Alice always thought her mother-in-law, Linda, was a kind and respectable woman. But when she discovered Linda’s cruel treatment of her 12-year-old son from a previous marriage, Alice planned a public revenge that would destroy Linda’s perfect reputation for good.
I’ve always thought my mother-in-law, Linda, was a good woman. She’s a school teacher, well-respected, and always smiling. It seemed like she loved my sons, Peter, who’s 12, and Matthew, 6. Peter is from my first marriage. His dad passed away when Peter was only four. It was a hard time for both of us, but I did my best to raise him on my own.
A woman hugging her sons | Source: Midjourney
Four years later, I met Greg. He’s kind, soft-spoken, and never likes conflict. He’s a great dad to Matthew, and he tries with Peter, but sometimes he lets his mom, Linda, have too much say in our family. He doesn’t stand up to her. And, well, I never thought he had to. I thought she cared for us all.
Lately, though, something’s been bothering me. Peter has seemed quieter, more withdrawn, especially after spending time with Linda. I’d ask him, “Is everything okay, honey?” and he’d just shrug, “Yeah, I’m fine, Mom.” But I could tell something was off. I didn’t want to push him, so I waited, hoping he’d open up when he was ready.
A sad boy | Source: Pexels
Then one day, I decided to pick up the boys from Linda’s house unannounced. Peter and Matthew were staying there for a few days each week during summer break, and I thought it would be nice to surprise them. I packed up some of their favorite food and a couple of new toys and headed over.
As I pulled into her driveway, I smiled, imagining the boys’ faces when they saw me. I didn’t knock—I never do. It’s family, after all. I reached for the doorknob, expecting to hear laughter or the sound of them playing. Instead, what I heard made me stop in my tracks.
A woman standing by the door | Source: Midjourney
“Peter! I told you to stay in the room and not come out, you little—”
My heart froze. I heard Peter’s voice, small and shaky, “Grandma, please, I’m sorry…”
“I’m not your grandma! Don’t you ever call me that again! You’ll stay in that room until I say you can come out. Understand?”
Then, I heard Matthew. His voice was soft, “Please, Grandma, don’t be mad at Peter. He didn’t mean it.”
A sad boy sitting on a chair | Source: Pexels
I needed to act, but I couldn’t just storm in. I had to be smart about it. My hands were shaking as I reached into my bag for my phone. I pressed record.
Linda’s response was sharp. “You listen to me, Matthew. He’s not your brother, and he never will be. You don’t need to defend him.”
I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me. How could she say such horrible things to my son? To both of them?
A woman holding her phone | Source: Pexels
I stood there, recording everything—the cruel words, Peter’s sobs, Linda’s coldness. My heart was breaking, but I kept filming. I needed to have proof. I had to show Greg. He had to know what kind of woman his mother really was.
Once I had enough, I pushed the door open with a forced smile. “Surprise!” I called out, my voice trembling slightly, though I hoped she wouldn’t notice.
Peter didn’t look at me. He kept his head down, his eyes fixed on the floor. Matthew ran to me, hugging my leg. “Mom! You’re here!”
A boy hugging his mother | Source: Midjourney
“Of course, sweetie,” I said, stroking his hair and glancing over at Peter, who stayed near the door, looking so small and sad.
“Peter,” I said gently, “come here, sweetheart.” He hesitated but slowly made his way over to me. I hugged him tightly, my heart aching as I felt his little body trembling. “Everything okay?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
Before Peter could respond, Linda jumped in. “Oh, he’s just a little upset about a game we were playing. Right, Peter?”
A smiling middle-aged woman | Source: Pexels
Peter glanced at her, then back at me, his face pale. “Yeah…just a game.”
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to smile at Linda. “Well, it looks like you’ve had a long day. I’ll take the boys home now.”
As I led the boys out to the car, I could feel Linda’s eyes on me. I didn’t say a word, but I knew she knew. And she knew I wasn’t the same trusting daughter-in-law anymore.
