Stepmothers who have long reveled in their schemes and manipulations finally meet their match in this compilation! With a mix of drama, humor, and poetic irony, these stories deliver a satisfying dose of comeuppance, proving no one is immune to the clever hand of karma.

My Stepmom Secretly Canceled My Prom Hair Appointment to Ruin My Day – But Her Jaw Dropped When a Limousine Showed Up for Me

Seven years ago, my mom passed away from pneumonia. Before I knew it, my dad was seeing Carla, and a year later, he married her.

“Your father doesn’t waste any time, does he?” my aunt sniffed on their wedding day.

“You look too much like your mother, Emily,” she said. “No wonder your father gives Mason more attention.”

I sighed and ignored her, trying not to let her words get to me.

My dad, of course, didn’t notice a thing. And she loved being able to taunt me without any repercussions.

Fast forward to prom season. I’d saved my babysitting money for months to buy a gorgeous violet dress. It reminded me of Mom because violet was her favorite color.

When I got to the salon, the receptionist told me my appointment was canceled.

“I didn’t cancel!” I exclaimed. “Why would I? Prom is this evening!”

“Calm down, honey,” the receptionist said. She went to get the hairdresser, who looked very uncomfortable when they returned.

My heart dropped. I was still processing everything when I looked over and saw her.

Carla! Sitting there, getting her hair done. Of course. Carla had canceled my appointment.

I ran out of the salon, my head spinning. My perfect prom was falling apart around me.

When I got home, I locked myself in my room. Tears poured down my face as I tried to style my hair, but nothing looked good.

I stared at my dress, feeling like an idiot for telling Carla my plans in passing.

I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go to prom anymore. What was the point? I was already upset and didn’t feel like anything good could come from this.

Suddenly, I heard honking outside. I dragged myself to the window, expecting to see a commotion on the road. But when I looked out, my jaw dropped.

A glossy black limousine was parked in front of our house.

When I reached the doorway, the driver stepped out and approached our front door. My dad, who had been as clueless as ever during all this, stood on our porch looking confused.

“I’m here for Miss Emily, sir,” the driver said, holding out a small card.

Miss Emily? Me? I hesitantly took the card and opened it. Inside, written in neat handwriting, were the words:

To my beautiful sister, Emily. I know you’ve had a rough time lately, but you deserve the best night ever! Enjoy the limo, and don’t worry about a thing. I’ve been saving all my birthday and Christmas money.

Love, Mason.

Mason? My 11-year-old stepbrother did this?

I burst into tears again, but this time from pure shock and gratitude. I ran upstairs to find Mason in his room, grinning like he’d just pulled off the ultimate prank.

“I heard Mom on the phone this morning,” he said, shrugging like this wasn’t a big deal. “Canceling your appointment wasn’t fair at all.”

“Not really,” he grinned. “See, Mom has been saving to buy some fancy necklace. After she left this morning, I took some money from her stash and went to Mr. Johnson next door. He owns the limo company, remember?”

But Mason didn’t stop there.

“There’s more, Em,” he said. “Mrs. Evans, from across the road? Her daughter is a stylist at the mall. She’s coming here to do your hair and makeup soon.”

Just as the words left his mouth, the doorbell rang.

“That should be her!” Mason said. “Go wash your face. I’ll send her up.”

Twenty minutes later, I looked like a princess. I just wished my mom was around to fuss over me. I wanted a hug from her more than anything.

When Carla drove into our driveway, I was already outside, stepping into the limo like a movie star.

Her jaw dropped.

“Richard? Did you do this?” I heard her shriek to my father before the driver closed the door.

Prom was everything I had hoped for. When I arrived at the hall in the limo, heads turned. I was glowing, and I knew it. For the first time in a long time, I felt like my mom was right there with me.

The whole night was pure magic.

As for Carla, I hope she learned a lesson. You can’t mess with someone’s joy and get away with it… especially if your son is going to save the day!

