When Hayley’s ex’s mom invites her to design a wedding dress for her big day, it seems strange, but nothing prepares Hayley for the truth. What follows is a confession, a second chance at love, and a surprise she never saw coming. Sometimes, life gives you the most unexpected twists… It had been three years since Adam and I broke up, but I still couldn’t shake him. Five years of love doesn’t just disappear overnight. His sudden breakup was like a sucker punch with no explanation, no closure, just silence. It was just done. An upset woman | Source: Midjourney An upset woman | Source: Midjourney Then, about a year ago, he started dating her. My former friend, Miranda. If betrayal had a face, it was hers, plastered all over social media with captions of the two of them: When you know, you know, and The best thing that ever happened to me! I told myself to block her, to stop looking, but I didn’t. Every photo, every grin, every comment about her “forever love” felt like salt in an open wound. A laptop opened to social media | Source: Midjourney A laptop opened to social media | Source: Midjourney I never stopped loving him. That’s the sad, honest truth. Pathetic, I know. I wasn’t able to date anyone seriously since him. So when Adam’s mom, Lena, called me out of the blue last month, I thought I was hallucinating. We never exactly got along. She had always been polite but distant, like she was sizing me up and always finding me lacking something or the other. A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney After the breakup, I assumed I’d never hear from her again. But there she was, on the other end of my phone, her voice strangely warm. “Hello, sweetheart,” she said. “I know this might be unexpected, but I have a favor to ask, Hayley.” Lena told me that she was getting married. Married! And she wanted me to design her wedding dress. She gushed about how I’d become one of the most sought-after seamstresses in the city. A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney “I’ve always admired your work, Hayley,” she said softly. “And I trust you. I know you’d create something perfect just for me.” Trust? Admiration? From Lena? I nearly dropped the phone. I couldn’t figure out what game she was playing. My instincts screamed at me to say no, to hang up and block her number. And truly be done with that entire family. A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney But she begged. And how could I say no? She said that no one else could do it justice and that she’d forever be grateful. “Nobody else will do things that will suit my age and my figure! And make me something dream-worthy, Hayley. Please?” I don’t know why I said yes. Maybe there was a part of me that wanted to feel close to Adam again. Or maybe I just couldn’t resist the curiosity clawing at me. Either way, I agreed. A sketch of a wedding dress | Source: Midjourney A sketch of a wedding dress | Source: Midjourney Over the next few weeks, I poured myself into the dress. The fabric was like spun clouds, soft and ethereal, with delicate beading along the bodice. I stayed up late perfecting every stitch. Lena had wanted a lacy dress that made her feel like a princess. “I know it’s foolish, darling,” she said. “When I married Adam’s father all those years ago, I wore a shapeless white dress that did absolutely nothing for my figure. I want to live my dream wedding dress now.” Lena had given me her measurements, and oddly enough, they matched mine. A woman sewing | Source: Midjourney A woman sewing | Source: Midjourney I tried not to think about it. But it wasn’t a surprise. The entire time I had been dating Adam, Lena was always at Pilates or yoga or swimming with her friends. The morning of the wedding arrived. I packed the dress into a garment bag, loaded it carefully into my car, and drove to the venue. It was a gorgeous country estate tucked away like something out of a fairy tale. If I ever got married, I could see myself using this as a venue contender. A wedding venue | Source: Midjourney A wedding venue | Source: Midjourney The moment I pulled up, unease curled in my stomach. Something’s wrong, I thought. But I shook it off. Clutching the garment bag, I walked inside. Soft music drifted through the air, and guests milled about in suits and gowns, their laughter a low hum. But then I saw it. A massive banner near the altar, shimmering under the soft light. A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney It displayed the names of the couple getting married. I froze right there. It wasn’t Lena’s name. It was Adam’s name. And mine. Welcome to the nuptials of Adam & Hayley A shocked woman | Source: Midjourney A shocked woman | Source: Midjourney I blinked, my mind short-circuiting. My heart was racing so fast it felt like it might explode. “What… what is this?” I whispered aloud. “Hayley,” a voice said from behind me. His voice, Adam’s voice, made me jump. I turned around, and there he was. Adam. A man in a suit | Source: Midjourney A man in a suit | Source: Midjourney He looked older, his jaw sharper, his eyes softer. He wasn’t smiling, though. He just stood there, hands at his sides, looking at me like I was the only person in the room. “What is this?” I demanded, my voice shaking. “Why is my name on that banner? What’s happening?” He took a slow step toward me, regret written all over his face. “Please, just let me explain.” A close up of a man | Source: Midjourney A close up of a man | Source: Midjourney I wanted to scream. I wanted to run. But I just couldn’t move. “You’ve got two minutes,” I said, folding my arms tightly across my chest. He took a deep breath. “Three years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life.” Yeah, no kidding, I thought bitterly, but I stayed quiet. A woman with folded arms | Source: Midjourney A woman with folded arms | Source: Midjourney “I was going to propose to you, Hayley,” he said. “I had the ring. I had everything planned. And then… she showed me something.” “She?” I whispered, already knowing who. “Your… my ex. Miranda,” he looked away, his voice thick with regret. “She showed me a video of you all on holiday. Thailand, I think it