I lost my daughter 13 years ago when my wife left me for another man. Yesterday, I got a letter addressed to ‘Grandpa Steve,’ and my heart nearly stopped when I read what had happened.
Thirteen years. That’s how long it had been since I last saw my daughter, Alexandra. She was only 13 when Carol, my ex-wife, packed up and left. I was 37.
Young teen girl with blue eyes smiling | Source: Midjourney
I still remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a warm, sticky summer evening, and I came home from work to find Carol sitting at the kitchen table, perfectly calm, waiting for me.
Back then, I was just a construction foreman in Chicago. Our company wasn’t huge, but we built all kinds of stuff: roads, office buildings, you name it. I worked my tail off with long days, scorching summers, and freezing winters.
Man working in construction | Source: Midjourney
It wasn’t exactly a glamorous job, but it paid the bills and then some. My boss, Richard, owned the company. He was older than me, always wore fancy suits, and had this fake smile that bugged me.
The guy loved to show off his money. He drove expensive cars and threw parties at his huge mansion outside of town. Carol, my wife, ate that stuff up. She loved getting dressed up and pretending she was part of that crowd. Meanwhile, I always felt like a fish out of water at those things.
Woman laughing at a party | Source: Midjourney
But perhaps, if I’d paid more attention, I would’ve seen my wife’s next move.
“Steve, this just isn’t working anymore,” she said in a clipped voice, like she was reading from a script.
I blinked at her, confused. “What are you talking about?”
She let out a small sigh. “I’m leaving. Richard and I are in love. I’m taking Alexandra. She needs a better life than this.”
The phrase “better life” still makes me angry. I worked hard, harder than most to provide Carol and Alexandra with everything they needed. We had a decent house in the Chicago suburbs, food on the table, and clothes to wear. Sure, it wasn’t fancy.
A house in the suburbs | Source: Midjourney
We didn’t go on vacations or have designer anything, but it was more than many people had. I didn’t understand what was so wrong with it. Carol, however, always wanted more: more money, more luxury, more of everything.
Therefore, she left to shack up with my boss, and my life was shattered. I still tried to be a good father to my daughter. But Carol poisoned her against me. I believe she told her I didn’t care about her and that I had been unfaithful.
Mother gossiping to her daughter | Source: Midjourney
I don’t know. What I do know is that eventually, my daughter stopped answering my calls and opening my letters. I no longer existed to her.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of my misfortunes. I spiraled into a depression and ignored my health until I ended up in a hospital bed, facing surgery after surgery. The medical bills were so high that I had to sell my house.
Eventually, my job let me go for taking too many days off, although not working for Richard anymore was a blessing.
During this time, Carol moved out of state with my ex-boss, and my Alexandra was gone for good.
Man in construction clothes sadly sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney
The years crept slowly by. I never remarried. I never wanted to. Instead, I worked hard to rebuild my health and focused on founding my own construction business. With that, I managed to claw my way back to a stable, if lonely, life.
At 50, I lived in a decent apartment, and I was financially independent. But there were many moments when I wanted my daughter back.
Wistful man in an apartment | Source: Midjourney
Then, yesterday, something happened that shook me to my core. I found a letter in my mailbox with a child’s handwriting, though they must have gotten help from an adult to address it.
The front said: “For Grandpa Steve.”
For a moment, I just stared at it. My hands started shaking. Grandpa? I wasn’t a grandpa. Or at least, I didn’t think I was. I tore the envelope open, and the first line nearly stopped my heart.
Man holding a letter saying “For Grandpa Steve” | Source: Midjourney
“Hi, Grandpa! My name is Adam. I’m 6! Unfortunately, you’re the only family I have left…”
I walked back to the house without thinking and sat on the couch to continue to read the letter. This Adam had help with some of the sentences, but he had written everything in these big, uneven letters.
It made me smile until Iread that he lived in a group home in St. Louis and that his mom, Alexandra, had mentioned me in passing.
He ended his message with: “Please come find me.”
