Woman Told Her Daughter Her Father Had Died – Years Later, the Girl Discovered a Heartbreaking Truth

When Cassie returns from a getaway with her husband and son, she walks into her home to see a cryptic message from her mother — telling her to watch a video. As Cassie presses play, her entire life changes. In the end, she’s left wondering which of her parents are worthy of forgiveness.

In my eyes, my father could do no wrong. He was everything I needed him to be and more. He was a businessman who was always traveling, but he ensured that he made enough time for me.

“You’re my little girl, Cassie,” he would say, bopping my nose with his index finger. “You’re the most special.”

A father carrying his daughter | Source: Pexels

My parents always went out of their way for me — ensuring that despite their busy schedules, we would have family dinner almost every night.

It was the one thing that kept me grounded while both of my friends from school were in the middle of their parents’ messy divorces.

“I think it’s trendy now,” I told my mother as she cut slices of banana bread for me after school one day.

Sliced banana bread | Source: Unsplash

Sliced banana bread | Source: Unsplash

“Cas, you cannot think that divorce is trendy,” she laughed. “It’s devastating and traumatic, and very few families actually keep things civil.”

“I’m just saying that it’s trendy because a lot of kids live between two homes,” I explained to her. “It’s one of those things we were talking about in class today.”

I was fourteen, and the world seemed more dramatic than it should have been.

A smiling girl in a hoodie | Source: Pexels

A smiling girl in a hoodie | Source: Pexels

But what I didn’t know was that my words seemed to be an incantation that settled over our home.

A few weeks after that conversation, my father went away on a business trip. A few hours after he had been gone, there was news of his passing.

“How?” I asked. “How did he die?”

“I don’t know what to tell you, Cassie,” she replied. “I’m just saying what the paramedics told me.”

Two paramedics standing | Source: Pexels

Two paramedics standing | Source: Pexels

“So what will we do next?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” she asked, puzzled by the question.

“For the funeral?” I asked. “Aren’t we going to have one?”

“I don’t think so,” my mother replied. “Dad wanted to be cremated and have his ashes spread at the beach. Let’s do that instead.”

A black and white urn | Source: Pexels

A black and white urn | Source: Pexels

I couldn’t fathom why my mother would want to do that — but at the end of the day, she knew my father best. And the longer I thought about it, the more beautiful and sentimental a private ceremony at the beach felt.

“Don’t be difficult, Cassie,” my mother said when she saw me thinking about my next move.

“I’m not,” I said. “Really. I was just thinking about it. It’s a great idea, Mom.”

A pathway to the beach | Source: Unsplash

A pathway to the beach | Source: Unsplash

I could have fought her for a send-off that I thought would have been more appropriate. But what use would it have been? At the end of the day, we had both lost him.

The months following the beach ceremony felt weighted, and I knew that I was becoming deeply depressed — my father had been our world. And his absence was felt more than anything.

But, with time, I learned to live with it.

A girl sitting on the floor and looking out the window | Source: Pexels

A girl sitting on the floor and looking out the window | Source: Pexels

Last week, I decided to book a cabin in the woods for a little family vacation. My son was adamant that camping was the new best thing, and I knew that despite the wonders of nature, I wasn’t going to camp in a tent without a bathroom in sight.

Instead, I thought that a cabin would be the best option — my husband, Derek, could camp outside with Drew, our son, if he insisted on it.

A cabin in the woods | Source: Unsplash

A cabin in the woods | Source: Unsplash

We had a dog, therefore, I asked my mother to house-sit for the week so that we could be at peace, knowing that Romeo was taken care of.

A week away was more than enough to restore my mind — and eventually, when we went back home, I was surprised to see that my mother wasn’t there. In fact, it looked like she had never been there.

A dog lying on the grass | Source: Unsplash

A dog lying on the grass | Source: Unsplash

But there, on the coffee table, was a note beneath the TV remote.

Watch this, Cassie. I’m sorry. — Mom

I didn’t know what was in store for me, but while Derek got Drew into the bath, I put the TV on and began to watch whatever my mother had planned.

The TV flickered to life, and there he was, my father, his voice a long-lost melody, his image aged but still, unmistakably him.

A person holding a TV remote | Source: Unsplash

A person holding a TV remote | Source: Unsplash

Tears streamed down my face as the realization that he was still alive enveloped me in a mix of joy and disbelief.

The video message was nothing short of unpredictable.

My dear Cassie, I’m still here, alive. I’m so sorry for the pain that you must have felt from my loss. But it was needed. I needed to be removed from your life because of the sordid truth of my past. Your mother knows everything, please ask her for the truth.

