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I’m 46 and if you looked at my life from the outside, you’d think everything was just fine. I married young – at 24 – to a hardworking, responsible Englishman. I had two children close together – at 26 and 28. I quit university because the schedules didn’t fit, the children were small, and I thought “there’d be time for it later.” There were never any big scandals or drama. Everything went along the way it’s “supposed to.” For years, my routine was always the same. I’d get up before everyone else, make breakfast, leave the house tidy, and head to work. I’d get home on time to finish chores, cook, wash, tidy up. Weekends were for family gatherings, birthdays, commitments. I was always there, always the one to take responsibility. If something was missing, I fixed it. If someone needed help, I was there. Never once did I ask myself if I wanted something more. My husband was never a bad man. We’d have dinner, watch telly, and go to bed. Not particularly affectionate, but not cold either. Didn’t want much, but never complained. Our conversations always revolved around bills, the kids, and chores. One ordinary Tuesday I sat in the living room, in silence, and realised I had nothing to do. Not because everything was fine, but because, in that moment, nobody needed me. I looked around and saw that for years, I’d kept this home running – but now, I didn’t know what to do with myself inside it. That day, I opened a drawer of old papers and found certificates, unfinished courses, ideas jotted in notebooks, projects set aside “for later.” I looked at photos from when I was young – before I was a wife, before I was a mum, before I was the one who fixed everything. I didn’t feel nostalgia. I felt something worse: the sense that I’d achieved everything without ever asking if it was what I wanted. Suddenly, I started to notice things I’d always thought were normal. That nobody asked how I was. That even when I came home exhausted, it was still down to me to sort everything out. That if he didn’t fancy a family gathering, that was fine, but if I didn’t want to go, it was still expected I would. That my opinion was there, but it didn’t carry any weight. There were no rows or drama, but there wasn’t space for me either. One night at dinner, I mentioned I wanted to go back to uni or try something different. My husband looked surprised and said, “What for, now?” He didn’t say it unkindly. He said it the way someone who doesn’t understand why anything needs to change says it. The kids were quiet. No one argued. No one forbade me. And yet I realised my role was so clearly defined that stepping out of it felt uncomfortable. I’m still married. I haven’t left, I haven’t packed my bags, I haven’t made any big decisions. But I’m not pretending to myself anymore. I know that for over twenty years, I’ve lived to hold together a structure where I was needed, but never the main character. How do you put yourself back together after something like that?

I’m 46, and if anyone peered at my life from beyond the windowpane, theyd likely say everything

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What You Need Isn’t a Wife—It’s a Housekeeper

You dont need a wife, you need a housekeeper. Mum, Sallys chewed up my pencil again! Martha dashed into

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My Husband’s Family Turned Up at My Country Cottage Expecting a Holiday—So I Handed Them Spades and Rakes Instead

Well, what are you waiting for? Open the gate, were on the doorstep! My mother-in-laws voice sailed over

