My father was boasting about financing my college education even though he hadn’t contributed financially, so I corrected his false claims with the truth

During my childhood and teenage years, I felt the weight of my father’s strict expectations. Instead of being supportive, he focused on control. His voice often echoed in my mind, reminding me of his “random checks” of my room and school bags, which felt more like an interrogation than genuine concern.

His high standards didn’t just apply at home; they spilled into my school life too. He insisted that I must earn at least a B in every subject, always pushing me to do better. This constant pressure built up a lot of anxiety in me and drove me to succeed, but mostly out of fear rather than passion.

As I got older, I became determined to break free from his tight grip, especially when it came to my college education. I decided to fund my own schooling, so my father couldn’t use financial control against me. In contrast, my cousin had a much different experience. His parents, my aunt and uncle, were involved in his life but respected his independence. They supported his education without making him feel pressured. This difference in our upbringings made me acutely aware of the heavy burden I carried.

When I graduated from high school, I made the choice to pay for my college myself. I took on part-time jobs and student loans, accepting the debt rather than risking my father’s influence over me. Interestingly, during this time, my father never offered financial help. He seemed unconcerned about my struggles, yet he painted a different picture to others.

He liked to present himself as the supportive dad who was investing in my future. At social gatherings, he would boast about how much he was contributing to my education, enjoying the praise he received for being a caring father. This false story was something he maintained without a hint of shame.

This charade continued until one summer evening at a family barbecue. During a relaxed conversation, my uncle, unaware of the truth, asked my father how much my education was costing him. Without hesitation, my father responded with pride, claiming it was a significant investment for my future.

Hearing this blatant lie ignited a fire in me. I knew I couldn’t let this continue. While I didn’t confront him then, I began planning how to reveal the truth in a way that left no doubt about my actual journey through college. I waited for graduation day, knowing it would be the perfect time to set the record straight. I invited my family, including my father, making sure they would all be there for what I had planned.

On graduation day, I felt a mix of nerves and determination. As I prepared to speak, I understood the weight of this moment. It represented not just my academic achievement but also a personal declaration. When it was my turn, I approached the podium, heart racing. The audience quieted, and I began: “Today, I want to thank the person who truly made this possible… myself. I financed my college education through hard work, determination, and countless hours of part-time jobs”.

The reaction was immediate. Gasps and murmurs filled the room as images of my college experience appeared on the screen behind me, pictures of late nights studying, work schedules, and tuition checks, all from my own earnings.

“Every dollar I earned and every exam I passed was done without any financial aid from my father”, I continued, glancing at my father’s shocked expression. The atmosphere shifted as my words sank in. The images contrasted sharply with my father’s claims, creating a powerful moment of personal vindication and public clarification.

After the ceremony, family reactions varied. Some were surprised, while others admired my independence. My aunt approached me, looking regretful. “We had no idea you did this all on your own”, she said, her tone apologetic. I wasn’t seeking sympathy but rather acknowledgment of my hard work. This recognition was more fulfilling than any comforting words could offer.

Later, my uncle, clapping me on the back, remarked with respect: “You really showed him. You took control and told the truth”. “Yes, I suppose I did”, I replied, feeling a sense of freedom that went beyond just graduating. “But more importantly, I showed myself what I’m capable of.”

That day marked the end of my college journey and the beginning of a new chapter in my life, free from my father’s oppressive expectations. I had proven to myself and others that I could face significant challenges on my own terms.

My experience in college, funded by my hard work, was a testament to resilience and self-reliance. Standing there with my peers and family, I knew that exciting new adventures awaited me, filled with the promise of freedom and the thrill of self-determination. I walked away not just with a diploma but with a deep understanding of my own strength and capability.

Mother of the Groom Hires an Unknown Actress to Sabotage the Wedding, but Plans Spiral Out of Control – Story of the Day

A struggling actress takes an unusual job after being hired by a wealthy man’s mother to pose as his girlfriend and sabotage his upcoming wedding. But as she spends more time with him and his fiancée, she questions her actions and the price of her desperation. What will she choose?

Miranda stepped out of the dim audition room, her chest heavy with frustration. The casting director’s parting words, “You’re not interesting enough,” stung more than she wanted to admit.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

With her wallet almost empty, taking a taxi home wasn’t an option, so she trudged along the busy sidewalk, her thoughts clouded with doubt and discouragement.

As she neared a small corner store, a bulletin board tacked outside caught her eye. Among the cluttered ads and flyers, one stood out.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She stepped closer to read the hastily written note: “Looking for a woman to pretend to be my son’s girlfriend. Will pay well.” Beneath the bold letters was a single phone number. No name, no explanation.

