Woman Uses Face Cream Mom-in-Law Gave Her, Faints after Looking in Mirror the Next Morning – Story of the Day

Pauline’s birthday took an unexpected turn when she applied a new cream gifted by her estranged mother-in-law, Annalise. But she never imagined that she would be staring at the mirror in horror the next morning. What had Annalise done?

The aroma of freshly baked cake wafted through Pauline’s modestly decorated living room.

Streamers hung from the ceiling, and a small pile of gifts adorned the coffee table.

Pauline, a woman in her early thirties, with warm brown eyes and a hesitant smile, sat on the couch, surrounded by her immediate family.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Her husband, Carl, a tall man with kind features, handed her a gift. “This one’s from Mom,” he said, his voice tinged with surprise.

Pauline’s eyes widened as she accepted the package. She glanced at Annalise, her mother-in-law, who sat stiffly in an armchair across the room.

The older woman’s face was neutral, but her eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness.

“Thank you,” Pauline said softly, carefully unwrapping the gift.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Inside was an expensive skincare set from a well-known brand.

Pauline’s surprise was evident as she examined the products. “Oh, wow. I love this brand,” she exclaimed, looking up at her mother-in-law. “Thank you, Annalise. This is very thoughtful.”

Annalise nodded curtly. “I read that women like these things nowadays. I ordered it online.”

Despite the kind and seemingly normal exchange, everyone in the room could sense the tension.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For years, Pauline and Annalise had been at odds, to put it nicely. They had vastly different personalities, and the older woman wasn’t keen on boundaries.

It wasn’t until Carl threatened to cut contact that Annalise became more reserved and did not cause so many conflicts with Pauline.

Therefore, this gesture, however small, felt like a tentative step towards reconciliation.

As the party wound down and guests left, Pauline found herself in the bathroom, examining the skincare products.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Carl joined her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

“I’m shocked that your mother bought me something,” Pauline said, unscrewing the lid of one of the creams.

Carl nodded with a hopeful smile on his face. “I’m just as surprised. But this could be good for all of us, right?”

Pauline agreed, applying the cream to her face. “These things are expensive. I can’t wait to see how my skin looks in the morning.”

But as they settled into bed that night, neither could have expected what happened the following morning.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

***

Pauline stirred awake and felt the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. However, it wasn’t pleasant as always. Something felt off.

Her face burned, and her eyelids felt heavy and crusty. Blinking slowly, she tried to focus on her surroundings.

“Ouch,” she mumbled, reaching for her face. The moment her fingers touched her skin, a searing pain shot through her. “Oh God!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She bolted upright, ignoring the way her skin seemed to pull and crack with every movement. Stumbling to the bathroom mirror, Pauline let out a strangled gasp at her reflection.

Her face was a mess of angry red patches and peeling skin. Some areas looked raw as if the top layer had been completely stripped away.

“Carl!” she cried out, her voice trembling with fear and pain.

Her husband rushed to her side, his face paling at the sight. “Jesus, Pauline! What happened?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Before she could respond, Pauline’s vision blurred, and she felt herself falling. The last thing she heard was Carl’s panicked shout as darkness enveloped her.

When Pauline regained consciousness, she found herself in a white, sterile hospital room. The steady beep of monitors filled the air, and the smell of antiseptic stung her nostrils.

Carl sat beside her, his face etched with worry. “Pauline, baby. How are you feeling?” he asked, squeezing her hand gently.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Before she could respond, a doctor entered the room. “Mrs. Patterson, I’m Dr. Rawlings,” she introduced herself with a professional but kind tone. “Can you tell me what happened?”

Pauline recounted using the skincare products she had received as a gift. As she spoke, realization dawned on her face. “The cream… it must have been the cream,” she whispered, gaping at her husband.

Dr. Rawlings nodded gravely. “The cream you used was a professional-grade chemical peel, not meant for home use. It’s typically only used in medical spas under strict supervision.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Pauline’s mind raced as she considered what the doctor said. After a few seconds, she connected the dots.

“Annalise,” she breathed, turning again to Carl with wide, horrified eyes. “Your mother did this on purpose!”

Carl’s face hardened as he started shaking his head. “I can’t believe she would go this far,” he muttered, frowning.