My Stepmom Stole $5,000 from My College Fund to Get Veneers for Herself — Karma Hit Her Hard

I’m Kristen, your average 17-year-old. My mom passed away when I was young, but she left behind a college fund. It wasn’t huge, but it was a start to secure my future.

My dad, Bob, and I had been adding to it, mostly from my part-time gigs tutoring kids and babysitting.

Everything was on track until my stepmother Tracy stole $5000 from me.

If vanity were an Olympic sport, Tracy would make Narcissus look like an amateur. She spends hours in front of the mirror but never has time for anything that really matters, like, oh I don’t know, being a decent human.

“Kristen, darling!” she chirped. “Guess what? I’m getting veneers! I borrowed a little from your college fund to make it happen. Just $5,000!”

I felt like I’d just been sucker-punched. “You did WHAT? You STOLE my college fund?”

Tracy rolled her eyes dramatically. “Stole? I’m family. It’s not a big deal, honey!”

“You had NO RIGHT! That money’s for my future. My mom set it up for me.”

“Oh, save the theatrics! It’s just money. And your father agreed to it,” Tracy winked.

“I’ll talk to her,” he promised. In Dad’s terms, that meant “I’ll mention it once and hope it magically resolves itself.”

A few weeks later, Tracy got her veneers. She strutted around the house, flashing her new teeth at every opportunity. It was like living with a deranged lighthouse.

But the best was yet to come.

“Ladies, gather ’round!” Tracy announced, clinking her wine glass with a spoon. “I simply must tell you about my transformation! It’s all thanks to the marvelous Dr. Kapoor,” Tracy gushed. “He’s not just a dentist, he’s an artist!”

I rolled my eyes so hard I could practically see my brain.

Just then, Tracy set her wine glass down and reached for a piece of corn on the cob. “You know, ladies, life is all about taking chances and—”

C-R-A-C-K! The sound echoed across the backyard like a gunshot. Tracy’s eyes went wide, her hand flying to her mouth.

“I… I…” Tracy stammered, suddenly sounding like she was auditioning for the role of Sylvester the Cat. “Ekthcuthe me!”

She bolted into the house, leaving behind a yard full of bewildered guests and one very satisfied stepdaughter trying desperately not to burst into maniacal laughter.

When she called Dr. Kapoor a few days later, I overheard a conversation that was music to my ears.

Dad, finally growing a backbone, confronted Tracy that evening.

“We need to talk about Kristen’s college fund,” he said, his voice firm (for the first time in a very looooong time! Way to go, Daddy!)

“You’re going to pay back every cent you took from Kristen’s fund,” he said. “And if you can’t… well, I think we need to reevaluate this situation.”

In the following weeks, the neighborhood buzzed with gossip about Tracy’s “dental disaster.” She couldn’t show her face without someone asking about her “million-dollar thmile.”

My Stepmom Came to My Wedding in a White Dress, Saying She ‘Deserves Attention Too’ – So My Husband Taught Her a Real Lesson

Linda, my stepmother, came into my life after Mom passed away when I was ten. She loved being the center of attention.

With my wedding day approaching, I knew Linda would find a way to make the day about her. She always did.

I was trying hard not to worry about it the day I met up with Sarah, my best friend and maid of honor, at the wedding planner’s office.

We entered the wedding planner, Grace’s office, and she immediately dropped a bombshell.

“Your stepmother requested to be seated in the front row and insisted on giving a speech during the reception, Alexandra,” she said, glancing up from her notes.

I was stunned. I’d chosen to honor my late mother by reserving a seat for her in the front row. Linda knew this. How could she?

Sarah leaned in closer. “We need to be prepared for whatever she’s planning.”

Grace looked at me with a concerned expression. “How would you like to handle this, Alexandra?”

At my request, Grace agreed to explain to Linda once more that I’d reserved the front-row seat to honor my late mom. She would also dissuade Linda from giving a speech.

As we left Grace’s office, Sarah squeezed my arm.

“Don’t worry, Alex. We’ve got this. Linda won’t ruin your day.”

Once I got home, I shared my concerns with Tom.

“Linda turns everything into a spectacle,” I moaned. “I’m afraid Linda will make our wedding about her.”

