When Victoria returned to her grandfather’s home in Iowa, she noticed his favorite sofa was still residing in the living room. The woman sat on it for a while, remembering her childhood days, then it suddenly cracked. What she discovered inside changed her whole life.
Victoria’s mother, Ella, abandoned her at a young age and moved to New York with her lover because she was tired of living in poverty. Edward, Victoria’s father, worked as a delivery man in the mornings and as a warehouse operator at night, but the money wasn’t enough to keep the family afloat.
On top of that, there was Victoria’s grandfather Silas who was in the last stages of his life fighting his battle with cancer and primarily himself. So Ella found an easy way out of her misery by moving from Iowa to New York with her boyfriend.
Victoria inherited an old sofa from Silas | Photo: Shutterstock
Victoria was 15 years old at the time. The teenager had hardly gotten over her mother’s elopement when her father passed away in a tragic accident a few months later, leaving her and Silas alone.
Ella paid Victoria visits and talked to her on the phone after Edward’s death, but Silas didn’t like it. He had never liked her in the first place, but after she left them, he hated her even more.
However, when Silas left for his heavenly abode a year later, it forced Victoria to relocate to her mother’s home in New York. Dave, Ella’s so-called lover, clearly didn’t like her, and Victoria didn’t admire him either.
Due to their frequent clashes, problems arose in their household over time, and Dave eventually left. Ella and Victoria’s relationship soured even more after this because Dave told Ella he was leaving her because he hated Victoria and her “obnoxious” attitude.
Victoria was orphaned after her mother abandoned her and her father died | Photo: Pexels
Ella initially managed to survive with the money left over from what her boyfriend had given her, so she did not scrimp on expensive gifts at first. That’s how they got by for about a half-year.
Ella was always dragging something to the pawnshop, and she didn’t seem to care about getting a job or planning for the future. She didn’t want to work, so when her savings ran out, she went out and found another man.
Tired of living a miserable life with her mother, Victoria applied for scholarships and somehow ended up in New York University, where she met Kevin. They met while working part-time at the same cafe, and their friendship quickly blossomed into love.
Soon, the lovebirds moved in together, and Victoria got pregnant. They were almost ready to graduate at the time, but Kevin dumped Victoria after learning of her pregnancy.
Victoria returned to her mother seeking assistance, but she refused to help her, so the young woman somehow finished her degree and returned to her grandfather’s house in Iowa.
Victoria returned to her grandfather’s house in Iowa | Photo: Pexels
The house had been boarded up for years, and it could barely be seen from the road because of the thickets of weeds. Victoria decided to call for assistance because the heavy door would not budge.
Thankfully, her gaze was drawn to a young man chopping firewood in the next yard. “Hey, can you please help me?” Victoria shouted from her doorstep.
The man looked up from the wood and smiled at her. “Sure,” he replied. “I’ll be there in 2 minutes.”
Victoria noticed that the man was limping badly, so she ran up to him. “I’m sorry for troubling you. I should probably call someone else.”
As she came closer, he could see her clearly. “Victoria, is that you?” he exclaimed, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
Victoria looked at him, puzzled because she didn’t recognize him. “I’m sorry, but do I know you?”
The man turned out to be Victoria’s childhood friend | Photo: Pexels
“Of course,” the man replied with a broad smile. “Remember we were friends as kids? It’s me, Tim!”
“Oh, Tim! I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you! You’ve changed so much! You were so chubby as a teen and look at you now!”
“I guess hard work does that to you,” he joked. “But how did you end up here?”
“Well, that’s quite a story. Would you mind assisting me with the door first?” she said. “Hand me the tools, I’ll carry them,” she added, taking notice of his limp.
With the use of his tools, within five minutes, Timothy manage to juggle the rusty door open. “Wow, there must be ghosts in there! Look how much dust and cobwebs there are! Let me help you clean up.”
Victoria declined, insisting she’d clean the house herself, but Timothy persuaded her, and it took them nearly three hours to dust the entire house properly. Meanwhile, Victoria told her story about how she ended up in Iowa after her boyfriend and mother abandoned her.
Then it was time to clean Silas’ sofa, which was beautifully adorned with a dusty white sheet and numerous spiderwebs in the living room.
The house was in terrible condition | Photo: Pexels
“You know, this sofa meant a lot to grandpa,” Victoria explained to Timothy, “and he looked after it like it was the apple of his eye. This sofa with cracked armrests has made it through three generations, and hopefully will make it through the fourth.” She placed her hand on her baby bump.
