Bringing poised elegance to the stage of “Dancing with the Stars,” Hollywood star Tori Spelling, 51, made a striking debut on the show with her partner Pasha Pashkov. The duo dazzled the audience with their foxtrot performance. However, Spelling, who was supported by her “90210” castmates, received comments of concern and critique from some netizens.

For the classic ballroom dance that she performed on September 17, Spelling donned a beautiful, sparkly dress that was partially sheer by her midriff. She paired her flowy gown with bedazzled heels and rocked two braids on both sides of her head, leaving the rest of her blonde locks in loose curls.

Her dance partner, Pashkov, sported an all-white outfit, which included a double-belted suit jacket, formal pants, and dress shoes.

Video footage of their performance showed a bird’s eye view of Spelling moving her arms and legs up and down while lying on the floor.

After the actress had her solo moment, Pashkov met her at the center of the dance floor and lifted her by her wrists.

From there, the duo danced their hearts out to “Trustfall” by iconic artist P!nk. Donning a huge smile on her face, Spelling spun, swayed, waltzed, dipped, kicked, and shimmied across the stage while being led by Pashkov, who, amid executing his dance moves, made sure they kept up with their choreography.

After seeing the TV personality give her all during her performance, social media users did not hold back their opinions. Instead of focusing on her technique and how she performed, some people penned comments of concern for her wellbeing.

“Something [is] not right with her!” exclaimed a Facebooker while another reiterated, “She needs to calm down something is not right with her sorry.” “She looked like a frightened ghost,” added someone else.

On the other hand, people diverted their attention to Spelling’s dancing. “Awful performance,” criticized an observer. Commenting on Spelling’s excited energy, which she showed via facial expressions, another pointed out, “Her face and voice don’t match 😆🤣 she needs more practice 🤷🏽‍♀️.”

“Her choreography was way easier than most other dancers, not really fair to the other dancers..” remarked a commenter on YouTube. Another noted, “That was tough! 😂 Bless her heart, at least she looks happy? 😂”

Juxtaposing the aforementioned comments, other people believe Spelling did a good job. Referencing the scores that she and Pashkov received, an unhappy fan wrote, “She deserved better scores! Why was she undercut? Such beauty to her routine!!”

“She did very well. Much better than I thought she would do. Keep it up,” praised a fan. An admirer who was feeling nostalgic swooned, “This was heart-touching bc I grew up watching ‘90210’ and now many yrs later we are so much older. Tori you did so good. You look amazing. Loved your outfit. Great job!”

On the night Spelling performed the foxtrot, she conducted a brief interview with Extra during which she revealed why she finally agreed to be a part of the show.

Regardless of what some had to say about Spelling’s performance and her appearance, the actress made it clear that she had an amazing time.

Taking to X with a heartfelt message after dancing the foxtrot, Spelling gushed, “Wow! What an unforgettable night with Pasha Pashkov and the cast of @officialdwts! 💃 Thank you all SO much for the love, support, and votes! […] Being on #DWTS live last night was a dream come true. ❤️ Let’s keep dancing! #Grateful.”

Among the many people who Spelling mentioned have been showing her support are her fellow “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-stars, Brian Austin Green, Gabrielle Carteris, Jennie Garth, and Ian Ziering.

Before Spelling made her “DWTS” debut on Wednesday night, her co-stars spoke about how excited they were to see her compete for the Mirrorball Trophy on season 33 of the show. They shared words of encouragement for Spelling during the “90201” panel at the 90s Con event on September 14.

While all of them acknowledged that the dancing competition show is undoubtedly tough, they wished Spelling nothing but the best. Green, who has competed on “DWTS” in a past season, encouraged, “Keep your head on, enjoy the experience.”

Garth said, “I’m so excited for her I think she’s going to do great,” which Carteris echoed. “We’re all rooting for her. Make sure you do the same,” highlighted Ziering.

On the night Spelling performed the foxtrot, she conducted a brief interview with Extra during which she revealed why she finally agreed to be a part of the show.

Spelling spoke about how she previously turned the offer to compete down, which she made clear was not because she isn’t a fan of the show as she confirmed that she is a huge one.

“For 32 seasons I said, ‘No,’ because I didn’t believe I could do it. I thought I’d be embarrassed and I would just like fail, fail, fail, and this year when they asked, it was like a different mindset and I don’t know, this is a big year for me personally and emotionally and I was just like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna do it,'” divulged Spelling.

The TV star managed to put her fears to the side and compete despite the reservations she admitted to having. While she may have had worries about being embarrassed, taking risks and being bold is nothing new for Tori Spelling, especially when it comes to what she wears.

Not too long ago, she was seen rocking a daring outfit that showed off her fit physique and toned abs in an Instagram carousel post she shared in March (2024). This look prompted a flurry of comments online.

