Blended Family Sabotage

I’m Harper, 30, with a six-year-old daughter, Sadie, from my first marriage. A year ago, I married Colton, a kind man four years younger than me. Our blended family seemed promising, but my mother-in-law, Elaine, disapproved, resenting my age and Sadie, whom she called “that child.” Her subtle jabs, like calling me “Miss Harper” or “wrinkled,” stung deeply.

Despite Colton’s defense, Elaine’s hostility persisted. Sadie and Colton bonded beautifully, but an electrical fire destroyed Sadie’s playroom. We rebuilt it with love—lavender walls, fairy lights, a cozy nook. Elaine scoffed at the expense, jealous of the attention Sadie received.

Then, disaster struck. Returning home, I found Sadie’s playroom vandalized with rotten eggs—slime-soaked walls, ruined toys, and an unbearable stench. Sadie’s tears over her ruined teddy bear broke my heart. Suspecting Elaine, who had a key, we checked our pet camera. Footage confirmed her smashing eggs with glee.

Confronted, Elaine admitted her sabotage, furious at being “replaced.” Colton cut her off, and we changed the locks, installed cameras, and rebuilt the playroom. When I got pregnant, Elaine begged forgiveness, but Colton refused contact. She sent gifts—a locket for Sadie, a family rattle—but we’ve kept our distance. Sadie’s safe, but the memory lingers.