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015

Backstabbed — Sophia Andrews, please meet Mila, our new team member. She’ll be joining your department. Sophia glanced up from her monitor to see a young woman in her early twenties. Her light brown hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail, and she wore an open, slightly shy smile. Mila shifted nervously on her feet, clutching a slim folder of documents to her chest. “Nice to meet you,” the young woman tilted her head slightly. “I’m so glad I got the job. I promise I’ll do my best.” The manager, Mr. Paul Gregory, had already turned to leave but paused at the door. “Sophia, you’ve been with us in logistics for twenty years. Please get Mila up to speed. Show her everything—the system, the routes, how to work with the hauliers. In a month, she should be able to manage her section independently.” Sophia nodded, studying the newcomer. Twenty-three—old enough to be Sophia’s daughter, if she’d ever had children. At fifty-five, Sophia had long since made peace with the fact that family would always be an impossible dream. Just work, a flat with geraniums on the windowsill, and her cat, Barney. “Take a seat,” Sophia indicated the desk beside her. “Let’s get started.” In her first week, Mila confused haulier codes and forgot to enter data into the log. Sophia patiently corrected her, explained again, drew diagrams on scraps of paper. “Look, here you put Exeter, but the consignment’s going to Edinburgh. That’s a four-hundred-mile difference, see?” Mila blushed to her roots, apologised, fixed it straight away. And then made mistakes somewhere else. By the middle of the second week, things started to look up. Mila picked things up quickly, scribbling Sophia’s every word into a battered notebook with cartoon cats on the cover. “Sophia, why don’t we work with this haulage company? Their prices are good.” “Because they missed deadlines. Twice. Reputation’s more important than a discount—remember that.” Mila nodded, jotting it down. Then, suddenly: “Do you bake your own pies? Your lunch smells amazing.” Sophia smirked. The next day, she brought in a bigger container—cabbage pies. Mila devoured them at lunch with such joy, it was as if she’d never tasted anything so wonderful. “My gran used to bake like this,” Mila said, gathering up the crumbs. “She passed away two years ago. I really miss her.” Without thinking, Sophia placed her hand gently on Mila’s thin fingers. Mila didn’t pull away, instead offering a grateful smile. Then came apple cake, cottage cheese biscuits, honey sponge—which Mila declared the best cake of her life. Sophia realised she was baking extra just to share with Mila. A strange and long-forgotten warmth settled in her chest. “Sophia, can I ask your advice? Not work-related.” “Go ahead.” “My boyfriend proposed. But we’ve only been together six months. Do you think it’s too soon?” Sophia put her papers aside, looked at Mila’s anxious eyes. “If you’re unsure, it’s too soon. When you meet the right one, you won’t need to ask.” Mila sighed in relief, as if Sophia had lifted a weight from her shoulders. By the end of week three, Mila was negotiating with hauliers herself, double-checking routes, spotting others’ mistakes. Sophia watched with quiet pride—she’d done it. She’d taught her well. “You’re like a mum to me,” Mila said one day. “Only better. My mum’s always criticising, but you support me.” Sophia blinked, turning to the window. “Get on with your work,” she muttered, but a smile stayed on her lips the entire evening. Over a month, Mila blossomed. Sophia noticed the confident way she spoke with pugnacious hauliers, how quickly she processed requests, how easily she navigated the database. Her pupil exceeded all expectations. …At the Friday staff meeting, Mr. Gregory looked grimmer than usual. He sat at the head of the table, twirling a pencil, silent for a long while. “It’s a difficult situation,” he said, scanning the room. “The market’s down, three major clients have gone to competitors. Senior management has decided to streamline staff.” Sophia exchanged glances with her colleagues. Everyone understood what “streamline” meant. Layoffs. “Decisions will be made over the next month about each department,” Mr. Gregory continued. “For now, business as usual.” After the meeting, Sophia returned to her desk, casting a furtive glance at Mila, who stared blankly at her monitor, fingers frozen above the keyboard. Fifty-five. Sophia knew the arithmetic. Her salary—one of the highest. Her tenure—long, which meant a generous redundancy package. From a bean counter’s perspective—the perfect candidate for the chop. Bitter, unfair, but she’d cope. Retirement soon, savings in the bank, mortgage long paid off. But Mila… The girl had changed. She no longer chatted at lunch, no longer asked for seconds of apple cake, barely responded when Sophia addressed her. “Mila, what’s up?” Sophia perched on the edge of her desk. “Worried about the cutbacks?” Mila jolted, giving a brittle smile. “No, I’m fine. Just a bit tired.” But Sophia could see—she wasn’t fine. Poor girl. Just found her feet and now this. Unfair. Two tense weeks crawled by. Colleagues whispered in corners, speculated on who’d go first. Mila worked in silence, focused. Sophia caught her looking at her oddly more than once, but put it down to general nervousness. Thursday after lunch, an internal email pinged up: “Sophia, please see the director.” Sophia stood, straightened her jacket. That was it. Twenty years in the company, and now—out. She steeled herself, opened the office door, and stopped dead. Across from Mr. Gregory sat Mila. Back straight, folder on her knee, face unreadable. “Come in, have a seat,” Mr. Gregory gestured. “We’ve got a serious matter to discuss.” Sophia sat, glancing between them. Mila didn’t look her way. “Mila’s been working hard,” Mr. Gregory opened some papers, “and she’s identified a number of significant errors. In your work, Sophia.” Sophia stopped breathing. Her brain scrambled: Mila, with her cat notebook, the word “errors.” The same Mila who’d devoured her pies, asked for advice about marriage. “I’ve gone through the data from the past eight months,” Mila finally spoke, but only to Mr. Gregory, as if Sophia didn’t exist. “I found eleven critical discrepancies in the paperwork. Incorrect route codes, invoice mismatches, shipping dates muddled.” She opened her folder, pulling out sheets with highlighted lines. Sophia recognised her handwriting. “I believe I can manage the section better,” Mila continued, levelly, almost as if reciting a procedure. “Sophia’s an experienced employee, but age takes its toll. It’s cheaper for the company to keep me—lower salary, higher efficiency. It’s just maths.” Mr. Gregory leaned back, drumming his fingers. “What do you say, Sophia?” Sophia stood up, took the papers, scanned the highlighted rows. Errors that weren’t errors at all. “I’m not going to make excuses,” she returned the papers. “In twenty years, I’ve learnt one thing: you can’t do every step to perfection. The result is what matters—goods arrive on time, clients are happy, the accounts add up.” “But mistakes like these could ruin us!” Mila leaned forward, letting emotion slip for the first time. “I’m just trying to help!” Mr. Gregory smirked—not nastily, but wearily, like a man who’s seen this before. “You know the type of staff we really don’t need, Mila? Those who’ll throw a colleague under the bus for their own gain.” Mila paled. “I’m well aware of these so-called errors,” he continued. “They’re not mistakes. They’re the wisdom of someone who’s learned how to navigate the system’s bureaucratic roadblocks, speed up the process where it jams. On paper, yes, it’s breaking protocol. In reality? It’s expertise. You’re just too green to know the difference.” Mila gripped the armrests. “You’ll work your notice, then you’re done,” Mr. Gregory concluded, closing the folder. “Letter on my desk by the end of the day.” “Please—” Mila’s voice broke. “I need this job. I’ve got a mortgage, I’ve only just started…” “You should have thought sooner. That’s all. You’re dismissed.” Mila stood, her folder slid from her hands, papers scattering across the floor. She scrambled to gather them, head bowed, face wet with tears. The door closed quietly behind her. “Well, Sophia,” Mr. Gregory shook his head, “she nearly elbowed you out—a real snake in the grass, that one. You took her under your wing.” Sophia said nothing. Her chest felt hollow and echoing. “You’re with us until the company shuts its doors,” he added. “Talent like yours? We don’t let go.” She nodded, and left. Mila sat at her desk, staring at the monitor. As Sophia walked by, Mila looked up—eyes prickly, hostile, glittering with tears. Sophia didn’t look back. She sat at her computer, opened her work program. The pies on the window ledge stayed untouched until evening… Backstabbed

