Being born into royalty means spending your entire life under the spotlight, and of course, Prince Harry is not an exception.
Paparazzi follow his every move, especially following his decision to step down from his royal duties together with his wife, Meghan Markle.
The truth is that capturing the scandalous stories and shocking images that fuel tabloid headlines is challenging when it comes to senior Royal Family members. They maintain a stoic facade, and information rarely leaks from their closely guarded lives.
Running away from the media and the paparazzi was one of the reasons Harry decided to leave Britain behind and settle in California with his wife and children. However, he later received backlash because he not only didn’t hide from the media, but he became even more exposed than ever, giving interviews, signing deals with Netflix for a documentary, and publishing a book, Spare, in which he revealed plenty of details about the life as a royal and about the members of the Firm, including his brother and father.
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However, among the most intriguing topics he wrote openly about were the candid discussions about his sex life as a younger man. His openness on such personal matters has captivated public interest and added a layer of relatability to his public persona.
Speaking of the woman who took his virginity, Harry didn’t provide a name, but he did include plenty of details.
“She liked horses, quite a lot and… treated me not unlike a young stallion,” the 39-year-old wrote in Spare.
“Quick ride, after which she’d smacked my rump and sent me off to graze. Among the many things about it that were wrong: It happened in a grassy field behind a busy pub.”
As expected, those who read the book started speculating as to who this woman might be.
Among the rest, the name of the British actress Elizabeth Hurley, best known for her work in Austin Powers and Strictly Confidential, was mentioned.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 09: Elizabeth Hurley attends the 2023 Hot Pink Party for Breast Cancer Research Foundation at The Glasshouse on May 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)
Hurley, 58, has finally broken the silence on the rumors on an episode of Watch What Happens Live, where she discussed the theory that she had been Harry’s first lover.
“That was ludicrous!” she told host Andy Cohen. “He said, ‘She was English. She was older than me. It was in Gloucestershire’. And they were like, ‘Ah, it’s Elizabeth.’ It was absurd. It was ridiculous.”
She added that she has never met the Duke.
Another woman, Sasha Walpole, claimed she was the one Harry wrote about in his memoir.
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“I am the woman who took Harry’s virginity. It was literally wham-bam between two friends. [It was] passionate and sparky because we shouldn’t have been doing it,” she told The Sun last year.
“We went outside, and both climbed a three-bar fence to the field. We were quite drunk at this point. I gave Harry a cigarette. I lit mine and then his. We finished our cigarettes – Marlboro Lights – and it just happened. He started to kiss me.”
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Life is full of challenges and unexpected twists, and Marilyn’s story is a prime example of this.
She and Darren met in high school and quickly became the sweethearts everyone expected to end up together. After navigating through college side by side, they graduated together and eventually tied the knot. The early years of their marriage were filled with joy, laughter, and dreams of a bright future.
However, when their second son was born, things turned for the worse. Darren started to distance himself emotionally, and the warmth that once kept their relationship alive gradually cooled. One evening, out of the blue, Darren said he wanted a divorce. With little explanation, he packed a suitcase, kissed Marilyn on the forehead, and left, leaving her the burden to explain to their kids why their dad was no longer living with them in the home they built together.
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Adjusting to life as a single mother was incredibly challenging for Marilyn who strove to maintain a sense of normality for her sons, despite the ever-present reminders of the life she once shared with Darren. The empty chair at the dinner table, the quiet house after the children went to bed, and the weight of making decisions alone were constant struggles. To cope with her emotions, she took up kickboxing, which became a vital outlet for her frustration and helplessness. In order to navigate the emotional turmoil she faced, she started therapy. Eventually, she learned to be resilient and love herself.
Darren, on the other hand, moved on with his life and found a new partner, Penelope. The thought of him building a life with someone else crushed Marilyn, but she accepted the reality. Her relationship with Darren was confined to co-parenting and occasional awkward exchanges during child hand-offs, but then, Darren called with an unusual request.
