When Cassie returns from a getaway with her husband and son, she walks into her home to see a cryptic message from her mother — telling her to watch a video. As Cassie presses play, her entire life changes. In the end, she’s left wondering which of her parents are worthy of forgiveness.
In my eyes, my father could do no wrong. He was everything I needed him to be and more. He was a businessman who was always traveling, but he ensured that he made enough time for me.
“You’re my little girl, Cassie,” he would say, bopping my nose with his index finger. “You’re the most special.”
My parents always went out of their way for me — ensuring that despite their busy schedules, we would have family dinner almost every night.
It was the one thing that kept me grounded while both of my friends from school were in the middle of their parents’ messy divorces.
“I think it’s trendy now,” I told my mother as she cut slices of banana bread for me after school one day.
“Cas, you cannot think that divorce is trendy,” she laughed. “It’s devastating and traumatic, and very few families actually keep things civil.”
“I’m just saying that it’s trendy because a lot of kids live between two homes,” I explained to her. “It’s one of those things we were talking about in class today.”
I was fourteen, and the world seemed more dramatic than it should have been.
But what I didn’t know was that my words seemed to be an incantation that settled over our home.
A few weeks after that conversation, my father went away on a business trip. A few hours after he had been gone, there was news of his passing.
“How?” I asked. “How did he die?”
“I don’t know what to tell you, Cassie,” she replied. “I’m just saying what the paramedics told me.”
“So what will we do next?” I asked.
“What do you mean?” she asked, puzzled by the question.
“For the funeral?” I asked. “Aren’t we going to have one?”
“I don’t think so,” my mother replied. “Dad wanted to be cremated and have his ashes spread at the beach. Let’s do that instead.”
I couldn’t fathom why my mother would want to do that — but at the end of the day, she knew my father best. And the longer I thought about it, the more beautiful and sentimental a private ceremony at the beach felt.
“Don’t be difficult, Cassie,” my mother said when she saw me thinking about my next move.
“I’m not,” I said. “Really. I was just thinking about it. It’s a great idea, Mom.”
I could have fought her for a send-off that I thought would have been more appropriate. But what use would it have been? At the end of the day, we had both lost him.
The months following the beach ceremony felt weighted, and I knew that I was becoming deeply depressed — my father had been our world. And his absence was felt more than anything.
But, with time, I learned to live with it.
Last week, I decided to book a cabin in the woods for a little family vacation. My son was adamant that camping was the new best thing, and I knew that despite the wonders of nature, I wasn’t going to camp in a tent without a bathroom in sight.
Instead, I thought that a cabin would be the best option — my husband, Derek, could camp outside with Drew, our son, if he insisted on it.
We had a dog, therefore, I asked my mother to house-sit for the week so that we could be at peace, knowing that Romeo was taken care of.
A week away was more than enough to restore my mind — and eventually, when we went back home, I was surprised to see that my mother wasn’t there. In fact, it looked like she had never been there.
But there, on the coffee table, was a note beneath the TV remote.
Watch this, Cassie. I’m sorry. — Mom
I didn’t know what was in store for me, but while Derek got Drew into the bath, I put the TV on and began to watch whatever my mother had planned.
The TV flickered to life, and there he was, my father, his voice a long-lost melody, his image aged but still, unmistakably him.
Tears streamed down my face as the realization that he was still alive enveloped me in a mix of joy and disbelief.
The video message was nothing short of unpredictable.
My dear Cassie, I’m still here, alive. I’m so sorry for the pain that you must have felt from my loss. But it was needed. I needed to be removed from your life because of the sordid truth of my past. Your mother knows everything, please ask her for the truth.
My health is on a steady decline, and I would love to see you and explain it all.
Love you, Dad.
Without telling Derek or Drew anything, I grabbed the car keys and ran out. I needed my mother to explain.
“So, I bet you’ve got questions for me,” she said, opening the door.
“Explain it all,” I said.
“Cassie, it’s heavy. You look tired from your trip; are you sure you want to do this now?” she asked.
I nodded. It was now or never. I needed to know why my father faked his own death to get out of our lives.
My mother made us some tea and took out some shortbread.
“Darling,” she said. “I’ll understand if you don’t forgive me, but there’s so much about that time that I need to tell you.”
I sipped my tea, trying to figure out what my mother was about to tell me.
“I remember that you were telling me about your friend’s parents getting divorced. Do you remember that?” she asked.
I nodded. Of course, I did. It was the strangest thing, but it was so common when I was in school.