Miranda shook her head and chuckled to herself. “People are wild,” she muttered, brushing it off as she entered the store.

At the register, reality hit her hard. The little she could afford—pasta, cheese, and toilet paper—barely filled a small bag.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The notice snagged her attention again as she was heading back. Staring at her meager groceries, she sighed, pulled out her phone, and dialed the number.

“Hello, I saw your ad—” Miranda began, gripping her phone tightly.

A sharp voice cut her off. “Meet me at 7:00 p.m. at Bella Luna. Dinner’s on me.”

Miranda blinked in surprise. “Wait, what—”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The line went dead. She stared at her phone. No name. No details. Just instructions. It felt strange, but with her bills piling up, she didn’t have the luxury to ignore it.

At 7:00 p.m., Miranda entered the restaurant, her stomach fluttering. She scanned the room, unsure who she was meeting.

A middle-aged woman in a tailored suit approached her, her steps confident.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Are you the one who called about the ad?” the woman asked, her tone brisk.

“Yes, I’m Miranda,” she replied, offering a polite smile.

“Leslie,” the woman said, gesturing toward a nearby table. “Follow me.”

Once seated, Leslie leaned forward. “Do you have experience with this sort of thing?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Miranda hesitated. “Not exactly. I’ve never pretended to be someone’s girlfriend before,” she admitted. “But I’m an actress. I think I can do it.”

Leslie nodded, her expression unreadable. “Good enough,” she said. “Here’s the deal. My son is getting married in a month. I need you to make him fall for you and ruin the wedding.”

Miranda’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me? Your ad said to pretend to be his girlfriend. It didn’t say anything about ruining relationships.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m not stupid enough to write that in an ad,” Leslie said, her voice sharp. “His fiancée isn’t good enough for him. She’s only after his money. You’d be helping him, really.”

Miranda pushed her chair back. “I can’t do this. I’m sorry,” she said, preparing to leave.

“Ten thousand,” Leslie said suddenly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What?” Miranda froze.

“Ten thousand dollars if you break up the wedding. Two thousand if you try but fail. That should motivate you,” Leslie explained, her eyes fixed on Miranda.

Miranda’s breath caught. Ten thousand dollars. Two thousand, even. Her landlord’s threats echoed in her head. She needed the money.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Honey, I don’t have all day,” Leslie snapped.

Miranda swallowed hard. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

“Good. But don’t slack off. If you do, you get nothing,” Leslie warned, extending her hand.

With a deep sigh, Miranda shook it.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Leslie had it all mapped out, and Miranda followed the plan step by step. Leslie’s son, Jack, was hiring an assistant for his company, so Leslie helped Miranda put together an impressive résumé.

It was polished to perfection, making Miranda seem like the ideal candidate. Jack didn’t hesitate—she got the job almost immediately.

But getting the job was the easy part. The hard part was getting Jack to notice her.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Miranda tried everything Leslie suggested. She wore short skirts and fitted blouses, hoping to catch his eye.

Yet, Jack seemed uninterested. His focus was always on work.

Frustrated, Miranda decided to try something different. She began staying late at the office, waiting for moments when it was just the two of them.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

One evening, Jack looked up from his desk and frowned. “You don’t have to stay just because I’m still here,” he said, his tone gentle but firm.

Miranda forced a smile. “I enjoy your company,” she replied, sitting across from him and pretending to organize files.

Over the next two weeks, something shifted. Jack began having longer conversations with Miranda, talking about his life, his goals, and even his favorite movies.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Yet, the more time Miranda spent with Jack, the harder her task became. She had met Katie, his fiancée, the woman Leslie despised.

Katie wasn’t what Miranda expected. She was kind, thoughtful, and genuinely sweet.

She brought homemade cookies to the office, reminded Jack to eat, and calmed him with a soothing word when he was stressed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

One day, Miranda watched as Katie laughed over an origami crane Jack had made for her.

The love between them was undeniable. Leslie’s claims about Katie being a gold-digger felt harder to believe.

Still, Miranda couldn’t back out. Her landlord had already warned her about overdue rent, and the clock was ticking. Desperation outweighed her growing guilt.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

One evening, as Miranda stayed late at the office with Jack, her phone buzzed. She sighed, seeing Leslie’s name on the screen. Reluctantly, she answered.

“What’s taking so long?” Leslie demanded. “The wedding is in a week, and he’s still with Katie!”