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First, they talked about their sons, when Darren’s tone suddenly changed. With hesitation in his voice, he asked if Marilyn would consider being a surrogate for him and Penelope. It turned out they had been trying to start a family but things didn’t go as planned. The request was so unexpected that Marilyn initially thought she had misheard him. She asked for time to think, and Darren suggested they meet the next day to discuss it further.
Marilyn drove to Darren’s house the following day with her mind swirling with pros and cons. When she arrived, it was Penelope who greeted her. She had a smile on her face, which eased some of Marilyn’s tension. As they engaged in a conversation, Penelope shared their struggles and hopes for the future. Marilyn felt an unexpected connection to Penelope, moved by her vulnerability and strength. After hours of discussion, Marilyn agreed to be their surrogate. Both Darren and Penelope were deeply grateful and assured her of their support throughout the process.
As the pregnancy progressed, the bond Marilyn and Penelope’s shared grew stronger.
What’s most, they became friends who shared secrets and details of their lives. Penelope even joined Marilyn’s book club, and Marilyn introduced Penelope to kickboxing. All these activities took brought them close together. Penelope never missed any of the doctor’s appointment, and they shared many intimate moments, such as watching movies together or comforting each other during emotional times.
After the birth of their, Darren became angry and the relationship between Marilyn and Penelope was affected. Once at the hospital to see the baby, he asked from Penelope to step outside. After that, Penelope disappeared for several days, not responding to Marilyn’s texts or calls, leaving her worried and bewildered.
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Marilyn reflected on their journey and realized that the ache in her heart was not just from a friendship paused; she had fallen in love with Penelope.
Months passed by and Penelope never called or responded to any of Marilyn’s messages, but one day, she returned to Marilyn’s doorstep, drenched from the rain and desperate to talk. She told her that life without Marilyn’s presence in it was hard to imagine. She eventually confessed her love for Marilyn and told her she planned on divorcing Darren.
Marilyn told her she also loved her, and that was the moment the friendship between these two women translated into a profound love. They took things slowly, allowing the reality of their new life together to settle. Their connection, built on shared adversity and profound understanding, grew stronger with time.
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Looking back on the unexpected journey from being asked to be a surrogate to finding true love with Penelope, it is clear that life’s unpredictability led them to a new chapter filled with courage, love, and the promise of a future they never anticipated. Marilyn and Penelope now cherish the serendipity of their story, the resilience of their spirits, and the beautiful life they are building together.
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At Trooping the Colour, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, rode in a carriage with her children, waving and smiling to the crowd that was joyful to see her in public alongside her family after the long absence. As always, she looked impeccable, choosing a white dress adorned with a black bow, complemented by a white hat atop her bun.
Royal expert Michael Cole said the Princess’ outfit was a nod to a movie star. “The gown was by Jenny Packham, but it was a very clear tribute to Cecil Beaton, who designed the black and white Royal Ascot scene for the film of My Fair Lady, with Audrey Hepburn playing the role,” Cole told GB News, praising Kate.
“Courage is grace under pressure; it’s often defined as that, and I think we saw that with Kate,” he continued.
“My goodness, it’s harrowing enough coping with cancer for anybody, but for somebody to have to do that, knowing that the eyes of the world are upon her, a thousand lenses, looking at her at the same time as she’s undergoing preventative chemotherapy for the undisclosed cancer from which she is suffering – what an ordeal.”
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The balcony appearance during Trooping the Colour has always been a remarkable moment, both for the royals and the gathered public. This year, not many working royals made an appearance on the balcony. Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice were not seen, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were also not in attendance.
Royal expert Tom Quinn noted that there have been talks about inviting Harry and Meghan to Trooping the Colour. However, it was believed that even if they had accepted the invitation, it might have backfired.
“There was a brief discussion among the senior Royals about inviting Harry and Meghan to Trooping the Colour, but the idea was quickly dismissed because even if the couple accepted the invitation there is a feeling that they cast a dark shadow over everything,” Quinn told the Mirror.
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Whether or not Harry got in touch with his father is not known. He, however, failed to acknowledge King Charles’ birthday and even ignored Father’s Day on social media.