A middle-aged woman looking over her shoulder | Source: Pexels
We got into the car, and I drove in silence, my mind racing with what I had just witnessed.
I could hardly keep my fury in check as I drove home. Linda had smiled, played the sweet grandmother, all while my son suffered. My heart pounded in my chest, but I knew I had to stay calm for Peter and Matthew. They didn’t need to see my anger, not yet.
Back home, Peter went straight to his room, and Matthew followed behind. As soon as they were out of sight, I collapsed onto the couch, pulling out my phone to watch the video again. The raw anger in Linda’s voice, her cruel words, echoed in my ears.
A woman looking at her phone | Source: Pexels
I had to do something. I couldn’t just let this go. But how could I expose her without making things worse for the boys?
I didn’t sleep much that night. My mind raced, imagining all the ways I could get back at her. By morning, I had a plan. It wasn’t enough just to confront her. I had to make sure the whole world saw the truth.
A sleepless woman lying in bed | Source: Midjourney
A few days later, I heard through a friend that the school where Linda worked was holding a big celebration where teachers would be honored, and Linda was supposed to give a speech. It was the perfect opportunity. If I timed it right, I could reveal her true nature in front of the entire school.
I transferred the video to a USB drive, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction as I imagined Linda’s face when the footage played. But I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I needed someone who could help me set it up. That’s when I called my friend Sarah, who has always been good with technology.
A woman talking on her phone | Source: Pexels
We made a plan. I’d attend the event like any other parent, sit quietly in the audience, and Sarah would take care of the rest. As Linda walked on stage to deliver her speech, Sarah would play the video for the whole room to see.
The day of the event came quickly. I dressed simply, blending in with the other parents as we gathered in the school auditorium. The atmosphere was festive—students running around, parents chatting, teachers mingling. Linda was there, smiling, laughing, shaking hands with colleagues. She had no idea what was about to happen.
Young children running around in a school yard | Source: Midjourney
As the principal took the stage and introduced the event, I spotted Sarah sitting near the tech booth, giving me a discreet nod. Everything was in place.
“And now, we’ll hear from one of our most respected teachers,” the principal announced. “Please welcome your beloved teacher, Mrs. Rodgers.”
The applause was thunderous as Linda walked up to the microphone, a confident smile on her face. She began her speech, talking about the importance of education, community, and kindness. The hypocrisy of it all made my blood boil.
A middle-aged woman talking on stage | Source: Midjourney
Then, it happened.
Suddenly, the screen behind her flickered, and the sound of Linda’s voice—her real voice—filled the room. “You listen to me, Matthew. He’s not your brother, and he never will be.” Her harsh words echoed through the auditorium.
Gasps filled the room. Parents exchanged horrified looks. Some covered their mouths in disbelief. Teachers, once smiling and proud, were now staring at Linda with shock and disgust.
A shocked woman in the audience | Source: Midjourney
Linda froze on stage. Her face went pale as she realized what was happening. She turned toward the screen, her mouth hanging open in horror. There was no escape. Every hateful word, every cruel insult she had thrown at Peter was laid bare for everyone to witness.
The video ended, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. Then, the murmurs began. Parents were whispering, shaking their heads, outraged. One mother stood up and shouted, “I don’t want her teaching my child!” Others quickly followed, their voices rising in anger.
A woman shouting from the audience | Source: Midjourney
“I can’t believe this! She’s a monster!”
“How can someone like that work with children?”
The principal, looking flustered, hurried to the microphone. “Please, everyone, calm down. We… we will address this immediately.” He shot a panicked glance at Linda, who stood frozen, unable to move, her career crumbling before her eyes.
A panicked principal on stage | Source: Midjourney
Within minutes, parents were demanding that their children be removed from Linda’s class. The school board had no choice but to act swiftly. By the end of the day, Linda was suspended, pending a full investigation. Her once-respected career as a teacher was over.
