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“Lydia, have you lost your mind in your old age? Your grandkids are already in school — what sort of wedding is this?” That’s what my sister said when I told her I was getting married. But why wait? In a week, Tolly and I are tying the knot. I had to tell my sister, though I knew she wouldn’t come all the way from the other side of the country. No lavish do for us at sixty — just a quiet ceremony and a meal for two. Tolly insists on doing it properly: he’s the perfect English gentleman, opening doors and helping me with my coat. “I’m not a boy anymore; I want something serious,” he said. For me, he’ll always be young at heart. At work he’s all business, but when he sees me, he lights up and twirls me in the street, and I’m embarrassed, but secretly delighted. “What people?” he laughs. “I only see you.” When we’re together, it feels like we’re alone in the world. But I still have a sister to tell, and I worried she would judge me. In the end, I gathered my courage and called. “Lydia!” she gasped. “It’s only been a year since Victor died, and you’ve already found a replacement?” I knew I’d shock her, but I didn’t expect her to cling to my late husband’s memory. “Who makes these rules anyway? When am I allowed to be happy again without being judged?” “At least wait five years, for decency’s sake.” “So I’m supposed to tell Tolly to come back in five years while I wear black?” Silence. “Even then, someone will gossip. But your opinion matters. If you insist, I’ll call it off.” “I don’t want to be the villain here. Get married if you want — but know I don’t understand or support you. You’ve always had a mind of your own, but I didn’t expect you to go completely off the rails in your old age. Have some sense and at least wait a year.” “And if Tolly and I only have a year left? What then?” Sniffles. “Do what you like. I get it, everyone wants happiness. But you had a good life for years…” “Oh, Tanya! Did you really think I was happy all those years? So did I, until now. Turns out I was just a workhorse. I didn’t know life could be joyful. Victor was a good man; we raised two daughters and now have five grandkids. We worked ourselves into the ground for family, then for our children, then for the grandkids. I look back and see one long slog for everyone else. Other women were off on seaside trips or at the theatre, while I didn’t even have time for the shops! All that kept me going was knowing the kids were cared for. But living for yourself? That was a foreign idea. Now, I know better: I sleep in, stroll to shops, see films, go swimming, skiing — and the family gets on fine! Even raking leaves brings me joy now. I love the rain, because I watch it from a cosy café, not while chasing goats in the yard. Only Tolly showed me the beauty around me. When Victor died, I was lost, waking early out of habit, not knowing what to do next — until Tolly, a neighbour and a friend’s dad, took me to the park, bought me ice cream, and showed me how to watch the ducks. For years, I’d had ducks but never really watched them. And then, hand in hand, Tolly promised to show me how wonderful life could be. He was right. Every day was a new discovery, and soon, I couldn’t imagine life without him. My own daughters disapproved, accusing me of betraying their father, which hurt deeply. Tolly’s children, in contrast, were thrilled he wasn’t alone. I put off telling my sister. When I finally did, Tanya asked, ‘So, when’s the big day?’ ‘This Friday.’ ‘Well, I suppose — best wishes for love in your old age,’ she said stiffly. On Friday, Tolly and I dressed up, bought dinner for two, called a cab — and at the registry office, all our families were waiting: my children and grandchildren, Tolly’s kids, and my sister, holding a bouquet of white roses, smiling through tears. I couldn’t believe she’d come all that way. ‘Well, I had to see who I was giving my sister away to!’ Turns out, everyone had conspired to surprise us. We celebrated our first anniversary recently, and Tolly has become part of my family. Sometimes I still can’t believe how outrageously happy I am — I’m almost afraid I’ll jinx it.”

Linda, have you gone mad in your old age? Your grandchildren are already at schoolwhat sort of wedding

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Living Together with My 86-Year-Old Mum: At 57, I Celebrate Quiet Birthdays Just With Her, Finding Comfort in Our Tea, Knitting, and Weekend Cakes Amid a Simple, Peaceful Life

I remember so clearly those quiet days spent with my mother. We shared a home together for many years.

