Welcoming Regina into our home was a decision driven by compassion and hope. She had been struggling, her dreams of continuing school crushed by her parents' refusal to support her after failing a subject twice. Her despair was evident, and I believed giving her a fresh start in our home, where she could help care for baby Emma, would be the support she needed to rebuild her life.
Regina was treated no differently than Ethan's own children. She enjoyed the same privileges: food, clothing, outings, and all the comforts of family life. I hoped this would show her love, stability, and a sense of belonging. Yet, from the very beginning, I sensed something was amiss. Despite the love and opportunities extended to her, Regina lacked gratitude and respect. Her attitude toward Ethan was often dismissive, her behavior toward the family cold and self-serving.
Her lack of respect extended to the household itself. One day, the backlight of our television burnt out—a costly repair that we could hardly afford at the time. Though it wasn’t entirely clear how it happened, Regina’s careless attitude toward our home and possessions made it easy to suspect her involvement. It didn’t end there. She also broke the soap holder in the bathroom, an unnecessary and avoidable inconvenience that further reflected her lack of care. It was clear she had no appreciation for the sacrifices we made to accommodate her.
She pretended to care for Emma, but her actions betrayed her true nature. When no one was around, the baby’s cries were met with harsh words, cruel glares, and neglect. My heart shatters at the thought of my innocent child enduring such treatment. But God’s hand was over Emma, shielding her from the darkness in Regina’s heart. Emma, a child of light, thrived despite Regina’s malice.
Regina’s presence in the house became a burden. She shirked responsibilities, faked illnesses, and refused to help with household chores. Instead, she indulged herself, spending her days glued to the TV or her phone. She would shout at Ethan’s son, monopolize the television, and act as though she ran the household. She made no effort to learn the dynamics of our family, instead prioritizing her desires over everyone else's.
A small yet deliberate act that showed her selfishness was how she ensured she always ate the pap cooked the previous night—knowing full well that Ethan preferred it for breakfast. It was these little actions, done with full knowledge of how they would inconvenience or hurt others, that revealed her character. Regina often raised her voice during arguments, even those that didn’t concern her, inserting herself into disagreements with a defiance that was disrespectful and disruptive.
Her lack of respect for boundaries was glaring—wearing inappropriate clothing in Ethan’s presence, asking for endless favors, and envying every kindness Ethan showed me. It was as though she wished to step into my life, to take my place.
Her heart was ugly, filled with jealousy, laziness, and deceit. She used our generosity as a stepping stone, her only motivation being financial gain to return to school. She had no intention of building a meaningful bond with Emma or the rest of the family. The spy cam revealed the depth of her betrayal: the disgust she harbored toward my child and the false persona she displayed. It was clear she had no love for us, only a desire to exploit our kindness for her own benefit.
Looking back, I sacrificed so much—our family’s peace, freedom, and happiness—to uplift someone who never appreciated it. I trusted her with my most precious treasure, my baby, and she betrayed that trust in ways I cannot forgive. Regina's betrayal is yet another painful lesson that not everyone you help will value your kindness.
But even in this heartbreak, I find strength. Emma remains a beacon of light, untouched by the shadows Regina tried to cast. And though I grieve the betrayal, I remind myself that love and kindness are not wasted—they define who I am, even when others fail to reciprocate.
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