Man holding a letter saying “Please come find me” | Source: Midjourney
Of course, I’d booked the earliest flight to St. Louis.
I didn’t sleep that night. How could I? Questions swirled in my mind. How did I have a grandson? Where was Alexandra? Why was he in a home?
Early the next morning, I was at the airport, and a few hours later, I was getting out of a taxi.
The shelter was a plain brick building with chipped paint and a sagging awning that read St. Anne’s Children’s Home. A woman named Mrs. Johnson met me in the lobby. She was around my age, with kind eyes and a soft voice.
Woman smiling at a children’s center | Source: Midjourney
“You must be Steve,” she said, shaking my hand. “Adam’s been waiting for you.”
“Where is he? Is he really my grandson?” My voice cracked, but I didn’t care.
“I’ll let you meet him soon,” she said gently, guiding me into her office. “But there’s something you need to know first. Please, have a seat.”
It was in that tiny room, filled with folders and surrounded by pictures of kids, that my life changed.
Man smiling in an office at a children’s center | Source: Midjourney
First, Mrs. Johnson confirmed that Adam was Alexandra’s son. She said she had greeted them herself the day my daughter surrendered custody of him, just a few months ago.
Mrs. Johnson told me the entire story in detail. Alexandra’s life had fallen apart after Carol kicked her out for getting pregnant at 20 without a husband. The father had left, of course.
Sad pregnant young woman at a bus stop | Source: Midjourney
Afterward, my daughter tried to make things work, juggling low-paying jobs while raising Adam in a tiny apartment. Then, a year ago, she met a rich man named David, who promised her a better life. But, he didn’t want someone else’s kid.
“That’s why she left him here,” Mrs. Johnson said. “She said she hoped he’d find a good home. I don’t think she knew how to love him even after all those years she raised him. It’s tragic, really.”
Woman at a desk in an office at a children’s center | Source: Midjourney
My stomach turned. Alexandra had abandoned her own child. My Alexandra? How had it come to this? And then, I realized what had happened. She had spent six years living a harrowing life and traded it for a wealthy man. Just like her mother. It wasn’t a completely equal situation, but it was close.
It was what Carol had taught her.
“And Adam?” I asked hoarsely. “How does he know about me?”
Emotional man in an office at a children’s center | Source: Midjourney
Mrs. Johnson smiled faintly. “He’s a smart boy. Apparently, he’d overheard your name during conversations Alexandra had with others. He even found an old diary that mentioned you. When she left him here, he told me he had a grandpa named Steve. I did some digging and found you. Then, we wrote the letter together.”
I nodded, still reeling, but Mrs. Johnson stood and walked to the door. “You know everything,” she smiled. “Adam’s outside in the playground. Are you ready to meet him?”
Woman smirking at the door of an office at a children’s center | Source: Midjourney
I nodded and followed her with my heart pounding in my ears.
***
Adam was small for his age, with shaggy brown hair and big blue eyes that looked just like Alexandra’s. He clutched a toy truck in one hand and looked up at me with curiosity and just a tad of shyness.
“Hi,” he said quietly.
“Hi, Adam,” I said, keeping my voice steady. I knelt so we were at eye level. “I’m your grandpa.”
Man smiling at an outdoor playground at a children’s center | Source: Midjourney
His eyes widened immediately, and a huge smile broke out on his face. “You’re finally here!” He jumped up and hugged me. “I knew you’d come!”
While I embraced my grandson for the very first time, I thought back to my life. I could hate Carol all I wanted. What’s more, that anger would probably get even stronger, considering that my daughter had turned into a version of her mother somewhere along the way.
But it was time to focus on what mattered. My grandson was in my arms, and he had been abandoned, just like me. That cycle ended here. Adam wasn’t going to grow up feeling unloved or unwanted. I didn’t care what it took. I was going to give him a home.
A boy with blue eyes smiling | Source: Midjourney
Minutes later, I told Mrs. Johnson, I wanted Adam with me, and she smiled. I noticed a sheen of tears in her eyes, but I didn’t mention it.