My health is on a steady decline, and I would love to see you and explain it all.

Love you, Dad.

An old man | Source: Pexels

An old man | Source: Pexels

Without telling Derek or Drew anything, I grabbed the car keys and ran out. I needed my mother to explain.

“So, I bet you’ve got questions for me,” she said, opening the door.

“Explain it all,” I said.

“Cassie, it’s heavy. You look tired from your trip; are you sure you want to do this now?” she asked.

I nodded. It was now or never. I needed to know why my father faked his own death to get out of our lives.

My mother made us some tea and took out some shortbread.

Shortbread cookies on a plate | Source: Unsplash

Shortbread cookies on a plate | Source: Unsplash

“Darling,” she said. “I’ll understand if you don’t forgive me, but there’s so much about that time that I need to tell you.”

I sipped my tea, trying to figure out what my mother was about to tell me.

“I remember that you were telling me about your friend’s parents getting divorced. Do you remember that?” she asked.

I nodded. Of course, I did. It was the strangest thing, but it was so common when I was in school.

“Well, your father and I were not legally married. So when I told him about our conversation regarding divorce, he was actually relieved. Without being married, there would be no divorce.”

A marriage certificate | Source: Unsplash

A marriage certificate | Source: Unsplash

“What’s the big deal?” I asked.

“Then I found out that the real reason that we didn’t get married was because your father was already married to another woman.”

“What?” I exclaimed, almost dropping my cup. “To who?”

“To a woman in the town where he always had his business trips.”

“You didn’t know?” I asked, unable to believe her words.

A couple showing off their wedding rings | Source: Unsplash

A couple showing off their wedding rings | Source: Unsplash

“Of course not!” she exclaimed. “But when I pressed him about it, he decided to choose that family over us. So, I told him that the story was going to be his death.”

We were both silent for a moment.

Turns out that my mother told him that she would never tell me the truth, not when he was my favorite person. She couldn’t burst my bubble in that way. And she refused to let him see me one more time.

“It was better for you to think that it was an accident,” my mother said. “It just made more sense.”

Now, I understood why we didn’t have a funeral for him.

“What did we throw into the sea, then?” I asked.

“Dust,” she replied with a straight face.

A cloud of dust | Source: Unsplash

A cloud of dust | Source: Unsplash

My mother had spoken to him twice over the years. The second time being a day ago.

During their meeting, my father confessed his imminent death due to illness and requested that she give me the recording. My mother, torn by guilt and love, chose to write me the note and have the recording all set for me to watch.

“I would have taken the secret to my grave,” she said. “But knowing that he was ill and wanted to see you just struck something in me.”

A cemetery | Source: Pexels

A cemetery | Source: Pexels

Compelled by a need to confront the reality of my father’s existence, I traveled to the state where he lived with his other family.

I spent a few weeks with my father — going in and out of hospitals, watching him take an array of different medication, and growing weaker by the day.

Sitting at his bedside, I listened to his stories, the regrets, the moments of joy, and the love he had for all his children — myself included.

When things started to go downhill, I asked Derek to fly over with Drew. It was going to be a fleeting moment, but at least I’d know that my son had met my father.

A sick old man | Source: Pexels

A sick old man | Source: Pexels

A few days later, my father died.

Even now, I don’t know if I’ve forgiven him for the lie of having a double life. I just know that when it came to it in the end — I wanted to spend time with him. I had shoved my feelings aside, hoping for memories that I could figure out later.

But now that the dust has settled, I’m trying to figure out if I should forgive my mother for lying.

Flowers on a grave | Source: Pexels

Flowers on a grave | Source: Pexels

What would you do?

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.

My Fiancé Cheated on Me, and My Family Helped Hide It — Story of the Day

I thought my wedding rehearsal dinner would be a joyful celebration, but it turned into a night of shocking revelations. I discovered my fiancé’s betrayal and my family’s role in keeping it a secret. As the truth unfolded, everything I knew about love and loyalty was shattered.

I watched as my fiancé Andy got ready to leave again. Lately, he was always disappearing somewhere. I couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Do you really have to go?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

“Yes, it’s for work. I can’t refuse,” Andy replied, not meeting my eyes.

“You seem to be going out for work quite often these days,” I said, trying to sound casual.

Andy stopped what he was doing and looked at me. “What are you implying?” he asked, a hint of defensiveness in his voice.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Nothing,” I replied quickly. “Just stating a fact.”