was. And you were drinking and shouting that you didn’t want kids. She told me that it was recent, that you’d been lying to me about wanting a family. Especially with me. It crushed me, Hayley. I thought I didn’t know you at all.” An angry woman | Source: Midjourney An angry woman | Source: Midjourney The air whooshed out of my lungs. I remembered the video. It was years ago, we had been on a girls’ trip, and I was venting after a drunken spat with someone who assumed all women had to want kids. The same man who made his wife take care of their kids while he enjoyed his beer on the beach. It had nothing to do with Adam and everything to do with wanting to be heard. “You didn’t think to ask me?” I choked out. “You didn’t think that you could have taken five minutes to ask me about that video?” A surprised woman | Source: Midjourney A surprised woman | Source: Midjourney “I know, Hayley,” he said, shaking his head. “I was stupid. I was already vulnerable, and she got into my head. I believed Miranda. I believed everything she said. And I let you go. Then she admitted the truth.” “What?” I gasped. “Months ago. She slipped up during an argument. She told me the video was old, and she knew I’d overreact. She said that she wanted me for myself and couldn’t stand that you had me.” A woman holding her head | Source: Midjourney A woman holding her head | Source: Midjourney Tears stung my eyes. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. She’d destroyed everything we had, and he let her. “I ended things with her that night,” he continued. “And I’ve spent every day since trying to figure out how to fix this. How to win you back.” I shook my head, still completely overwhelmed. “And this?” I gestured around. “What the heck is this?” His lips curved into a small, nervous smile. A wedding setting | Source: Midjourney A wedding setting | Source: Midjourney “This is me not waiting any longer…” Adam reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box. Then he dropped to one knee. “Hayley, I love you. I never stopped. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m asking for it anyway. Will you marry me? Right here, right now?” I stared at him, my world spinning. Then, out of nowhere, it hit me. A ruby engagement ring | Source: Midjourney A ruby engagement ring | Source: Midjourney Lena. She’d planned this. She’d asked me to make the dress because she knew. And the truth? I still loved him. So, I whispered my answer. “Yes, Adam.” Lena appeared almost instantly, carrying flowers and beaming like a woman who’d just pulled off the heist of the century. A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney “You said yes!” she cried, hugging me tightly. “I’m so sorry for how I treated you before, Hayley. I didn’t see how much you meant to Adam until it was too late. Thank you for giving him another chance.” Stylists and makeup artists seemed to appear out of nowhere. My parents showed up, looking both stunned and delighted. No one knew if I’d say yes, but they’d all been ready. I changed into the dress I’d made with my own hands, realizing it had been meant for me all along. Hair and makeup artists | Source: Midjourney Hair and makeup artists | Source: Midjourney When Adam and I stood together at the altar, his hand in mine, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years. Peace. After the ceremony, the crowd had thinned, and the music played softly in the background. I stood on the balcony of the venue, the crisp evening air cooling my flushed cheeks. My hands rested on the railing as I stared at the horizon, trying to process everything that had happened. A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney “Hey.” Adam’s voice came from behind me. I turned to see him standing there, tie loosened, the soft glow of string lights making his eyes look even warmer. “Hey,” I said quietly, my lips curving into a small smile. He stepped beside me, his arm brushing against mine as we both looked out into the night. “Are you okay?” he asked. A smiling groom | Source: Midjourney A smiling groom | Source: Midjourney I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “I don’t even know what I am right now. Happy? Overwhelmed? Still waiting for someone to yell ‘April Fools’?” He chuckled, his gaze softening. “It’s real, Hayley. I promise.” We fell silent for a moment before he spoke again, his voice more serious. A laughing bride | Source: Midjourney A laughing bride | Source: Midjourney “I don’t deserve this. You. I know I messed up. I let someone else’s lies break something beautiful, and I’ve hated myself for it every day since.” I turned to face him, my heart tightening. “You should’ve talked to me, Adam. I would have told you the truth. You hurt me so much when you left.” His face crumbled just a little, his jaw flexing. A woman looking pensive | Source: Midjourney A woman looking pensive | Source: Midjourney “I know. And I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, if you’ll let me.” I stared at him for a long moment, searching his face for any doubt, any hesitation. But there was none. “I’m here, aren’t I?” I whispered. His lips curved into a smile, a mixture of relief and love. A smiling man | Source: Midjourney A smiling man | Source: Midjourney “Yeah, you are,” he said. He took my hand and kissed my knuckles, lingering for just a moment. “This time, I’ll get it right.” I smiled back, the truth settling deep in my chest. “This time, we will.” “Come, love. Let’s go get some cake and champagne.” But before we left the balcony, he pulled me into his arms, and for the first time in years, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. A wedding cake | Source: Midjourney A wedding cake | Source: Midjourney If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you | On the day of Mabel and Adam’s wedding, they’re stuck in a limousine as they crawl along the freeway, thanks to traffic. Instead of keeping her mother’s guests entertained, Mabel’s daughter, Amanda, takes over the wedding, stealing the limelight. Will Mabel retaliate at the wedding or just let Amanda learn her lesson another way? 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.