As I drove home that evening, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I had done what I had to do. I protected my son, and I exposed Linda for who she really was. It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was right.
A woman driving | Source: Pexels
Peter and Matthew were playing quietly when I got home. I hugged them both, feeling lighter than I had in days. They didn’t know what happened at the school, and they didn’t need to. All that mattered was that they were safe, and Linda would never hurt Peter again.
Sometimes, justice comes in ways you don’t expect. But when it does, it’s worth every moment.
A smiling woman | Source: Pexels
If you liked this story, consider reading this one: I was heartbroken and furious when I discovered my mother-in-law Linda and her friends had devoured my $1000 wedding cake. I couldn’t believe they would ruin my special day on purpose, leaving only crumbs behind. Determined to teach my spiteful mother-in-law a lesson, I started plotting my revenge.
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 Tires of Admirer Who Joins Her Jog Every Morning but Desperately Searches for Him When He Doesn’t Show Up — Story of the Day
Rebecca coped with her depression by organizing her life so there’d be no time for it. She’d been doing that for years since the divorce. Until one persistent stranger decided to interfere with her strict, lonely routine. Little did Rebecca know, he’d become the one person she’d end up missing.
In the dim light of her bedroom, Rebecca lay on her back, her gaze locked on the digital clock beside her bed.
The numbers read 6:29. She took a steady breath, waiting for the clock to change.
As soon as it clicked to 6:30, the alarm went off, but Rebecca was quick to silence it.
She sat up, threw the covers aside, and rose from the bed with practiced precision.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
First things first—Rebecca smoothed out her sheets, arranging every corner until the bed looked crisp and perfectly made.
She walked into the bathroom, where everything had its place.
Her toothbrush rested neatly in a holder, the soap was placed just so in a dish, and a small mirror hung over the sink.
Rebecca took a moment to look at her own reflection, her expression calm but distant.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She was forty-seven, with lines of experience and resilience etched onto her face.
Seven years had passed since her divorce, and though the pain had dulled, it had left behind a scar.
Her response to the heartache had been order, discipline, and strict routine. These things brought her a sense of control, something solid to hold onto when life felt chaotic.
At exactly seven o’clock, Rebecca laced up her running shoes, plugged in her headphones, and stepped outside, ready for her morning jog.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For years, these runs had been her escape, a time to strengthen her body while listening to audiobooks that exercised her mind.
It was her shield against sadness, each step a way to push forward.
But for the past month, something had started to disrupt her carefully designed routine—a neighbor named Charlie, who seemed determined to break through her guarded solitude, one cheerful “good morning” at a time.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Charlie’s house was right across the street, and every morning, just as Rebecca fell into her steady pace, he would come bounding out, waving his arms like an enthusiastic kid, barely managing to keep his sneakers on.
This morning was no different. Rebecca spotted him out of the corner of her eye as he hopped down his steps, shoving his shoelaces into his sneakers in a hurry to catch up.
She sighed, rolling her eyes and speeding up, hoping he’d get the hint this time. But, as always, Charlie wouldn’t be discouraged so easily.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Rebecca! Wait, it’s me!” he called, his voice cheerful as he jogged over, waving with one hand and holding his side with the other.
Rebecca pretended not to hear him and kept her eyes straight ahead, her footsteps rhythmic and focused.
But Charlie was determined, and soon he was jogging alongside her, albeit slightly out of breath.
“You’re fast… as always,” he managed between pants, giving her a crooked smile as he tried to match her pace.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca pulled out one of her earbuds and glanced at him, feigning surprise. “Oh, hi, didn’t see you there,” she replied, with just a hint of annoyance.
She had her whole morning planned out, and chatting with her neighbor hadn’t been on the agenda.
“No problem, totally my fault for being late,” Charlie said, his breath still coming in gasps.
