I discovered a lace robe hidden in my husband’s wardrobe, and then I saw my stepmother wearing it
When Calla uncovers a delicate lace robe tucked away in her husband’s closet, she initially thinks it’s a romantic surprise. However, her world turns upside down when she catches her stepmother, Lorraine, wearing it. Growing suspicions and rising tensions intensify as Calla overhears Lorraine’s true plan…
After my father died last year, it felt like the house lost its heartbeat. He had personally built that home, a spacious two-story house that always smelled of pine and fresh paint.
Following his passing, my husband, Jason, our six-year-old daughter, Emma, and I moved in to support my stepmother, Lorraine.
She and my dad had been married for five years, but Lorraine made sure everyone remembered she had been his “support” in his final days.
“You can’t deny it, sweetheart,” she told me after her speech at the funeral. “Honestly, Calla, if I had gone on my holiday to Thailand, your father would have died alone. All by himself. Such a shame.”
Living with her, though, was like walking a tightrope. Everything about Lorraine was sharp—her high heels, her words, even the way she looked at Jason when she thought I wasn’t paying attention.
But family is family, and I tried to make it work.
Until I found the robe.
It all started simply. I was folding Jason’s laundry, something I’d done countless times without thinking. When I opened his closet to hang a shirt, something caught my eye.
There it was—a small shiny gift bag pushed into the corner, partly covered by his jackets.
My curiosity took over. I pulled it out, my heart beating faster when I saw what was inside: a sheer lace robe, delicate and intimate.
My first thought was that Jason bought it for me. Christmas was near, and although he wasn’t exactly romantic, maybe this was his way of surprising me.
I smiled at the thought of him stepping out of his comfort zone.
If only that had been true.
A few days later, Lorraine summoned me to her room. Her voice sounded sweet as honey, the kind that makes my skin crawl. She had redecorated since my father’s death. It was now a deep maroon, velvety… something. Luxurious but also hinting at seduction… I couldn’t quite find the right words.
“Oh, Calla, dear,” she cooed. “You won’t believe what my new boyfriend bought for me!”
She had a new boyfriend? Lorraine hadn’t mentioned anyone else before.
When I entered, my stomach dropped.
There she was, draped in the robe—my robe. The one I found in Jason’s closet. She twirled, the lace flowing around her like a cruel joke.
“Do you like it?” she asked, smiling at my stunned expression. “He has excellent taste, don’t you think? And I have heels that would make it look even more stunning.”
I could hardly breathe. My mind scrambled to put the pieces together.
Was Jason…? No. He wouldn’t. Lorraine? No. Never. Unless… could he?
“Where… where did you get that?” I managed to ask.
Lorraine’s grin grew wider.
“Oh, my boyfriend gave it to me,” she said. “I told you that already! You’re not listening, sweetheart! Don’t worry, maybe you’ll get one too… Anyway, he’s discreet.”
My legs felt weak. Something about it all seemed so wrong. I hurried out of her room, her laughter echoing after me.
Later that evening, I caught up with Jason after Emma had gone to sleep. She was excited for her “Dress as your favorite character” day at school—she was going as Princess Belle.
My heart was pounding, my hands trembling.
“Jason,” I started, voice shaking. “I need to ask you something, and I want the truth.”
He looked up from the TV, confused.
“What’s wrong, honey? Hold on, I’ll pause this show.”
He was lounging on the couch.
“Did you… Did you give Lorraine a robe? The lace one I found in your closet?”
Jason’s face twisted in shock.
“What? No way! Why would you think that?” he said.
“I saw her with it before dinner,” I explained, tears threatening to fall. “The same one I found in your closet.”
Jason’s jaw dropped.
“You really think I’d buy her something like that? Are you serious?”
Then how did she get it? I demanded.
“I don’t know,” he said, running a hand through his hair.
I felt overwhelmed. There had to be an explanation, but everything felt off. I stumbled out of the room, her laughter ringing in my ears.