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024 - by NT - Leave a Comment

“What goes around comes around,” old Eleanor kept repeating. However, Nurse Claire worried about the elderly lady’s future. After giving her son access to all of her savings, Eleanor had almost been kicked out onto the streets. Yet, one delivery from her past changed everything.

The room carried the quiet charm of years gone by. The faint lavender scent mixed with the polish of old wood evoking a sense of warmth and calm.

Sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, creating delicate patterns on the faded wallpaper.

In her favorite armchair, Eleanor sat with a soft, faraway look in her eyes.

Her frail hands rested on an embroidered blanket, the fabric as worn and familiar as the memories she clung to.

The rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall seemed to match her thoughts, wandering somewhere between the past and the present.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor’s gaze lingered on the timepiece, a wedding gift from decades ago, now a relic of a life she once knew.

A gentle knock at the door pulled her from her reverie. Nurse Claire peeked in, her kind smile lighting up the quiet space.

“Ma’am, you have a visitor,” she said in her usual soft, soothing tone.

Eleanor straightened as much as her stiff back would allow, her expression curious.

“A visitor? Well, let them in, dear,” she replied, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Moments later, the sound of polished shoes on the wooden floor announced the arrival of her son, Andrew.

He strode in, tall and imposing in a tailored suit, his cologne filling the room with an air of sharpness that matched his demeanor.

“Mother,” he greeted, his tone clipped, though he forced a tight smile.

Eleanor’s face brightened. “Andrew, what a pleasant surprise,” she said warmly, though the coolness in his voice didn’t escape her.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Andrew wasted no time with small talk. He pulled out a sleek folder and placed it on the small table beside her chair.

“Mother, I need you to sign these papers,” he said, his words brisk and efficient.