As if summoned by their words, Annalise burst into the room, and her face was full of concern. “Carl! Your sister called me with the news. Pauline, what happened?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Pauline’s reaction was immediate and visceral. “You did this!” she screamed as tears streamed down her damaged face. “YOU HORRIBLE WOMAN! YOU RUINED MY FACE ON PURPOSE!”

Annalise recoiled. “What? No! I didn’t! I swear!” she said, hurt, and placed a hand on her chest. “I… I saw the products online, and they had good reviews… I didn’t know they were so strong…”

Carl stood up, and anyone could see the rigidness of his body. He was trying to hold back his anger. “Mom, you need to leave. Now. We don’t want anything to do with you anymore.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Annalise tried to protest, but several nurses came in to usher her out of the room. When she was gone, Pauline collapsed into sobs, overwhelmed by the idea that her mother-in-law could cause her such harm.

***

Hours passed in a blur of doctors, nurses, and worried family members.

Pauline drifted in and out of sleep thanks to the pain medication which had dulled her senses. When she awoke again, she found Carl speaking quietly with Dr. Rawlings near the door.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Carl?” she called out weakly.

He was by her side in an instant, relieved. “Hey, how are you feeling?”

“Like my face is on fire,” Pauline replied, attempting a smile. “What’s going on?”

Carl took a deep breath, seeming to brace himself. “Mom… she’s been trying to explain something.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Pauline felt her heart rate increase, and the monitor beside her began to beat faster. “What could she possibly have to say?”

“She said she didn’t do this on purpose,” Carl began cautiously. “She says she’s been seeing a therapist, trying to work on herself and our family relationship.”

Pauline’s brow furrowed, wincing at the pull of her damaged skin. “A therapist? Your mother?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Carl nodded, looking as surprised as Pauline felt. “I know, it’s hard to believe. But she showed me some receipts, and her therapist even called to confirm.”

As Carl explained further, Pauline’s anger began to give way to confusion and a glimmer of something else… hope?

“She told me that she saw the products online, recommended by some influencer,” Carl continued, rolling his eyes at the idea. “She didn’t know it was professional-grade. She was just trying to get you something nice.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Pauline closed her eyes, processing this information. Could it be true? After years of hostility, could Annalise truly be trying to make amends?

“I think… I think I’d like to talk to her,” Pauline said finally, although she was still in disbelief.

When Annalise entered the room, her usual composed demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her hands twisted nervously in front of her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Pauline, I… I’m so sorry,” Annalise began, her voice almost breaking. “I never meant for this to happen. I’ve been trying so hard to be better, to fix things between us. I know I haven’t been the best or easiest mom-in-law…”

As Annalise spoke, pouring out her heart about her therapy sessions and her genuine desire to be a part of their family without their previous animosity, Pauline felt something shift within her.

The anger and resentment that had built up over the years began to disappear. She always felt inclined to believe people who truly wanted to change.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Pauline was big on second chances, but it was still difficult.

“I want to believe you,” she said softly. “I want us to move past this. For Carl, for the kids… for all of us.”

Annalise’s eyes filled with tears. “You have no idea how much that means to me. I promise I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.”

While they talked, Carl brought in the skincare products for the doctors to examine.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

It was confirmed that while the products were indeed professional-grade, they were readily available online without proper warnings.

“I’m afraid, Mrs. Patterson, that you should’ve been more careful with the instructions here,” Dr. Rawlings said carefully. “This chemical peel says it’s strong and can’t be used for over five minutes.”

“So, it’s my fault?” Pauline asked, shocked. Carl held her hand in comfort, and Annalise shook her head.

“No, it’s an easy mistake, unfortunately,” the doctor continued. “But it was dangerous.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

After the doctor left, Pauline laughed awkwardly, and the sound broke the tension. She and Carl apologized to Annalise for immediately jumping to conclusions, but the older woman understood why.

After how I behaved before, I understand,” Annalise said and smiled at Pauline through teary eyes. It was a genuine grin that only proved how sincere she was.

So, in that hospital room, a new chapter began for their family.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Pauline reached out, taking Annalise’s hand in hers. “Let’s start over,” she said, smiling back. “Clean slate. Just… maybe hold off on any more gifts for a while, okay?”

Annalise let out a tearful laugh, nodding vigorously. “Deal.”

I Found Out My Husband’s Dark Secret on Our First Wedding Night

In a tale of vulnerability and love, Jenny and Alex navigate the aftermath of a childhood trauma that surfaces on their wedding night. As Jenny learns the depth of Alex’s anxiety, sparked by a terrifying incident from his past, she steps into a role of understanding and support.

Falling head over heels for Alex was like diving into a mystery novel where the ending is always a surprise. We met in what felt like a whirlwind romance; it didn’t take long for us to decide that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. We chose to wait, keeping our relationship purely emotional and spiritual, which honestly made us connect on a level I didn’t know existed.

Couple laughing together on couch | Source: Getty Images

Couple laughing together on couch | Source: Getty Images

Alex, with his guarded heart, hinted at a dark chapter from his childhood, one he wasn’t ready to share. Knowing he trusted me with even that small admission made our bond even stronger. It’s like we’re in this love story together, figuring out each chapter as we go.

Young couple riding classic scooter during vacation in Bali | Source: Getty Images

Young couple riding classic scooter during vacation in Bali | Source: Getty Images

During our wedding planning, hints of Alex’s past and his secret started to surface more often. I noticed, but I didn’t want to push him into sharing something he wasn’t ready to reveal. It left me with a mix of curiosity and respect for Alex’s privacy, choosing to focus on the love and excitement of our upcoming marriage. Even when I tried to express my concerns, my mother-in-law would quickly dismiss them, assuring me everything was fine.

Mother and daughter | Source: Getty Images

Mother and daughter | Source: Getty Images

My relationship with Mrs. Green, Alex’s mom, blossomed into something truly special. She was not just a mother-in-law but a friend and confidante. When it came time to pick out presents for Alex’s birthday and Christmas, she was my go-to advisor, ensuring each gift was both meaningful and personal.

Emerald and diamond ring in finger | Source: Getty Images

Emerald and diamond ring in finger | Source: Getty Images

The gesture that sealed our bond was when she entrusted me with their family heirloom ring—a symbol of acceptance and trust. It wasn’t just a piece of jewelry; it was a welcoming into the family, a testament to the loving and trusting relationship we shared.

Young Couple Getting Married in Garden | Source: Getty Images

Young Couple Getting Married in Garden | Source: Getty Images

After our amazing wedding day, filled with dancing, heartfelt speeches, and so much love, Alex and I were completely worn out by the time we got to our room. Every moment was special, from the emotional vows to the wild dance floor moves and the endless photos with everyone. Honestly, just thinking about how we managed to stay on our feet through it all is making me tired all over again.

Guests throwing rose petals on bride and groom | Source: Getty Images

Guests throwing rose petals on bride and groom | Source: Getty Images

Settling into bed felt like a blissful escape, a moment to finally breathe and let the day’s joy truly sink in. But even amidst our exhaustion, there was this beautiful sense of beginning our life together, a mix of excitement and a deep, comforting tiredness.

Silhouette of woman sitting on bed | Source: Getty Images

Silhouette of woman sitting on bed | Source: Getty Images

As I waited in bed, wearing my best garments, I heard him whispering something to his mom behind the door. Mrs. Green? What was she doing here? No way she would turn into one of those mothers-in-law, who need to instruct their precious son on the first night! Or worse, could she be here to instruct me?

Scared woman hiding under blanket. Afraid of the dark. Unable to sleep after nightmare or bad dream. Awake in the middle of the night in bedroom at home. Monster under the bed. | Source: Getty Images

Scared woman hiding under blanket. Afraid of the dark. Unable to sleep after nightmare or bad dream. Awake in the middle of the night in bedroom at home. Monster under the bed. | Source: Getty Images

“Mom, I can’t do it. Can you come in?”

My heart raced as the door opened. I sheepishly pulled the covers up to my chin and stared at them in disbelief.

“What’s going on?”

Upset mid adult woman with her husband in bed arguing, relationship problems concept. | Source: Getty Images

Upset mid adult woman with her husband in bed arguing, relationship problems concept. | Source: Getty Images

After a brief moment of silence, during which Mrs. Green seemingly calculated her response, she turned to her son, wide-eyed. “Wait. Have you told her about the—”

Alex shook his head.

“Then do! What have you been thinking about?! The poor thing must be thinking we’re a pair of weirdos!”

Couple having serious conversation in bed | Source: Getty Images

Couple having serious conversation in bed | Source: Getty Images

Alex looked me deep in the eye before heaving a sigh and beginning to unravel his biggest secret.

“When I was just 5 years old, the unthinkable happened—a burglar shattered the peace of our home by breaking in through my bedroom window. That night, under the cover of darkness, my world changed forever. The intruder’s silhouette, a menacing presence in my sanctuary, left me frozen in terror, unable to cry out or escape. The aftermath of that violation was a deep, pervasive fear that clung to me, long after the broken glass was swept away and the window secured.

Masked burglar holding flashlight while secretly entering into a house | Source: Getty Images

Masked burglar holding flashlight while secretly entering into a house | Source: Getty Images

“In the nights that followed, my bedroom felt like a battlefield, each shadow a reminder of my vulnerability. Sleep, once a refuge, became an insurmountable challenge. But in the midst of my fear, my mother became my guardian angel.

“Night after night, she sat by my bed, her presence a beacon of safety in the darkness. With the soft timbre of her voice, she’d weave stories of courage and adventure, heroes who faced their fears and emerged victorious. Her words, gentle and reassuring, were a balm to my frightened soul, coaxing me toward the calm shores of sleep.

Cheerful mother and son cuddling and reading book | Source: Getty Images

Cheerful mother and son cuddling and reading book | Source: Getty Images

“These bedtime stories, more than mere tales, became our ritual, a shared journey back to a sense of normalcy and security. My mother’s unwavering patience and love taught me that, even in the face of paralyzing fear, there is a wellspring of strength within us, a resilience that can be nurtured and grown.

“Since that terrifying night, my mother has been my steadfast companion in the quest for peace as I drift off to sleep, her presence a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.”

Mother and son reading children's book | Source: Getty Images

Mother and son reading children’s book | Source: Getty Images

Learning Alex’s secret left me reeling, a mix of emotions swirling within me. At first, there was shock, the depth of his trauma more profound than I’d imagined. Then came understanding, a realization of the weight he’d been carrying all these years. My heart ached for him, for the child he was and the man he’s become.

With this knowledge, there was also a strengthening of resolve, a determination to be the support he needs. Love, after all, means standing together, especially in the face of hidden battles.

Young couple lying in bed

Young couple lying in bed

“So… how do I help you?” I asked, taking his hand. The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned warm and fuzzy, like a fluffy blanket.

“When Alex is feeling anxious or overwhelmed, especially at night, cuddling him in a specific way has always helped soothe him,” Mrs. Green began, her voice calm and reassuring. “Hold him close, with his head resting near your heart. It’s a method that’s comforted him since he was a child.

His sincere hug is all she needs right now! | Source: Getty Images

His sincere hug is all she needs right now! | Source: Getty Images

“Though he’s mostly outgrown the need for this, his anxiety can still get the better of him during stressful times. It’s important to be patient and understanding, offering him that physical reassurance. This approach has often been the key to helping him find peace and fall asleep.”

In that tender night, as I cuddled Alex in the way his mother had described, I felt a profound connection between us. His head rested near my heart, and gradually, his tense body relaxed into the embrace. Despite the initial shock of learning about his anxiety, understanding washed over me, bringing a deep sense of empathy and readiness to support him.

Couple lying in bed | Source: Getty Images

Couple lying in bed | Source: Getty Images

As he finally drifted off to sleep, the weight of his worries seemed to lighten. Mrs. Green, witnessing this moment, quietly left the room with a silent nod of approval and gratitude in her eyes. It was clear she was at peace, knowing her son was in caring hands.

After that pivotal night, Alex and I have come a long way. We’ve opened up more, really diving deep into understanding and supporting each other’s needs. Learning to soothe his anxiety became a part of our life, and honestly, it’s brought us closer.

Friends enjoying teatime eating raspberry cake at home | Source: Getty Images

Friends enjoying teatime eating raspberry cake at home | Source: Getty Images

We tackled his vulnerabilities head-on, finding strength in each other. Our journey’s been like a crash course in love, empathy, and resilience. It’s amazing how facing challenges together has only made our bond stronger. Just wanted to share our little victory—love really does conquer all.

If you liked this story, you might like this one about a woman whose world turned upside down the moment she met her mother-in-law.

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.

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