When I agreed to go on vacation with my fiancé and his twin daughters, I thought we were celebrating a fresh start. Instead, I returned from the resort’s pool to a mysterious note that confused me more than ever. When we went back home, a shocking surprise awaited.
I met Matt three years ago at a charity event. He was charming and confident and had this soft spot for his daughters that instantly melted my heart. Ella and Sophie, his five-year-old twins, were the sweetest little girls.
A happy blonde man in his 30s running in the park with his twin daughters | Source: Midjourney
They’d lost their mother at the age of one, and Matt had done a marvelous job at raising them to be polite little girls.
I didn’t have much experience with kids, but those two made it easy. They’d run up to me with school stories whenever I was around, and before I knew it, they’d wormed their way into my heart.
One evening, after a particularly long day at work, Matt showed up at my apartment with the girls in tow. They were holding handmade cards with glitter and stickers.
Twin blonde girls, 5 years old, smile while holding cards in the living room | Source: Midjourney
“We wanted to surprise you!” Ella beamed, thrusting the card into my hands. Inside, it read, “Thank you for being part of our family.”
I was speechless. Before Matt, I had dated men who were incredibly afraid of commitment. Truly. I was a magnet for those. I’d had so many bad dates that I can’t remember them all. But at that moment, looking at my boyfriend’s glowing eyes and his little girls, I felt pure warmth. I loved all three of them.
A black-haired woman in her 30s frowning at a man on a bad date night in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
That’s why there was really no other answer than “YES!” when Matt proposed after a special dinner that his daughters helped prepare around a week later. My life was coming together at last, and I couldn’t wait to get started, so I moved into Matt’s house as soon as I could.
Then, I started wedding planning. I had particular ideas about flowers, my dress, the girls’ gowns, and the venue. I’m a type-A kind of person, so I was really in the zone, but Matt got overwhelmed after a couple of months.
A black-haired woman in her 30s sits on the floor in front of the couch in the living room with flowers and samples on the coffee table smiling | Source: Midjourney
“Let’s take a break before the chaos hits,” Matt suggested one night in our bed. “A family vacation, just the four of us. It’ll be our little escape before the big day.”
I wasn’t eager to leave when there was so much to do, plus our work, but I agreed. He needed it badly. We booked a trip to a cozy island resort.
The first two days were magical. Ella and Sophie couldn’t stop giggling as they splashed in the pool, and I loved watching them build sandcastles with Matt on the beach.
Twin blonde girls, 5 years old, smiling and building a sandcastle on the beach | Source: Midjourney
“Dorothy, look!” Sophie yelled, pointing at a sandcastle she’d decorated with shells. “Isn’t it pretty?”
“It’s beautiful,” I told her, snapping a picture with my phone.
Matt walked up, brushing sand off his hands. “You ready for some ice cream, girls?”
“Yes!” they both screamed in unison, running ahead.
Matt slipped his arm around my shoulders. “This was a good idea. We needed this.”
I leaned into him. “Yeah, we really did.”
A black-haired woman and a blonde man in their 30s cuddle close on the beach | Source: Midjourney
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop because I knew most people didn’t have this many picture-perfect family moments. And that came on our third afternoon at the resort.
Matt had wanted to stay back at the hotel that morning. He felt too tired, but the girls were buzzing for more time at the pool. So, I took them myself.
But by noon, Matt still hadn’t come down and wasn’t answering my calls, so I rounded up the girls and headed back to our floor.
A black-haired woman in her 30s walks worried down a hotel hallway with two twin girls in the background | Source: Midjourney
The girls chattered excitedly about the new friends they’d made at the pool. I barely registered their words as I unlocked the door to our room. Pushing it open, I froze.
I didn’t see anything amiss immediately. But my instincts told me something was wrong. I walked deeper inside and finally noticed that Matt’s suitcase was gone.
The room was perfectly polished and our beds made, meaning the cleaning service had stopped by. I went to the bathroom and only saw my things along with the girls’ stuff.
A tidy resort hotel room with two beds | Source: Midjourney
His clothes, toiletries, and even his phone charger had vanished.
