Woman Raises Son’s Daughter He Left 10 Years Ago

A man left his young daughter with his mother to pursue a new life with his wife, and when he returned after a decade, he was shocked to find out that they had vanished without a trace.

Doris Dakkar had been a single mom to her only son after her husband walked out on them when Nicholas was just seven. Though times were tough, Doris worked hard, managing two jobs to ensure her son never wanted for anything.

At that time, she was thirty years old. Little did she know that life would have her stepping back into the role of a single parent at sixty. She never imagined her own son would abandon his daughter, echoing the actions of his father.

Nicholas, who married a lovely girl, Sandra, was devastated when she passed away when their daughter Paige was nine. Doris tried comforting herself by thinking Nicky had only remarried so quickly out of loneliness after Sandra’s death. Much to her concern, Paige, once vibrant and joyful, slowly became quieter, perhaps grieving her mother.

Sometimes, those who think only of themselves find out they lose the most.

When Paige turned ten, Nicholas approached Doris, asking if she could care for Paige for three weeks while he and his new wife Donna went on a couple’s trip to Alaska. “Every couple needs some time alone, and lately, Paige hasn’t been easy around Donna,” Nicholas explained.

Doris was surprised but relented. “Alright, Nicky, a break might be best for everyone. But you must remember, Donna knew you had a daughter when she married you. A young girl grieving her mother needs understanding, not frustration from adults,” she warned.

Nicholas, turning red, drew in a breath. “I should have known you’d side with Paige! Donna loves me, and that’s what matters,” he fumed.

“I would have hoped her father would also be on Paige’s side, considering her happiness should bring you joy too,” Doris replied, hurt.

Nicholas left in a huff, yet returned a week later with Paige and her suitcase, acting like all was well. “I’ll be back on August 27, Mom,” he promised with a bright smile and drove away.

But August 27 came and went without a word from Nicholas. Doris was shocked when her calls to him met with a disconnected line.

You see, since leaving, Nicholas hadn’t phoned, though he occasionally replied to Paige’s messages. As Doris discovered, the family home Nicholas and Sandra had owned was sold. He was gone.

Doris had been left holding the reins, caring for her grandchild without any word from Nicholas or concern for Paige’s wellbeing. Sitting Paige down, Doris assured her, “We’ll manage just fine, you and I. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything. And mark my words, your father will regret leaving someday.”

A decade passed before Nicholas turned his car onto his childhood street. What he saw stunned him—the home he knew now stood empty and forgotten, its gardens wild and disorderly, the windows shuttered as if they too had turned their backs on him.

Seeking answers, Nicholas knocked at a neighbor’s door. The woman who answered barely concealed her disdain. Recognizing him, she hesitated to give him any information about Doris or Paige. Seeing his disheveled state, she remarked, “They aren’t here. Paige got married, and they live together now. Don’t expect a heroes’ welcome, Nicholas. You might have been forgiven once, but you’ve got a debt to pay now.”

Nicholas didn’t respond, determined instead to speak to his family himself. Arriving at their new home, he was amazed by the grandeur before him—a marvelous house that was a testament to prosperity. Stepping up to the entrance, a maid let him in.

Ushered into an ornate sitting room, Nicholas prepared to see his daughter. Paige entered, serene and poised. Without surprise in her gaze, Nicholas realized they knew of his coming, likely warned by the enigmatic neighbor.

“Paige, darling…” he murmured, stepping forward to hug the woman before him.

“What do you want?” Paige asked, her voice calm and unwavering.

“I wanted to see you and Grandma Doris,” Nicholas replied warmly. “I’ve missed you both terribly.”

Just then, Doris joined them. Her expression unreadable, she questioned, “Nicholas, tell us why you’ve come?”

Flushing with emotion, Nicholas pleaded, “I’ve returned for my family, hoping for a warm reception.”

“You lost the right to expect warmth,” Paige stated coolly, cutting through his plea. “You left us.”

“Mother?” Nicholas reached out, “It wasn’t my choice. Donna pushed me into it, threatening to leave…”

“And is she now gone along with the money?” Doris interjected, a knowing smile playing across her lips.

Nicholas’s gaze now took in the surroundings with jealousy. “You’ve done well for yourselves,” he muttered. “I thought you might spare a bit for me. I’m struggling,” he admitted, bathing in self-pity.

“It’s shocking you’re asking us for help,” Paige noted. “You left us in dire need, yet we found strength and support from one another. Thanks to my husband, we lack nothing.”

“But I’m still your father!” Nicholas countered indignantly.

Paige softened, reached for Doris’s hand, not out of love for her father but respect for her grandmother’s heart. “For Grandma Doris, I’ll help you.”

Heading towards a delicate antique desk, Paige pulled out a set of keys, placing them alongside an envelope of money. “These are for the old house,” she explained. “There’s $5,000 here. Not a penny more, so don’t come asking again.”

She led Doris gently from the room. Moments later, Nicholas found himself led out as well, the maid ensuring no item went missing.

Sitting in his ragged car outside, Nicholas lamented his situation, “I did what I had to,” he murmured, eyes fixed on the estate. “Why can’t anyone see what I’ve been through? There’s no gratitude in life…”

This tale shows us that those who act selfishly often pay the highest price. Caring for others and being present for those we love brings true joy and fulfillment. Share this story to remind loved ones of the ultimate value of family.