Tom smiled reassuringly. “I’ve got a plan. Let her have her moment. It’ll all work out.”

“What kind of plan?” I asked, curious.

I sighed, feeling a bit better. “I hope so. I just want everything to go smoothly. Linda can be so unpredictable.”

Tom squeezed my hand. “I know. But we’ve got this.”

Soon, the wedding day arrived.

While I was still in my bathrobe getting ready, Sarah burst into the room, her face pale.

“You won’t believe this,” she said, pulling me to the window.

I looked out and saw Linda emerging in a full-length white wedding dress.

“What the…” Okay, this was something I didn’t see coming.

“Linda, what are you doing? You can’t wear white to my wedding!” I stormed over to her, unable to hide my fury.

She smirked, not showing even one ounce of regret. “You’re young, Alexandra. You have your whole life ahead of you. This might be my last chance to feel like a bride again. I deserve this attention.”

I felt my anger rising, but Tom pulled me aside.

“Trust me, we’ll sort this out later,” he whispered with a mischievous smile.

“But Tom, how could she?”

“Trust me, okay?” he said, and I relented.

The ceremony proceeded, with Linda sitting in the front row, basking in her stolen spotlight. She’d clearly railroaded Grace to get what she wanted.

When it was time for the speeches, Linda stood up. But before she could speak, Tom took the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to share a special video tribute to Alexandra’s late mother.”

As the tribute ended, Tom looked at me with a knowing smile. “This day is about honoring your mother and our love, Alex. No one can take that away.”

Then he looked at Linda. “Linda, could you join us up here?” he asked.

As she made her way to the stage, Tom continued, “Linda has always been a star in her own right, so we’ve decided to let her shine even more.”

The next photo showed Linda sneaking into my bridal suite earlier that morning. She was caught on camera trying on my wedding veil and twirling around with a bouquet she’d taken from the floral arrangements.

The room gasped, and Linda’s face turned red.

“Wait, Linda, we’re not finished,” Tom said, motioning to the DJ.

Suddenly, the speakers played a recording of Linda on the phone with her friend, boasting about her plan to outshine me.

The crowd was stunned, and a few people even booed. Tom wrapped his arms around me and whispered, “I told you I had it covered.”

Linda, red-faced and cornered, slipped out of the hall as quietly as she could. Tom and I shared a smile, knowing we taught her a lesson.

She was in the spotlight as she was wanted, but for all the wrong reasons.

When my dad passed away last year, my husband, Jason, our six-year-old daughter, Emma, and I moved in to help my stepmother, Lorraine.

Living with her was like walking on a tightrope. Everything about Lorraine was sharp — her stilettos, her words, even the way she eyed Jason when she thought I wasn’t looking.

But family is family, and I tried to make it work.

Until I found the robe.

I was folding Jason’s laundry. As I opened his closet to hang up a shirt, I noticed a small glossy gift bag shoved into the corner, partly hidden beneath his jackets.

I pulled it out, my pulse quickening when I saw what was inside: a lace robe, sheer and intimate.

My first thought was that Jason had bought it for me. If only that had been the truth.

A few days later, Lorraine called me into her room.

“Oh, Calla, sweetheart,” she cooed. “You won’t believe what my new boyfriend got me!”

When I walked in, my stomach dropped.

There she was, draped in the robe I’d found in Jason’s closet. She twirled, the lace floating around her like some cruel joke.

Was Jason…? No. He wouldn’t. Lorraine?

My knees felt weak. I stumbled out of her room, her laughter echoing behind me.

That night, I cornered Jason after I finished reading with Emma.

Jason’s face twisted in disbelief. “What are you talking about?”

“She showed me a robe earlier,” I said tearfully. “The same one I found in your closet.”

Jason’s jaw dropped. “You think I’d buy her something like that? Are you serious right now? I don’t know where she got this robe, but it wasn’t from me.”

Over the next few days, I couldn’t shake the unease. Lorraine’s smug looks and Jason’s denial all felt like pieces of a puzzle I couldn’t solve.

