When I met the woman of my dreams, I believed we were perfect for each other! But after I met her parents, I had major doubts about our future together. It took a while, but I finally saw her for who she was, and I didn’t like it!
As a 31-year-old man, I’d dated a couple of different women in my life, but when I saw Olivia, my life changed. I knew I wanted her to be my wife after our first meeting but learned the hard way that taking time to know someone is ideal. Here’s my story.
A man at a music concert | Source: Midjourney
I met the beautiful and lively Olivia at a concert. When I first spotted her, she was standing near the stage, singing along to every word of our favorite band’s songs—her energy electrifying! I was there alone, trying to soak in the music after a rough week at work, and her joy was contagious!
During the intermission, I managed to maneuver closer to her and struck up a conversation. We clicked instantly, bonding over our shared love for indie rock and terrible karaoke. By the end of the night, I had her number and a gut feeling that I’d just met someone extraordinary!
A man bonding with a woman | Source: Midjourney
Our relationship took off faster than I expected. Olivia was everything I’d ever wanted in a woman! She was charming, passionate, and endlessly supportive! Her vibrant personality was addictive, making every day feel like an adventure.
After only four months of dating bliss, we decided to move in together. It felt right, everything about us felt right! My apartment was small and bland, while Olivia’s place was larger and full of life, like her.
A large apartment | Source: Midjourney
She had plants on every windowsill, cozy blankets, and shelves of well-loved books. Blending our lives was effortless. What I didn’t anticipate was that living together would only deepen my affection for her.
We were the perfect couple in my eyes, and some of my friends who met her thought the same. We cooked dinner together, binge-watched old sitcoms, and hosted game nights with her friends and mine.
A couple hanging out with friends | Source: Midjourney
Olivia had this way of making the mundane feel special, and my friends loved her! After eight months, I knew she was the one! So, I planned another trip to a concert by the same band that was playing when we first met.
I was nervous when I bought the engagement ring, but we’d spoken about our future, and she’d excitedly revealed that she’d love to marry me and have children. That was all I needed to know. I hid the ring in my jacket and pulled it out at the perfect moment.
A man looking at a wedding ring | Source: Midjourney
I proposed at the concert, the same band playing a love song we adored in the background, and she said yes without hesitation! I thought I was the luckiest man alive! But I should’ve known better than to rush into things so quickly.
Because things moved so fast between us, we hadn’t met each other’s families yet. But Olivia always spoke highly of her parents, describing them as “fun and old-school.” She mentioned they were excited about the engagement and wanted to meet me.
A couple talking | Source: Midjourney
They planned a trip to visit us, and Olivia suggested celebrating our engagement with them at an upscale restaurant. I was nervous but eager to make a great impression.
The plan was that Olivia would meet my parents soon afterward. I spent the day preparing for the big day by getting my best suit pressed. I even rehearsed polite conversation and Googled ways to connect with potential in-laws.
A man using his laptop | Source: Midjourney
When we finally arrived at the restaurant, my nerves started kicking in, but I brushed them off, knowing I’d come prepared. As we entered, Olivia helped ease my tension by squeezing my hand and whispering, “Relax, they’re going to love you just like I do.”
But from the moment her parents arrived, I knew this dinner wouldn’t be normal. As soon as we sat down and I was introduced to her parents, they made me regret ever coming.
A couple sitting at a table | Source: Midjourney
Her father, Richard, was a broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence and a serious air about him. He barely acknowledged me as he took his seat. Her mother, Diane, adorned in enough jewelry to blind the waiter, gave me a quick once-over before turning to Olivia with a tight-lipped smile.
“So, Tommy, right?” Richard began. Without giving me a chance to respond, he said, “Let’s talk about your future roles now that you’re marrying our daughter.”
A serious older man talking | Source: Midjourney
I smiled, thinking he was referring to becoming part of the family or shared traditions. Instead, he leaned back and said, “Olivia’s been dreaming of quitting her job to be a full-time homemaker. You’ll need to cover all the household expenses so she can focus on that.”
I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him correctly.
Diane chuckled, swirling her wine. “Oh, and don’t forget a little financial help for us wouldn’t hurt. Just a small monthly amount for your new in-laws—it’s the least a loving son-in-law can do, right?”
A happy woman talking | Source: Midjourney
I froze in place, my smile faltering before I managed to squeak, “I’m sorry—what?”
Richard’s face remained stone-cold as he nodded as if the conversation was normal. “You want to marry into the family, right? So, you have to provide. Your wife shouldn’t have to work. And we’ll appreciate a modest amount for our pension from you as well.”
