My stepdaughter came home one night, badly injured, begging me to take her to the hospital. But I refused. She couldn’t believe it, asking why, but I couldn’t help her-not after what I had discovered the night before.

I had found out she’d been stealing from me for months. She’d sold family heirlooms, precious things that meant so much, all without telling anyone. I was shocked, betrayed, and hurt. She had to call an ambulance herself. When my husband found out, he was furious. He couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t help his daughter, so I told him the truth.

I explained about the theft, the lies, and the months of betrayal. His reaction? Anger. He couldn’t forgive me for refusing to help her, no matter what she had done. Now, he’s distant, and I’m left dealing with the consequences. I may have lost him, but I couldn’t be anyone’s fool anymore.