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The Lost Christmas Letter: Denis Finds Hope and a Child’s Wish in the Snow, Inspiring a Family’s Holiday Miracle
Letter Walking home from work, I listened to the soft crunch of frost under my shoes. For some reason
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The Unwanted Wanted Granddaughter: A Summer’s Day of Secrets, Strangers in the Playground, and a Family’s Fight for Their Little Princess
– Look, over there! Thats her, I swear! whispered a tall, elegantly dressed woman to a rather simple-looking
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A Lonely Elderly Woman Feeds a Homeless Dog, and What Happened Next Left Her Absolutely Astonished
An old solitary woman fed a stray dog, and what followed shocked her completely Eleanor Whitaker dwelt
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06
Run from Him: When Your ‘Perfect’ Boyfriend Turns Controlling—How Lila Discovered the Truth About Roman, the Forbidden Room, and the Blonde Girl in the Portrait
Run From Him Oh, hello there, love! Emma settled herself on the chair beside Lily. Been ages!
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07
Who Slept in My Bed and Left It a Mess… A Story About My Husband’s Lover, Our Daughter’s Favourite Mug, and How Twenty Years Went Down the Drain
Who Was Sleeping In My Bed and Messed It Up A Story My husbands mistress was barely older than our daughtera
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06
The Waiter Suggested Taking Away the Kitten, but a Six-Foot Gentleman Lifted the Crying Furry Baby and Placed Him on the Next Chair: “A Plate for My Feline Friend! And Your Finest Cut of Meat!” — Let’s wear something daring, almost like young nymphs, and head to the fanciest restaurant in town. Show ourselves off and size up the men… One of the three friends spoke with confidence — she was the headmistress of an elite, expensive private girls’ school. The job required poise, so she always had just the right clever words ready. These “nymphs” were thirty-five. The perfect age, they agreed, for short skirts and blouses designed to highlight, not hide, their assets. Plunging necklines, flawless makeup — the full battle gear. The chosen restaurant was suitably grand: chic, exclusive, and eye-wateringly expensive. Of course, they could afford it. They booked a table, settled in comfortably, and immediately began catching the admiring glances of men — and the openly frosty looks from their companions. The conversation, inevitably, revolved around men — dreams, expectations, and requirements. Each was after her ideal: tall, athletic, handsome, and, above all, wealthy. He should pamper her, fulfill every whim, never bore her with chit-chat or bog her down with chores. If he happened to have noble lineage as well — perfect. — Just not like those ones… The friends glanced knowingly at a nearby group: three cheerful, slightly stout men with receding hairlines, drinking beer, munching on crisps and mountains of steak, discussing football and fishing. Their laughter was loud, honest, and unrestrained. — Awful. — So tacky. — Ugh. The verdict was unanimous: unkempt, coarse, not a trace of class, and entirely wrong for such glamorous ladies. But then something happened that instantly changed the tone of the evening. He walked in — the man who had just pulled up in a scarlet, latest-model Ferrari. — Count Coburg Colden Saxon! — The waiter announced grandly at the entrance. The women perked up like hounds catching a fresh scent. Tall, elegant, with distinguished silver at the temples, he wore a perfectly tailored suit worth a fortune. Diamond cufflinks, a dazzling white shirt completed the look. — Oh my… — Wow… — Mmmm… Low necklines dipped even lower, their gazes openly inviting. — Now that’s a man, whispered one. — An actual count, a stunner, and a millionaire — chimed the second. I’ve dreamed of the Bahamas since I was a kid… The third said nothing, but her eyes spoke volumes. Within ten minutes, the ladies were invited to the count’s table. They walked grandly, shooting scornful glances at other diners — especially the beer trio. The count was charming, engaging in polite society speeches about ancient family lines, castle estates, and art collections. The tension among the women rose — all knew only one would be invited to continue the evening. The arrival of food — lobsters, trays of seafood, rare vintage wine — temporarily eased the pressure. The ladies dined in style, sending dreamy glances at the count and fantasizing about much more than dinner. Their cheeks glowed, and they looked especially radiant. The count sparkled too — joking, sharing high-society stories, and none of the women cared anymore where he’d take them after the meal. The restaurant had a small garden. The aroma from the kitchen was so tempting, it drifted outside. Soon, a small, scruffy grey kitten appeared, weaving its way between tables and sitting expectantly at the count’s feet. It was all in vain. The count’s face twisted in disgust. Without hesitation, he shoved the kitten away with his foot. The little one tumbled several feet, right into the table leg where the three beer drinkers sat. Silence swept through the room. — I can’t stand these dirty, worthless animals, the count declared loudly. I keep pedigreed hounds and the finest horses at my