I glanced at Olivia, expecting her to laugh it off! But she only smiled sweetly and said, “It’s not a big deal, baby. Really. It’s how we’ve always done things in our family.”
A happy woman | Source: Midjourney
The waiter conveniently appeared with our drinks, giving me a moment to process this insanity! I felt like I’d been sucker-punched and was struggling to catch my breath. But looking back, there were small things I ignored.
Olivia tended to brush off any serious conversations I wanted to have. Once, when we talked about finances, she laughed and said, “Oh, my parents have always told me I’d marry someone who’d take care of me.” I thought it was a joke, until now.
A couple talking | Source: Midjourney
While everyone placed their food orders, I sat there in awe, mulling over what I’d just heard. When the waiter turned to me, I ordered the first thing I saw on the menu, completely dazed and consumed by what Olivia and her parents had told me.
After the waiter left, Richard continued as if he were negotiating a business merger. “It’s not just about you providing money, of course. My daughter deserves the lifestyle she’s grown accustomed to—vacations, fine dining, spa days, and such. You’ll need to buy her apartment from us too. We raised her with high standards, after all.”
A serious man talking | Source: Midjourney
Diane leaned in. “And eventually, you’ll need a bigger place. This apartment is fine for now, but our grandchildren will need more space. And when we visit, we expect to have a bedroom dedicated to us.”
My appetite completely vanished as the food was served. Every word out of their mouths felt surreal, and so did the whole evening! I glanced at Olivia again, but she just sipped her wine, perfectly comfortable.
A woman holding her wine | Source: Midjourney
I don’t remember what they spoke about for the rest of the dinner. I occasionally smiled, and I think I chipped in with some comments, but I wasn’t there mentally. When the check arrived, Richard didn’t even glance at it.
He made intense eye contact as he slid it toward me without a word. I paid, my hands trembling. The drive home was suffocatingly silent. Olivia fiddled with her engagement ring before finally breaking the silence.
A woman sitting in the passenger’s seat of a car | Source: Midjourney
“So? What did you think of them?”
I gripped the steering wheel, choosing to handle the matter at hand once and for all. “Honestly? I think I can’t marry you.”
Her head snapped toward me. “What? Are you serious?”
I nodded. “Because this isn’t love, Olivia. It’s a business arrangement. Your parents want me to be their retirement plan, and you’re okay with that. That’s not the kind of life I want.”
An upset man driving | Source: Midjourney
Her face twisted in disbelief. “You’re overreacting! It’s just how my family works! You said you loved me!”
“I do—or I did. But love doesn’t come with conditions like this,” I replied.
We argued all the way home. Olivia accused me of being cold, selfish, and unwilling to compromise. But in my mind, the decision was made. As soon as we got home, I packed my things. The same apartment that once felt so alive now felt like a cage.
An upset man packing his clothes | Source: Midjourney
I moved in with my brother, Nate, for a while. He didn’t ask questions, just handed me a beer and let me sit in silence.
A week later, I bumped into one of Olivia’s friends, who told me her parents were livid, not because I’d broken their daughter’s heart, but because their financial plan had crumbled. That was all the confirmation I needed.
Olivia texted me a few times, saying I was throwing away something amazing. But I knew better. Love shouldn’t feel like a contract.
A man looking at his phone | Source: Midjourney
Months passed, and I slowly started rebuilding my life. I joined a local hiking group, reconnected with old friends, and focused on myself. I learned that love isn’t just about how someone makes you feel, it’s about how they support you, challenge you, and grow with you.
Looking back, I realized that walking away was the best decision I ever made. Sometimes, the “perfect” person turns out to be perfect for all the wrong reasons.
And I’m okay with that.
A happy man | Source: Midjourney
If that story had you going, then you’d love this one about a man’s fiancée who thought everything was perfect in their relationship until they went on holiday with his children. He suddenly abandoned the trio at the vacation hotel, leaving his fiancée to think the worst.
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.
Poor Man Gives Bus Ticket To Mom With 3 Kids, Finds Dozens of Boxes on His Doorstep Next Day — Story of the Day
Richard buys a bus ticket for a desperate mother of three and finds dozens of boxes from her on his doorstep the next day. He has no idea her gift will land him in trouble until his daughter opens one of the boxes.
It was a bright, sunny morning. Richard was engrossed in the song playing on his headphones while he mopped the bus station floors. For the last 10 years, the bus station had been his world.
Suddenly, a voice distracted him. “Excuse me,” it said.
Richard turned around to see a woman, probably 35 years old. She looked frail, and from her red, puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks, Richard could sense she was crying not long ago. She held a baby in her arms, and two older children stood beside her.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Can I help you with something?” Richard worriedly asked as he removed his headphones.