“It’s just a small thing. It will give me access to your accounts and the company’s holdings. I’ll handle everything for you—it’ll make things much easier.”

Eleanor blinked, her frail hands hovering over the folder.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, Andrew, if it will make your life easier…” she began, her voice trailing off.

Before she could pick up the pen, Nurse Claire stepped forward, her usually soft expression now firm.

“Ma’am,” she interjected, her voice steady, “perhaps it’s best to review these documents later. It’s been a long day, and you need your rest.”

Andrew’s jaw tightened, his forced smile faltering. “It’s just a signature,” he snapped, his tone turning sharp.

Claire didn’t flinch. “Later,” she repeated firmly, her gaze unwavering.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor looked between them, confused but compliant.

“Alright, Andrew. We’ll do it later,” she said softly, her trust in him unwavering despite her nurse’s intervention.

Andrew stood abruptly, irritation flashing across his face.

“Fine. I’ll come back tomorrow,” he said, turning on his heel and leaving without another word.

As the sound of his footsteps faded, Claire knelt beside Eleanor’s chair, her voice softening. “Are you alright?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor nodded, but her smile faltered.

“He’s my son, Claire,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “He only wants what’s best… doesn’t he?”

Claire hesitated, her heart aching for the elderly woman.

“Of course, Ma’am,” she murmured, though doubt lingered in her eyes.

The garden was a quiet oasis tucked away from the humdrum of the nursing home.

Roses in full bloom climbed gracefully up trellises, their soft petals catching the golden light of late afternoon.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

A small fountain bubbled rhythmically, the sound mingling with the cheerful chirps of sparrows flitting from branch to branch.

The air was heavy with the sweet scent of jasmine, and for a moment, it felt as if the world beyond this garden didn’t exist.

Nurse Claire wheeled Eleanor along the stone path, careful to keep the ride smooth.

She glanced down at the elderly woman, whose face seemed serene as she absorbed the beauty around her.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Claire hesitated, her words caught somewhere between her heart and her lips.

“Ma’am,” she finally said, her voice tentative, “I know it’s not my place, but Andrew… he doesn’t seem to have your best interests at heart.”

Eleanor chuckled lightly, her frail hands resting on her lap. “Oh, Claire, he’s my son. He’s just ambitious. That’s not a bad thing.”

Claire stopped the wheelchair and knelt beside Eleanor, her tone soft but urgent.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Ambitious? Maybe. But he doesn’t see you as his mother. He sees you as a means to an end. If you give him control of your finances, he’ll forget about you. He’s already left you here, hasn’t he?”

Eleanor’s smile faltered, the warmth in her expression dimming slightly. But she didn’t respond, her eyes drifting to the roses as if seeking solace.

Claire pressed on, her voice gaining strength.

“This nursing home is struggling. Soon, it might have to close. If you invested in it instead, you’d secure your comfort here and help others in need.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor reached out a trembling hand and placed it over Claire’s, her touch light but firm.

“Claire, dear, I’ve lived my life by one principle: what goes around comes around. If Andrew wants my money, then so be it. The universe will see to it that things work out.”

Claire’s eyes filled with frustration, her voice breaking slightly.

“That’s… delusional, Ma’am. Life doesn’t always work that way.”

Eleanor smiled again, the corners of her mouth lifting in a way that was both gentle and unshakable.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“It always has for me, Claire,” she said softly.

Claire let out a sigh, glancing at the fountain as if hoping it held the answer she couldn’t give. The water sparkled in the sunlight, but no clarity came.

She squeezed Eleanor’s hand gently. “I hope you’re right,” she murmured, though the doubt in her voice lingered.

Eleanor tilted her head toward the fountain, her gaze faraway. “I know I am,” she whispered, as if speaking to the universe itself.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on the room as Claire tidied up Eleanor’s bedside table.

The faint hum of voices in the hallway signaled the start of another busy day at the nursing home.

The door swung open suddenly, and Andrew strode in, his polished shoes tapping against the wooden floor. A man in a sharp suit followed closely behind, holding a leather briefcase.

