On his deathbed, Martin, a wealthy old man, made a shocking revelation to the people around him. His nurse of ten years, Alice, was actually his biological daughter. The sudden confession sent ripples of shock through his children, who had treated Alice with disdain for years, and left them grappling with guilt for the way they had treated her.
Alice’s story began when she was just 17. She had just left the foster care system, uncertain about what life would bring. Her foster mother, a close friend of Martin, recommended Alice for the job as his nurse. Alice didn’t think anyone would hire her, but Mrs. Chester’s words gave her hope, and that’s how she found herself working for the blind and wealthy Martin.
One morning, as Alice prepared Martin’s favorite breakfast — a peanut butter and jelly sandwich — they began talking about the past, reminiscing about the day they first met.
“Tell me, Alice,” Martin asked, his voice gentle, “how long has it been since you started working here?”
Alice spread the peanut butter and jelly onto the bread, smiling at the memory. “Hmm, I think it’s been ten years, sir!” she replied. “I remember it like it was yesterday. I was terrified to leave the foster system, thinking no one would hire me. But Mrs. Chester told me about you needing a nurse, and here I am!”
Martin nodded, smiling faintly. “Right. Ten years. Time really does fly,” he said, reaching for the sandwich.
At that moment, Martin’s son, Adam, entered the kitchen. His face twisted into a sneer when he saw Alice preparing breakfast.
“Why is it that you only ever make breakfast for Dad?” Adam scoffed. “You’re a slave, supposed to be serving everyone at home.”
The word “slave” cut Alice to her core, and her stomach turned. The insult stung deeply, and tears threatened to form in her eyes.
“Adam!” Martin’s voice rang out sharply, and both Alice and Adam jumped in surprise. “How dare you call Alice a slave!” he bellowed. “If you insult her one more time, you can forget that you’re my son! Get out of my sight before I lose my temper even more!”
Adam muttered angrily under his breath, but he left the room, shaking his head. “I don’t get it. Why do you favor her over your own son?” he muttered as he walked away.
Martin turned to Alice, his expression full of regret. “I’m so sorry about how my children treat you. They’ve been like this for years. I don’t know what went wrong,” he admitted, his tone sincere.
Alice smiled softly, trying to ease his worry. “It’s alright, sir. I’m here for you, not for them,” she said, her voice steady. “I’m so lucky to have you as my employer. You’ve been more than kind to me. You’re the closest thing I’ve had to a father.”
Martin’s face faltered for a moment, sadness crossing his features. But he quickly recovered, trying to lift the mood. “Your birthday’s coming up, right?” he asked, a glimmer of hope in his voice.
“Yes, sir. My birthday is in three days,” Alice replied, still feeling the sting of Adam’s words.
“Then we’ll celebrate,” Martin said, his tone firm.
Three days later, on Alice’s 30th birthday, things took an unexpected turn. Alice went to the kitchen early, eager to prepare breakfast, only to find Martin already there, smiling at her. His children — Adam, James, Lucy, and Eva — were all gathered around, and the clock read six in the morning.
Alice froze, panicking. She wasn’t used to Martin waking up so early, and she hadn’t prepared breakfast in time. “I’m sorry, sir,” she said frantically. “I didn’t expect you to wake up early today. I’ll get breakfast ready as quickly as I can.”
“Come on, Alice. We’re starving,” Lucy mocked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
But Martin stopped her. “Breakfast can wait,” he said, a twinkle in his eyes. “I have a surprise for you outside. Happy 30th birthday, Alice.”
“A surprise?” James asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
“You’ve never given me a gift that required us to go outdoors,” Eva added, looking puzzled.
Alice guided Martin outside, his children following behind. When they stepped into the yard, they were greeted by a small car with a ribbon on top, a gift for Alice.
“Unbelievable!” Adam scoffed. “Are you serious? A car for her?!”
“That’s not fair! Why are you giving your maid a car?!” Lucy shouted, her face flushed with anger. She stormed away, fuming.
Martin stood tall, looking at his children with unwavering determination. “Alice has been by my side for ten years,” he said firmly. “She is family to me. Nothing you say will ever change that.”
That afternoon, Martin hosted a small party in Alice’s honor, with his other caretakers — the gardener, driver, and housekeeper — all joining in. It was a simple celebration, but it meant the world to Alice.
“Thank you, sir,” she said, her voice full of gratitude. “I don’t know what I did to deserve your kindness, but I promise to continue giving my best for as long as you need me.”
As the years passed, Alice’s bond with Martin deepened. He had become more than an employer to her; he was the father she had always longed for. Martin, too, treated Alice as a daughter, and their connection grew stronger with each passing day.
But as Martin turned 80, his health began to fail. One day, he called for all of his children, including Alice, to be with him. He knew his time was coming to an end, and he had one final thing to reveal.
“I know you all have wondered about my estate,” Martin began, his voice raspy. “Lucy, Eva, Adam, and James, you already have control of the business. You can continue to run it. But this house, everything in it, and my money, I’m leaving it all to Alice.”
“What?!” Lucy yelled, her face turning red with fury. “Why would you leave everything to her?!”
“You’ll hear from my lawyer!” Adam chimed in angrily.
“That’s why I’m leaving everything to Alice,” Martin said, his voice tinged with sadness. “Because I know what you all are really after — my money. Alice has been the one who truly cared for me all these years.”
Martin paused, tears welling in his eyes. “There’s something I’ve never told you. Alice, 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 were placed in the orphanage. My friend, your foster mother, told me about you when you were 17.”
Alice stood frozen, her heart racing. The truth hit her like a wave. Martin’s eyes were filled with emotion as he continued, “I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you. I didn’t want things to change between us. But now I know I have to.”
Alice rushed to his side, tears streaming down her face. “I love you, Dad,” she whispered, holding him tightly. “I’ve always known you were my father. Thank you for everything. I’m so grateful for the time we’ve had together.”
Martin smiled weakly, a tear slipping down his cheek. “I love you, too, Alice. I’m so glad you’ve been in my life.”
And just like that, everything changed. The years of hard work and silent love came to a head, and Alice finally understood the depth of her connection to Martin. His children, on the other hand, were left to grapple with their regret, realizing they had never truly appreciated the woman who had been so devoted to their father.
What can we learn from this story?
Respect the people who help you. Martin’s children treated Alice poorly, thinking of her only as a servant. But it was Martin who reminded them time and again that Alice was family. Through his actions, he showed that everyone deserves respect, no matter their role in your life.
It’s never too late to make things right. Even though Martin only discovered the truth about Alice when she was 17, he spent the rest of his life trying to make up for lost time, treating her with love and care until his final moments.