I should’ve known better than to trust a gift from Debbie. Looking back now, I can see the warning signs — the too-sweet smile when she handed me the box, and the way her eyes glinted with something that wasn’t quite kindness. Something about that moment didn’t sit right with me, but I didn’t think too much of it. After all, they were just shoes, right? Beautiful patent leather yellow shoes with a wide heel — exactly my style. And for once, my mother-in-law seemed to be making an effort.

A Mother’s Fight for Her Son I’m raising my son Kyle all by myself. Ever since he was born, it’s just been the two of us. Kyle has never had a dad around, and I haven’t remarried. Life hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve made it work. Kyle has always been a lively, active kid. He’s either outside playing sports or making things with his friends. But lately, things have gotten… weird. He hardly spends any time at home anymore. “Where are you going after school?” I’d ask him, trying

My name is Amanda, and I’m 28 years old. I work as a private event planner, and today, I had the biggest wedding of my career. It was for Catherine, a 38-year-old heiress to a huge clothing empire. She wanted a wedding that was nothing short of perfect, and she was willing to spend whatever it took to make it happen. I’d flown in from a different city, ready to bring Catherine’s dream wedding to life. She had been very clear about what she wanted, and so had I. Neither