But inside, I felt a growing suspicion. Something didn’t feel right.

Andy grabbed his things and went into the bathroom. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was cheating on me. He was always texting someone, going somewhere, and having constant meetings.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My heart sank every time he left without much explanation. Suddenly, his phone received a message. I glanced at the bathroom door, hearing the shower turn on. The sound of running water filled the apartment. This was my chance.

I knew it was wrong, and I had never done it before, but I couldn’t live with the thought that he was cheating on me. My hands trembled as I picked up his phone. Andy didn’t know that I knew his phone password. Now, it played into my hands. I unlocked his phone and quickly looked at the source of the message.

It was a group chat named “Andy and Kira.” My heart skipped a beat. Kira was my best friend, and I didn’t understand what this was all about. My mind raced with questions, and I needed answers.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I looked at who was in the chat. Andy, Kira, my mom, my sister, and my brother. What the…?! My heart pounded in my chest. I scrolled to the top of the chat and saw that it was created eight months ago. The first message was from Andy.

@Andy:

I’m sorry you had to find out about Kira and me like this. But I can’t let Erin find out. I love them both and still want to marry Erin…

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My mom was upset at first. She said Andy couldn’t treat me like this, but after a few days, a message came from her.

@Clarissa:

Do you really love Kira?

@Andy:

Yes.

Then my brother Scott and my sister Maria joined in.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Scott:

Maybe you should try an open relationship.

@Maria:

Yes, it’s very popular now. Many couples live like this.

@Andy:

We’ve been together too long. Erin would never agree to an open relationship.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Clarissa:

Then we will help you. We will help you hide this relationship until you are ready to talk to Erin.

@Andy:

Thank you, guys! I really appreciate it.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. How could my family have the audacity to suggest this to my fiancé and hide it from me for so long? I scrolled through the chat and took numerous screenshots.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I found out that Kira went on a trip with my family and Andy when I got sick and couldn’t go. What broke my heart the most wasn’t that Andy was cheating but that my mom was so calm about it and even supported him.

I didn’t understand how she could do this; I was her child, not Andy. I took screenshots of the entire chat, including the one between Andy and Kira, which had quite a few provocative photos from both of them, then sent them to myself and deleted them from Andy’s phone so he wouldn’t notice.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When Andy came out of the shower, I tried to act normal, even though I wanted to punch him. I watched him walk around the room, getting dressed, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me.

My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a mix of anger and betrayal. He smiled at me, completely unaware.

Andy got ready, and I saw him to the door. I tried to stay calm, even though every fiber of my being wanted to confront him right then and there.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Goodbye, honey, I love you,” he said and kissed me on the cheek. I felt like tearing my skin off at that moment.

“Me too,” I replied, trying not to show that something was wrong.

For a few days, I couldn’t find peace, and I was constantly nauseous from nerves. Andy started to worry a lot and even bought me a pregnancy test, which I wanted to throw in his face; the last thing I needed was to get pregnant by this jerk. Every time I saw him, my anger and frustration grew.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

But finally, the day of the rehearsal dinner arrived, and I was ready to reveal what Andy and my family had done. I was very nervous, feeling like my whole body was shaking.

Andy said he needed to go somewhere before dinner. I held back from saying, “To your lover, Kira?” But I was glad he was going; I didn’t want to see him or be in the same room with him.

I gathered all the screenshots and set them on a timer to send out at 5:30 p.m., right during the rehearsal dinner. They would be sent to Kira’s family, my family, Andy’s family, and all our friends. I knew it would be explosive, but it was the only way to make sure everyone knew the truth.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When I arrived at the restaurant, my mom and her husband were already there. She hugged me, and it felt like I was going to throw up. I quickly hugged her back to avoid suspicion.

“You have no idea how happy I am for you and Andy,” my mom said, her voice full of excitement.

“Yes, me too,” I replied, forcing a smile. It was all I could muster.

The restaurant was beautifully decorated, and everyone seemed so happy. It made me sick to see them all so cheerful, knowing the betrayal that lay beneath the surface.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I spotted Kira, laughing with some of our friends. She looked so carefree, as if she hadn’t been sneaking around with my fiancé.

As more guests arrived, my anxiety grew. I kept glancing at my watch, counting down the minutes until 5:30 p.m. Andy finally showed up, acting as if nothing was wrong, greeting everyone with a big smile.

The restaurant buzzed with laughter and conversation. When all the guests had gathered, Andy stood up to give a toast. He cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Thank you all for coming today,” Andy began. “I can’t express how much I love Erin and how happy I am that our families can now unite into one big family.”