Rebecca could see he was trying hard to keep up, yet he looked pleased just to be running alongside her.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She gave a small, dismissive nod and was about to put her earbud back in when Charlie chimed in again.
“Hey, want to hear a joke?” he asked eagerly, his voice carrying that unbreakable enthusiasm she found both irritating and oddly endearing.
“You’d save more breath if you talked less while running…” she muttered, but he ignored her suggestion.
“Why did the scarecrow get a promotion?” he asked, grinning.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca sighed. She knew better than to indulge him, but she couldn’t help herself.
“I don’t know. Why?”
“Because he was outstanding in his field!” Charlie delivered the punchline with a broad, triumphant grin, his eyes bright with expectation.
Rebecca paused, rolling the joke over in her mind, and against her better judgment, a chuckle escaped her lips.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She quickly tried to stifle it, but it was too late. Charlie had seen her reaction, and his face lit up with delight.
“See? You smiled! I’m getting better at this,” he noted with satisfaction, practically glowing at his small victory.
Rebecca shook her head, but her smile lingered, however brief.
“I’ll give it to you, that one wasn’t… too bad,” she conceded, still pretending to be unimpressed.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Charlie threw a fist in the air, grinning as if he’d won a prize.
“Finally! Progress!” he cheered, laughing.
Rebecca picked up her pace again, leaving Charlie struggling to keep up.
Each morning, Rebecca found herself looking forward to the sight of Charlie bounding out of his house with his untied sneakers and his cheerful grin.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
His silly jokes that once made her roll her eyes had grown on her, and she found herself smiling more often, even laughing aloud, which was something she hadn’t done in a long time.
More surprising to her, she had started to slow her pace—just a bit—so they could talk longer.
Charlie’s enthusiasm and light-heartedness had a way of softening the strict walls Rebecca had built around herself.
He had even managed to slip past her strict routine, something she thought no one could do.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
As she laced up her shoes and looked out the window, Rebecca found herself glancing at his house, as she had started doing most mornings. Today, though, something felt different.
The door to his house was shut tight, and there was no sign of him.
She checked her watch and waited, telling herself not to worry. But after a few more minutes passed, doubt crept in.
This wasn’t like Charlie—he was always so excited to join her.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She hesitated, feeling a strange mix of concern and disappointment, but finally, she walked over to his house and knocked on the door.
She tapped her foot as she waited, glancing around and hoping he’d just forgotten to wake up. But there was no answer.
She rang the doorbell again, then leaned close to the window, peeking inside, but the rooms were still and quiet.
“Charlie! Are you there?” she called, trying to keep her voice steady. “Come on, you’re missing our jog!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She hoped he’d suddenly appear, laughing and apologizing for being late. But all she heard was silence.
Just then, an elderly voice spoke from nearby.
“Who’s shouting out here?” Startled, Rebecca turned to see Mrs. Lewis, an elderly woman who lived next door to Charlie, watching her with curiosity.
“Oh, Mrs. Lewis,” Rebecca said, feeling embarrassed for the outburst.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I usually run with Charlie, but he didn’t show up today. Maybe he overslept,” she added, her voice quieter, almost as if she were speaking to herself.
She felt a pang of worry, wondering if maybe he simply didn’t want to run with her anymore.
Mrs. Lewis shook her head, looking concerned.
“Overslept? Oh no, dear. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance last night.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca’s heart skipped a beat.
“The hospital? What happened to him?”
Mrs. Lewis sighed, clearly upset herself.
“I’m not sure. I only saw the ambulance pull up and take him away. It’s such a shame. Poor man lives alone with no one to watch over him.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca stood there, processing the news, a wave of guilt and worry washing over her.
She had only known Charlie for a short while, but in that time, he had somehow become a part of her life, someone she looked forward to seeing.
