanwhile, Betty set up a meeting between Marcus and a woman from their church, someone she believed would be a “better fit.”

Of course, we never called them dates. That would have raised suspicion. We just needed them to show up.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

That evening, we gathered at Betty and Rod’s house. Bradley and I arrived early, and while Betty and I whispered about our plan, I noticed something odd—Bradley and Rod were sitting in front of the TV, laughing over beers.

When I got Bradley alone, I hissed, “What’s going on?”

He shrugged. “What? We root for the same team. Rod’s a good guy.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re supposed to be on my side!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I am,” he said, taking another sip.

I heard the front door swing open and slam shut. Heavy footsteps echoed through the house.

My heart pounded. I rushed into the living room, where Betty was already standing, her arms crossed, her face tense.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Kira and Marcus stood in front of us, their eyes burning with anger.

“Are you out of your minds?!” Marcus yelled, his voice shaking.

Kira turned to me, her face red. “Our wedding is in a week, and you’re setting me up on a date?”

I opened my mouth, but Betty spoke first. “We just wanted what’s best for you.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Kira let out a bitter laugh. “Best for me? You think lying to me, tricking me, humiliating me is what’s best?”

I took a deep breath. “You could both find someone more… suitable,” I said, keeping my voice calm.

Kira’s whole body stiffened. “I don’t care what color his skin is! I love Marcus. I want to be with him.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Marcus stepped forward. “And I love Kira. I don’t want to be with anyone else.”

I looked at Betty. She looked at me. We both stood there, silent.

“We were only doing what we thought was right,” I said finally.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Exactly,” Betty agreed, nodding.

Kira shook her head, an empty laugh escaping her lips. “You keep saying how different we are, how we shouldn’t be together. But look at you two! You’re exactly the same. Stubborn, manipulative, always scheming.” She turned to me, her voice sharp. “Mom, you spend more time with Betty than your own friends.”

I opened my mouth to respond. “You don’t understand—”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Kira cut me off. “No, you don’t understand! I’m marrying Marcus. Whether you like it or not. Accept it.” She turned, glancing at the couch where Dad sat with Rod, watching the game, laughing like nothing was wrong. “Even Dad is sitting here drinking beer with Rod. If he can accept it, why can’t you?”

I swallowed hard.

“If you can’t accept it, don’t come to the wedding,” Kira said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“That goes for you too,” Marcus told Betty, his voice firm.

Then, without another word, they turned and walked out the door.

The silence that followed was thick. No one spoke. No one moved. A moment later, Bradley let out a deep sigh, turned off the TV, and stood up. “Time to go,” he muttered.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I saw the look in his eyes. Disappointment. Not in Kira. In me.

That week, I called Kira. I texted. No response. The silence stretched.

On the night of the rehearsal dinner, I walked into the bedroom and found Bradley tying his tie.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“To the rehearsal dinner,” he said, straightening his collar.

“You can’t go!” I snapped.

He turned to me. His voice was calm, but his eyes were firm. “My only daughter is getting married, and I’m not missing it.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Then, he walked out the door.

I stood there, staring at the empty space he left behind. My chest felt tight.

Finally, I gave in. I found myself outside the restaurant, watching through the window. Kira and Marcus moved through the guests, glowing, smiling, happy.

A familiar voice spoke beside me. “You couldn’t sit at home either, huh?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I turned. Betty stood next to me, arms crossed.

“I’ve been trying to catch them to apologize,” she admitted. “But they’re too busy.”

I sighed. “We should wait. No need to ruin their evening now.”

Betty exhaled sharply. “But we have to apologize. I want to be allowed to see my future grandson.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I crossed my arms. “Granddaughter. In our family, girls are always born first.”

Betty scoffed. “Not in ours. It’s always boys.”

For the first time in weeks, I laughed. We were already arguing over grandchildren who didn’t even exist yet.

I looked at her. She looked at me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, we’re going to have a rough time together, mother-in-law,” I said, shaking my head.

“Tell me about it,” Betty muttered.

Then, she sighed, watching Kira and Marcus. “But as long as they’re happy, that’s all that matters.”

I nodded, my eyes fixed on my daughter. She looked happier than ever.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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