It was going to take some paperwork and time before I could take Adam back to Chicago. But Mrs. Johnson was confident there would be no issues if I took a DNA test to prove I’m his grandfather.
I promised to do that soon enough.
Man shaking hands with a woman at a children’s center | Source: Midjourney
Honestly, it’s strange how life works. Thirteen years ago, I lost my daughter. I thought I’d lost everything. But now, I had a grandson, and my whole life made sense again.
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 Wife’s Best Friend Mocked Her behind Her Back, So I Decided to Teach Her a Harsh Lesson
A friendly dinner with my wife’s best friend turned into a night that would reveal who she really was. I overheard her say some of the most cruel things about my wife, and you won’t believe the revenge I plotted. I had to show this woman she could never mess with the people I love.
Friends enjoying dinner and drinks | Source: Pexels
I’m Jake. I’ve been with my wife Meg for over five years, and she’s the love of my life. We’ve been through a lot together, especially struggling with infertility.
About a month ago, we went to dinner with some friends, including Meg’s best friend and our maid of honor, Bethany. The evening was going pretty well, with lots of laughter and catching up.
As the night went on, I leaned over to Meg and said, “We should probably head out soon. We need to stick to our treatment schedule.”
Meg nodded, giving me a small smile. “You’re right. Let’s say our goodbyes.”
A couple having dinner | Source: Pexels
We excused ourselves, explaining to our friends, “Sorry to cut it short, but we’ve got an early appointment tomorrow.” Bethany and the others waved us off with cheerful goodbyes, and we left the restaurant, thinking the night had ended on a good note. Little did I know, it was just the beginning.
A man looking in his bag | Source: Pexels
So, we left, but I realized I had left my phone at the restaurant. “Oh no, I left my phone,” I said, patting my pockets frantically.
Meg looked at me with concern. “Do you want me to go with you?”
I shook my head. “No, you go on home. I’ll be quick.”
I hurried back to the restaurant and spotted my phone on the table. Just as I was grabbing it, I overheard Bethany talking to another friend.
A phone on the table | Source: Pexels
“Oh gosh, did you see Meg?” Bethany sneered. “She’s soooo pathetic! What does she hope for? I bet Jake will be crawling to me the moment I give him a wink. At least, I could give him a healthy child. She’s just sterile.”
My jaw hit the floor. How could she say that? I would never trade Meg for this evil woman. I didn’t lose it right there, though I was close. Instead, I decided Bethany needed a harsher wake-up call. So, I came up with a plan.
A man looking completely shocked | Source: Pexels
The next time we all got together, I started being extra friendly with Bethany. “Hey Bethany, you look great tonight,” I complimented, flashing her a smile.
She laughed, clearly enjoying the attention. “Thanks, Jake! You always know how to make a girl feel special.”
I laughed at her jokes and even started texting her occasionally. “Hey Bethany, saw this and thought of you,” I messaged, attaching a funny meme.
A man on his phone | Source: Pexels
I wanted her to think she was winning me over, and it didn’t take long before she started flirting back. “You’re so sweet, Jake. Maybe we should hang out more often,” she replied.
I played along, acting like I was falling for her charm.
Over the next few weeks, I ramped it up. I sent Bethany sweet messages, and when we were out with friends, I made sure to give her extra attention.
Two people flirting at a dinner table | Source: Pexels
“Bethany, you always have the best stories,” I said one evening, laughing at one of her anecdotes.
She beamed, clearly enjoying the spotlight. “You think so, Jake? I guess I do have a knack for it.”
Meanwhile, Meg had no idea what was going on; I didn’t want to hurt her by revealing Bethany’s cruel words just yet. She’d ask me, “How’s Bethany doing? She seems so happy lately.”
I’d smile and say, “Yeah, she’s been in a good mood. Must be all the attention from everyone.”
Eventually, Bethany couldn’t resist and suggested we meet up alone. She thought she had me wrapped around her finger.
