My Stepmom Wanted Me to Stop Wearing the Pendant My Late Mother Gave Me Because It Was Cheap – But Karma Had Other Plans

When I stumbled over words during homework, she’d actually laugh. “No wonder you sound so clumsy.

Some people just never learn proper manners.”

She especially hated my necklace. Every time I touched it unconsciously, her eyes would narrow into slits. It was as if the locket itself was her enemy.

“You should wear something more modern, Lily,” she’d say with fake sweetness.

“Honestly, clinging to the past isn’t healthy for a growing girl.”

Things got worse when her mother, Karen, started visiting regularly. If Helen was sharp as a knife, Karen was a straight razor. Together, they became absolutely relentless.

If I dropped a fork at dinner, Karen would smirk and say, “Poor child never had proper guidance growing up.”

Helen would chuckle right back.

“Well, with the kind of mother she had, what could you expect?”

They laughed together. At me, and at my mom’s memory. Each laugh felt like erasing her a little more.

Dad never saw any of it.

He worked long hours and came home exhausted every night. By the time he walked through the door, Helen had already transformed back into sweetness and chamomile tea. She knew exactly how to time her performance.

“She’s doing so well, Paul,” she’d coo.

“I’m trying to be patient while she adjusts.”

The few times I tried telling Dad the truth, Helen was ready with her defense. She never even gave me a chance to finish my sentences.

I’d start with, “Dad, Helen said something about Mom today,” and she’d immediately cut in with her softest voice. “Oh, poor Lily’s still grieving so deeply.

Sometimes she hears criticism when I’m just trying to guide her. I would never speak badly of Nora, Paul. I know how much she meant to both of you.”

Dad would sigh, rub his tired temples, and tell me to try harder to give her a chance.

He desperately wanted peace in our house, and Helen played her role perfectly whenever he was around.

Her timing was flawless, like she had rehearsed every move.

So I stopped trying to tell him. I started wearing the locket tucked safely under my shirts, hidden where Helen’s cruel eyes couldn’t find it.

I thought that would solve everything. But then came Dad’s birthday, where things took a turn for the worse.Continue reading…