“Mother, good to see you again,” Andrew said briskly, offering a fleeting smile. His tone lacked warmth, carrying more urgency than affection.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor’s face lit up, her frail hands resting on the arms of her chair. “Andrew, you’re back! Did you bring the papers?”

“Of course,” he replied, pulling a thick stack of papers from the briefcase and placing them on the table.

“Just sign here, here, and here,” he instructed, tapping the designated spots with a pen.

Claire, who had been observing quietly from the doorway, felt her stomach churn. “Ma’am…” she began cautiously, stepping forward.

Eleanor held up a hand, her voice calm but firm. “It’s alright, Claire. I trust my son.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

With a steady resolve, she picked up the pen. Her hand trembled slightly as she signed each line, but her expression remained serene.

Andrew’s grin widened as he swiftly gathered the papers, his movements efficient and rehearsed.

“Thank you, Mother. You won’t regret this,” he said, already halfway to the door. He didn’t look back as he left, the lawyer trailing behind him.

Claire moved to Eleanor’s side, her eyes brimming with sorrow. She knelt beside the older woman, placing a gentle hand on hers.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m so sorry. No one deserves to be treated like that by their own child.”

Eleanor patted Claire’s hand, her smile soft but unwavering.

“Don’t be sorry, dear,” she said quietly. “What goes around comes around.”

Claire studied Eleanor’s face, searching for any hint of regret or doubt, but found none.

The older woman’s calm certainty left Claire both comforted and unsettled.

The gentle clicking of knitting needles filled Eleanor’s room as she sat in her armchair, the bright yarn weaving through her frail fingers.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Her focus on the neat stitches was broken by the sound of a hesitant knock at the door.

When she glanced up, Claire stepped inside, her face pale and her eyes clouded with worry.

“Ma’am,” Claire began, her voice trembling, “I need to tell you something.”

Eleanor set her knitting aside, smoothing the blanket over her lap. “What is it, dear?” she asked, her tone calm and steady.

Claire took a deep breath, wringing her hands nervously. “Andrew… he stopped paying your nursing home bills. We… we have no choice but to ask you to leave by the end of the week.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor’s hands trembled slightly, but she pressed them together to steady herself. Her eyes softened as she looked at Claire, a faint smile gracing her lips.

“It’s alright, Claire,” she said gently. “Things will work out. They always do.”

Before Claire could respond, a sharp knock interrupted them. A deliveryman entered, holding a large bouquet of white lilies and a sealed envelope for Eleanor.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Claire quickly took the bouquet and envelope, her brows furrowed in confusion.

She handed the flowers to Eleanor and opened the envelope, pulling out a neatly folded note. Clearing her throat, she began to read aloud.

“I will never forget what you did for me. When I had nothing, you gave me a place to stay and helped me get back on my feet. You changed my life. Please accept this small token of gratitude.”

Claire’s voice faltered, emotion breaking through her professional demeanor. “It’s signed… but there’s no name,” she added softly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor adjusted her glasses, her hands trembling as she took the note. Her eyes scanned the signature, and a spark of recognition lit her face.

Her smile widened, and her eyes twinkled with both surprise and fondness.

“I remember him,” she murmured. “A homeless boy, years ago. I never imagined…”

Claire wiped away a tear as she placed a hand over Eleanor’s.

“Ma’am, with the flowers came an enormous donation. It’s enough to save the nursing home and renovate it. There’s only one condition: that you’re taken care of in every way.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor leaned back, her smile radiant.

“What goes around comes around, Claire. It always does.”

The lilies filled the room with their soft fragrance as the weight of uncertainty lifted, leaving behind hope and a reminder of the kindness that had come full circle.

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: “Perfect neighbor”—that was Julia’s dream title. She wanted to be a role model for other women in the community. Imagine her face when she saw her mother ride a Harley-Davidson into the driveway. Pure embarrassment nearly drove Julia to the point of kicking her mother out, but the truth stopped her. Read the full story here.

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. If you would like to share your story, please send it to i