My MIL Gifted Me a Book, ‘100 Steps to Become a Good Wife for My Precious Son,’ So I Decided to Put an End to This — Story of the Day

On my wedding day, as vows were exchanged and love filled the air, Rick’s mother, Irene, found a way to steal the spotlight. From her dramatic interruption at the altar to gifting me a book, “How to Be a Good Wife for My Precious Son”, it was clear: she wasn’t ready to let me into her world—or her son’s.

I stood by the altar in my wedding dress, feeling the weight of the moment settle over me.

My fingers trembled slightly as I gripped the piece of paper with my vows, the edges soft and worn from nervous handling.

The air smelled faintly of roses and candles, and the faint rustle of silk from the guests’ outfits added a quiet hum to the room.

Across from me, Rick stood tall, his dark suit perfectly tailored to his broad frame.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

His smile was warm, reassuring, and completely for me. I felt my heart swell as I met his gaze.

“If you’ve prepared your vows, please exchange them now,” the officiant said, his voice gentle but firm, breaking through the haze of my emotions.

I unfolded my paper, smoothing it out with care.

“Rick, I love you,” I began, my voice steady but laced with emotion. I could see his expression soften, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I wasn’t sure how to begin, but I decided to start with what’s most important.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

A small smile played on my lips, and Rick chuckled softly, that familiar sound that always made me feel at home.

“These past four years we’ve spent together have changed my life,” I continued, my voice growing steadier as I found my rhythm.

“I was afraid of losing my old life and drowning in a relationship, so I hesitated for a long time. You know how hard it is for me to take big steps…”

“But I’m so glad I took this step,” I said, my smile widening.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m glad I’m standing here before you now. With you, I feel like I’m becoming the best version of myself. I love you, Rick.” My words hung in the air, heavy with sincerity.

There was a soft murmur of approval from the guests—subtle, but enough to remind me we weren’t alone in this moment.

“Samantha, I love you. You know I’m not one for long speeches,” he began, earning a light laugh from the crowd.

“So I’ll just say this: I’m happy you’re becoming my wife today. From now on, we’re a family, and family always sticks together.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The officiant smiled. “Samantha, do you take Rick to be your husband?”

“I do!” My voice rang out clearly.

“Rick, do you take Samantha to be your wife?”

“I do,” Rick said, his voice steady and full of conviction.

“If anyone here objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace,” the officiant continued.

The room went still, the silence palpable. I felt my breath hitch. Then, to my horror, Irene stood up.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Of course, she couldn’t just let this be about us. She always had to make herself the center of attention.

“Sorry, I just needed to go to the bathroom. Didn’t mean to interrupt,” Irene said, her voice sugary sweet and her smile tight.

“Mom!” Rick snapped, clearly exasperated. He gestured for her to sit, his jaw tightening. Irene waved him off, taking her seat with an air of mock innocence.

I bit my tongue to stop myself from saying something I’d regret.

The officiant quickly regained control. “I now pronounce Samantha and Rick husband and wife!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The applause exploded, filling the room. Rick kissed me, his lips warm and full of love, and for a moment, the world felt perfect.

But as I glanced toward the guests, my eyes landed on Irene’s empty chair. It didn’t surprise me. Not one bit.

The reception was in full swing. Music filled the air, guests laughed, and the soft clinking of glasses blended into the hum of celebration.

I should’ve been floating on a cloud of happiness, surrounded by friends and family, but instead, my mood was sour.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My thoughts were stuck on the ceremony, replaying Irene’s little stunt over and over.

“You know she did that on purpose…” I muttered to Rick, sitting close beside me.

Rick sighed, his patience already thinning.

“Sweetheart, that’s not true. My mom loves you and respects my choice. Don’t make things up.”

“Loves me so much she couldn’t even wait a single minute until the ceremony was over? Seriously, Rick?” I shot back, keeping my voice low but firm.

“She’s an older woman. She probably really needed to go,” Rick argued, his tone defensive. “Or would you have preferred she… handled it right there in the hall?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

His eyebrows rose slightly, as if that was the ultimate argument-ender.

“Rick! Enough!” I snapped, crossing my arms. How could he be so blind to her little games?

At that moment, as if summoned by our discussion, Irene approached our table. Her face was stretched into that same overly sweet smile she always wore, the one that made my skin crawl.

“My dear son,” she said warmly, wrapping Rick in a hug. “Congratulations on your big day. I hope Samantha will take good care of you and that you’ll be happy!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Thanks, Mom,” Rick replied, grinning as if she hadn’t just insulted me in the guise of kindness.

Irene then turned to me, her smile never wavering, and handed me a small, neatly wrapped package.

I stared at it, reluctant to take it.

I peeled back the paper slowly, my stomach twisting with dread. When the cover of the book came into view, my chest tightened.

