When Mary and George become grandparents, they want nothing more than to spoil their granddaughter, Ellie. But as Ellie grows into herself, and is almost off to college—the couple have to teach her a lesson in understanding whom to trust with her heart, and their money.
The moment my daughter, Monica, was married, I realized that George and I had finally earned our time off. We were the parents of a married woman, who would eventually give us grandchildren.
A bride and groom | Source: Pexels
And until those grandchildren came into our lives—we were going to take advantage of the healthy years we had left.
A few years later, Monica and Eddie gave birth to our only granddaughter, Ellie.
A newborn baby girl | Source: Pexels
Time flew with George and I doting on her. She was our chance at redemption—for us to parent correctly.
“This little girl is everything,” George said when we came home from the hospital on the day Ellie was born.
“We’re going to give her all that we can, Mary, okay?” he said as we got into bed.
An unmade bed | Source: Pexels
I agreed. This was our opportunity to do everything correctly—and we had money now, so spoiling our granddaughter was something that we could do.
Fast forward to eighteen years later.
Now, Ellie is in high school, almost on her way to college. She grew up in front of us with all the attitude that Monica had as a child—and George and I relished every moment of it.
A teenager sitting on the floor | Source: Pexels
But then, Ellie’s attitude changed. Her feisty personality was no longer cute but rather something that threatened to change everything about her.
That Sunday morning began like any other, with the breeze taking over the kitchen as I did the weekly pancake and bacon breakfast. It was a routine that George and I had established so many years ago, that it was almost second nature now.
Pancakes with bacon and eggs | Source: Pexels
George made us cups of tea—the way he always did—when the doorbell rang, slicing through the calm morning.
I switched off the stove and went to answer.
Tea being poured | Source: Unsplash
There she was, our granddaughter, standing at the threshold, her eyes completely avoiding mine.
“Hi, darling,” I said, stepping aside to let her in. “You’re just in time for breakfast!”
Ellie frowned slightly and nodded to George when he came to see who was at the door.
A red door with a metal doorknob | Source: Unsplash
“Come on, the bacon is extra crispy,” George told her, reaching out to hug her.
But Ellie shook her head.
“Look, I’ll get straight to the point,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, betraying the cold front that she was putting up.
A smiling teenage girl | Source: Unsplash
Everything was odd about her behavior. Usually, she would barge in with hugs and kisses, and would ask us about our health. She would bring us cookies—always made with less sugar. She would make her love known.
But today, Ellie was a shadow of the child that had grown up in front of us.
A tin of cookies | Source: Unsplash
“You remember Tom?” she asked, casually.
Tom was her boyfriend. He was already in college and living off student loans. George and I had met him a few times and he had seemed decent enough. But there was always something about him that seemed off to me.
A smiling young man | Source: Unsplash
“I don’t know what she sees in him, Mon,” I told my daughter one afternoon when we went to a coffee shop to catch up.
“I don’t know either, Mom,” Monica said, digging into a slice of cake. “Eddie isn’t happy about her dating someone older, but you know Ellie. She made her case about it, saying that Tom was good for her. And that he was helping her understand the transition between high school and college.”
A table in a coffee shop | Source: Unsplash
Now, Ellie leaned against the wall and continued to speak.
“Tom’s got this startup idea, right? And it is all about renewable energy or something along those lines. He has been speaking to lots of people—advisors and so on. It could be big. Like huge. But there’s a catch. He needs cash to really get it going.”
People sitting around with plans | Source: Unsplash
I watched as my granddaughter took her phone out of her pocket. She continued to avoid eye contact with us.
George and I exchanged a glance. I had a feeling of what was going to come next.
A person holding a phone | Source: Unsplash
But still, Ellie’s words felt like a punch to the gut, delivered with a coldness that I couldn’t believe. It wasn’t something that I had ever associated with her.
