On his deathbed, a rich old man made a shocking revelation: his devoted nurse of ten years was actually his biological daughter. The sudden confession left his other children in stunned silence, filled with regret over how they had treated the woman all those years.
Alice’s journey with Martin began when she was just 17. After leaving the foster system, she had no idea where her life would take her. Her foster mother, a close friend of Martin’s, had recommended her for the position of caregiver. Though she was nervous about leaving foster care and uncertain of her future, Alice was relieved when she got the job. Little did she know, it would change her life in ways she could never have imagined.
One morning, Alice was making Martin’s favorite breakfast, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, as they began to chat about the past.
“Tell me, Alice, how long has it been since you started working here?” Martin asked, his voice steady despite his blindness.
Alice paused for a moment, spreading peanut butter on the bread. “Hmmm, I think it’s been ten years, sir!” she replied, a smile creeping onto her face. “I remember when Mrs. Chester told me about this job. I was so scared, thinking no one would hire me after leaving the system. But here I am!”
Martin nodded, a faint smile on his lips. “Ten years… time flies, doesn’t it?”
Just then, Martin’s son Adam entered the kitchen. His eyes narrowed as he saw Alice preparing breakfast.
“Why is it that you only ever make breakfast for Dad?” Adam sneered. “You’re a slave. You’re supposed to serve everyone in the house.”
The word “slave” hit Alice like a punch to the stomach. She fought back tears, her heart aching from the cruelty in Adam’s voice.
“Adam!” Martin suddenly yelled, his voice filled with authority. Alice and Adam both jumped in surprise. “How dare you call Alice a slave! She’s been nothing but loyal and kind to this family! Insult her again, and you’ll no longer be my son! Get out of here before you make me even angrier!” Martin’s voice trembled with fury.
Adam scowled, muttering under his breath as he left the kitchen. “I don’t understand why you favor her over your own son,” he muttered as he walked away.
Martin turned to Alice, his face softening with concern. “I’m so sorry about that,” he said, his voice filled with regret. “You don’t deserve to be treated like that.”
Alice, still shaken by the exchange, nodded. “It’s alright, sir,” she replied quietly. “I’m here for you, not for them. You’ve been more of a father to me than anyone else ever has. I’m just lucky to have you as my employer.”
Martin’s face darkened for a moment, his eyes distant. Then, with a deep breath, he smiled again. “Your birthday’s coming up, isn’t it?” he asked.
Alice looked up, surprised. “Yes, sir. My birthday’s in three days.”
Martin smiled warmly. “We’ll celebrate it properly.”
Three days later, on Alice’s 30th birthday, she rushed to prepare breakfast, but when she entered the kitchen, she was taken aback. Martin was already there, smiling as he stood beside his sons Adam and James, and his daughters Lucy and Eva. They were all gathered together, their eyes fixed on her as she entered.
Alice glanced at the clock, panic rising in her chest. It was only six in the morning, but she knew Martin and his children usually woke up around eight. She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her.
“Alice, are you here?” Martin called out, his voice warm but puzzled.
“Yes, sir,” Alice responded, her voice shaking with urgency. “I’m sorry, I didn’t expect you to wake up early today. I’ll get breakfast ready right away.”
Lucy rolled her eyes, her tone mocking. “Come on, Alice. We’re starving,” she said, a sneer on her face.
Before Alice could respond, Martin’s voice rang out, firm and calm. “Breakfast can wait. I have a special gift for you, Alice. It’s outside.” He slowly rose to his feet, feeling around to get his bearings.
“A gift outside?” James asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
“You’ve never given me a gift that required us to go outdoors,” Eva added, puzzled.
Alice guided Martin to the door, and his children followed behind. As they stepped outside, Alice’s breath caught in her throat. A small car, with a shiny ribbon on top, was parked in front of them.
The children’s reactions were immediate. “Unbelievable! Are you serious?” Adam scoffed.
“That’s not fair! Why are you giving your maid a car?” Lucy stormed away, furious.
Martin’s voice cut through the tension. “Alice has been by my side for ten years. She is family to me, and nothing you say will ever change that,” he declared, his voice strong and unwavering.
That afternoon, Martin threw a small party in Alice’s honor. It was a quiet affair, attended by the other staff on his property—his gardener, driver, and housekeeper. They celebrated Alice’s kindness and dedication over the years, and for the first time, Alice truly felt like a part of the family.
“Thank you, sir,” Alice said, her voice full of gratitude. “I don’t know what I did to deserve your kindness, but I promise to continue doing my best for you.”
Through the years, Alice became more than just a nurse or a caretaker to Martin. She became the daughter he had never had, and Martin treated Alice like his own flesh and blood. Their bond deepened with time, and they shared countless memories of laughter, comfort, and mutual respect.
As Martin entered his 80s, his health began to fail. One day, feeling that his time was near, he called for all his children, including Alice, to be by his side. He knew he had to make one final decision.
“I know you’ve all been wondering who I’ll leave my estate to,” Martin said, his voice frail but steady. “Lucy, Eva, Adam, James, you already have control over the business I built. You’ll continue to run it. But as for everything else—the house, the money, my personal belongings—I leave it all to Alice.”
“What?!” Lucy’s voice was filled with shock and anger. “What did that woman tell you?! Why are you leaving everything to her?”
“You’ll hear from my lawyer,” Adam added, his voice cold and bitter.
Martin’s face tightened with emotion. “That’s exactly why I’m leaving everything to Alice,” he said. “I know you’re only after my wealth. It’s Alice who has been there for me every single day. And there’s something else I haven’t told you…”
Before he could finish, his four children stormed out, muttering angrily among themselves. Alice, who had remained silent, now stood by Martin’s side, her heart heavy with emotion.
“I’m sorry, Alice,” Martin said softly, tears welling up in his eyes. “I didn’t want to tell you this until now. But you deserve to know. You are my biological daughter. Your mother left me when she found out I couldn’t marry her. I had to marry someone else, and when she died, you ended up in the orphanage. My friend, Mrs. Chester, became your foster mother. She only told me you were my daughter when you were 17.”
Martin’s voice cracked as he spoke, and Alice could feel the weight of his words. He looked at her with sorrowful eyes. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I love you, Alice.”
Tears streamed down Alice’s face as she embraced him. “I love you too, Dad,” she whispered, her voice full of emotion. “I’ve always felt you were my dad, and now hearing you say it… it means the world to me. I’m so grateful for the time we shared together.”
The revelation shook everyone to their core, but the love between Martin and Alice could never be broken. In the end, it was a reminder that family isn’t always defined by blood—it’s defined by the care, kindness, and love you give to each other, no matter the circumstances.
The lesson we can learn from this story is clear:
Treat everyone with respect, no matter their position in life. Martin’s children failed to do this, dismissing Alice as nothing more than a servant. But Martin saw her for who she truly was—his daughter. It’s never too late to do what’s right, to show love, and to make amends.
