On October 13, 2023, an anonymous male poster turned to the “AITAH” subreddit to share his story. He provided some background details about his life, starting with the fact that he was a father to two children, Sam, 21, and Liz, 16, from his late wife Kayla. The man, 43, lost his wife when their kids were 15 and 10 years old, respectively.

Kayla was a victim of a drunk driving accident on her way home from work. Her loss had a profound impact on the family, and the widowed father made a personal vow not to enter the dating scene for a few years, prioritizing the well-being of his children.

Three years after his wife’s passing, the man met a woman referred to as Amanda. Their relationship progressed at a cautious pace, and he waited a year before introducing her to his children. By that time, he and Amanda had been together for three years and had gotten engaged.

Liz remained silent, refusing to communicate with her father or Amanda since that night.

Although Amanda had initially shown insecurity about the man’s past with his late wife, questioning hypothetical scenarios, he responded by emphasizing the importance of their current relationship over dwelling on “what ifs.” Eventually, Amanda stopped making such comments, and the man found relief from his initial concerns about the situation.

Everything seemed to be going well for the couple until the man’s parents invited them over for dinner to celebrate their engagement. The gathering included the man’s parents, his late wife’s sister and her husband, Sam, Liz, and of course, him and Amanda.

Initially, the atmosphere during the dinner was warm and friendly. The conversation flowed smoothly, including casual topics as well as the engaged couple’s wedding plans. However, the pleasant ambiance was shattered when the man’s mother made a seemingly innocent remark about his ability to find a similar spark with Amanda as he had with his late wife, Kayla.

While this comment might have gone unnoticed, Amanda’s response changed everything. She shockingly laughed and uttered, “I’m happy she died, otherwise I would have never gotten him to myself.” The room fell into an abrupt, uncomfortable silence. Everyone, especially the kids, became visibly tense.

Amanda seemed to realize the impact of her words and attempted to salvage the situation with forced laughter as if trying to pass off her comment as a joke. The man, caught off guard and deeply disturbed by Amanda’s statement, found himself unable to react.

His children, particularly Liz, expressed disgust, prompting her to leave the table and head out to the car. Sam hesitated, waiting for his dad to respond, but the man remained speechless, still processing the shock of Amanda’s words.

In the aftermath of the disastrous dinner, the widowed man bid farewell to his family, ushering Amanda away from the tense atmosphere. As the car pulled away, the weight of the evening hung heavily in the air. Days passed, and the rift between the father, his daughter Liz, and Amanda grew. Liz remained silent, refusing to communicate with her father or Amanda since that night.

Feeling the strain on his family, the father sought counsel from his son, Sam. In their conversation, Sam expressed a sentiment that echoed his sister’s feelings—he didn’t want someone in their lives who could speak so disrespectfully about their late mother. Sam’s words resonated deeply with the man, planting seeds of doubt about his relationship with Amanda.

Now torn between his love for Amanda and his responsibility towards his children, the man grappled with a difficult decision. He pondered the potential future impact of Amanda’s words on his family, especially on his daughter Liz. Fueled by a desire to do right by his kids, he contemplated calling off the wedding, fearing that overlooking this incident might set a troubling precedent.

In this emotionally charged situation, the father sought advice from others, hoping for outside perspectives to guide his decision-making. He faced a moral dilemma: Would he be wrong if he chose to end his engagement with Amanda because of the hurtful comment she made, prioritizing his family’s well-being above all else?

In the first update to his original post, the man shared how he waited for Amanda to leave for work before urgently calling his son to come over. Sam, a college student living nearby, joined his sister in the living room for a serious conversation. The father told them plainly that the wedding with Amanda was off, emphasizing that her comment was utterly unacceptable. He also apologized to his children, expressing deep regret for not addressing the issue earlier.

During the conversation, the man’s daughter shared her disgust at Amanda’s comment and revealed that she felt Amanda had been gradually trying to push her and her brother away. She cited instances where Amanda had encouraged her brother to move out for college. She also recalled Amanda pushing her to attend an out-of-state college, contrary to her wishes. Both kids expressed feeling like Amanda was attempting to create distance between them and their father.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the father acknowledged his children’s concerns and apologized for not noticing sooner. He reassured them that they were his top priority and that he would always be there for them. The conversation was emotionally charged, lasting for about two hours, as they discussed their concerns and fears openly.

In the end, the father firmly decided to end his relationship with Amanda. He made sure to convey to his children that none of this was their fault and that Amanda was solely responsible for her actions. While his children weren’t entirely back on his side yet, he was okay with that, prioritizing their comfort and well-being above all else.

He planned to have a conversation with Amanda and confront his mother about why she felt the need to talk about Kayla at the dinner. While he sorted out things with Amanda, the man asked his daughter to stay with his brother to avoid the impending confrontation, determined to ensure his home remained a safe and supportive environment for his kids.