A woman texting while at a restaurant | Source: Pexels
“Hey Jake, how about we grab coffee sometime? Just the two of us,” she texted one day.
I agreed, knowing this was the perfect time to drop the bombshell. “Sure, Bethany. How about Friday at that little coffee shop downtown?” I replied.
When we met, she was all smiles and flirty. “Hey Jake,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
“Of course, Bethany. I’ve been looking forward to it,” I said, giving her a charming smile.
Two people having coffee | Source: Pexels
During our coffee date, I acted even more interested, letting her believe she was winning me over. “You know, Bethany, I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately,” I said, leaning in slightly.
She blushed, clearly pleased. “Oh really? What have you been thinking?” she asked, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
“Just how great you are. How fun it is to be around you,” I replied, watching her soak up the compliments.
As the weeks went by, Bethany started dropping hints about a future together. “Jake, you deserve someone who can give you everything you want,” she said one day.
Two people having coffee | Source: Pexels
I knew it was time to escalate things. I invited her to dinner at a fancy restaurant under the guise of discussing our “relationship” further. “Bethany, let’s have a special dinner. I want to talk about us,” I said, my voice serious.
She arrived dressed to the nines, clearly expecting a big moment. “Jake, you look amazing,” she said, her eyes wide with anticipation.
As we sat down, I began my routine of complimenting her. “You look stunning tonight, Bethany,” I said.
“Thank you, Jake,” she replied.
A woman smiling while out with someone | Source: Pexels
Then, just as she seemed to be basking in her triumph, I dropped the bombshell. “Bethany, do you remember that night at the restaurant when you said those things about Meg? About her being pathetic and sterile?” I asked, leaning in closer.
Her face went pale. “What are you talking about, Jake?”
“I heard everything you said,” I continued. “You mocked my wife, the woman I love, behind her back. You thought I’d fall for your manipulative, arrogant act? You’re wrong. I would never trade Meg for someone as cruel and hypocritical as you.”
A woman looking confused while at dinner | Source: Pexels
Bethany’s expression turned from shock to anger. “You played me?”
“Damn right, I did,” I said, leaning back with a smirk. “And now, everyone will know the real you. You’ll never see Meg again. I’ll make sure of it.”
“You… you’re a monster!” she hissed, her eyes blazing with fury.
“No, Bethany. You are,” I replied calmly. “And now, you’ll face the consequences of your actions.”
A woman crying | Source: Pexels
Bethany stormed out of the restaurant, humiliated and furious.
I returned home to Meg, who had been in on the plan from the beginning. “How did it go?” she asked, concern in her eyes.
“Better than I expected,” I replied, pulling her into a hug. “She’s not going to bother us anymore.”
We had a long talk about what happened, and it brought us even closer. But it hurt that my wife had faced this kind of betrayal.
A couple hugging | Source: Pexels
“I’m so sorry you had to go through this, Meg,” I said, holding her close.
“It’s not your fault, Jake. I’m just glad we handled it together,” she replied, smiling up at me.
The fallout was satisfying. Bethany tried to salvage her reputation, but word spread quickly about what she had said and done. She lost many friends, and her social circle shrank dramatically. “She got what she deserved,” Meg said one day, a note of satisfaction in her voice.
A couple hugging each other | Source: Pexels
“Yes, she did,” I agreed. “And we’re stronger than ever because of it.”
Meg and I continued our journey together, stronger than ever. We knew that no matter what challenges we faced, we could overcome them together. The lesson here? Don’t mess with the people I love. Karma has a way of catching up with you, especially when you least expect it.
A couple hugging | Source: Pexels
Thanks for reading, everyone. Stay strong, stand up for your loved ones, and never let anyone get away with cruelty.
If you thought this a cold-severed revenge plan, you would not believe what Megan did after she found out her soon-to-be husband was cheating on her with her best friend! As if it could not get any worse, she was invited to their wedding, but she had a plan to ruin their happy day.
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.
Leave a Reply