Mere hours before Trooping the Colour took place, Meghan’s friend Nacho Figuerasa, an Argentinian polo player, revealed the Duchess’s brand’s new raspberry-flavored jam via an Instagram Story. Many found the timing totally inappropriate, labeling Meghan’s decision to promote her jam right there and then as “shocking,” “disgusting,” and “narcissism.”
“While I am sure the gift packages came with notes requesting social media coverage, you can’t tell Nacho Figueras what to do. So I think it’s certain the timing of his post was his own idea,” a source close to Meghan told the Daily Beast.
“The larger point here is that the American Riviera Orchard campaign has been phenomenally successful and cost Meghan nothing.”
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In an interview with The Sun, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams stated that the notion of Meghan doing something like that on the day of Trooping the Colour is “silly.”
“What’s so odd is that she did anything on the day of Trooping the Colour at all, it doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “I don’t think it’s been thought out. This makes no public relations sense. It’s ridiculous.
“The Sussexes have never cared about the royal protocol, that you don’t have a diary clash,” Fitzwilliams continued. “Meghan would not have been advised to do this by any of her public relation consultants. This is something of a joke. It’s very, very odd. If she just sent the jam to a friend, she should have asked him not to post it, because otherwise it clearly makes them objects to mockery.”
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However, besides this, it has been revealed by people close to the Sussexes that they try to make amends with Harry’s family. They are said to be very interested in Kate’s battle with cancer and that they reached to her following her planned abdominal surgery but only learned that she had cancer from the video she posted.
Their communication with the palace, Prince William, and Kate has been “very limited.”
“They have had enough information to know that people are excited about the idea of a comeback for Kate, and they’re both relieved and happy to hear that she’s on the mend and may soon be well enough to return to her duties,” the source told Closer.
SANDRINGHAM, NORFOLK – DECEMBER 25: Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
“They’ve jointly reached out to send well wishes, but they’re still not really in a place with Kate to warrant much of a response,” the insider said, adding that this “hasn’t stopped them from trying to connect.”
The source added that Harry and Meghan hope Kate’s return to royal duties will alleviate some of the pressure on them and potentially “trigger a truce.”
“Meghan’s desperate to come across as the bigger person and end this feud between them — appearing like some sort of royal savior could only do her image good,” an insider told Closer.
“And, despite all their bad blood, her heart does go out to Kate — she can only imagine how hard this situation must be for her. Meghan has made it clear she’d love nothing more than to move past all the nonsense and find a way towards healing for everyone’s sake. She’s ready to let the anger and bitterness go,” they added.
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When it comes to the Sussexes‘ relationship with King Charles, it is not very good either. The issue is that Charles doesn’t see his grandchildren either. He has only seen Archie several times, while Lili only once.
“Charles has had discussions about an official visit to the United States at some time in the future, and there is no doubt if it goes ahead he would build in time to visit his youngest son and his grandchildren, but there are mountains of planning to be overcome before that becomes even a remote possibility,” Tom Quinn told the Mirror.
“King Charles has privately visited many other countries – he made an unpublicized visit to Transylvania for example, to check up on his rental properties – so it’s certainly possible that he would make a discreet private visit to Harry and the children in California. He is desperate to see them and hates the idea that Archie and Lily will not remember him as the warm friendly grandfather he wants to be.”
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The beginning of this year has been challenging for the British royal family. Following Kate Middleton’s planned abdominal surgery which took place in mid-January, King Charles shared with the public that he had been diagnosed with cancer. And as the country was trying to recover from the shocking news, Kate also revealed she has been battling cancer herself.
As anticipated, both Charles and Kate cleared their schedules and took time away from their royal responsibilities. However, while the King has resumed his duties, Kate continues to take her time off until full recovery.
During King Charles’ absence, it was his older son and his wife who stepped in for him. Queen Camilla’s work was praised by both the public and royal experts who believe she has done incredibly when it comes to performing royal duties.
Speaking of her role amid King Charles’ battle with cancer, royal expert Angela Levin referred to Camilla as to the one “holding the royal family” together.
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“I mean, to wait till you’re 73 is a long time before you can take the crown. I think obviously, at his age, it’s very difficult, but he’s very determined, and he’s only really just started to be king,” Levin said during an appearance on GB News.