“Dorothy, where’s Daddy?” Ella asked, tugging at my hand.
My heart raced as I shook my head, and finally, on the nightstand, I spotted a note: “I have to disappear. Soon, you’ll understand.”
I sat down heavily on the bed, the heavy paper trembling in my hands. Disappear? What did that even mean? Was he in danger? Were we?
“Dorothy, are you okay?” Sophie whispered, her big eyes filled with worry.
Twin girls, 5 years old, stand worried in a hotel resort room | Source: Midjourney
I forced a smile, trying to think quickly. What would any guardian do in this situation? Distract the girls.
“I’m fine, sweetie,” I replied. “Let’s get cleaned up and go downstairs for ice cream. Daddy is probably down there, too.”
The girls cheered and went to the bathroom together. That was good. They hadn’t seen my panic, and I couldn’t let them. Not yet. Not until I got some answers.
But Matt was truly gone, according to a nice bellhop who saw him with bags, hailing a cab. I tried calling, being as discreet as possible, but he still wasn’t answering his phone.
A worried blonde man in his 30s getting into a car | Source: Midjourney
Later, I finally managed to get the girls to sleep. I’d assured them that their dad had to go home early, but the lie left a bitter taste in my mouth. Alone on the balcony, I scrolled endlessly through my phone messages.
Still nothing from Matt. I started biting my nails, a habit that hadn’t surfaced in years, as my mind raced. Did he get cold feet? Was there something he wasn’t telling me?
Just in case, I called the front desk to ask if they’d heard from Matt. They hadn’t. I left more messages on his phone. Morning came, and there was nothing to do but pack up and go home.
A black-haired woman in her 30s packs clothes and carries a bag in a resort hotel room | Source: Midjourney
The plane ride was excruciating. Thankfully, the girls were occupied with their coloring books.
“Are we going to see Daddy when we get home?” Ella asked.
I swallowed hard. “I’m sure we will, sweetie.” I hated lying because I honestly had no idea what we were returning to.
When we finally landed, I was exhausted. The cab ride felt way too long, and I was so tired from the previous sleepless night that I fumbled with the keys several times, trying to unlock the door to our house while balancing our bags.
A woman’s hand holds keys in the lock of a front door | Source: Midjourney
“Come on, girls,” I called, yawning. “We’re home.”
But as I stepped inside, I stopped dead in my tracks.
In the middle of the living room, there was a bundle wrapped in a blanket. It was moving.
“What is that?” I whispered to myself.
Before I could react, the girls rushed past me.
“A puppy!” Ella squealed, dropping her backpack. “It’s a puppy!”
A Saint Bernard puppy wrapped in a blue blanket in the living room | Source: Midjourney
The bundle wriggled, and a tiny St. Bernard poked its head out, tail wagging furiously. Sophie knelt, giggling as the puppy licked her face.
“Can we keep him? Please, Dorothy?” Sophie begged, her eyes wide with excitement.
I was too stunned to answer. But then, I saw a note tucked into the puppy’s forgotten blanket and picked it up.
“Dorothy, I know this was sudden, and I probably acted too rashly, but let me explain. I was scrolling through my phone at the hotel when I saw my friend giving away pups online. I had to leave immediately to make sure this little guy would be ours.
A blonde man in his 30s sits on a hotel resort bed scrolling his phone smiling | Source: Midjourney
Remember the story you told me about your childhood St. Bernard, Max? I couldn’t pass up the chance to bring that joy back into your life, as you’ve brought love into our lives.
Thank you for caring so much about my daughters. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for moving right in, and thank you for accepting to be ours forever. I’m sorry I didn’t explain before, but I got too excited. Please forgive me and give Max Jr. a little pet.”
A happy Saint Bernard puppy with its tongue lolling out in the living room | Source: Midjourney
I sank onto the couch, shaking my head as my whole body felt relieved. My goofy fiancé had scared me half to death! But he’d done it for a beautiful reason.
