The Young Stepmother's Survival Guide

he world into a deep freeze. My life mirrored this sudden drop

my destined partner-left me for another woman. She wasn't as attractive as

months into my internship, just as I was expecting a permanent offer, my male supervisor hinted that I'd n

harassment"-were punches I couldn't dodge.

sudden waves, like stars scatte

gs drained, I made a vow to myself, "No

lwind romance with a bank executive I met online,

elf. My name was Grace Harper, an

poise. Years spent devouring books in the library gave me a refined air. At 2

p wrinkles adding years to his already unimpressive appearance. His greasy complexion, protruding

rom teasing me, saying I cou

exceptionally well. During our courtship, he showered me with gifts-a three-be

tion, but I had no regrets about marrying him. After all,

wo daughters from a previous marriage. These girls-whom he had assured

nson, had died in childbirth, and they had no child

house, taking on the role of the lady of the house. Complainin

der daughter decided to put me in

d. The elder, Leah, however, was seven and a handful. Having lost her mot

d rotten by his late wife, who indulged her every whim. Ov

ople don't have the life of a princess

ibed her p

I didn't dare discipline her. Every time sh

house before our marriage, she made s

ession she'd worn earlier disappeared in an instant, replaced by a look as cold as steel. Her

ht, "Kids love sweets. Maybe I'll b

a large bag with goodies: potato chips, cookies, po

usiasm, carrying the bag of snacks. I

hands reaching the bag. She yanked it off the table with some effort, shuffling

bag out of the room and left it besid

bin. To her, however, it was as heavy as a mountain. Aft

and she began stomping on the bag with both feet. As she jumped and sto

bag of snacks lay utterly destro

nging awkwardly for a moment b

the back of his head, visibly embar

ly, "Leah is... like this. Her mother spoiled her rotten. Don't take it to heart-you'll get used to it. In time, I'm sure sh

me to meet his y

had her hair styled in a tiny braid. She crawled aroun

r small nose, I pulled out a handkerchief

th his younger daughter, the room seemed to lighten. The harmonious scene soothed

appearance, was not one to let things slide. Practical a

"What kind of job are you doing? You're supposed to take care of the kids, and

he nanny trembling, he