Then, one afternoon, I heard Lorraine on the phone.

That night, I told Jason everything I’d overheard.

“She’s trying to ruin our marriage,” he said, his voice tight. “And to think that we uprooted Emma for this? This ends now.”

Over breakfast the next morning, I casually mentioned to Lorraine that Jason and I were considering moving out. And that evening, Jason and I invited a lawyer friend over for dinner, someone Lorraine didn’t recognize.

“Come on, honey,” he said. “Your dad built this with his hands. This home has been around since you were a child. You want Lorraine to have it, really?”

A week later, we called a “family meeting” in the living room. Lorraine sauntered in, confident and smug as if she’d already won. Jason handed her a stack of papers.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“It’s the house deed,” Jason said calmly. “It turns out that Calla and I are the primary beneficiaries. You don’t own this house, Lorraine. We do.”

“He left you with a lot of money. But this is my childhood home. Of course, he’d want me to have it.”

Within a week, Lorraine was gone.

And that robe?

Lorraine had conveniently left it behind. I donated it to charity with the rest of the things she’d abandoned. Let someone else enjoy it because I sure as hell wasn’t keeping it.

Last night, I did everything to make sure I wouldn’t oversleep. I set three alarms on my phone. But when I woke up and reached for my phone, my heart stopped.

It was 9:55 a.m. My exam was starting at 10:00.

“No, no, no! This can’t be happening!” I threw my blankets off and grabbed my phone. All three alarms were turned off.

I bolted down the stairs, half-dressed.

“Linda!” I called out, desperately looking for my stepmom. “Linda, please! I need a ride! My exam is in five minutes!”

She was in the kitchen, sipping her coffee calmly. “You’re late already. You should’ve set an alarm.”

“I did!” I shouted, feeling the sting of frustration and panic in my voice. “Three of them! But somehow, they got turned off.”

I stood there, feeling my face grow hot, my mind swirling with disbelief and desperation. I headed for the door, knowing I’d never make it on foot, but desperate enough to try.

“I know who did it,” my little brother Jason said then.

He looked at Linda cautiously. “I saw her. Last night. She turned off your alarms, Emily.”

Linda shot him a sharp look. “Jason, stop making up stories,” she hissed.

Jason gulped but didn’t back down. “I’m not lying! I saw you go into her room, and turn off the alarms. You said she didn’t need to be at that stupid exam, anyway.”

“Fine. Yes, I did it,” Linda sighed. “You’re not fit to be a doctor. It’s a waste of time, energy, and, frankly, a lot of money that your dad could spend on something worthwhile.”

Just as I was about to push past her and leave, I heard sirens in the distance, heading toward our house.

Jason gave me a small, hopeful smile. “Don’t worry, Em. I called for help.”

Linda’s face twisted, and before she could say anything, the front door opened, and two police officers stepped inside.

Jason didn’t miss a beat. “I called you,” he said. “My sister needs to get to her entrance exam. Linda turned off her alarms so she’d miss it.”

The officers exchanged a glance, then turned to me. “Is that true?” the male officer asked.

“Yes,” I whispered. “I have to get to the school right now, or I’ll lose my chance to take the exam.”

Linda’s face contorted with disbelief. “Wait, you’re actually going to escort her?”

“It’s our job to help people,” the officer replied.

The officers helped me into their squad car, and we sped down the road with the sirens blaring. We pulled up at the exam center after the doors had been closed.

One of the proctors noticed us and approached, looking confused. “Ma’am, the exam has begun,” he said, glancing at the officers.

The policewoman explained quickly. “This young lady had her alarms sabotaged at home, but she’s here now. If there’s any way she can sit for the exam…”

The proctor’s stern face softened as he listened. He looked me in the eyes, then gave a brief nod. “Alright. Go on in.”

“Thank you,” I managed, barely believing I’d made it.

I found my seat, still rattled but refusing to let the morning’s events get the better of me. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes for a second, and thought of my mom. This was my moment, and I wasn’t going to let anyone take it from me. I picked up my pencil and began the test.