“Supporting him very much, absolutely by his side, is Queen Camilla, who is going to all the engagements that they would have gone to together on her own.”
“And so that way he will feel it’s still moving, it’s still running, and they can discuss it and talk about it. And I think that’s marvelous. I mean, she is holding the Royal Family up and being strong. If you imagine 30 years ago, people were saying the whole Royal Family would absolutely disintegrate, and she would be of no use.”
Besides not being fan of being in the spotlight, Camilla did her best to fulfill the royal engagements she was assigned, being perceived as “accessible” to the public along the way.
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Royal expert and former correspondent Charles Rae was among those who praised Camilla for her work, saying she is “one of the best things to happen to the Royal Family” in a “good number of years.”
“There’s no question about it, she stepped into the breach. She’s got everything on her shoulders with what’s going on, and she’s taking on even more work,” Rae told GB News.
“Everywhere she goes, she has got a cheery smile on and a happy face. She says the right things. She has proved to be a remarkable asset to the Royal Family, given the allegations that at one time she had bread rolls thrown at her in a supermarket car park.”
The expert concluded: “I remember her when she was the most hated woman in Britain. I’ve met her several times and she’s charming, she’s witty, she’s really nice to chat to, and certainly when she’s chatting to people, she has done her homework as to who she’s chatting to.”
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Recently, Camilla gave an update on her husband’s health, saying that he refuses to follow the advice of moving through the gears slowly.
During an appearance at the second annual Queen’s Reading Room Literary Festival at Hampton Court Palace on Saturday last week, Camilla said, as per author Lee Child, that Charles is “doing fine except he won’t slow down and won’t do what he’s told.” Child added it “sounds to me like a typical husband.”
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich spoke of the King and said, “Given he had the longest wait in history as heir to the throne, given his age, as well as his current health crisis, he is poignantly aware that time is ticking,” he told Fox.
“He has been preparing for this role his entire life, being in line for the throne for 70 years. After waiting for so long, he has thrown himself into the job. He wants to make his mark. So all that downtime away from his people makes him anxious and agitated.”
Fordwich concluded: “Every single one of the projects he has undertaken is designed to make a real mark. They are not just honorary where he shows up once in a while. He has devoted his life to having an impact. Hence, the downtime required by his doctors is not in the slightest welcome. His reaction is admirable. The last thing that the nation wants is a lazy monarch.”
As per royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, the head of the monarchy is a “workaholic who skips lunch.”
That King Charles is doing well speaks the fact that he’s performing royal duties. Among the rest, he attended Trooping the Colour, a traditional event which marks the monarch official birthday which takes place every year on the second Saturday in June.
King Charles celebrated his original birthday in November.
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Kate Middleton’s public appearance at Trooping the Colour is the most positive news for the royal family this year, following challenging months, including cancer treatments for her and King Charles. Accompanying her family on the Buckingham Palace balcony brought Kate appraisal by experts for her appearance and outfit, despite some opinions on the color choice. She looked healthy and happy, with a body language expert noting she seemed to have a different agenda than just being the center of attention.
Ever since she disclosed her cancer diagnosis with the public, many wondered when she would be able to return to her royal duties.
According to the Palace, her appearance at the meaningful event that celebrated King Charles’ official birthday doesn’t mean Kate is able to be involved in royal engagements as she is still receiving treatment and needs to rest.
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In a post she shared on Instagram a day prior to Trooping the Colour, the princess explained that she has good days and bad days. “On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well,” she wrote among the rest.
“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Kate added.
“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal. Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me,” she concluded her post.
Princess Catherine of Wales looks down as she departs Buckingham Palace in a Glass Coach to attend Trooping the Colour in London on June 15, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
During her first public appearance in months, Kate also fulfilled her role as a mother. She directed her children on how to behave, and it appeared that they all performed admirably.
“The King had a good muster of the Royal Family, minus, of course, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew. But he won’t mind, it was his day. But the star of the show was the Princess of Wales,” royal expert Michael Cole told GB News.