“I-I need to get to New York. Can you please help me buy a ticket?” she asked tremblingly.
“Is everything OK? You look tense,” he said.
The woman hesitated. “I-I want to escape my husband. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but he’s… not a good man. I’ve not been able to reach him for days, and the things he’s said and done… scare me. I just want to go to my sister who lives in New York. I lost my wallet. Please help us.”
Noticing her plight, Richard couldn’t refuse her, although he knew he’d have to let go of the last money he had. He went to the counter and bought the ticket.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she sniffled as he handed her the ticket.
“Please take care of your children,” he said.
“Can you give me your address?” she asked.
“Why would you need that?”
“I want to repay you. Please,” she said.
Richard relented, and soon, the bus the woman and her children boarded disappeared down the road.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Richard finished his shift and went home to his daughter, Amanda. She was all he had after his wife walked out on them. Richard was devastated by his wife’s decision, but he had pulled himself together for his daughter’s sake.
By the age of 10, Amanda had taken on responsibilities far beyond her years. After school, she would tie her hair up in a ponytail and dive into household chores, even helping Richard cook.
In their tiny kitchen, they danced together and tried new recipes. Then, they settled onto the couch by the evening, sharing the tales of their days. That evening was no different. But the next morning was.
Richard was startled awake by Amanda’s voice. “Dad! Wake up!” she exclaimed, shaking his shoulders gently.
He sat up groggily, rubbing his eyes. “What is it, sweetie?”
“There’s something odd outside! Come with me!” she insisted, pulling him out of the bed.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Richard stepped out into the yard to see a dozen boxes. He assumed it was someone’s shipment gone astray, but then he noticed the envelope atop one of the boxes. It had a letter. He ignored that Amanda had already started opening the boxes as he began reading.
“Hi! It’s me, the woman you helped yesterday. I wanted to express my gratitude for your kindness. These boxes hold the possessions I wanted to bring to New York, but I decided to leave them to you so you could sell them and make some good money. All the best.”
Richard was still processing the letter when the sound of shattering porcelain distracted him. He spun around to see Amanda had dropped a vase on the ground. For a moment, he was annoyed at her recklessness. She had broken the woman’s vase!
But then he noticed the sparking object among the porcelain shards. He picked it up. Richard had read somewhere that diamond didn’t fog when you breathed on it. He was shocked to realize the shiny stone was a REAL diamond.
“Oh god! We’re rich!” he exclaimed joyfully, his eyes fixed on the shining gem.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“We need to return it, Dad!” Amanda skimmed the shipping documents and found the sender’s address. “It’s not ours!”
“Think about the bright future, Amanda! We could send you to a good school!”
“No, Dad! What if we are taking away someone’s last hopes?”
Richard insisted on keeping the diamond, but Amanda talked him into returning it. Richard told her he would, but he had something else on his mind. On the pretext of returning the diamond, he visited an antique shop.
“How can I help you, sir?” the proprietor, Mr. Lambert, asked as Richard approached the counter.
“I wanted to get something appraised,” he replied and placed the diamond on the counter.
Mr. Lambert adjusted the focus of his loupe. “This is a magnificent piece,” he said, examining the stone. “The clarity, the cut…it’s an exception. I’d estimate its value to be at least $100,000. If I may ask, where did you get it?”
Richard’s eyes widened at the estimate, but he quickly composed himself. “Uh, it was… an inheritance,” he said. “So…can you buy it?”
“I think I’ll need to consult a colleague. Can you wait a moment?” Mr. Lambert asked. Richard nodded, and Mr. Lambert stepped away for a call.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Good news!” he exclaimed as he returned. “We can proceed with the purchase! Can I take a look?” He extended his hand so that Richard could hand him the diamond. But there was a moment of negligence, and the diamond landed on the floor. Mr. Lambert quickly bent down and picked it up.
“Don’t worry. It’s one of the strongest substances on Earth. It’s definitely not harmed!” he said, taking a look, and returned the diamond to Richard. “I can offer you $10,000!” he said.
“Wait, but you just told me it’s worth ten times that!” Richard argued.
Mr. Lambert explained that he could only offer Richard a fraction of the market value because Richard didn’t have any documents proving the diamond’s origin. Richard asked Mr. Lambert if there was a way they could work it out, but Mr. Lambert was adamant he would offer at most $10,000.
Richard decided he didn’t want the money and drove home with the diamond. But he had a plan. Richard decided to move to another town, make fake documents for the diamond’s origin, and sell it for its full market value. He would need to persuade Amanda, but he’d manage.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
As he arrived home, Richard sensed an eerie silence. “Amanda?” he called out, but there was no response. Usually, Amanda would come running at one call.