Without a second thought, Rebecca thanked Mrs. Lewis, turned around, and headed back home to grab her purse and keys. There was only one hospital nearby, and she needed to find him.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca felt her heart racing as she walked through the bustling halls of the hospital, the antiseptic smell filling her nose and making her even more anxious. She took a steadying breath as she approached the reception desk, hoping to sound calm.
“Good morning,” she said, her voice just a bit shaky. “I’m looking for a patient who was admitted last night. His name is Charlie.”
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, looking over her glasses. “Do you have a last name, ma’am?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca felt herself blush. “No, sorry… I only know him as Charlie. We just… met recently,” she admitted, realizing how strange it must sound.
The receptionist gave her a slightly skeptical look. “You do know that only family or close relatives are typically allowed to visit patients, right?”
“I… I’m his girlfriend,” she blurted, surprising even herself.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The receptionist’s eyes softened as a small smile crept onto her face. “Girlfriend, huh?” She tapped a few keys on her computer, a slight twinkle in her eyes.
“You might as well learn his last name, then. You’ll need it if he’s going to be around,” she said with a wink.
“Charlie Sanders. Room 113. I’ll take you there.”
Rebecca felt her heart flip as she whispered a quick “thank you” and followed the receptionist down the hall.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Before they even reached the room, she could hear Charlie’s familiar laughter, his voice carrying through the doorway as he shared a joke with someone in the room.
The receptionist rapped gently on the wall to announce Rebecca’s arrival.
“Charlie, there’s a lady here to see you… she says she’s your girlfriend,” she added, a hint of playfulness in her voice as she glanced at Rebecca.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Charlie’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw her. “Yes, yes! Rebecca, come on in. Of course, she’s here for me,” he said with a grin, gesturing for her to come closer.
Rebecca felt a rush of relief as she walked over to sit beside him.
Charlie looked tired but cheerful, as if the hospital gown and the IV were just minor inconveniences in his day.
She glanced at him, both relieved and exasperated. “Girlfriend, huh?” Charlie teased, raising his eyebrows playfully.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca gave him a mock-scowl. “I had to say something to get in here, didn’t I? And you missed our jog this morning! What happened?” she asked, a touch of concern creeping into her voice.
Charlie sighed, shifting slightly in the bed.
“Well… it’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but those jogs? Not exactly great for my health.”
Rebecca’s face fell. “What do you mean?”
He glanced down, looking a little sheepish.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I have a heart condition. Doctor’s orders are to avoid anything too intense… like trying to keep up with you,” he admitted with a wry smile.
Her heart sank, and she shook her head in disbelief.
“Charlie, why didn’t you tell me? You shouldn’t have been running at all!”
Charlie gave a small, lopsided smile.
“Well… if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have seen you. I wouldn’t have gotten to know you.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca felt her face soften, a mix of surprise and affection warming her heart.
“So you were willing to risk your health just to talk to me?” she asked quietly, looking him in the eye.
He nodded, his expression turning serious.
“Yes,” he said simply.
“I’ve watched you every morning, jogging at the same time, like clockwork. I’ve seen you give things to charity, help the neighbors. You’re… you’re someone special, Rebecca.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Rebecca felt a lump form in her throat, his words striking her in a way she hadn’t expected.
She reached over and took his hand, squeezing it gently.
“Charlie,” she said, her voice soft, “you don’t need to run to spend time with me. How about dinner at my place instead?”
Charlie’s face broke into a warm smile.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Now that sounds a lot safer for my heart,” he replied, his eyes shining. “I think the doctor would definitely approve.”
Rebecca chuckled, feeling the tension in her chest ease as they shared a smile.
“I hope so,” she murmured, looking forward to an evening that didn’t involve heart-stopping runs but instead a quiet meal with someone who, in a short time, had become surprisingly important to her.
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Lucy once thought she had a loving family and a happy life. But after the divorce —she had nothing. It felt like there was nothing left for Lucy in this world. But then, everything changed when a car nearly hit her. That’s when she met a long-lost friend, and her life began to take a new turn.
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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