Max. I hadn’t thought about him in years. When I was four, Max saved me from drowning during a family picnic. That dog was my hero, my protector. Losing him to old age had been devastating.
And now, Max Jr. was here, wagging his tail and making the girls laugh.
“Dorothy, what’s wrong?” Ella asked, her eyes shining.
Twin girls, 5 years old, smile with a Saint Bernard puppy in the living room | Source: Midjourney
I spoke through a thick throat. “Nothing, sweetheart. I’m just… surprised.”
A few minutes later, the front door creaked open. Matt stepped inside, looking sheepish and carrying a bag of puppy supplies.
“Surprise?” he said tentatively.
I stood up and ran to him, not knowing if I wanted to throttle him for scaring me or kiss him senselessly. Kissing him won out.
A couple in their 30s embrace in the living room, content | Source: Midjourney
“You could’ve told me! Do you have any idea what I’ve been through?” I whispered, breathless after our lips parted.
“I know, and I’m sorry,” Matt said, his arms tightening around my waist. “But I couldn’t risk someone else adopting all the dogs before I had a chance. I had to return yesterday.”
Just then, the girls ran over, Max Jr. bounding after them.
“Daddy, you got us the puppy?” Ella asked, beaming.
We separated, and Matt crouched down, ruffling their hair. “Yes, baby! What do you think? Good surprise?”
A blonde man in his 30s with twin girls, 5 years old, smiling happily while looking at a puppy in the living room | Source: Midjourney
“The best!” Sophie answered instead and hugged him tightly.
Her sister joined their embrace, and that’s why I couldn’t stay mad. Seeing the joy on their faces melted my frustration. Still, I wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily.
“You owe me big time,” I warned, poking him in the chest.
Matt grinned. “Deal.”
We spent the rest of the evening playing with Max Jr. He chased the girls around the yard, barking happily, and curled up on the couch with us for a movie night.
A black-haired woman in her 30s curls up with a sleeping Saint Bernard puppy on the couch while watching TV | Source: Midjourney
Later, the puppy joined Matt and me in our bed, where he would sleep for the rest of his wonderful, amazing life.
Also, Matt paid what he owed me, so to speak… by giving me the best life possible.
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.
After a Call from a Stranger, a Woman’s Recent Love Story Turns Into a Drama – Story of the Day
“All men are liars.” With these words, Violet ended her radio program. Her life experiences and the countless stories she heard from her listeners had proven it. But, a date with a coworker made her question her belief. After a call from a stranger, she was convinced she had been right all along.
Violet sat comfortably in her chair, leaning slightly toward the microphone in the cozy, dimly lit studio of a local radio station.
The equipment’s soft hum and the faint buzz of the control board’s lights cast a warm, golden glow across the room.
Opposite her was James, her co-host, his posture more relaxed, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table as they listened to the voice crackling through the speakers.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“He’s pulling away from me…” Susan’s voice trembled, and a muffled sob came through.
“I don’t know what to do. We barely talk anymore. I never thought I’d turn to a radio show for advice, but I don’t have anyone else who’ll listen.”
Violet adjusted her headphones, her expression softening.
“Don’t worry, Suzy, right? That’s your name?”
Her voice was calm, like the steady rhythm of a heartbeat, offering comfort through the static.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Yes, it’s Susan,” the caller confirmed, her breath hitching.
“Well, Suzy, that’s why we have this segment—to help people like you with relationship struggles. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s brave of you.”
Susan hesitated before asking, “So… what do you think I should do, Violet?”
Violet straightened in her chair, her tone sharp yet controlled.
“The same thing I always say—forget him. He’s either cheating on you or stringing you along. Either way, you deserve better.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
James’s head snapped up, and he raised an eyebrow at her.
“Violet, maybe we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. It could be anything—stress at work, personal issues. Maybe he doesn’t know how to communicate.”
Violet gave him a sidelong glance.
“Or maybe he has a mistress,” she said dryly. “Let’s not sugarcoat it. All men are liars.”
The tension hung for a moment, but Violet quickly turned back to the microphone, her professional smile firmly in place.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Thanks for tuning in, folks. Enjoy the next song.” She flipped the switch, cutting their microphones.