“Well, your father and I were not legally married. So when I told him about our conversation regarding divorce, he was actually relieved. Without being married, there would be no divorce.”
“What’s the big deal?” I asked.
“Then I found out that the real reason that we didn’t get married was because your father was already married to another woman.”
“What?” I exclaimed, almost dropping my cup. “To who?”
“To a woman in the town where he always had his business trips.”
“You didn’t know?” I asked, unable to believe her words.
“Of course not!” she exclaimed. “But when I pressed him about it, he decided to choose that family over us. So, I told him that the story was going to be his death.”
We were both silent for a moment.
Turns out that my mother told him that she would never tell me the truth, not when he was my favorite person. She couldn’t burst my bubble in that way. And she refused to let him see me one more time.
“It was better for you to think that it was an accident,” my mother said. “It just made more sense.”
Now, I understood why we didn’t have a funeral for him.
“What did we throw into the sea, then?” I asked.
“Dust,” she replied with a straight face.
My mother had spoken to him twice over the years. The second time being a day ago.
During their meeting, my father confessed his imminent death due to illness and requested that she give me the recording. My mother, torn by guilt and love, chose to write me the note and have the recording all set for me to watch.
“I would have taken the secret to my grave,” she said. “But knowing that he was ill and wanted to see you just struck something in me.”
Compelled by a need to confront the reality of my father’s existence, I traveled to the state where he lived with his other family.
I spent a few weeks with my father — going in and out of hospitals, watching him take an array of different medication, and growing weaker by the day.
Sitting at his bedside, I listened to his stories, the regrets, the moments of joy, and the love he had for all his children — myself included.
When things started to go downhill, I asked Derek to fly over with Drew. It was going to be a fleeting moment, but at least I’d know that my son had met my father.
A few days later, my father died.
Even now, I don’t know if I’ve forgiven him for the lie of having a double life. I just know that when it came to it in the end — I wanted to spend time with him. I had shoved my feelings aside, hoping for memories that I could figure out later.
But now that the dust has settled, I’m trying to figure out if I should forgive my mother for lying.
What would you do?
My Stepfather’s Secret Stunned Me on My Birthday & My Payback Left Him in Tears
On Nancy’s 18th birthday, a letter from her late mother revealed a stunning secret: the man she knew as her stepfather, Stephen, was actually her biological father. This revelation sparked a journey of forgiveness and a heartfelt father-daughter vacation that changed their lives forever.
Growing up, my stepfather Stephen was more than just a parent. He became my rock after my mom passed away when I was just 10. Our home felt empty and strange without her. The first few years were tough for both of us.
Sad girl | Source: Pexels
Everything in my life changed. Stephen wasn’t just a new parent; he was a stranger trying to fill my mom’s shoes. At first, I didn’t make it easy for him.
I was angry and sad, and Stephen was the one who had to deal with all of it. But he never gave up on me. He was always there, helping with homework, attending school events, and listening when I needed to talk.
Sad woman | Source: Pexels
“Hey, kiddo,” Stephen would say softly, peeking into my room. “How was school today?”
“Fine,” I muttered, not looking up from my book. I missed my mom so much, and Stephen had no idea how to handle my grief.
“Dinner’s ready if you’re hungry,” he said, trying to sound cheerful.
Sad woman in a field | Source: Pexels
“I’m not hungry,” I snapped, feeling a surge of anger. “I want Mom!”
Stephen worked tirelessly to provide for us. He made sure I had everything I needed, from school supplies to support for my hobbies.
“I’m trying my best here, Nancy,” Stephen said one night after a particularly heated argument about my curfew. “This isn’t easy for me either.”
“You’re not my dad!” I yelled, tears streaming down my face. “You can’t tell me what to do!”
Father and daughter | Source: Pexels
But Stephen never gave up. He attended every school event, no matter how small.
“Look, there’s Stephen,” my friend whispered at a school play. “He never misses anything.”
“Yeah,” I admitted grudgingly. “He always shows up.”
“I signed you up for soccer camp,” Stephen announced one day, handing me a registration form.
“Really?” I asked, my eyes lighting up. “Thanks, Stephen!”
Man and his daughter | Source: Pexels
He did all this without expecting anything in return. His dedication slowly broke down the walls I had built around my heart. Over time, I started to see him not just as my stepfather, but as someone who truly cared for me.
“Stephen,” I said one evening, “I just want to say thank you.”
“For what?” he asked, surprised.
“For everything,” I replied, smiling. “You’ve been there for me, even when I didn’t make it easy.”