“How to Be a Good Wife for My Precious Son,” it read, in a perfectly polished font. I froze, staring at the title.

It even had her name printed below: “By Irene.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My teeth clenched so hard I thought I might chip them. I forced a polite smile, but my hands were shaking.

“What’s this, Mom?” Rick asked, grabbing the book from me and flipping through the pages.

“Oh, nothing,” Irene said with a casual wave of her hand.

“I just thought Samantha could use a little guidance and advice.”

Rick, oblivious as ever, grinned.

“Oh, wow! It even has my favorite cookie recipe from when I was a kid! Mom, did you print this book yourself?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“All for my beloved son!” Irene chirped.

“Thank you, Irene,” I said through gritted teeth, somehow summoning the strength to be civil. “I’ll be sure to study this book carefully.”

“Samantha, don’t be mad,” Rick added, his tone almost scolding. “It’s a wonderful gift. Mom put so much effort into it.”

“Uh-huh,” I muttered, forcing a tight smile. Inside, I was screaming. But this wasn’t the time or place. Not yet.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Married life felt like a dream at first.

The days were filled with stolen kisses in the kitchen, whispered promises late at night, and the kind of laughter that made everything else fade away.

For a week, it was just us—our own little world, untouched by anything else.

But like a crack in glass, that perfect world fractured with one name: Irene.

“My mom’s coming over for dinner tonight,” Rick said casually while scrolling through his phone.

I froze, spatula mid-air. “What? Why?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He looked up, confused. “She’s my mom. Why can’t she just visit?”

“So she’s just coming for a visit?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“Well… she wanted to cook dinner for us.”

I let out a sharp laugh. “So she thinks I can’t cook dinner myself?”

Rick sighed, already weary of this conversation. “Of course not! She just wants to help…”

“Oh, help me be a good wife for her precious son…” I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Samantha! You’re misunderstanding again!” he snapped, his patience wearing thin.

“No, I understand perfectly,” I said firmly. “Your mom hates me and uses every excuse to meddle. What time is she coming?”

Rick hesitated. “In a couple of hours.”

“Good,” I said, already standing. “That gives me time to prepare.”

For the next two hours, I moved through the house like a storm—cleaning, cooking, and setting the table with meticulous care.

If Irene wanted a show, I was going to give her one. And I had a little surprise in mind, too.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The doorbell rang, echoing through the house, and I felt my shoulders tense. Rick hurried to open it, his face lighting up as he greeted her.

“Mom!” he said warmly, pulling her into a hug.

I stood a few steps behind, forcing a polite smile. “Welcome, Irene,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Irene replied with a saccharine smile. “We’re family now. This is my home too.”

“As you say,” I murmured, stepping aside as she waltzed into the living room like she owned the place.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Her eyes immediately fell on the dining table, perfectly set and laden with food.

“So, you’ve already prepared everything?” she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

“What a shame—I was hoping to cook myself…”

“There’s no need,” I replied calmly. “I’ve taken care of everything.”

“Well, we’ll see,” she said, her tone as sharp as a knife, before sitting down at the table.

She scanned the spread, her gaze landing on the soup. “Oh, is this tomato soup from my book? You’re already trying out the recipes?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Yes, very useful recipes, thank you. But I made a few improvements…”

“Improvements?” she repeated, her voice rising indignantly.

Rick, oblivious to the tension, took a big spoonful and groaned in delight. “Oh my gosh, Samantha, this is the best tomato soup I’ve ever had!”

Irene’s smile faltered. “And my cupcakes…” she muttered under her breath as Rick continued eating enthusiastically.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Her displeasure was written all over her face, and I knew this was my moment. Rick went to the bathroom, and that was the moment I’d waited for to launch my plan.

“Irene,” I began, smiling sweetly, “your book inspired me so much that I wanted to repay your kindness.”

I picked up the remote and clicked a button. The projector on the wall flickered to life, displaying bold letters:

“How to Mind Your Own Business.”

“Today I proved that I’m more than capable of running my home and taking care of my husband. Irene, I appreciate your advice, but I’ll handle my life on my own terms.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Irene shot up from her seat, her face red with anger. “You’re not fit to be my son’s wife! And you know it!”

“Mom! How can you say that?” Rick walked inside the room, stunned.

“Rick, you know it’s true,” Irene snapped. “She’s not worthy of you.”

“Mom, enough!” Rick’s voice was firm now.

“I love Samantha, and you’ll accept my choice, whether you like it or not. I think it’s time for you to go home. I’ll call you a taxi.”

“Fine, dear…” Irene said with a huff, finally relenting.

I nodded silently, my heart pounding. For once, I felt victorious. In this battle for boundaries, I had finally taken a stand—and won.

