When Anna’s dad leaves her a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift with strict instructions not to open it until morning, she never expects her scheming stepmother, Melanie, to tear into it first. But Melanie’s greed triggers a chain of events she never saw coming.
Christmas used to be my favorite time of the year. Twinkling lights, gingerbread cookies, the smell of fresh pine from the tree, not to mention the stockings stuffed with treats. It all felt magical.
This year, though, the magic was gone.
My dad remarried a few months ago, and his new wife, Melanie, made sure I felt like an outsider in my own home. She wasn’t evil exactly—not like the stepmothers on TV—but she had a way of smiling while tearing down your confidence and spirit.
“Oh, Anna, is that what you’re wearing? Girl, I’d rethink that!”
“I’m sure your dad will spoil you again. He always does, doesn’t he? It will stop soon.”
Everything she said was drenched in a sickly-sweet tone that made my stomach turn.
I kept my mouth shut for Dad’s sake. He looked genuinely happy, and I didn’t want to ruin that. My mom had passed away ten years ago, when I was seven, and it had just been Dad and me for so long. If Melanie made him feel less alone, I told myself I could endure it.
That was until a week before Christmas.
Dad pulled me aside one evening, his expression serious but playful.
“Anna,” he said, holding out a box wrapped in gold foil with a red velvet bow. “I have something really special for you this year, love.”
The box was stunning, and I wanted to open it right away.
“What is it, Dad?” I asked.
“It’s a surprise,” he said. “But you have to promise me something.”
“Okay… what?”
“Don’t open it until Christmas morning.”
He handed it to me carefully.
“Leave it under the tree. I’ll be out of town for work, but I’ll call you first thing that morning.”
I promised, though something about the moment felt heavy. He looked sad for just a second before kissing my forehead and heading upstairs to pack.
He left the next morning.
On Christmas Day, I woke early, remembering that Dad wouldn’t be there. Breakfast would be just Melanie and me. I braced myself and headed downstairs quietly.
That’s when I saw her kneeling in front of the tree, my gift in her hands.
“Morning, Anna,” she said brightly. “Merry Christmas.”
“What are you doing?” I asked. “That’s my gift!”
She laughed. “Your dad always spoils you. Let’s see if he finally bought something useful—for me.”
“Please,” I begged. “Dad told me not to open it. It’s special.”
“Oh, please,” she said, tearing into the wrapping. “You don’t deserve half the things your father gives you. You’re just a spoiled brat.”
Before I could stop her, she ripped the lid off the box.
She froze.
Inside was a black velvet ring box and a folded envelope with her name on it.
Her hands trembled as she read aloud.
“Melanie, if you’re reading this, it means you’ve done exactly what I suspected. I overheard your conversation about taking Anna’s gift for yourself. I wanted to believe you’d prove me wrong. Instead, you confirmed my fears.”
She continued, her voice barely audible.
“You’ve disrespected my daughter. Consider this my official goodbye. Merry Christmas.”
She dropped the letter and opened the ring box. Inside was her engagement ring—the same one Dad had proposed with. The ring that once belonged to my grandmother. The ring I had always loved but assumed I’d never have.
The room went silent.
Then the front door opened.
Dad stood there, calm, duffel bag in hand.
“I thought you were on a work trip,” Melanie stammered.
“I wasn’t,” he said. “I stayed close. I needed to see for myself.”
He told her he’d been watching, listening, hoping she’d change. This gift had been her final test.
She begged. She pleaded. She blamed me.
Dad turned away.
“Pack your things,” he said. “You’re leaving today.”
She left that afternoon, bitter and furious.
The house felt peaceful again.
Dad and I spent Christmas together—pancakes, hot chocolate, old movies, laughter. That night, he gave me another gift. Inside was the ring and a letter addressed to me.
“Anna, you’re the best thing in my life. I hope this Christmas marks a new beginning for us. I love you more than anything.”
I cried.
He told me the ring was mine, and one day, someone worthy would place it on my finger.
Melanie hadn’t been that person.