“Such dignity, such elegance, such stoicism and steadfastness, bearing the burden that she’s bearing, bringing up her children so brilliantly,” he continued. “Being a princess, being a wife, being a public figure, and the most popular member of the Royal Family.”
Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge receives a hug from a little Girl during a Maori welcome at Dunedin airport in Dunedin on April 13, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Speaking of the decision to be part of the King’s celebration, Cole said that although doctors would have been “paramount” in her decision, Kate is still the one who has the final say.
“The doctors would have been paramount in this decision. She would have taken very, very careful advice of the physicians to see whether she could do it,” Cole told GB News.
“I thought at best it would be that she would make an appearance on the balcony. The fact is she’s been sitting there for the whole thing, which is nearly two hours, and she looks great. And I’m quite sure the crowds will think it well worth their while, despite the many who have had a glimpse of her.
“They’ve been as upfront as they possibly want to be, and they’ve made it sure that everybody else who’s suffering similarly is included.”
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Trooping the Colour is a beloved tradition which was started back in 1748 by King George II. As this day celebrated the head of the monarchy, Kate made sure she wasn’t the center of attention, letting King Charles be the most important person on the day which marked and celebrated his official birthday.
Body language expert Judi James spoke to The Sun and explained, “In a tradition created by her husband’s granny, Kate’s body language here showed the world what being a royal is all about: elegant, calm, and stoic with not one smallest jot of self-pity or drama.”
James added: “Kate’s non-verbal messages seem to signal a smiling determination to reassure the public and her own children and to get on with the job. She made it clear in her written message that this is a step towards a return, not the start of it but even from the glimpses of her in the carriage her upright back and her signature smile showed a desire to show resilience and poise.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales smiles as she travels by carriage during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace in London, England, on June 15, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
When it comes to the choice of outfit, James believes Kate chose exactly that because she didn’t want to draw too much attention to herself.
“There was a hint of discretion or maybe a desire to not upstage in the way Kate’s hat brim was tilted to partially hide her face in the carriage but there were some turning to smile and some smiling conversations with her three children,” she said.
“Her wave to the crown involved closed rather than spread fingers and it was a quick, subtle movement of acknowledgement, again suggesting a desire to avoid stealing the attention on the celebration of the King’s birthday.”
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Chef Gordon Ramsay was involved in a scary biking accident that left him severely bruised.
Over Father’s Day weekend, the famous restaurateur and television presenter took to social media to warn his fans of the importance of wearing a helmet after his accident. The Hell’s Kitchen chef went on to describe the terrifying ordeal which resulted in him needing medical treatment, revealing “he was lucky to be there.”
“With #FathersDay tomorrow I have very important message for all the dads out there…WEAR A HELMET!” Ramsay captioned the post which showed his enormous bruise.
“This week I had a really bad accident while riding my bike in Connecticut. I’m doing ok and did not break any bones or suffer any major injuries but I am a bit bruised up looking like a purple potato,” he continued.
“I’m thankful for all the doctors, nurses and staff at Lawerence + Memorial Hospital in New London who looked after me and checked me out, but most thankful for my helmet that saved my life. Have a great Father’s Day and be safe Gx.”
In the video he posted, Ramsay said, “Now, from those incredible surgeons, doctors, and nurses in the hospital who looked after me this week — they were amazing. But honestly, you’ve got to wear a helmet. I don’t care how short the journey is. I don’t care the fact that these helmets cost money, they’re crucial. Even with the kids, on a short journey, they’ve got to wear a helmet.
“Now, I’m lucky to be standing here. I’m in pain. It’s been a brutal week. And I’m, sort of, getting through it.”
His fans were quick to post comments wishing him well.
“I thought it might have been a small crash but my god that bruise says otherwise! Glad you’re doing okay,” one person wrote. “I’m very glad we didn’t lose this legend, thank you for spreading awareness, Gordan. We need more people promoting health and safety. Proud of you,” another added.
“We’ll call child services, and they’ll take you away,” Tori’s father said as he and his wife started packing their belongings. Being just 15, she couldn’t understand what those words meant, and sadly, she and her siblings learned that the hard way.
Just a few days later, Tori and her siblings were separated and sent to different foster homes, and that’s when their ordeal began.