“But before that, it needs cleaning,” Timothy replied. “So move aside, you’ve already helped a lot with the cleaning, and this much dust is bad for your baby.”
As Timothy cleaned the sofa, Victoria continued her sofa story. “I would often attempt to jump on it to test its rear springs in action, but then grandpa would yell at me, ‘Victoria! Get your skinny bones off the couch!’ Ahh, I miss him so much!”
“Well, now that it’s clean, you can at least sit here for a while and rest,” Timothy said after tidying the sofa.
But as Victoria attempted to sit, having dried up over many years in an unheated house, the sofa was crunched disgustingly. And as she tried to get more comfortable on it, it cracked treacherously and parted!
Victoria jumped up in surprise, feeling something solid hidden in the sofa. “There’s something in here!”
Victoria discovered a small chest inside the sofa | Photo: Pexels
The sofa’s padding, which leaked and crumbled from time to time, revealed a small chest hidden deep within. When they opened it, they discovered gold ducats, jewelry, and a note addressed to Victoria.
“I hope this letter finds you well, Victoria,” the note began. “I wanted to give this to you sooner, but you were too young.”
“My grandfather gave me this inheritance and told me to give it to someone who needed it,” the note continued. “I believe you are the most in need of it because I am aware of how badly your mother treats you and how sad it must have been for you when Edward left. I hope this will be of assistance to you. Love, Silas.”
“Well, wow, now that’s one hell of a sofa!” Timothy said thoughtfully, scratching the back of his head.
However, Victoria couldn’t stop crying. Thanks to her grandad, her life did change for the better after she discovered the chest. She sold some of the treasures and used the proceeds to renovate her home, and she used some of the money to build a new room for her baby.
Victoria delivered a healthy baby boy | Photo: Pexels
Timothy was by her side at all times, assisting her with everything from finding carpenters for the house to taking her to appointments and visiting her on weekends, so she didn’t feel left out.
A few months later, Victoria delivered a healthy baby boy. Timothy helped her look after the baby, and they gradually became close. Soon, the man proposed to Victoria for marriage, and Victoria happily accepted.
Finally, her family was complete. She had an adoring husband, a lovely child, and their grandfather’s blessing on the sofa she’d inherited. Thankfully, his sofa assisted them to the point where they could start a small business together with the money they had saved from selling the jewels.
What can we learn from this story?
- There’s a delay in God’s court but no denial. Victoria had to go through a lot initially, but everything worked out in the end.
- Matches are made in heaven. Kevin and Victoria’s relationship didn’t work out because she was fated to end up with Timothy.
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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about firefighters who cared for an old lady for 27 years after her daughter kicked her out of the house.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story 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.
Son’s Birthday Wish in Front of His Cake Shocks Everyone — Story of the Day
The Forgers were considered the ideal family. For their son’s tenth birthday, they invited all their friends and family. They had everything: tasty food, cake, and even a clown for the kids. But who could have imagined that one wish from the boy could shatter this illusion in an instant?
On their son Kevin’s tenth birthday, the Forger family home was filled with people on this special day. Brightly colored balloons floated near the ceiling, and streamers hung from every doorway.
Peter stood at the front door with a big smile, greeting guests as they arrived.
Meanwhile, Chelsea was in the kitchen. She was bustling around, checking on the last few details. The aroma of freshly baked cookies and savory appetizers filled the air.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She carefully placed the final touches on a large birthday cake, covered in colorful frosting and decorated with toy cars—Kevin’s favorite. All that was left was to put the ten candles on top.
Friends of the family arrived with brightly wrapped presents for Kevin. There were toys, books, and games, all piled high on the gift table.
Everyone was smiling and exchanging pleasantries, complimenting the decorations and the party atmosphere. The house was buzzing with laughter and conversation.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Peter had even hired a clown to entertain the kids in the backyard. The clown, dressed in a red and yellow costume with a big red nose, made balloon animals and performed magic tricks, making the children squeal with delight.
Meanwhile, the adults gathered in the living room, sipping cocktails and enjoying light snacks.
The Forgers appeared to be an ideal family living in an ideal home. Chelsea and Peter seemed like perfect hosts, always smiling and making sure everyone was having a good time.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
The guests chatted about how well-behaved the Forger children were and how beautiful the house looked.
Finally, it was time to blow out the candles. All the guests gathered around the dining table where Kevin sat, a little nervously, in front of his birthday cake.
The cake was now adorned with ten brightly burning candles, their flames flickering gently.