“I’m working on it,” Miranda replied quietly, glancing at Jack, who was seated nearby, engrossed in his laptop.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“There’s no time left. You need to sleep with him,” Leslie snapped.

“What?! We never agreed to that!” Miranda exclaimed, her voice rising slightly.

“Then fake it,” Leslie said coldly. “Make it look like you did and send me photos. I’m done waiting.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Before Miranda could respond, the line went dead. She stared at the phone, her stomach twisting.

Slowly, she walked back to Jack and sat next to him on the couch, closer than she ever had before.

“Tired?” she asked, her voice softer than usual.

Jack glanced up briefly. “Yeah, a little,” he admitted.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Miranda hesitated, then placed her hand on his arm. “Maybe we could go to a bar. Unwind a little?”

Jack shook his head. “I can’t. Katie made dinner. She’ll already be upset that I’m late.”

“Does it really matter?” Miranda asked, leaning in slightly. “Come on. It’ll be fun.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Before Jack could respond, the elevator doors opened. Startled, Miranda pulled back. The sound of heels echoed as Katie appeared carrying two lunchboxes.

“I thought I’d bring dinner since you’re working late,” Katie said, smiling. She handed one box to Jack and turned to Miranda. “I brought some for you, too. You shouldn’t go hungry.”

Miranda stared at Katie, her heart sinking. Without thinking, she blurted, “I can’t do this anymore!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What are you talking about?” Jack asked, confused.

Miranda took a deep breath. “I’m an actress. I was hired to ruin your wedding. Leslie wanted me to make you fall for me. I needed the money, so I said yes. I’m sorry.”

Jack and Katie listened in stunned silence.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m so sorry,” Miranda said again, her voice breaking. “I’m a horrible person.”

“No, you’re just someone in a desperate situation,” Katie said, taking Miranda’s hand.

Miranda shook her head. “Who are you? I just admitted I was trying to steal your fiancé, and you’re comforting me?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Katie smiled gently. “I know Jack loves me. You wouldn’t have succeeded.”

Jack frowned with a hard expression. “I don’t want my mom to get away with this. Will you help us?”

“It’s the least I can do,” Miranda agreed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

They carried out Jack’s plan with careful precision. Fake photos of Miranda and Jack in intimate moments were sent to Leslie.

Her response came quickly—she was excited and praised Miranda, convinced the wedding was ruined.

Meanwhile, Miranda saved screenshots of Leslie’s incriminating messages, knowing they would be crucial.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

At Jack and Katie’s rehearsal dinner, Miranda stood before the gathered guests, her heart pounding.

One by one, the photos, the messages, and even the ad that had first brought her into their lives appeared on the screen.

The room fell silent, then erupted in hushed whispers. Guests exchanged shocked glances, their disbelief palpable.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“This is all lies! I can explain!” Leslie shouted, her face red with anger.

Jack’s expression remained cold as he stepped forward. “Thanks, Mom, but Miranda already explained everything. We know the truth.”

Leslie’s voice rose in desperation. “I only wanted better for you! That woman doesn’t deserve you! She’s not good enough!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Jack said firmly. “I’ll never forgive you for trying to ruin that. Now leave. Don’t come back into our lives.”

Leslie’s mouth opened to protest. “But—”

“Leave now,” Jack interrupted, his tone sharp. “Or I’ll call security.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Leslie’s face twisted in frustration. She grabbed her bag, muttering under her breath, and stormed out, her heels clicking loudly against the floor.

As the room settled, Miranda quietly gathered her things, preparing to slip out unnoticed. Jack noticed and stopped her. “Wait,” he said.

Miranda looked up, hesitant. “What is it?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I spoke to a friend of mine. He has a role in a theater production. You’d be perfect for it,” Jack said.

Her face lit up briefly but quickly fell. “I can’t. I owe you too much already.”

“Stop,” Jack said firmly. “Actors like you are hard to find. You did spend a whole month pretending you enjoyed staying late at the office with me. And you’ll still get your paycheck for this month as my assistant.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Miranda shook her head. “I don’t deserve it. I nearly destroyed your lives.”

Katie stepped forward, her voice calm and kind. “If not for you, Leslie would still be trying to ruin our wedding.”

Miranda hesitated. Katie smiled and added, “Stay for dinner. You’re already here. I’ll be upset if you leave.”

Miranda’s eyes filled with gratitude as she hugged Katie tightly. “Thank you,” she whispered.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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: Sarah’s life has always revolved around her family, but a devastating call from the hospital forced her to confront everything she had put on hold. As she rediscovers herself and begins living on her terms, a surprising twist changes everything, leading her to see life completely differently.

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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