“Is this true?” he demanded, glaring at Linda.

Linda’s eyes darted between us. “I… I was just trying to keep her from making a mistake.”

“You sabotaged her dreams because of your selfishness,” my dad said coldly. “You’re not staying here another night.”

Linda’s face turned pale as she realized he was serious. She tried to protest, but he shook his head firmly.

“Pack your things, Linda. This family deserves better than this.”

Here’s another story: Two days before my wedding, my passive-aggressive future MIL secretly replaced my blonde hair dye with neon green. She thought she’d finally sabotage my “unsuitable” style, but she didn’t count on one thing — my fiancé’s unwavering loyalty and mischievous sense of revenge.

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.

Late in the evening, the sound of the front door creaking open echoed through the quiet house. Will stepped inside, his shoulders slumped and his boots dragging slightly on the floor. His face was smudged with dirt, and the faint scent of oil and metal lingered on his clothes.

Leslie, sitting on the couch with a folded laundry basket beside her, looked up as he entered. She set the basket aside and walked over, her expression calm but tired.

“You’re late again…” she said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

Will sighed and dropped his work bag near the door.

“I know… sorry. One of the garbage trucks broke down, so I had to cover their route. Couldn’t leave it undone, and—well, you know—we could use the extra money.”

“I understand. But I’m worried about Kevin…”

Will straightened slightly. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at school?”

“No, school’s fine,” she replied, shaking her head. “But he barely sees you anymore. You’re working so much, and I’m not sure he understands why.”

Will’s expression softened. “I’ll talk to him. Don’t worry, Les. Everything I do, I do for his future.”

Will knocked gently on Kevin’s door, letting his knuckles barely tap against the wood.

The house was quiet, except for the faint hum of the heater. He pushed the door open slowly, peeking in with a playful grin despite the heavy bags under his eyes.

“Hey, kiddo! How are you?” he asked, his voice soft but warm.

Kevin sat cross-legged on his bed, a book in his hands, though it didn’t look like he was reading it.

“Hi, Dad. I’m fine,” he said without looking up.

“Sure…” Kevin set the book down reluctantly and glanced at his father.

Will sat down on the edge of the bed, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

“How’s school? Everything going okay? No fights with your classmates or anything?”

Kevin shrugged. “Yeah, it’s fine.”

Will raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? Fine? Come on, you can give me more than that.”

“Oh!” Will said, sitting up straighter. “I almost forgot—tomorrow’s Career Day at your school! I’ll take the day off to come. Don’t worry, I won’t miss it.”

Kevin’s face fell slightly, and he looked away.

“You don’t have to, Dad…” he said softly.

Will tilted his head, watching his son carefully.

“I want to,” he said firmly. “Don’t worry about it. For you, I’ll always make time. Now get some rest, buddy. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

Kevin hesitated, then mumbled, “Goodnight.” He turned onto his side, facing the wall.

He paused at the door, glancing back at his son with a faint smile, then quietly closed the door behind him.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windshield as Will drove Kevin to school. Will had traded his usual work uniform for a navy suit and tie, a combination that felt unfamiliar and stiff.

Kevin sat silently in the passenger seat, his face turned toward the window. His fingers fidgeted with the strap of his backpack, and his usual chatter was replaced by a heavy quietness.

Kevin shrugged but didn’t turn away from the window.

“I don’t feel well. I don’t want to go to school today,” he muttered.

Will frowned, his eyes darting between the road and his son.

“Come on, you’re fine. Are you nervous about something?”

“No…” Kevin replied softly, his voice trailing off.

Will didn’t push.

“Don’t worry. It’ll be okay,” he said, though he couldn’t help but wonder if Kevin was hiding something.

Will waited, his hand resting on the gear shift, watching his son wrestle with some unspoken emotion.

Finally, Kevin sighed, pushed open the door, and got out. Will followed, his concern lingering like a shadow.

Inside the classroom, rows of parents sat in folding chairs at the back while the children clustered together at their desks.

Will found a seat, adjusting his tie as he scanned the room. The atmosphere buzzed with chatter and excitement.