Emma, this is Lucy, our new team member. Shell be working in your department, said Mr. Jenkins.

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I’m 41, and I live in the house that once belonged to my grandparents. After they passed away, my mum stayed here, and when she too was gone, the home became mine. It’s always been a quiet, orderly, peaceful place. I work all day and come home alone. I never imagined that routine could be shattered by a decision I made “just to help.” Two years ago, a distant cousin called me in tears. She was splitting up, had a young son, and nowhere else to go. She asked if she could stay for “a few months” while she sorted things out. I agreed—she was family, and I didn’t think it would affect me. At first, she took one room, chipped in a little for bills, left early for work. Her son stayed with a neighbour. No trouble. After three months she left her job. She said it was temporary, that she was looking for something better. She started staying home all day. Her son no longer went to the neighbour, he stayed here. The house began to change—there were toys everywhere, noise, unexpected visitors. I’d come home tired to find strangers sitting in my living room. When I asked her to let me know in advance, she told me I was overreacting, that “it’s her home too now.” Gradually she stopped contributing to expenses. First she said she couldn’t, then that she’d catch up. I started paying for everything—utilities, food, repairs. One day I came home and found she’d rearranged the furniture “to make it cosier”—without asking. When I objected, she took offence, calling me cold and saying I don’t understand what family living is. Things got worse when she started inviting over her ex—the very man she said she was escaping. He’d stay overnight, use the shower, eat here. One day I found him coming out of my room because he’d “borrowed a jacket” without asking. That’s when I told her it couldn’t continue, that there had to be boundaries. She cried, shouted, reminded me I’d taken her in when she had nothing. Six months ago, I tried to set a date for her to move out. She said she couldn’t—no money, her child’s school was nearby, how could I kick her out? I feel trapped. My home doesn’t feel like mine. I slip in quietly to avoid waking the child, eat in my room to steer clear of arguments, and spend more time out than in. I still live here, but it no longer feels like home. She acts as if the house is hers. I pay for everything, and am called selfish whenever I ask for order. I’m desperate for advice.

Im forty-one, and the house I live in has been in my family for generationsit once belonged to my grandparents.