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Girl’s Entire Life Turns Upside down When She Discovers Who Her Real Mother Is — Story of the Day

Kira learns a shocking truth about her origins after trying to sneak out to a party. The revelation changes her life forever and threatens her relationships with her closest loved ones. Can she come to terms with the past and find a new place in her family?

Kira walked into the house, her mind racing with thoughts about the conversation she was about to have with her mother. Sarah, Kira’s mother, was very strict and uncompromising.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Kira wanted to go to a party at her friend’s house tonight but didn’t know how to bring it up to Sarah. She understood the chances of being allowed to go were very slim, but she felt it was worth a try.

Kira entered the kitchen and saw Sarah cooking dinner, her movements precise and focused. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air. Her father, Tom, sat at the table, engrossed in reading the news on his tablet.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tom wasn’t as strict as Sarah, but he always sided with her, so the final word was always Sarah’s. Kira approached the table and sat down next to Tom, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.

“You know I’m an excellent student,” Kira started, her voice soft and cautious.

Tom glanced up from his tablet, a small smile on his face. “Yes, you are,” he said, patting her on the shoulder.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“And I almost never ask for anything. I don’t rebel and I help around the house,” Kira continued, trying to build her case.

Sarah, sensing something was up, turned from the stove and looked directly at Kira. “What do you want?” she asked, her tone firm.

Kira hesitated, trying to keep the conversation light. “Why do you assume I want something? Maybe I just wanted to remind you what a wonderful daughter you have.”

Sarah gave her a stern look, clearly not amused. “Ugh,” Kira grunted. “Okay, Stacy is having a party tonight, and I—”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“No,” Sarah cut her off, turning back to the stove.

“I didn’t even finish my sentence!” Kira protested, her frustration bubbling over.

“You’re not going to the party. You can stop this conversation right now,” Sarah said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Kira turned to Tom, hoping for support. “Dad?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tom sighed, putting down his tablet. “You know your mother’s word is law,” he said calmly.

“But I’m almost 16! All the other kids go to parties, and I haven’t been to a single one!” Kira said, stretching the truth. She had been to many parties, but this was her best friend’s party. She couldn’t miss it.

“When you’re 21, then you can go to parties,” Sarah said, her back still turned.

“There won’t be any alcohol!” Kira pleaded.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Kira, what part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?” Sarah continued, her voice sharp.

“Why do you have to be like this?!” Kira asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

“Throwing a tantrum won’t change anything,” Sarah said, her tone unyielding.

Kira felt a surge of anger and shouted, “If Meredith were here, she would support me!” Meredith was her older sister. Despite the fifteen-year age gap, they always understood each other. Meredith was the only person who always got Kira.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“But she’s not here, so this conversation is over,” Sarah said, her voice final.

Kira stood up abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Kira stormed out of the kitchen, her face flushed with anger, slamming the door behind her as she entered her room.

Her frustration boiled over as she paced back and forth. They didn’t let her go, but that didn’t mean Kira wasn’t going.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She sat on her bed, waiting for what felt like hours until she heard her parents’ footsteps retreat to their bedroom. The house grew quiet, signaling it was time.

Kira quickly arranged her pillows and blanket to look like she was in bed, creating a convincing decoy. She tiptoed to the door, pausing to listen for any sounds from her parents.

Satisfied, she slipped out of her room and carefully made her way down the hall. The front and back doors had bells that would ring if someone entered or exited the house. However, there was another way out—the garage.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Kira had snuck out this way many times and had never been caught. She crept into the garage, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves.

While turning on the flashlight on her phone, she bumped into a shelf, causing some boxes to crash to the floor. Kira winced, freezing in place, praying her parents hadn’t heard anything.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She shone the flashlight around and started picking up what had fallen. Among the items, she found a photo of Meredith when she was about Kira’s age. In the picture, Meredith was pregnant.

“What the…?” Kira said aloud, her eyes widening in shock. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Suddenly, a message from Stacy popped up: “When are you coming???” followed by another: “The party is in full swing.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

Kira shook her head, deciding to deal with the photo later. She pocketed it and left the house, carefully closing the garage door behind her. The cool night air hit her face as she hurried to Stacy’s house.

When Kira arrived at the party, everyone was having fun. Music blared from the speakers, and people danced and laughed all around her. Stacy spotted her and pulled her onto the dance floor, where they joined the throng of dancing teens.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

About an hour later, the music suddenly stopped, and someone shouted, “COPS! RUN!” Panic erupted as everyone scattered in different directions.

Kira’s heart raced as she headed for the front door, her mind focused on escaping. She opened the door and found herself face-to-face with a police officer.

“Going somewhere, young lady?” he asked, his voice firm.

“Damn,” Kira muttered under her breath, realizing she was caught.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Half an hour later, Kira sat in the police station, feeling a mix of fear and shame. The harsh lights made the room feel cold and unwelcoming.