“Remember, honey? Close your eyes, make a wish, and then blow out all the candles. Okay?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Chelsea said lovingly, her eyes sparkling with pride. She gave Kevin an encouraging smile before stepping back to join Peter, who was holding a video camera to capture the special moment forever.
Kevin looked around the room, his face showing signs of distress. He glanced at the cake, then at his mother, and then his father.
His eyes were wide with worry. He closed them tightly but opened them again almost immediately.
It was as if something was preventing him from keeping them closed, like a bad dream he didn’t want to see again.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Come on, Kevin, you can do it!” one of his friends called out, trying to cheer him on.
Kevin tried again. He closed his eyes once more, but his face scrunched up in fear.
Finally, he squeezed his eyes shut and, with all the courage he could muster, said loudly, “I wish my parents wouldn’t split up!” Then he blew out all the candles in one breath.
The room fell silent. The cheerful atmosphere turned tense as the weight of Kevin’s words sank in.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
No one had expected to hear anything like that. The Forgers splitting up? It couldn’t be—they seemed like the perfect couple.
Everything about them looked so exemplary and wonderful. Guests exchanged confused and concerned glances, their festive smiles fading.
Chelsea, shocked and embarrassed, looked at Peter, who shrugged helplessly in response.
She felt a knot forming in her stomach but quickly took Kevin by the hand and led him to the kitchen, away from the prying eyes of the guests.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Peter followed closely behind, his face a mask of worry and confusion.
As they walked away, the whispers among the guests grew louder. The perfect image of the Forger family had been shattered by a single, innocent wish.
In the kitchen, Chelsea knelt before Kevin to look him straight in the eyes. The room was quiet, the only sound the faint murmur of the party continuing in the living room. Chelsea’s heart ached as she saw the worry etched on her son’s face.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Honey, why did you make that wish? Why do you think your dad and I are going to split up?” she asked gently, her voice soft but filled with concern.
Kevin looked down, shifting uncomfortably.
“I…” he started, his voice barely above a whisper. He looked up at his mom, his eyes filled with uncertainty and fear. Before he could say more, Peter stepped in.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Sweetheart, don’t interrogate the boy. He just wants us to always be together. He’s just a kid,” Peter said, trying to sound reassuring. He turned and looked directly at Kevin, forcing a smile.
“Right, kiddo?”
Kevin, looking scared, fell silent and nodded, his small frame trembling slightly. The kitchen felt like a pressure cooker, the tension thick in the air.
Chelsea sighed deeply, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at Peter.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Such a strange wish, even for a child. It seemed like he genuinely fears we’ll split up. Is there something you need to tell me, Peter?”
Her voice had a sharp edge to it, a mix of worry and suspicion.
Peter raised his hands defensively. “What are you talking about, honey? You’re making a mountain out of a molehill again. He just misspoke, and you’re overreacting.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Not just me—you saw the guests’ faces. They were all shocked,” Chelsea shot back, her frustration bubbling over. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
Peter took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
“I’ll go out and explain everything to them. You calm the boy down, okay? It’s a celebration; let’s celebrate,” he said, trying to defuse the situation.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
As Peter returned to the living room, Chelsea turned her full attention back to Kevin. She placed her hands on his small shoulders, feeling the tension in his body.
“Honey, your dad and I love each other very much and aren’t going to split up. Don’t worry, okay?” she said, her voice filled with as much reassurance as she could muster.
Kevin looked up at her, his eyes still filled with doubt. “Uh-huh…” he replied, still unsure and upset, nodding slightly.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
He wanted to believe his mom, but the fear lingered in his heart.
Chelsea pulled him into a gentle hug, stroking his hair. “It’s going to be okay, sweetheart. I promise,” she whispered, trying to soothe him.
But even as she said the words, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was deeply amiss.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Returning to the living room, Chelsea noticed the guests had resumed their conversations, and the situation seemed to have stabilized.
Laughter and chatter filled the air once again, and the festive atmosphere had returned, albeit with a lingering hint of unease.
Chelsea led Kevin to join the other children, who were now playing a game of musical chairs in a corner of the room.
“Play with the other kids while I go look for your dad, okay?” she said, smoothing Kevin’s hair gently.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Okay,” Kevin replied, though he still looked a bit uncertain. He slowly made his way over to the other children, who welcomed him back with cheerful smiles and playful shouts.
Chelsea watched him for a moment, her heart heavy with concern, before turning to search for Peter.
She walked through the living room, scanning the crowd, but couldn’t find him anywhere.