castle. The waiter hurried to assure: — We’ll handle it, so sorry… He headed for the beer table, but one man was already on his feet. Huge, almost six feet tall, face flushed with anger, fists clenched. His mates tried to hold him back. Without a word, he lifted the kitten and placed it on the chair. — A plate for my furry friend! — he thundered. And your finest cut of meat. Now! The waiter paled and rushed to the kitchen as applause broke out. One of the “nymphs” stood, walked over to the giant, and said: — Make room. And order a lady a whiskey. The count was speechless. Within minutes, the two other friends joined them, gifting the count a contemptuous glare. Not everyone left the restaurant together that night. One group — a man, a woman, and a scruffy grey kitten — walked out in triumph. Time passed. Today, the first of the friends is married to that giant — owner of a major investment firm. The other two married his pals, both top lawyers. Their weddings were held on the same day. Now, the former “nymphs” have a totally different life: nappies, cooking, cleaning, with baby daughters all born within months. To freshen up, they send their husbands off for football or fishing at weekends, call the nanny, and head back to their favourite restaurant — to talk about women’s stuff. About men. As for Count Coburg Colden Saxon — a year later, he was arrested. A high-profile case — a marriage fraudster preying on unsuspecting women. Real men, happily, aren’t like that. I mean those three — with beer bellies and balding heads, with no glamour or airs, but truly honourable hearts. And that’s that. There’s really no other way.
The waiter hurried over, intent on removing the stray kitten. But a towering Englishman intercepted
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04
The Second Child is a Husband
Second child is a husband. No, it isnt a wife Its a housekeeper, a chef Dont get sidetracked.
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03
Julia at the Front Steps: The Loyal Dog Who Waited for Her Family from Flat 22—An Uplifting Tale of Friendship, Determination, and Hope in an English Provincial Town of the Early 1990s
Julia sat quietly by the entrance to her block of flats, as if she were guarding a mysterious gate.
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Unwanted Child – So, have you chosen a name for your little one? The elderly doctor, wearing a practiced professional smile, looked at his young patient. – We haven’t actually picked a name yet, – interrupted Natalia, seated on a chair by the bedside. – It’s an important decision; Dasha needs time to think carefully. – I don’t want to pick one. – The young mum spoke up unexpectedly. – In fact, I’m not taking her home. I’ll be signing her over. – What are you saying? – The woman leapt up, shooting her daughter a furious glance, then turned to the doctor. – She doesn’t know what she’s saying. We’re definitely bringing the little one home. – I’ll drop by later, have a rest for now. – The doctor had no desire to witness a family dispute. As soon as the man left the room, the woman rounded on the girl. – How dare you say something like that? What will people think of us? Moving to this town was enough of a scandal. That child must remain in our family. – And whose fault is that? – Dasha stared her stepmother down. – If you’d listened to me back then, none of this would have happened. I would’ve finished school and gone to uni. So if you want that baby, you have her. Dasha turned her back, making it clear the conversation was over. Natalia tried for another few minutes to get through to her, but a nurse soon popped in and asked her to leave. The patient needed rest. Now Dasha was alone in the ward. She sobbed quietly into her pillow, praying to every god she could think of just to make it all end. A timid knock made the girl dry her tears. She took a deep breath and said, “Come in.” She expected a nurse or perhaps even her father, but the woman who entered was a complete stranger. – Is there anything I can help you with? – Dasha struggled to maintain a mask of calm. – I overheard… quite by accident! The doctors were talking in the next room, – the woman hesitated, unable to voice her question outright. – Yes, I want to give the baby up. That’s what you wanted to know, isn’t it? – I saw your mum… – She’s not my mum! – Dasha snapped, losing her composure. – Just my stepmother with far too much to say. My real mum works abroad. – Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, – the woman faltered. – It’s just, I have three children and I spent my whole childhood in a children’s home. I feel so sorry for your little girl – she hasn’t done anything wrong! – They say babies that little get adopted quickly, – Dasha shrugged. – I can’t even bring myself to hold her, let alone anything else. If Nat had kept out of it, I wouldn’t even be here. – But you’re old enough to make your own decisions now, aren’t you? You’re over fifteen? – “Such shame!” – Dasha mimicked the stepmother. “How will we ever show our faces to the neighbours?” – I don’t understand… – Let me tell you, – Dasha gave a crooked smile, – maybe then you’ll stop judging me. **************************************************** Dasha’s last year at school was a disaster. Not only had her boyfriend Pasha been conscripted, their class had taken in a new boy – a flashy city lad, banished to their small town by his father as punishment for his behaviour with girls. He didn’t care about relationships, just racking up numbers. That was why he’d been sent away; his escapades were ruining his father’s reputation. Makar handed out expensive gifts, took girls clubbing and to fancy restaurants. One by one, her classmates fell for the act, each hoping to become the “prince’s” bride. Dasha was the only one who didn’t fall for his tricks – she was in love with Pasha and wanted no one else. Had the new boy finally got the message? It seemed so at first. How wrong she was. In late December, a friend held a birthday party. The whole class attended, including Makar, who paid the event special attention. But his intent wasn’t to celebrate the birthday girl. During the party, Dasha took a call out in the hallway. When she returned, Makar was sitting in her seat. She didn’t think much of it, until she suddenly felt very unwell… She woke in the morning, barely able to open her eyes. Beside her lay Makar, grinning. – See, all that effort for nothing, – he said casually. – Consider this my compensation. I’m honestly surprised. Your Pashka’s a real loser. Getting home was a struggle. Dasha could hardly walk in a straight line; passersby stared at her with disgust. She rang the doorbell instead of fishing for her keys; she knew her stepmother would be home. – Where on earth have you been? – Natalia snapped. – You didn’t come home, wouldn’t answer your phone, and just look at the state of you! If your father spotted you now… – Call a doctor and the police, – Dasha interrupted. – I want to make a formal complaint. He should be put behind bars. Natalia stiffened. Putting two and two together, she reached her own conclusion. – Who? – Makar, who else? – Dasha could barely speak. – No one else would dare. Call them, or I will. – Wait. – Natalia paced. She always looked for an angle. – They’ll get him off. We’ll do things my way. I’ll contact his dad and ask for a settlement. – Are you insane? – Dasha could hardly believe it. – A settlement? I’m going to the police now! – No, you’re not! – her stepmother grabbed Dasha’s arm, dragging her into the bedroom. She was too weak to resist. – You’ll be the one blamed; townsfolk will point and whisper. Leave it to me. Dasha had lost her phone somewhere along the way, or maybe left it at her friend’s. She was effectively trapped. Natalia locked her in, and her head spun worse than ever; she collapsed onto the bed… A couple of days later, Dasha got sent to her grandmother, who lived a hundred kilometres away. She didn’t want to worry the old lady, so she pretended everything was fine. A month later, she got the awful news. That night had left her pregnant. Natalia was thrilled. This baby would secure them an easy life! Granddad would pay, as he always had, covering for his son’s mistakes. Just keep it quiet until the fifth month. Dasha’s wants weren’t considered. The moment she suggested ending the pregnancy, Natalia flew into a rage and began watching her like a hawk. Granddad wasn’t thrilled, but handed over a hefty sum and promised regular payments. ***************************************************** – Do you understand now? I’ve suffered so much because of this baby. Pasha dumped me; he didn’t believe a word I said. Friends turned their backs, we had to move, and I didn’t even finish school! – I’m sorry for judging you before I knew the whole story, – the woman admitted, ashamed. – But the baby isn’t to blame. – Dasha, we need to have a serious word! – Natalia swept into the room, dragging her husband. – I’ll have to ask visitors to leave. This is a family matter! The woman gave a sympathetic look and left, closing the door firmly behind her. – I won’t let you ruin my perfect plan. Leave the baby here and you’re not coming home again. Where will you go then? Your dear granny’s dead, her flat went to your uncle. You’ll be out on the street. – No, she’s coming home with me. – An elegant woman entered the room. Dasha’s eyes lit up with joy. – Mum! You came! – Of course I did, I couldn’t leave you in trouble, – Albina hugged her tight. – If you’d told me, I would’ve brought you home long ago. I only thought it would be easier here for you to finish school. – I thought you didn’t want me, – Dasha sobbed. Despite everything, she was still just a child. – Someone kept telling me you wanted nothing to do with me. My presents were returned unopened, I could never get through to you. I thought I’d upset you. But never mind, – her mother said briskly, wiping away tears. – We’ll go home, and you’ll forget all about this… ****************************************************** Dasha left. Natalia took the baby, hoping for an easy ride. But when the powerful grandfather found out, he came and took the little girl for himself, making Makar finally own up to paternity. As for Dasha, she’s happy at last. She’s with the one person who’ll always help and never betray her…
Unwanted Child What would you like to name your little girl? The elderly doctor asked with a kindly professional
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Another Woman’s Son: The Day a Stranger Claimed My Husband Fathered Her Child, and How I Fought for the Boy’s Future
“Your husband is the father of my child.” With those words, a strange woman confronted Emily