She stared at the clock, waiting for Meredith to pick her up. Kira couldn’t call her parents; she knew they would be furious. Meredith lived in a neighboring town, and although she was angry about having to drive at night, she came.

When Meredith walked into the station, her face was a mix of worry and frustration. “Let’s go,” she said curtly. Kira followed her out to the car, feeling small and guilty.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

They got into the car, and Meredith started the engine without a word. The drive was tense and silent for the first few minutes.

“I was almost asleep,” Meredith said, her voice tight with frustration as they drove.

“Sorry,” Kira replied.

“Why were you arrested? Were you the drunkest one?” Meredith asked, glancing sideways at Kira.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

“What? No, there wasn’t any alcohol. I just didn’t get away in time,” Kira explained, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“What a lame party,” Meredith scoffed, shaking her head.

Kira put her hands in her pockets and felt the photo she had found in the garage. She hesitated but then looked at Meredith uncertainly.

“What? Don’t worry, I won’t tell our parents,” Meredith said, trying to reassure her.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

“No, it’s not that. I found a photo in the garage,” Kira said, her voice trembling slightly.

“What photo?” Meredith asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Yours,” Kira said, pulling the photo from her pocket and handing it to Meredith.

“Oh boy,” Meredith said, her eyes widening when she saw the picture.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Why are you pregnant in this photo? And where is this child?” Kira asked, her mind racing with confusion and questions.

Meredith took a deep breath. “Well, it looks like it’s time for a talk, but I think Mom and Dad should be present for this conversation,” she said, pulling the car into the driveway and parking. She got out of the car, and Kira followed, her heart pounding.

“Why can’t you tell me now?” Kira insisted, her voice rising with frustration.

“Our parents are awake,” Meredith said, looking up at the house. Kira looked up and saw the light on in their bedroom.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Meredith, why can’t you tell me?” Kira pressed, her voice desperate.

“Because I don’t know how to say it,” Meredith admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Say what?!” Kira demanded, her patience wearing thin.

“That I’m your mother,” Meredith said quietly, her words hanging in the air.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“WHAT?!” Kira screamed, her voice echoing through the quiet street. The front door opened, and Sarah and Tom appeared, their faces a mix of confusion and concern.

“What’s going on?” Sarah asked, her eyes darting between Kira and Meredith.

“She knows everything,” Meredith said, her shoulders slumping.

“Knows what?” Tom asked, his voice tense.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What do you mean you’re my mother?!” Kira shouted at Meredith, her voice breaking.

“You told her?!” Sarah said angrily, turning to Meredith.

“She found the photo; I couldn’t lie to her,” Meredith replied, her voice steady but sad.

“You had no right!” Sarah yelled, her face red with anger.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Is that all you care about?!” Kira screamed, tears streaming down her face. “You’ve lied to me my whole life! I don’t want to see any of you!” She turned and ran, her heart breaking as she fled from the only family she had ever known.

Kira ran to the river, where she often played as a child. The familiar sounds of the water did little to calm her. She cried, unable to believe she had lived a lie her entire life.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Her sobs echoed in the quiet night. After some time, she heard someone sit next to her. She looked up and saw Meredith, her eyes full of worry and sadness.

“How did you know I’d be here?” Kira asked, her voice still shaky from crying.

“Don’t forget who showed you this place,” Meredith replied with a small smile.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Kira asked, her eyes searching Meredith’s face for answers.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Meredith took a deep breath. “I was 15 when you were born, still in school. You know how our Mom is, well, my Mom. She couldn’t let anyone find out.”

“But it’s been almost 16 years,” Kira said, her frustration clear.

“I know. Every day I struggled with the desire to tell you everything. But Mom forbade it, said it would ruin your life. That’s why I moved away,” Meredith explained, her eyes filled with regret.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m still mad at you for leaving. You were the only one who understood me,” Kira said, her voice softening.

“I know,” Meredith said, pulling Kira into a hug. “It was hard for me too, being away from my favorite person in the world.”

“You should have told me a long time ago,” Kira said, her voice muffled against Meredith’s shoulder.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I know, I know. Can you forgive me? I’ll try to stop being your sister and start being your mom,” Meredith said, looking Kira in the eyes.

Kira nodded slowly. “So, should I start calling you Mom?” she asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Only if you call Sarah Grandma. She’ll be furious,” Meredith replied, trying to lighten the mood.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Kira and Meredith laughed together, the tension easing a bit.

“Call me whatever feels right,” Meredith said. “We’ll get used to this gradually.”

“Okay,” Kira said, finally hugging Meredith back tightly. They sat there for a while, finding comfort in each other’s presence, knowing they had a long road ahead but feeling hopeful.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Kate and John meet at the lawyer’s office to sign their divorce papers when an unexpected power outage traps them together in the elevator. Can they overcome their hurt and mistrust to save their marriage, or will they part ways forever?

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