She donned a sheer crop top paired with low-hanging charcoal khaki pants that teasingly revealed her Calvin Klein underwear. The caption in Spelling’s post read, “work hard. play hard. repeat,” and was accompanied by specific hashtags and mentions of her glam squad, who helped bring her look to life.

While some admirers showered her with praises, commenting, “You’re aging in reverse! What’s your secret?!? 😍” and “Have you been lifting weights? Your abs look great!”, others expressed their disapproval, specifically regarding her visible underwear.

“Everything is great except the underpants showing,” stated one user, while another asserted, “Love everything but the undies sticking out […] Looks bad.”

Amid the varied feedback, one person wrote, “You know you’re 50, right?” However, another fan came to Spelling’s defense, saying, “Love your pants. No age limit [is] required. Where are they from?” In response, the star disclosed, “@tillys,” which is an American apparel brand that makes clothes for women, men, and children.

When it comes to fitness and health, Spelling has divulged details concerning her wellness journey several times. In a revealing 2009 interview, the actress shared the nuanced challenges of bouncing back after her first two pregnancies.

She described the distinct approaches she took with each pregnancy and highlighted the societal pressures she faced.

“Fitness-wise, umm, it was different with both pregnancies […] I gained 40 pounds with each pregnancy, with Liam, I went on a diet regime, I went on an exercise regime and I did lose the weight […] I see all the actresses, like weeks after they have a baby and they look perfect so, I thought that’s what would happen and it didn’t,” explained Spelling.

Juggling a busy work schedule and the desire to spend quality time with her kids rather than spend hours in a gym, Spelling — with the support of her then-husband Dean McDermott — opted for lifestyle changes over strict regimes. This approach included biking, which she said was new for her, and cooking meals together with her family.

However, in her book “Spelling It Like It Is,” the doting mom provided a candid look into the reality behind her post-pregnancy weight loss. She admitted to previously lying about the methods she used and revealing that she didn’t eat much and would nibble on rice cakes.

On this, she confessed, “Women didn’t want to know that I had lost weight through dieting, not exercising. I didn’t want to be the […] who didn’t work for it. So I said that I swam. It was sort of a bad choice […] Stella, who had witnessed the mineral wraps, almost blew my cover. She was in the kitchen with the makeup and hair person from Us before I came in.”

This acknowledgment in her book came as a contrast to her interview with Us Magazine in 2013, where she showcased her bikini body and discussed her weight loss journey.

In this interview, she claimed, “I feel like I took off the weight safely, and I’m totally happy here,” which showcased the complex pressures celebrities may face when trying to portray an idealized image of health and fitness.

Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted arriving on the set of “Sex and the City,” reboot while appearing to be covering a baby bump.

The star of “And Just Like That,” donned a big oversized coat and carried a book when she was pictured on September 16, 2024, in New York City.

Online users speculated whether Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw is pregnant due to the attire the actress wore. One user humorously remarked, “That’s not even a bump lmao that’s her layers and layers of clothes she has carrie wear.”

Another fan supported the possibility of such storylines, “Loving the idea of an older woman is pregnant! it’s a sensitive subject but it sure is something that needs to be shown more on television 🫰🏼 [sic].”

Speculation about the scene’s context led one user to guess, “Bet it’s a flashback scene of what could have been or something of the like,” while others questioned the possibility given the actress’s age, “Baby bump at her age?” A user concurred, “Bro. She’s close to 60 🤦🏻‍♂️.”

Amidst the speculations, one user advised caution, “Before we all jump to conclusions, I’m sure it’s not what it looks like.” Therefore, fans are wondering whether Carrie could be pregnant in the upcoming third season of “And Just Like That” or if the photos hint at a dream sequence, flashback, or another intriguing plot twist.

In “Sex and the City,” producers never introduced a pregnancy plot as much as Parker was pregnant with her first child when they were shooting the fifth season of the series.

Sarah Jessica Parker announced her pregnancy in April 2002, which led to producers delaying and shortening the fifth season, instead of the writers making the pregnancy part of the show. Now, fans claim that with Parker’s age, it is too late to include a pregnancy plotline in the reboot of “Sex and the City.”

Parker has previously opened up about her age, saying, ” I’m not delusional. I know that age adds up, and that there are consequences to being 51, 52, 53. I get it.”

The 59-year-old shared that she preferred not to obsess over her appearance. Although she recognized her own vanity and ego, she chose to avoid spending excessive time on it, favoring a more graceful self-acceptance.

Still, she noted, “I have to look in the mirror for work a lot and I can’t be in total denial about the reality, and I’d like to feel good, and I’d like other people to think I’m presentable.”

Parker added that ultimately, public opinions are beyond her control. While she wishes for more kindness, especially toward women, she doesn’t want it to dictate her life or how much effort she puts into trying to meet others’ expectations. