I thought lending my car to my daughter-in-law, Layla, would be an opportunity to mend our strained relationship. Instead, she returned it battered and covered in lies, refusing to pay for the damages. What happened next left her feeling helpless.
I’m 60 and have been living alone since my husband Nathan passed away from cancer five years ago. Before he died, he asked me to always look after Toby, even though he was 30 and could manage on his own. Nathan knew how sensitive Toby was and how much he’d need me in the years to come.
But things changed when Toby introduced me to Layla. She seemed perfect at first—polished, kind, and eager to make a good impression. Toby and Layla married within six months. Though I was happy for my son, it wasn’t long before I realized that Layla’s charm hid a different side of her.
At first, she was sweet, but once Toby wasn’t around, her behavior changed. Whenever we argued, Toby always sided with her. I felt alienated, but I didn’t want to make waves.
Then one day, Layla called asking to borrow my car. She claimed her own was in the shop, and Toby suggested she ask me for help. Despite our tension, I agreed, hoping this would be an opportunity to improve things.
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