Richard sensed something was off. He searched the whole house, but there was no sign of Amanda. He began panicking, wondering where his daughter was, when he noticed a note on the kitchen countertop.
“You have my gem! If you want your daughter back, bring it to the address below.No police or you’ll regret it.”
Richard’s heart sank, and his hands shook. Then his mind raced to the woman he’d met at the bus stop. “My husband isn’t a good man…” Her words kept ringing in his ears. He raced to the kitchen drawer and pulled out the shipping documents. The address mentioned by the kidnapper matched the shipping address.
A chill ran down Richard’s spine. He had no time to lose or doubt if the woman was an accomplice in her husband’s nasty schemes. He drove to the address and found himself in front of an old two-story structure.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Richard’s heart throbbed in his chest as he approached the entrance. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door, which swung open. A man in a dark overcoat appeared in the doorway, aiming his gun at Richard’s temple. He was probably 40 and bore a scar on his left cheek.
“You…Richard?” he asked in a gruff voice.
“Yes, I am. Where’s my daughter?”
“Did you bring what I asked for?” the man asked.
“Yes, I did. Where’s Amanda? I need to see her!”
“All in good time!” grinned the man as he leaned closer to Richard. “First, the diamond.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Richard pulled it out from his pocket and raised it in the air. The kidnapper asked him to place it on the table. Richard entered the house and did as instructed.
The man picked up the diamond and examined it. It wasn’t long before his face contorted with fury. “This is glass! Where’s the real diamond?”
Richard was shocked. Then, he recalled the moment when Mr. Lambert had dropped the diamond. Could he have switched the gem?
“You either bring me $10,000 in a few days, or you’ll never hear your daughter’s voice again!” The kidnapper warned him.
Richard had no time to lose and quickly drove to the antique shop.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Oh, Mr. Richard! Back so soon?” Mr. Lambert smiled.
“I’m ready to sell the diamond for $10,000. I changed my mind!” he said, but Mr. Lambert refused.
“How about $7,000?” Richard further proposed.
“I’m sorry, but the diamond no longer interests me!” said Mr. Lambert.
Richard realized Mr. Lambert had indeed switched the diamonds. A strange fury gripped him. He landed a strong punch on the expert’s head, causing him to stumble. Then he grabbed a cord from a nearby table and tied the man.
“WHERE IS THE DIAMOND?” he asked angrily. “My daughter’s life is on the line, and you’re playing games?” He raised his fist, and finally, the expert spilled the truth.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
The expert revealed he and the kidnapper were in it together. They were planning on extorting $100,000 from Richard for Amanda’s release. And then it dawned on Richard that the “colleague” the expert had contacted was none other than the kidnapper.
“He lifted the diamond from a billionaire’s mansion! Every cop has been looking for it!”
The expert tried to move away from Richard but stumbled and fell, losing consciousness. Richard didn’t know what to do at first, but then he came up with a cunning plan. First, he took a picture of the unconscious expert. Wasting no time, he called the cops and left a note near the expert. Richard then drove back to the kidnapper.
As the door of the old house swung open, he approached the kidnapper. “I went to the antique shop, but guess what? Your buddy spilled quite a few beans! I know you plotted the kidnapping together.
“And well, turns out you’ve been played as much as me. He has the real diamond in a safe at the shop. I tried to get the combination from him, but things got heated, and he’s no more.”
Richard then showed him the expert’s photo to ensure the man bought his story.
The kidnapper lost his cool. “That prick!” he yelled.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
In a rage, the kidnapper stormed out of the house and sped off to the antique shop. Richard took advantage of the situation, found his daughter, and freed her.
“Dad…I heard the confrontation. Did you really…k-kill someone?” she asked, the tape across her mouth removed.
“No, honey. It was a ruse, a bluff. I had to make him believe it so he’d act recklessly,” Richard said with a smile, trying to comfort her. “But, knowing him, I’d wager he’s about to walk right into a trap. When I called the police earlier, I alerted them to the expert’s involvement, and they were headed to the antique shop.”
Amanda’s eyes widened with realization. “So, he’s going to be arrested?”
“Yes, and you are safe,” Richard said, recalling the note he had left for the cops.
“In an hour, the man who stole the diamond you’re looking for will be here,” it read.
And Richard’s plan worked. The kidnapper and expert were arrested. But there was a strange fear in his heart because he knew he would get in trouble with the law for not going to the cops immediately when he found the diamond. But at least he saved his daughter.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
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If you enjoyed this story, then you might like this one about a boy who finds a box hidden inside the sofa he inherited from his granny. The letters and legal papers inside force him to make a life-altering choice.
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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