A tall man in an expensive suit approached Will, offering a polished smile. “You must be Kevin’s dad, right?”

“Our boys are friends. Your son talks a lot about you and your work,” the man said, crossing his arms.

“Really?” Will said, eyebrows rising. “I didn’t think he was that interested in what I do.”

The man chuckled. “Well, he’s proud of you. Told everyone you own a waste recycling business.”

Will froze. “A recycling business?” he repeated, the words sticking in his throat.

“Yeah! Or did I get that wrong?” The man tilted his head. “Kids exaggerate sometimes. You know how it is.”

The image of his son’s anxious face flashed through his mind, and the thought of Kevin being humiliated in front of his peers was too much to bear.

“Yeah,” Will said finally, forcing a smile. “I’m not used to people knowing about it. I usually keep work stuff private.”

The man nodded, seemingly satisfied, and walked away.

Will’s chest felt heavy, but he tried to shake it off as the teacher stepped to the front of the room.

“Next, let’s hear from Kevin’s dad,” she announced, motioning for him to come forward.

Will stood, smoothing his suit nervously as he walked to the front. He glanced at Kevin, who sat stiffly, staring at his desk.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Will, Kevin’s dad. As some of you already know, I own a waste recycling business,” he said, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach.

Kevin’s head shot up, his eyes wide with relief. A small smile crept across his face as he looked at his father.

Will smiled through it, feeling a mixture of pride and sadness. For now, he had protected Kevin, and that was what mattered most.

After the presentations, the classroom was abuzz with chatter. Kevin stood near his desk, surrounded by a group of classmates. They grinned and chattered excitedly.

“Your dad’s job is so cool!” one kid said.

“Yeah, owning a recycling business? That’s awesome,” another added.

Will sat alone on a bench, his hands resting on his knees, staring at the floor. Something about his posture—a mix of exhaustion and quiet sadness—made Kevin’s chest feel tight.

Excusing himself from the group, Kevin walked over to his dad. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Dad… about your job…” Kevin’s voice was soft, almost unsure.

Will looked up, his tired eyes meeting his son’s.

“It’s okay, son,” he said gently. “I hope everything went better than you expected. I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of your friends. I’m sorry my job isn’t… prestigious. I really try my best.”

Will raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint, skeptical smile. “Then why did you tell everyone I’m a business owner?”

Kevin looked down, fidgeting with the strap of his backpack.

“It was Rob,” he admitted quietly.

“He’s always bragging about his dad selling cars and how much money he makes. I… I lied. I said you owned a recycling business. Then everyone started talking about it, and I didn’t know how to take it back. I didn’t want to look stupid.”

“It’s okay, son. I understand,” he said after a moment. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll make that lie true someday. Maybe I can start my own business.”

Kevin stared at his dad, his guilt giving way to a sudden determination. Without another word, he turned and strode back toward the front of the classroom.

“Listen, everyone!” Kevin’s voice rang out, loud and clear. The chatter stopped, and all eyes turned to him. Will’s heart skipped a beat as he watched his son.

“My dad drives a garbage truck!” Kevin announced, his voice steady.

Kevin straightened his back and continued, his voice unwavering.

“He’s not a business owner, and he’s not the richest, but I don’t care! I love my dad. He loves me and my mom, and I’m proud of him!”

For a moment, the room stayed quiet, and Kevin held his breath.

Then, one of the parents applauded. Slowly, others joined in.

Soon, most of the parents were smiling and applauding as well—except Rob’s father, who sat stiffly, his face sour.

“I love you, Dad. And I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”

Will’s throat tightened as tears pricked at his eyes. He stood, pulling Kevin into a hug.

“Thank you, son. I love you too,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

In that moment, Will didn’t care about titles or appearances.

His son’s love and pride were more than enough.

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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Margaret loved her husband and did everything he asked of her, which was a lot. But for years, she hadn’t been on the receiving end of that love. She had resigned herself to the idea that her life would always be this way—until she opened a strange box beneath the Christmas tree. 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.