Father and daughter | Source: Pexels
As I packed for college, my room was a mess of boxes and bags. I felt a mix of excitement and sadness. Leaving home meant a new beginning, but also saying goodbye to the life I knew.
Stephen walked in, his eyes filled with tears. He held an envelope, his hands trembling. “This is from your mother,” he said, his voice breaking. “She asked me to give it to you on your 18th birthday.”
The envelope | Source: Pexels
I opened the letter, my heart pounding.
“Dear Nancy,
If you are reading this letter, it means you have turned 18, a milestone that fills me with pride even though I can’t be there to celebrate with you. First, I want to tell you how much I love you. You have always been the light of my life, and watching you grow has been my greatest joy.”
After initial words of love and support, she dropped a bombshell. Stephen, the man I knew as my stepfather, was actually my biological one.
The letter | Source: Pexels
“When I found out I was pregnant with you, Stephen was overwhelmed and scared. He left, not knowing how to handle the responsibility. For nearly ten years, he stayed away, and I raised you on my own. Those years were tough, but you were my strength and reason for persevering.”
But one day, Stephen came back. He was filled with regret and asked for her forgiveness. He wanted to be part of my life.
My mom was hesitant. She didn’t want me to get hurt again. She decided it was best to introduce Stephen as her new boyfriend, not my dad.
Stephen returns | Source: Pexels
“Before I passed, I asked Stephen to give you this letter on your 18th birthday. I wanted you to know the truth when you were old enough to understand. Stephen has been there for you all these years, not just out of obligation, but because he truly loves you. He is a good man who made a mistake, and he has spent every day since trying to make it right.”
Reading those words, I felt a mix of anger, confusion, and relief. The man I had known as my stepfather was actually my real dad. It was hard to process, but it also explained why our bond felt so strong.
Sad young woman | Source: Pexels
Stephen’s eyes were filled with tears. “Nancy, I can explain,” he said, his voice shaking. “Please give me a chance.”
I looked at him, the letter still in my hand. “This explains everything!” I said, feeling a strange sense of happiness. “You’ve always been a great dad. Knowing you’re my real father makes it even better.”
I suddenly remembered my surprise. “I have something for you,” I said, running to get his bags. I placed them in the center of the room. “Pack your stuff. We’re going on a father-daughter vacation!”
Happy man | Source: Pexels
Stephen’s eyes widened. “What?” he asked, tears streaming down his face.
I explained my plan. With the money from my trust fund, I booked a one-week trip to an all-inclusive hotel near the ocean. It was my way of thanking him for all he had done. Stephen hugged me tightly, both of us crying.
This vacation was going to be special. It was a chance to bond and enjoy each other’s company before I left for college. We would swim, relax, and create new memories together. It was the perfect way to start this new chapter in our lives.
Vacation spot | Source: Pexels
One evening, we sat by the ocean and Stephen apologized. He spoke about his regret for leaving and the pain it caused. I listened, and I forgave him. It wasn’t easy, but I knew he had made up for his mistakes by being there for me all these years.
We shared many memorable moments. We took a boat tour to see dolphins, went snorkeling, and had a fancy dinner by the beach. We laughed a lot, and for the first time, I felt like we were truly a family.
Dolphins | Source: Pexels
Reflecting on the journey, I realized how strong our bond had become. Stephen had gone from being a stepfather to a real dad in every sense. As I looked forward to college, I felt a renewed sense of family and love.
I am grateful for Stephen’s unwavering support and love. This vacation brought us even closer and taught me the power of forgiveness. Family is everything, and I am lucky to have him by my side.
Relaxed woman | Source: Pexels
My Ex-husband Sent Me a Flash Drive Before He Died – Now I Can’t Forgive Myself for Divorcing Him
Katherine’s heart raced as she unearthed a forgotten flash drive left by her late ex-husband Tom. What she discovered on that drive would haunt her with both regret and a deeper, unresolved affection.
Katherine | Source: Midjourney
I’m Katherine, 43 years old, with no husband and no kids. I live a quiet life, and honestly, I’m pretty happy with how things turned out. My days are simple, filled with work, books, and long walks in the park near my house. It’s a peaceful existence, one I’ve come to cherish after all the noise of my younger years.
That peace was shattered last Thursday. When I checked my mail, among the usual bills and catalogs, there was an envelope that stood out. It was plain, but it felt heavy. Curious, I opened it right there in the hallway. Inside was a flash drive, nothing else, just a small piece of plastic that seemed so innocent yet ominous.
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