In the aftermath of the dinner incident, OP took decisive action. He reached out to his mother to discuss the situation and found out that she felt guilty for her comment about Kayla. Armed with the advice from online comments, he recorded his confrontation with Amanda, during which he questioned her about her hurtful remarks and manipulative behavior towards his children.

Sadly, the conversation with Amanda did not go well. Despite his emotional honesty, Amanda appeared indifferent until he told her they were done. In a shocking revelation, she expressed resentment about housing someone else’s kids for life, referring to the man’s children, Sam and Liz, from his late wife, Kayla.

Angered and deeply hurt by Amanda’s insensitive comment, the man became all the more resolute in his decision and asked her to leave. Amanda, tearful and regretful, went to stay with a friend, and the man made it clear she was not welcome back.

Though devastated, the widowed dad prioritized his children. He assured them of their home’s welcome embrace, allowing his son to move back in if he wished. Despite his lingering feelings for Amanda, he resolved to focus on his family. Grateful for the online support, he was determined to mend his relationship with his children and move forward, taking one step at a time to make things right with his family.

Do you think the father did the right thing by prioritizing his family and calling off his wedding with Amanda? Click here to read another story where a widower’s girlfriend insulted his daughter’s provocative look, and he couldn’t ignore what she had done.

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.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the cozy kitchen, and the sizzle of eggs cooking in the pan added warmth to the morning.

She slid the omelet onto a plate, adding some toast on the side, hoping the familiar routine would spark a connection between them.

As she set the plate in front of Richard, she tried to make light conversation.

“So, any thoughts on our weekend plans? We could visit that new art gallery downtown, or maybe catch a movie. What do you think?” Her voice was gentle, trying to bridge the growing distance between them.

Richard barely lifted his head from his phone, giving a distracted grunt in response. “We’ll see,” he muttered, his eyes glued to the screen.

Mila felt a twinge of disappointment but hid it behind a patient smile. This had become their routine lately—her trying to engage and him always seeming elsewhere.

As she poured herself another cup of coffee, Richard’s phone lit up again. Mila’s eyes, drawn by the movement, caught a glimpse of the name “Carol” flashing on the screen, along with a photo of a woman she didn’t recognize.

Her heart gave a small lurch, but she quickly composed herself.

“Who’s Carol?” she asked, her tone casual but her stomach tightening with suspicion.

Richard didn’t seem fazed. He barely even looked up as he responded, “Oh, she’s a business colleague. We’re having a meeting this weekend out of town. I’ll be gone until Monday.”

His voice was flat, matter-of-fact as if the conversation was no more significant than discussing the weather.

Mila forced herself to smile, though her chest felt tight.

“Oh, I see. Well, have a safe trip,” she said, kissing him lightly on the cheek as he grabbed his keys and headed for the door. “I’ll see you Monday, then.”

As the door clicked shut behind him, Mila stood for a moment in the quiet kitchen, the warmth of breakfast seeming to fade.

She stared out the window, watching Richard’s car pull out of the driveway. A growing unease settled in her chest, gnawing at her insides.

This business trip felt different—there was something about it that didn’t sit right with her, something more than just another weekend away.

Shaking off her unease, Mila turned her attention to her schedule for the day. She had a meeting with a potential client, a woman looking to rent a luxury apartment for the weekend.

Mila had always been dedicated to her work as a real estate agent, and today would be no different. As much as her heart weighed with suspicion, she needed to focus.

Still, as she prepared to leave the house, the image of the name “Carol” on Richard’s phone lingered in her mind.

Something was off, but for now, all she could do was push those thoughts aside and head to her meeting. Little did she know, the day ahead would reveal more than she ever imagined.

Later that day, Mila walked into the apartment, her mind still reeling from the morning’s events. She tried to focus on her upcoming meeting, reminding herself that work was the best way to keep her thoughts at bay.

A new client had scheduled an appointment to view a luxury apartment for the weekend, and Mila had everything ready. However, as soon as the client walked in, Mila’s stomach dropped.

It was her. The same woman from Richard’s phone—Carol.

Mila’s heart raced, but she forced herself to remain calm and professional. She took a deep breath, masking the storm of emotions building inside her.

Carol introduced herself with a bright smile, completely unaware of the turmoil her presence was causing.

Mila extended her hand, shaking Carol’s firmly, all while feeling as if the ground had just shifted beneath her.

“Nice to meet you, Carol,” Mila said with a calm she didn’t feel. “Let’s take a look at the apartment, shall we?”

As they toured the luxurious space, Mila struggled to keep her emotions in check. Her mind was screaming at her, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place with sickening clarity.

This woman, her husband’s “business colleague,” was planning to spend the weekend in this very apartment—with Richard.

Trying to gather information without revealing her inner turmoil, Mila asked casually, “So, what brings you here? A special occasion, perhaps?”