Lucas, who was six at the time kept asking why were those people taking him away, and Ben, 5, cried, “I don’t want to go, Tori. I want to stay with you.”
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Now that their parents abandoned them, Tori wanted to be there for her brothers, but she was powerless. There was nothing she could do to keep what remained of their family together.
“I’m here to help,” the woman with the Child Protective Services assured the three siblings who were scared to death. “I know this is hard, but we need to take you somewhere safe.”
“Please, don’t take us away,” Tori begged. “We can stay here, we’ll be good.”
Once they were forced to leave the house, Tori, Lucas, and Ben were placed in three different cars which headed to different directions. Tori watched her brothers through the car window, their tear-streaked faces disappearing from view.
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The drive to Tori’s foster home was a haze of tears and confusion. She kept replaying her father’s harsh words, questioning how it had come to that, and how they could leave their children behind just like that.
From the very first moment Tori met her foster family, the Thompsons, she felt unwanted. They were cold people who barely spoke to her, unless they needed to tell her what chore to finish.
Tori was sad and lonely, and she couldn’t stop thinking of her little brothers.
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Unable to cope with the reality she was forced to live, Tori decided to run away from the foster home that never felt like a cozy place. However, that attempt failed as police caught her shortly after and returned her to the Thompsons, who were furious at her.
Every time she ran away, the same thing happened. She would be dragged back, scolded, and ignored even more. But Tori was determined to leave that place, so one night, she packed some of her belongings and slipped out the window.
Tori ended up on the street, but she knew it would be better for her than living with her foster family. She found an old trailer where she spent the nights. It lacked a door and had a leaky roof, but it was a start of her new life she hoped would be better and better with each passing day.
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She was able to survive by working odd jobs such as cleaning cars, carrying groceries, and even helping at the local diner. She struggled to make ends meet, but the hardest thing was being separated from her brothers.
When she would learn where they were, they were usually sent to a different foster home, so keeping track was difficult.
One day, when she tried to visit Ben, an unfamiliar face opened the door. “Excuse me, can I see Ben?” she asked. “No, they moved out last week. I think they went to another state,” the woman at the door answered.
“Do you know where they went?” Tori asked, desperate to learn where her little brother was. “I’m sorry, I don’t,” the woman said as she closed the door.
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Tori’s heart sank. She promised her brothers they would reunite one day, and she felt like she failed them because she couldn’t keep the promise.
Days went by, and Tori was able to find a job as a cleaner at a small shop on the outskirts of town. She scrubbed the floors, washed dishes, and cleaned the shelves, but it was steady.
Being a hard worker, the owner, Mr. Jenkins once asked her if she ever thought of returning to school. Tori said she wanted to attend college, but she could barely make money for food and some other essentials. “Keep saving, and you’ll get there. I believe in you,” he encouraged her.
His words came as an encouragement. Eventually, Tori did attend college, although balancing between her job and studying was very hard. She would spend the mornings at the shop, and during the evenings she studied hard and did all her assignments. It was overwhelming, but that was the only way she knew if she wanted to get closer to seeing her brothers again.
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Years passed by, and Tori graduated from college. She majored business and was able to land a job as a store assistant at a large clothing store. With time, her manager, Ms. Carter, noticed her dedication.
“Tori, you’re doing great work,” she said one day as they restocked shelves together. “I’m promoting you to a supervisor.”
“Thank you, Ms. Carter!” Tori replied with excitement. “I promise I’ll do my best.”
Some time later, she was promoted to a store manager and was able to move into a nice apartment. But just as she thought things turned out good for her, she experienced yet another shock.
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As she was settling in her new home, Tori heard a knock on the door. When she answered it, she saw her parents, Charles and Linda, standing there with suitcases in hand. “Hello, darling!” my mother said cheerfully, pretending as nothing has ever happened.
Tori stood frozen. She was in disbelief. Her father then asked her if they could come in. Still in shock, she let them in.
“We were hoping you could let us stay here for a while, just until we get back on our feet,” her mom said. Taken aback, Tori said, “You want to live with me?” Almost in unison, they both answered, “Yes.”