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I’m 45 and I No Longer Welcome Guests Into My Home Some people, when they visit, completely forget they’re guests. They’re rude, offer unsolicited advice, and overstay their welcome. I used to be incredibly hospitable, but my attitude changed quickly. Once I hit forty, I stopped inviting people over. Why should I bother? Dealing with inconsiderate guests is simply frustrating. This year, I celebrated my birthday in a restaurant, and I absolutely loved it—it’s what I’ll do from now on. Let me tell you why. Hosting a gathering at home is expensive. Even a simple dinner requires a substantial outlay. If you’re organising a festive celebration, the costs go up even more. Guests turn up with token gifts—times are tough, after all—and then linger well into the night. I want to relax, not spend hours washing up and cleaning afterwards. I no longer wait for anyone within my own four walls. I clean and cook on my own schedule. In the past, after hosting festive parties at home, I’d feel exhausted and deflated. Now, after the holidays, I can take a nice bath and get an early night. I have plenty of free time and use it wisely. My friends are welcome to pop in for a cuppa, but I never stress about not having treats to serve. These days, I speak my mind freely. If I want to rest, I’ll point guests towards the door. It might not seem very polite, but I don’t care. My comfort comes first. And here’s the funniest thing: the people who love showing up at others’ homes for a good time never seem to host themselves. It’s easier to enjoy yourself in someone else’s space without worrying about cleaning or cooking. Do you still host guests? Would you call yourself a hospitable person?

Im 45 now, and Ive put a stop to having guests round my house. Some people, once they cross your threshold