Music filled the studio, and Violet leaned back, the faintest smirk playing on her lips.
James, however, shook his head slightly, unsure whether to push back or let it slide.
The studio lights dimmed slightly as the end-of-shift silence settled over the room.
Violet gathered her things—her notebook, headphones, and an oversized scarf she draped over her shoulder.
She moved with her usual efficiency, but her mind was already on the comfort of home and a hot cup of tea.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
James lingered by the console, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
His usual easygoing demeanor seemed absent, replaced by a noticeable nervousness. Finally, he stepped closer, clearing his throat.
“You were ruthless with men today, as usual,” he said, flashing her a sheepish grin. His attempt at humor was met with a raised eyebrow.
Violet paused and glanced at him.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You’ve been here six months, James,” she replied flatly. “I thought you’d have figured out by now what our audience expects.”
“So, it’s just for ratings, then?” James asked, tilting his head.
“You don’t actually believe all that?”
Violet shrugged, her expression unreadable.
“I never said that. What do you want, James? I was about to head home.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
James rubbed the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at her. “Well, uh… I’ve been meaning to ask…” His words trailed off as his confidence wavered.
“Spit it out,” Violet said, smirking slightly, amused by his awkwardness. “Talking is supposed to be your job.”
He chuckled nervously, his face flushing. “Would you, um… like to go on a date with me?”
“A date?” Violet blinked, caught off guard. “Like a date-date?”
“Yes. Exactly. There’s a great place nearby I think you’d like.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Violet hesitated, shifting her bag on her shoulder. “James, you know I’m not big on dating.”
“Because you think all men are liars, right?” James teased. His tone was light but daring. “Let me prove that not all of us are that bad. Some of us are mostly honest.”
“Mostly?” Violet repeated, laughing despite herself. “Fine. But don’t expect miracles.”
“That’s good enough for me,” James said, his grin widening as he grabbed his coat.
The small restaurant felt like a hidden gem, the kind of place you’d never stumble upon unless someone showed you.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Candlelight flickered on every table, casting warm, golden hues across the room while the smooth notes of live jazz wove through the air.
The musicians, tucked into a corner, played as though they were part of the room’s heartbeat, their gentle melodies making the space feel alive yet soothing.
James pulled out a chair for Violet, his movements natural, unforced. Violet raised an eyebrow but couldn’t help a small smile as she sat down.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Chivalry isn’t dead, I see,” she teased.
“Well, I try,” James said with a grin, taking his seat across from her.
Violet glanced around, taking in the cozy surroundings.
“This place is charming,” she admitted. “I didn’t know spots like this still existed.”
“Judging by that look on your face, you don’t go to places like this often,” James said, leaning forward slightly, his tone playful.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t go on dates often, that’s for sure,” Violet replied, smoothing the napkin on her lap.
“Really? Hard to believe. A radio host and such a beauty? You must have admirers.”
Violet’s cheeks turned pink, and she waved him off.
“Stop it. I used to date, but I gave it up a long time ago. It always felt like a waste of time.”
James tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Why’s that?”
Violet hesitated before answering.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“After dealing with betrayal, lies, and hearing all those stories on the show… It’s hard to believe in love anymore.”
James’s expression softened.
“Well,” he said gently, “not all of us are so bad.”
“Every man says that,” Violet sighed, leaning back in her chair.
James chuckled but didn’t push further. Instead, he started sharing a story about his childhood, painting vivid pictures of his clumsy adventures that left Violet laughing.
The conversation shifted naturally from funny anecdotes to deeper reflections about their lives.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Violet found herself relaxing in a way she hadn’t expected, her guard lowering with each shared laugh.
“See?” James said, grinning as she wiped away tears of laughter. “Not so bad spending time with me, is it?”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Violet replied, though her smile betrayed her words.
James stood, gesturing toward the restroom. “I’ll be right back. But I want to hear the rest of your story about the bird when I get back.”
“Hurry up, or I’ll forget it,” Violet called after him, still chuckling as she sipped her water.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Her phone buzzed on the table, interrupting her thoughts.