Carol’s face lit up with a grin.

“Yes, actually. I’m spending the weekend with a very special man in my life. We’re finally getting some alone time.”

The words hit Mila like a punch to the gut. Every doubt she had was now a painful reality.

Richard wasn’t going on a business trip—he was planning a romantic getaway with Carol. Mila’s emotions began to boil, but she maintained her professional façade.

“How nice,” she managed to say, her voice steady despite the torrent of anger and betrayal she felt. She couldn’t allow Carol to sense that anything was wrong.

By the end of the tour, Carol was satisfied and signed the rental agreement without hesitation. Mila handed over the keys, her face composed, but her mind racing with thoughts of revenge.

As Carol left, Mila slipped a spare key into her pocket. A plan was already forming. She wasn’t going to let this betrayal slide—Richard and Carol were about to experience a weekend they would never forget.

On her way home, Mila couldn’t shake the fury building inside her, but she knew she had to keep her cool. She needed to play her part convincingly, so she dialed Richard’s number, forcing a sweetness into her voice that made her stomach churn.

“Hey, are you coming home tonight?” she asked, pretending to be the doting wife. Her heart pounded as she waited for his response, every second filling her with more anger.

“No,” Richard replied, his tone distant and cold. “I’m already heading out of town. I’ll see you on Monday.”

Mila gripped the steering wheel tighter as she listened to his lies, barely able to contain the rage that bubbled beneath her calm exterior.

Richard had lied to her face without hesitation, and it stung deeper than she had expected. How easily he dismissed her. But now, she knew the truth, and it was her turn to act.

She wasn’t going to cry or beg for answers. She had something far more satisfying planned.

“Okay, have a safe trip,” she said with forced warmth before hanging up. The moment the call ended, her hands trembled, not from sadness but from the anger that coursed through her veins.

The betrayal was real, and Mila was done playing the role of the trusting, naïve wife.

Later that evening, she sat in her living room as she dialed another number.

This time, her voice was calm but filled with a new determination. She wasn’t just acting anymore—this was her plan in motion.

“Everything’s set,” Mila said smoothly into the phone. “We’ll meet there at 8 p.m.”

The man on the other end agreed without hesitation, and Mila smiled for the first time since that morning.

A wave of empowerment rushed over her. This wasn’t just about catching Richard in the act—this was about making him pay for what he had done.

She hung up and stood from the couch, her mind clear and focused. Tonight was the night she would confront both Richard and Carol, but not in the way they expected.

It was time for them to experience the consequences of their betrayal, and Mila was ready to make sure it was a night they would never forget. Mila arrived at the apartment exactly at 8 p.m., her heart racing but her expression calm.

Beside her stood Carol’s boyfriend, a tall man with an angry scowl etched across his face.

His fists clenched as they quietly let themselves into the apartment using the spare key Mila had kept. The plan was in motion, and Mila wasn’t about to back down now.

The two of them crept through the hallway, the dim lighting making everything feel surreal. As they approached the bedroom, sounds of muffled conversation and laughter reached their ears. Mila’s stomach twisted, but she pressed on, leading the man through the door.

The silence was broken by a furious shout.

“What the hell is going on here?” Carol’s boyfriend roared, his voice echoing off the walls. His anger filled the room like a tidal wave, causing Carol to bolt upright, her eyes wide with terror. She scrambled to cover herself, her face draining of color as she realized what was happening.

Richard, on the other hand, looked pale and shaken. His body trembled as he slid out of bed, falling to his knees in front of Mila. “I didn’t know!” he stammered, his voice weak and desperate. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, I swear!”

But Richard’s pathetic pleas for forgiveness didn’t move Mila. Instead, they fueled her sense of justice. Carol, who had once been laughing and carefree, now stood in disgust, her lips curled as she glanced at Richard groveling on the floor.

The man she had been cheating on stood silent, fists clenched, glaring at her with a mixture of rage and disbelief.

Mila, cool and composed, stepped forward, her eyes locked on Richard.

“Oh, Richard,” she began with a mocking smile, “remember how you insisted on that marriage contract? The one that states if either of us cheats, we owe the other a large sum of money in a divorce?”

Richard’s face turned as white as a sheet. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Mila continued, her voice steady and firm. “Well, I’ll be sending your things to you along with those divorce papers. It’s over.”

Without waiting for a response, Mila turned on her heel, the sound of her shoes the only noise in the suddenly still room.

Richard collapsed back onto the bed, his face a mix of shock and regret as the weight of his actions crushed him. Carol, standing in stunned silence, avoided eye contact, her earlier bravado completely gone.

Mila walked out of the apartment with her head held high, a sense of victory swelling within her.

She hadn’t just uncovered Richard’s betrayal but took control of the situation, ensuring that she would emerge stronger, while he was left to drown in his regret. Justice, she thought, had been served.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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?”

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.