She checked the kitchen, the hallway, and even peeked into the backyard where the clown was still entertaining the kids. No sign of Peter.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Feeling a growing sense of frustration, Chelsea returned to the living room and approached her friend Paige, who was chatting with a couple of other parents near the snack table.
“Quite the wish, wasn’t it?” Paige asked Chelsea with a humorous tone, raising an eyebrow. “Never a dull moment with kids, huh?”
“You can say that again,” Chelsea sighed, forcing a small smile. “Where did it come from? I know he’s just a kid, but it was so sudden…”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Very sudden,” Paige agreed, nodding. “No one expected it. Has something happened between you and Peter?”
“No! Of course not!” Chelsea said quickly, then paused. “Well, we haven’t been talking much lately. He’s been busy with work, and I’ve been preoccupied with Kevin…”
“So something did happen?” Paige asked, her voice gentle but curious.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Maybe… I don’t know,” Chelsea admitted, her shoulders slumping a little. “Maybe we had a small argument recently, and Kevin overheard. But nothing serious. I don’t think he’d make a wish like that over one argument.”
“It’s all very strange,” Paige said thoughtfully, glancing around the room. “Where’s Peter? Have you seen him?”
“He was just here,” Chelsea replied, frustration creeping into her voice. “He changed the topic so smoothly; I thought the party would be gloomy for the rest of the evening.”
“The party! Oh, I completely forgot the balloons for Kevin in the car! I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Chelsea said suddenly, remembering the colorful balloons she had left in the trunk of the car.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
She hurried toward the garage, her mind racing. As she approached the car, she started searching the trunk for the balloons.
Chelsea rummaged through the bags, the sound of crinkling plastic and rustling decorations filling the air.
Suddenly, she heard voices near the garage, coming from outside. Her heart skipped a beat, and she froze, straining to hear the conversation.
‘How does he know? And does Chelsea know?’ a voice whispered urgently.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Shh! Quiet. He doesn’t know anything,” another voice hissed in response.
Hearing the whispers, Chelsea cautiously moved closer to listen, her pulse quickening. She peeked around the corner of the garage, holding her breath.
“Well, maybe he knows. It seems he saw us yesterday,” the first voice said, filled with anxiety.
“Yesterday? When Chelsea was at the store? You said no one was supposed to be home!” the second voice replied sharply, clearly frustrated.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“No one was, but Kevin came home from school early. So what? He’s just a kid. Chelsea doesn’t suspect anything.”
Chelsea’s blood ran cold as she heard these words. Her mind raced, trying to process the shock. She stepped out of the garage, her face a mix of anger and disbelief, and saw Peter with her sister, Lucy. They stood too close, their faces pale with guilt.
A flustered Peter saw her and immediately forced a smile. “Sweetheart, is something wrong? Do you need help with something?” he asked, trying to sound casual.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“I heard everything!” Chelsea exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage.
Peter’s smile vanished. “What exactly? How long have you been standing there?” he stammered.
“Long enough,” Chelsea replied coldly. Her eyes narrowed, and she felt a surge of betrayal. “Listen, you’ve misunderstood. I can explain everything,” Peter began, but Chelsea cut him off.
“I don’t need your explanations, neither yours nor my spoiled, unemployed sister’s,” she snapped.
“Chelsea, please listen…” Peter pleaded, but Chelsea raised a hand to silence him.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“No, you listen to me. I don’t want to see either of you in my house ever again. Be gone in ten minutes,” she said with finality.
“And you, Peter, you’ll never see Kevin again. Good luck to you both.”
“Sweetheart, please wait. I’m sorry,” Peter begged, but Chelsea had already turned back to the house, her fury propelling her forward.
Inside, she gathered the guests and explained that the party was over and it was best for everyone to go home.
The guests, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly gathered their things and left, murmuring words of sympathy.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
In one evening, the true nature of her perfect family was revealed. The reality hidden behind her husband’s and sister’s lies.
It was sad and painful, but at the same time, she understood that thanks to her son’s innocence, she learned the truth.
From this day forward, her new life without her terrible husband would begin.
After everyone left and Peter packed his things and drove away, Chelsea approached Kevin and gently hugged him.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“I’m sorry, honey. It seems not all wishes are meant to come true,” she said softly, her voice choked with emotion.
Kevin looked up at her, his eyes shining with tears. “The most important thing is that you’re here, Mom,” he whispered.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Chelsea replied, holding him close. She knew they would face challenges ahead, but with Kevin by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.
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