She frowned at the unfamiliar number and hesitated, but curiosity got the better of her.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Hi, this is Jane,” a hesitant voice said on the other end.
“Sorry to call so late, but James hasn’t come home, and your number was the only one I could find. Is he with you?”
“Jane?” Violet asked, her voice suddenly tight. “Are you his sister?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Sister? No, I’m his girlfriend,” Jane replied sharply, the words cutting through the air like a knife.
Violet froze, the warmth of the evening draining away. Her heart pounded as Jane’s words echoed in her ears.
Without responding, she hung up, her hands trembling.
She grabbed her bag, scarf, and coat and walked briskly out of the restaurant, leaving behind the candlelight, the music, and the man she thought might have been different.
The next day at the radio station, Violet entered the studio with her usual brisk stride, her scarf loosely draped around her neck.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Her expression, however, was anything but usual. It was cold, distant—like a door slammed shut.
She avoided eye contact with James, who was already at the control board, adjusting levels and humming softly to himself.
“Hey, Violet,” James called out, his voice light. He looked up with a smile, but it faltered when she breezed past him without so much as a glance.
“I was worried about you last night. You left so suddenly. I tried calling you—”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I’m fine,” Violet cut in, her tone sharp and clipped. She didn’t stop moving, setting her bag down with deliberate force.
James frowned, taking a cautious step toward her.
“Did I do something wrong?” he asked hesitantly, his voice quieter now.
“You tell me,” she snapped, finally meeting his eyes, her glare icy. “Or maybe ask Jane.”
The name hit him like a slap, and his brow furrowed. “Jane? How do you know her?”
“Your girlfriend called me,” she said icily. “She wanted to know when you’d be home. Don’t worry—I didn’t keep you too long.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Violet, wait—” James started, his hands raised as if to stop the invisible storm brewing between them.
“One more word,” Violet interrupted, her voice cutting through the room like a blade, “and you’ll be looking for a new job.”
James froze, his mouth half-open, then closed it. He nodded stiffly and returned to his seat, his shoulders slumping slightly.
The day dragged on in frosty silence.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
By mid-afternoon, Violet noticed something strange. James didn’t look like a man caught in a lie; he looked genuinely upset.
His face was pale, his expression distant, as if the weight of the world sat on his shoulders.
Curiosity gnawed at her. By the end of the day, she found herself following him as he left the building.
Near the station’s entrance, a young woman stood waiting. Her arms were crossed, her expression a mix of anger and desperation.
“James! We need to talk!” the woman shouted, stepping closer.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
James stopped abruptly and sighed. “We’ve got nothing to talk about, Jane,” he said, his voice firm but weary. “I’ve told you before—we’re done. It has been months! Why won’t you let it go already!?”
“But I love you! No one else will ever love you the way I do! Even that coworker of yours!” Jane cried, her voice breaking.
“Enough!” James snapped. “Because of the lies you told her, Violet won’t even look at me. I’ve had it, Jane. Stay out of my life.”
Jane burst into tears, her shoulders shaking as she pleaded one last time, but James didn’t budge.
Finally, she climbed into her car and drove away, leaving James standing alone. He sank onto the building’s steps, burying his face in his hands.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Violet hesitated before stepping forward. “James…” she said quietly. “I heard everything.”
He looked up, his eyes tired but calm. “Now you know what I was trying to explain,” he said.
“I’m sorry,” Violet said softly, her voice filled with genuine regret. “But can you blame me for assuming the worst?”
“No. But not only men can lie as you can see.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She managed a faint smile, her defenses softening.
“Maybe not. Should we give this another try?”
James straightened, a hint of hope returning to his face.
“Why not?” he replied, a small grin tugging at his lips. “After all, tonight’s already been full of surprises.”
Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Every year, Sarah had to devise a new excuse to explain to her family why they wouldn’t be visiting. “I won’t miss a single-family holiday because of your parents!” her husband Peter always insisted. But this time, Sarah stood her ground and defended her family values.
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.
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