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I Turned Up for Christmas Dinner with a Crutch, Only for My Daughter-in-Law to Say We Invited You Out of Pity – So Please Don’t Overstay Your Welcome! I Just Smiled.

April23,2025 I still hear my daughterinlaws words echoing from the hallway of her flat in Canary Wharf

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JUST IN CASE Vera glanced at her weeping colleague, turned back to her computer with indifference, and began typing rapidly. “You’re heartless, Vera,” came the voice of Olga, the department boss. “Me? What gives you that idea?” “You act like if everything’s fine in your personal life, it must be the same for everyone else. Can’t you see she’s devastated? You could at least show a little sympathy, maybe give advice or share your experience, since things are going so well for you.” “Share my experience with her? I doubt Nadine would appreciate that. I tried once, five years ago, when she used to show up to work with black eyes—said it made the road home more visible, I suppose. You weren’t here yet. And no, it wasn’t her man beating her—she said she fell, had accidents. When he ran off, there were no more black eyes. He was the third to leave. I tried to support her, to share my experience, but somehow I ended up the bad guy. Later, our coworkers told me it was a lost cause; Nadine knows best in all things. I was nothing but a jealous homewrecker, ruining her happiness! Back then, she used love spells. Now she’s modern—goes to therapy, works through her traumas. It’s never occurred to her she’s living out the same story each time—the only thing changing is the names. So, forgive me if I don’t offer tissues or sympathy this time.” “Still, Vera, that’s not how you should be.” At lunch, everyone at the table talked only about Nadine’s ex, the scoundrel. Vera ate in silence, then poured herself some coffee and retreated to a corner to scroll through social media and clear her head. “Vera,” said Tania, plopping down beside her. Usually cheerful, Tania’s face was unusually somber. “Don’t you feel even a little sorry for Nadine?” “Tania, what do you want from me?” “Leave her be,” Irina tossed in as she passed. “Vera’s got her beloved Vasily, she lives like a queen—how could she understand what it’s like to be left on your own with a child, with no help, not even child support from that deadbeat?” “Should’ve thought before having kids,” chimed in Tatiana Ivanovna, known as ‘Auntie Tanya’ by the girls—a stalwart of the department. “Vera’s right. How many times has Nadine sobbed while pregnant, he drove her mad, and before that… well.” Surrounding the ever-crying Nadine, the women dished out all sorts of advice. Ultimately, fiercely ‘strong and independent’ Nadine decided to pull herself together. She summoned her mum from the countryside to help with her son and that ungrateful man, while she attempted a comeback—grew out a fringe, microbladed brows, glued on lashes, almost got a nose ring (talked out of it collectively). And off she went. “Don’t worry, Nadine,” encouraged her mates, “he’ll regret it someday—cry his eyes out.” “He won’t cry,” Vera said quietly, mostly to herself, but tipsy colleagues overheard her. “What do you mean, he won’t?” “He just won’t, and he won’t regret it either. And Nadine? She’ll find herself another one just like him soon enough.” “You have it easy, Vera, your Vasily isn’t like that, is he?” “Not at all. My Vasily is the best—doesn’t fight, doesn’t drink, doesn’t cheat—loves me madly.” “Yeah, right, they’re all the same dogs.” “Watch out, Vera, someone will snatch him from you.” “Nah, he’d never leave.” “I wouldn’t be so sure.” “Well, you should.” Tipsy debates broke out—until someone boldly suggested, “Let’s go to your place, Vera, see if your Vasily can resist our charms. Bet you won’t invite us—you’re afraid you’ll lose your perfect Vasily!” “Let’s