How dare he say that? I felt my stomach churn. How could he have the audacity to make this speech? But I smiled and nodded, keeping up the act. Kira sat there, grinning as if she hadn’t betrayed me.

Andy continued his speech. “From the moment we first met, I knew Erin was the love of my life. I want to spend every minute with her. Our first date—”

He couldn’t finish because everyone’s phones started ringing simultaneously. People looked around in confusion, checking their screens.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Did you prepare a surprise for us?” my mom asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.

“Something like that, but I’m not sure you’ll like it,” I replied with a forced smile. My heart pounded in my chest.

“Stop it. I’m sure you did a wonderful jo—” Mom froze in shock as she opened the messages on her phone. She couldn’t finish her sentence, her face pale. I watched her reaction, feeling a mix of satisfaction and sorrow.

Kira, sitting nearby, looked at Andy in panic. Andy grabbed his phone, his face turning from confusion to horror. He looked at me, his eyes wide with fear.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Erin, I can explain everything,” he stammered. But he didn’t get the chance.

My aunt Teresa jumped up from her seat, her face red with rage. “You heartless witch! How could you do this?!” She shouted at my mom, her voice shaking with fury.

“I’m heartless?! Erin planned all this! How could you ruin our lives?!” my mom shouted back, her eyes blazing with anger.

My grandparents tried to hold Aunt Teresa back while she yelled at my mom, calling her every name in the book. The restaurant turned into chaos, everyone shouting and arguing. The joyful atmosphere had turned into a battlefield.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Kira ran up to me, her eyes pleading. “I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice trembling. “But I hope you understand, we couldn’t help our feelings. We’ve always been best friends, and I hope we can get through this and remain friends.”

Her words made my blood boil. I slapped her hard across the face, the sound echoing in the room. “How dare you call yourself my best friend after everything you did?!” I shouted, my voice breaking.

“Erin! Don’t touch her!” Andy yelled, rushing toward us.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I turned to him, my eyes filled with anger. “You’re the most pathetic man I’ve ever seen. I truly pity you because you’ll have to live with this.”

Andy’s face fell, and he stepped back, looking defeated. The room was in chaos, with people yelling and crying. I felt a strange calmness wash over me. The truth was out. There was no turning back. I had exposed their betrayal.

I walked away from them and went to Aunt Teresa, who was still yelling at my mom.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Let’s go, they’re not worth it,” I said, taking her arm. Aunt Teresa listened to me as we headed for the restaurant exit. Before leaving, I flipped the cake on the table, sending it crashing down.

“Enjoy your sweet life, lovebirds!” I shouted over my shoulder. Aunt Teresa and I walked out of the restaurant together.

Once we were outside, Aunt Teresa looked at me with concern. “I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice soft.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“It’s going to be okay,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “For now, I’m just happy that Andy paid for the entire wedding. He won’t get a cent back because it was supposed to be tomorrow.”

Aunt Teresa nodded. “Considering how many guests you were going to have, he’s definitely going to be bankrupt.”

“Yeah,” I said, with a small sense of satisfaction. “And I also found messages between Andy and Kira insulting his boss. I have a feeling Andy will be out of a job soon since those screenshots somehow made their way to his boss.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Aunt Teresa raised her eyebrow. “And they say miracles don’t happen,” she replied, a hint of a smile on her face. We both laughed.

The laughter felt good, but it was mixed with tears streaming down my face. My heart was broken, but I knew I had done the right thing. Everyone would get what they deserved.

As we walked away from the restaurant, Aunt Teresa put her arm around me. “You did the right thing, Erin. You’re strong, and you’ll get through this.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I hope so,” I said, wiping my tears. “It just hurts so much right now.”

“I know it does,” she replied. “But you’ve taken the first step to moving on. You’ve exposed the truth. Now you can start healing.”

We kept walking, and I felt sadness and relief. The truth was out, and there was no turning back. It was time to face whatever came next, but at least I wouldn’t have to face it alone.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I don’t know what I would have done without you,” I told Aunt Teresa.

“You’ll always have me,” she said. “We’re family, and we stick together.”

I smiled, feeling a bit of comfort in her words. We continued down the street, leaving the chaos behind us. It was a new beginning, and I was ready to face it head-on.

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: Kate always felt like an outsider in her family, where her mother and sister received all the attention. After her father’s death, her life changed unexpectedly. Kate’s husband betrayed her with her sister for an inheritance, and then, shocked by new circumstances, begged her to take him back.

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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