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Mum, Please Smile Arina never liked it when the neighbours came over and asked her mother to sing a song. “Anna, sing us a tune, your voice is lovely and you dance so well,” they’d say. Her mother would begin singing, the neighbours would join in, and sometimes they’d all dance together in the courtyard. Back then, Arina lived with her parents and her younger brother, Tony, in their own house in an English village. Her mother was cheerful and welcoming, and when the neighbours left, she’d say, “Come again sometime, it was lovely to spend time together,” and they’d promise they would. But Arina couldn’t explain why she felt embarrassed when her mother sang and danced. She was in Year 5 at the village school when she finally said, “Mum, please don’t sing and dance… I get embarrassed,” though she didn’t quite understand why herself. Even now, as a grown woman and a mother herself, Arina can’t explain what she felt. But Anna replied, “Arina, darling, don’t be ashamed when I sing—be happy! I won’t always sing and dance, not when I’m older…” But back then, Arina didn’t think about how life isn’t always joyful. When she was in Year 6, and her brother was in Year 2, their father left. He packed his bags and left forever. Arina never knew the reason. As a teenager, she asked, “Mum, why did Dad leave us?” “You’ll know when you’re older,” her mother replied. Anna couldn’t bear to tell her daughter that she’d caught her husband at home with another woman, Vera, who lived nearby. Arina and Tony were at school, but Anna came home early after forgetting her purse. Surprised to find the door unlocked at eleven in the morning, she walked in and saw the devastating scene in their bedroom. Her husband and Vera stared at her, as if she was the intruder. There was a terrible row that evening. Anna packed his things and told him, “Go. I will never forgive your betrayal.” Ivan tried to reason with her, but she wouldn’t listen. “You have my things and my final answer,” she said, and left for the garden. Ivan took his things and left while Anna watched discreetly from around the corner, too hurt to face him again. “We’ll survive somehow,” she thought, as tears streamed down her face. “But I’ll never forgive.” And she didn’t. Anna was left alone to raise two children and soon realised how hard it would be. She took two jobs—cleaning by day and working nights at the local bakery. Exhausted, her smile slowly vanished. Though her father lived only four houses down with Vera, Arina and Tony still saw him. Vera had a son Tony’s age, who was in the same class as him. Anna never forbade her children from seeing their father; they’d play together, but always ate at home as Vera never fed them. Sometimes, even Vera’s son would come to their house, to the neighbours’ surprise. Anna would feed them all; she didn’t resent her ex-husband’s stepson. But from then on, Arina never saw her mother smile. Anna was kind and caring, but closed in on herself. Sometimes, Arina would come home from school wanting her mum to talk to her. She’d offer up stories from her day, like, “Mum, imagine, today Genka brought a kitten to class, it started meowing during lessons, and even the teacher couldn’t work out who it was. We told her it was in his bag, and she sent both Genka and the kitten home, calling his mum to school.” To this, her mum could only reply, “Right… I see…” Her laughter had gone. But Arina often heard her crying softly at night. It was only when she was older that Arina understood her mother’s tiredness. “She worked two jobs, staying up at night; she must’ve been exhausted and probably lacked vitamins. She always made sure Tony and I were well-dressed and our clothes were clean and ironed,” Arina later recalled. Back then, she’d often beg, “Mum, please smile—I haven’t seen your smile for so long.” Anna loved her children in her own way. She didn’t often hug them, but would praise them for good grades and never causing trouble. She cooked well, and their home was always tidy. Arina felt her mother’s love especially when she braided her hair. Anna would stroke her daughter’s head, always with that sad gentleness. She lost her teeth early, but never replaced them. After school, Arina didn’t even consider going off to university—she didn’t want to leave her mum alone, knowing it would cost money. She got a job in the village shop nearby, helping support her mum as Tony grew up fast and needed new clothes and shoes. One day, a new customer came in—a man named Michael, from a neighbouring village eight miles away. He smiled and said, “What’s your name, beautiful? You’re new here, I haven’t seen you before when I’ve passed through.” “I’m Arina, and I haven’t seen you either.” He introduced himself, and soon started visiting often, picking Arina up after work for long walks or a spin in his car. Once, he even brought her to his own home. He lived with his mother, who was in poor health; his wife had left him and taken their daughter to town, not wanting to care for his mum. He had a big farm and a good house, and always treated Arina to delicious meals—cream, meat, sweets. She liked his home and soon, he asked her to marry him. “I’ll be honest—you’ll need to look after Mum, but I’ll help.” Arina agreed, happy inside, but didn’t show too much. Looking after his sick mother wouldn’t be a problem. Michael was nervous, but delighted when she accepted. After their wedding, Arina moved to Michael’s village. Tony was grown up, away learning to be a mechanic. Arina and Michael soon had two sons in quick succession. She was busy at home—after his mum died, the farm still needed constant work. Michael never let her do the heavy lifting, always saying, “You leave that to me—just milk the cows and feed the chickens; I’ll see to the pigs.” He was a loving husband and great with the children. Though Arina had never lived on a big farm before, she knew how to do everything, and Michael was generous, often saying, “Arina, let’s take some meat and cream and milk to your mum—she has to buy everything, while we’ve got it all fresh and homemade.” Anna would accept with thanks, but never smiled. Even when surrounded by her grandchildren, she remained solemn. Arina often wondered how to help bring her mother back to life. “Arina, maybe you should talk to Father Joseph at church, he might have some advice” Michael suggested, and Arina took the idea to heart. The priest promised to pray for Anna and told Arina to ask God to bring a good person into her mother’s life. One day, Anna asked her daughter, “Could you lend me some money? I want to get my teeth done.” Arina was overjoyed—anything to help her mum smile again. She gave her the money, though Anna insisted she’d repay it. They caught up by phone as Michael was busy helping his Uncle Colin, who’d just bought a nearby house and moved in after things didn’t work out with his wife. Uncle Colin invited Michael and Arina to visit—they were surprised to meet his new partner: Anna, Arina’s mum. Anna blushed but was smiling. She looked younger, happier, completely changed. “Mum! I’m so happy… why didn’t you say anything?” “I didn’t want to tell you in case it didn’t work out.” “Uncle Colin, why didn’t you tell us?” “I was afraid Anna might change her mind. But now we’re happy.” Michael and Arina were thrilled that Anna and Colin had found each other. Anna was transformed—beaming and always smiling now. Thank you for reading, subscribing, and for your support. Wishing you all the best in life.

Mum, Give Us a Smile Emily never liked it when the neighbours popped round and asked her mum to sing a tune.

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I Was in a Five-Year Long-Distance Relationship and Planned to Propose—Until a Stranger Called to Reveal My Girlfriend Was Secretly Seeing Two Other Men

I remember a time, years ago now, when I was in a relationship with my girlfriend for five years.

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Mother-in-Law Decided to Inspect My Cupboards While I Was Out, But I Had a Clever Surprise Ready for Her

My dear, why are you using pillowcases from entirely different sets? Claras tone was gentle, that falsely

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The New Girl in the Office: When Mentoring Turns to Betrayal – How Sophia Nearly Lost Everything to the Ambitious Trainee She Helped Succeed

Emily, may I introduce you to our newest colleague? This is Grace. Shell be working in your department, said Mr.