“I need you guys to sell the house and move in with Mom and Dad. You’ll get a lot of money from this house, especially because of the neighborhood. It’s a good thing. And you’re old anyway, don’t you want to be back with Mom?”
A person holding house keys | Source: Pexels
“And then what?” I asked.
“And then you can give the money to Tom for his project!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.
George’s cup clattered against the saucer, his brow furrowed deeply in pain and disbelief at the disrespect coming from Ellie.
A disappointed old man | Source: Unsplash
“Ellie,” he said. “This is our home. Not some investment to cash out. It is filled with every memory of us, of our family. Why would you ask us to just give it up for a business venture that sounds like a scheme?”
I remained silent. I didn’t want to step in yet. I sat down on the couch, waiting for George to make Ellie see reason.
Ever since she was a little girl, he was the one person to get her to calm down and get back to herself.
An old woman sitting on a chair | Source: Pexels
“Because you’re my grandparents!” Ellie’s voice cracked, her usual composure slipping. “You should want to help me. Tom’s idea will work. You’ll see. We just need this startup capital.”
The room filled with a tense silence, the kind that suffocates.
I could see the desperation in her eyes, a wild, unsettling determination. It was clear that she was lost in her love for Tom, seeing only what she wanted to see.
A close-up of a teenage girl | Source: Unsplash
But I knew in my gut that Tom wasn’t the right person for her. Despite the age difference, there was just something wrong about them.
George and I exchanged a look of shared heartache. We both knew that confronting her directly wouldn’t help—it would only drive her away and try to find the money in a different way.
“We’ll see what we can do,” George told her.
A smiling old man | Source: Unsplash
After she left, we sat down, the weight of her visit pressing down on us. I began to wash the dishes, letting George come up with a plan.
“We need to show her, not tell her, about this man’s true character,” he said, his voice resolute.
George went into an elaborate scam about creating a fake lottery ticket.
“Don’t worry, Mary, Johnny is a wizard on his computer, he can create it for us.”
A person washing dishes | Source: Unsplash
Johnny was our neighbor’s son, and he was always creating posters for missing pets around the neighborhood.
George’s idea was a harmless trick meant to unveil Tom’s intentions without causing permanent scars. We spoke to Johnny, ordering a ticket designed for a jackpot winner and sent it to Tom anonymously—suggesting that it was a lucky draw from a local store.
Man using a laptop | Source: Pexels
The result was more immediate and devastating than we’d anticipated.
Two days later, as I was vacuuming the living room, Ellie returned, her face pale and streaked with tears.
“What happened?” I asked, enveloping her into my arms.
“Tom’s gone,” she said. “Grandpa told me what he did. And as soon as Tom thought that he had won, he packed his bags. He left to start his real life in the Caribbean—without me.”
A crying teenage girl | Source: Pexels
Her voice broke, and my heart with it.
I knew that Tom was going to end in heartbreak, but I didn’t think that it was going to happen so soon.
“I thought he loved me,” she whimpered. “How could I have been so blind?”
I stroked her hair, feeling her shudder with each sob.
A woman comforting a girl | Source: Pexels
“Oh, sweetheart, we didn’t want to hurt you like this,” I murmured, my own eyes damp with sorrow. “We just needed to see if he was the real deal before all of our lives changed to help him.”
As the weeks turned into months, Ellie’s wounds began to heal. She spent more time with us, bringing her art material and setting herself up in the living room.
Eventually, Tom was just another part of her growing up experience.
A person holding their art | Source: Pexels
What would you have done?
If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you |
When Eliza’s 10th wedding anniversary comes around, she hopes that Tom will take her away for a romantic getaway. But when he forgets about their anniversary and needs to work, she turns it into a girls’ weekend, only for her to see that Tom’s business trip is a rendezvous with his mistress.
Read the full story here.
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.
My MIL Mistreated My Son from My Previous Marriage When I Wasn’t Around — When I Found Out, I Taught Her a Proper Lesson
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.
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