That night, I pulled Jason aside after Emma was asleep. She was quick to settle, ready for her “Dress as your favorite character” day at school, where she was going as Princess Belle.
My heart was racing, hands sweaty.
“Jason,” I said nervously. “Can I ask you something? Tell me the truth.”
He looked at me, puzzled.
“What is it?”
“Did you… Did you give Lorraine a robe? The lace one I found in your closet?”
His face went wild with disbelief.
“Are you kidding? No! What are you talking about?” he said.
“Because she showed me a robe before dinner,” I whispered, tears coming. “The same one I found earlier.”
His jaw dropped.
“You think I bought her that? Come on,” he said, frustrated.
If I could just understand how she got it.
“I don’t know,” he admitted, rubbing his head.
My mind was spinning.
“I swear I didn’t give her anything,” he insisted. “All I gave her was some garlic bread at dinner.”
Over the next days, I couldn’t shake the feeling. Lorraine’s smug looks and Jason’s denial didn’t add up.
One afternoon, as I organized Emma’s art supplies, I overheard Lorraine on the phone.
“Yes, Kerry, I planted it,” she whispered. “That fool of a husband of hers didn’t notice. It’s only a matter of time before they fight. Once they leave, this house will be mine. I wanted it that way.”
My blood ran cold. She had planned this. She planted the robe to make us think Jason was cheating, just to push us out of dad’s house.
That night, I told Jason what I overheard. His face hardened with anger, and he crushed his beer can, spilling its contents.
“She’s trying to destroy us,” he said sharply. “And for what? Emma’s childhood home? We’re staying. This ends now.”
We made a plan.
The next morning, over coffee, I told Lorraine that Jason and I might move out. Her face brightened, hiding her glee behind feigned concern.
“Oh, if that’s how you feel…” she said softly.
That evening, we had a lawyer friend come over. We told her he was a realtor helping us find new places. Lorraine mostly talked about how she preferred living alone.
“I’m old now,” she said, as if convincing herself. “I need my space. And you kids probably want yours too. Don’t you think Emma should have a little brother or sister?”
I wasn’t sure if I wanted the house anymore, but Jason convinced me to fight.
“Come on, honey,” he said. “It’s part of your father’s legacy. You want Lorraine to have it? This house was built for you. It’s been here since you were a child.”
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Honestly, I’m unsure.”
A week later, we held a family meeting. Lorraine entered confidently, as if she had already won.
Jason handed her some papers.
“What’s this?” she asked, flipping through.
It was the house deed. Jason explained calmly.
“This is the deed,” he said. “It’s clear. Calla and I are the main heirs. You don’t own this house, Lorraine. We do.”
Her face looked pale.
“That’s impossible. Calla! What did you do? Your father wouldn’t leave me with nothing…” she protested.
“He didn’t leave you with nothing, Lorraine,” I said. “He left money. But this is my childhood home. His wish was for me to have it.”
Her protests stopped when Jason spoke again.
“And before you think of doing anything else, know this: we’re not leaving. But you might want to pack your things.”
“Or maybe your boyfriend can take you in?” I added nonchalantly.
Lorraine stammered. Her sharp tongue was lost.
“What? No boyfriend?” I asked.
“I made that up! I staged everything! There’s no boyfriend, Calla. No affair—that’s what I wanted you to think. Seeing the robe was supposed to make you suspect something.”
“I overheard you,” I said. “But you have a week. I’ll give you that because my father would expect it.”
She begged to stay.
“I’ll do everything—cook, clean, help Emma with homework,” she pleaded.
“I don’t want my child around you,” I said simply. “That’s how I feel.”
Within days, Lorraine left. I finally felt at peace in my father’s home. I transformed Lorraine’s room into a reading nook for myself and a play area for Emma.
And that robe? Lorraine left it behind. I donated it along with her stuff. Someone else could enjoy it—I was done with it.
What would you have done?