Struggling to keep her voice steady, Tori asked, “Why? How did you even find me?”
“Oh, sweetie, how does that matter? We are family, and family is supposed to help each other, right?” they said.
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Tori could no longer contain her anger. “Oh really?” she snapped. “You haven’t asked a single thing about my brothers since you arrived. You just show up here, expecting me to help you after you abandoned us? Where were your ideas about family helping each other when we were struggling on the streets?”
Tori didn’t even gave them the chance to respond. She opened the door and asked them to leave and never contact her again.
She thought that seeing them after that many years would bring all the pain back, but in reality, she felt relieved and as though she had finally got the closure she needed. Her past was no longer holding her back, the only thing she needed to focus was finding her brothers and be happy again.
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When Sarah’s mom passed away, she was just 11. This experience left her deeply devastated. Her dad was lost as his own sea of grief. However, he eventually found love with someone else and remarried.
Sarah’s stepmom was an incredible woman who never tried to substitute Sarah’s mother, but was always there for her. What’s most, Sara felt love and appreciated and she was lucky this woman became part of her and her dad’s lives.
Life felt good again, but then another tragedy struck. Sarah’s dad lost his life.
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A day after his funeral, Sarah and her stepmom stood in complete silence in the dimly lit living room as uncertainty could be felt in the air.
Then, the silence was broken by the stepmom’s words, “I can’t imagine how hard this is for you. But I want you to know, I’m here for you. We’re family, no matter what.”
At that moment, Sarah felt relieved. “But everyone’s saying you’ll leave… go back to your family,” she mumbled, struggling to hold back tears. “Will I…will I go to an orphanage?”
“No, sweetie. You’re not going anywhere and neither am I. Look at me,” she said, her hand finding Sarah’s in the darkness. “She then cupped my face, planting a tender kiss on my forehead. “We’ll get through this together.”
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Fast forward to Sarah’s 18th birthday, she and her stepmom still lived together and were as close as ever. On the morning on the day which marked a milestone in Sarah’s life, her stepmom greeted her with a gift wrapped in a bow. “Happy birthday, sweetheart,” she said as she handed Sarah the gift.
“Thank you,” Sarah replied, her heart swelling with gratitude for this woman who had chosen to stand by her through everything. “I have a surprise for you too, but… you’ll need to pack your things.”
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The stepmom went from smiling to making a serious facial expression. What could be wrong and why would Sarah ask from her to pack her things, were the first thoughts that came to her mind. “Pack my things? Are you… Are you serious?”
“Yes,” Sarah answered. “I want you to pack your things in the next hour. You’re leaving this house.”
“But why, dear? I thought we were a family…”
“It’s time,” Sarah said, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. “I’ve been planning this since the day Dad died. You are going to another city.”
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The stepmom, unaware of what was going on, packed her belongings and put her inside Sarah’s car. On the way to their final destination, neither of them said anything. Eventually, Sarah was the first one to break the dead silence.
“You didn’t know that my father opened an account in my name when I was a child, where he saved money for my education. Since his death, I’ve also put all my money, from my part-time jobs and gifts, into this account. Now, there’s a large sum.”
Her stepmom turned to her, looking at her with confusion. “I understand. You’re an adult now, you have money and you don’t need me anymore. But why are you sending me so far away? You don’t want to see me at all?” she told Sarah.
But, as they pulled up in front of a quaint, beautiful house, the surprise Sarah had been keeping was finally ready to be unveiled.
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“I will be spending some of this money on education,” she continued, pointing to the house. “At an Ivy League university in the city, we’re in now, where I have already been accepted. Do you see this house?”
“Yes,” the stepmom said in a quiet voice.
“I bought this house for you. There was enough money for everything. Now I will study here and you will live next door. We won’t have to be apart, and if you want, you can go back to our old house at any time, or we can return together after I finish my studies.”
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Sarah’s stepmom couldn’t contain the tears of joy that started rolling down her face. “I love you, Sarah,” she said. “I love you, too,” Sarah replied.
As the two women embraced, they became even more certain that family isn’t always defined by blood.
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