go then.” “All right, girls—let’s descend on Vera’s and steal her Vasily! Auntie Tanya, are you coming?” “No, girls, my Mikhail is waiting for me at home… You lot have fun,” laughed Tatiana Ivanovna. The boisterous party arrived at Vera’s, laughing and bustling in her kitchen. “Let’s cook something quick—Vera’s Vasily is out but will be home soon.” “Don’t bother; he’s picky and doesn’t eat much,” Vera replied, “but yes, you’re right, he’ll be home soon.” The mood calmed, and most left early—only Nadine, Olga, and Tania stayed for tea in Vera’s cosy kitchen, shyly awaiting the mysterious Vasily’s arrival. As they were about to leave, someone came in. “Vasily, my dear Vasily, my sweet boy,” Vera cooed in the hallway. The women’s spirits dropped as a tall, handsome young man entered. Oh—that’s the secret. Vera’s ‘husband’ was much younger than her. “Girls, meet my Denis.” A silent, stunned “Who’s Denis?” echoed in their eyes. “My son, Denis. So, how’s Vasily doing, Den? Was he good?” “Yes, Mum, he’s resting now after the op, but he’ll be up and about tomorrow. Just don’t let him lick—” The women blushed. “We… should go?” “Wait, I haven’t introduced you to Vasily—shh, he’s recovering after surgery. Denis and Lena (my daughter-in-law) took him while I was at work—for the snip, you see, he kept marking the curtains… Come, here he is.” Here’s my Vasily, sleeping. Barely holding in laughter, the ladies ran from the room. “Vera, it’s a cat!” “Of course it is. What did you think?” “But your husband…?” “Oh, I haven’t got one. You all just assumed – I once said I had a wonderful man, Vasily, but didn’t get to finish before you’d invented the rest and bought into it.” “Married young to my first love, dropped out, had Denis. That lasted three miserable years. Parents helped a lot. Tried again closer to thirty, had hopes for family life, but… the fairytale ended quickly. Sent him packing to his mum. Long stretch alone with Denis. Third try was… well, let’s say he left a mark—a black eye from passionate love, he said. Who knew I’d find self-defence skills useful? Denis did martial arts since he was six, and I’d spar with him at home. Gave the ‘Othello’ his just deserts and got out. Denis married. I got lonely, got myself Vasya. We’re happy together. He’s the perfect company—goes to the cinema or on holiday with me, no strings, no demands. Sometimes I cook up a feast, invite him over. He leaves happy, neither of us owes the other anything.” Denis once asked why Vasily didn’t live with us. Why would he? We’re not young lovers. Look at my brother—he and his wife are inseparable after thirty years. That’s not my story. Why force it just to say I’m married? Vasya and I are good together. Right, love?” Vera cooed to her awakening cat. “Warned you, one more curtain incident, and that would be the end of your extra ‘accessory’.” The girls left, full of thoughts—especially Nadine. But Nadine couldn’t do things Vera’s way. A month later, she’d found a new beau and was receiving bouquets at work. Vera and Auntie Tanya smiled quietly. “So, how’s your Mikhail’s paw, Auntie Tanya?” “He’s fine, dear—stepped on something on a walk, but he’s healed now, thank goodness. My grandkids want to take him to a dog show—no need for that, we’re happy without the fuss… Nadine, I see your life’s back on track!” “Yes, Auntie Tanya—some get pets, some collect husbands!” “Well, everyone’s different. Maybe Nadine will have better luck this time.” “Oh, let’s hope so.” “What are you two whispering about?” “About you, Nadine—hoping luck’s on your side now.” “Ladies, I know how it looks, but I just can’t be alone, really.” “Don’t mind us—stop explaining, everyone has their own journey…” As Vera headed to the car park, Nadine called after her. “Vera, could you give me tips on having a cat? What’s better—a boy or a girl?” “Go on, they’re waiting for you… We’ll see—just in case.”

JUST IN CASE I glanced at my sobbing colleague with little more than a raised eyebrow, then turned back

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A Man Enjoyed a Day Off and Was Sleeping When the Doorbell Suddenly Rang — Who Came So Early? Upon Opening the Door, He Found an Unknown Elderly Woman Who Was Frightened, Claiming to Be His Mother After Years of Separation, Sparking a Heart-Wrenching Reunion Filled with Painful Memories and Unexpected Betrayal

The man is enjoying his day off and is fast asleep, but suddenly the doorbell rings. He wonders who could

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JUST IN CASE: When the Office Offers Sympathy, Vera Just Moves On—A Hilariously Honest Tale of Heartbreak, Gossip, and One Woman’s Unexpectedly Loyal “Vasiliy”

JUST IN CASE I glanced over at Emily, who was quietly sobbing at her desk, turned my attention back to

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You Were the Mistake of My Youth A young girl gave birth at sixteen, as did the father of her child. Setting aside the scandal’s details, the couple swiftly separated after the child’s birth. The moment the girl realised her boyfriend wanted neither her nor their son, she lost all interest in her baby, who was then raised by his grandparents—her own parents. At eighteen, she left with a new boyfriend for a nearby city, never calling or writing home. Her parents did not seek contact, only bitterness and shame over her abandoning her child—and regret over having raised ‘someone like her.’ The grandson grew up, forever grateful to his grandparents for his upbringing, education, and everything. He considers them his true parents. When he turned eighteen, his cousin was getting married; the whole family gathered, including his biological mother—by then married for the third time, with two daughters. The eldest was ten, the youngest just a toddler. The boy, excited, wanted to meet his mother and sisters, and ask, “Mum, why did you leave me?” Despite loving his grandparents, he still yearned for his mother—and kept her single surviving photo, after his grandfather burned the rest. She chatted with relatives about her wonderful daughters. “And me, Mum—what about me?” he asked. “You? You’re the mistake of my youth. Your father was right, I should’ve had an abortion,” she replied coldly, turning away. Seven years later, living comfortably in a two-bedroom flat with his wife and son (thanks to help from his grandparents and in-laws), he received a call from an unknown number. “Son, hi, your uncle gave me your number. It’s your mum. Listen, I know you live near the college your sister is attending—could she stay with you for a while? She’s family to you, after all. She doesn’t like her dorm, rent is dear, my husband left, I’m struggling: one daughter a student, one a schoolgirl, one soon for nursery.” “You’ve got the wrong number,” he answered, hanging up. He lifted his son and said, “Let’s get ready—we’ll go see Mum, and afterwards, all together to Grandad and Grandma’s?” “And at the weekend, can we all go to the countryside together?” his young son asked. “Of course—we mustn’t break family traditions!” Some relatives condemned the boy, saying he should’ve helped his sister. But he believes he owes help only to his grandparents—not a stranger who calls him a mistake.

You are a mistake of youth. I was sixteen when my mum had me. Dad was the same age, just a couple of

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I Witnessed My Daughter-in-Law Discard a Leather Suitcase into the Thames and Speed Off—Then I Rushed Over and Heard a Muffled Noise Within!

I saw my daughterinlaw fling a leather suitcase into the lake and drive off. I ran to the shore and heard

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Granddaughter. From Neglect to Nurture: How Little Olya Found Love and a True Home with her Grandmother, When Her Own Parents Turned Away

Granddaughter. From the very beginning, Molly was little more than a houseplant for her mother, Sharon

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Granddaughter. From the Moment She Was Born, Little Olivia Was Unwanted by Her Mother Janet, Who Treated Her Like an Old Piece of Furniture—Invisible and Ignored. After Countless Fights With Olivia’s Father, Roman, and His Return to His Lawful Wife, Janet’s Bitterness Reached Its Peak. One Day, in a Fit of Rage, Janet Packs Up Five-Year-Old Olivia, Dumps Her on Roman’s Mother, Nina Evans, in the Countryside, and Disappears for Good—Leaving Her Daughter in Tears and the Whole Village Stunned. Raised with Love by Her Grandmother, Olivia Blossoms Into a Kind and Ambitious Young Woman, Dreaming of Becoming a Doctor. But When Nina Passes Away, Roman and His New Family Appear, Demanding the House and Forcing Olivia to Fight for Her Home and Her Dignity. Will Olivia’s Grandmother’s Final Gift and Loving Legacy Carry Her Through, or Will the Shadows of Her Parents’ Rejection Finally Close In? A Heart-Wrenching Family Story of Rejection, Resilience, and the Transformative Power of a Grandmother’s Love.

Granddaughter. Since the very day of her birth, little Emily had never been wanted by her mother, Jacqueline.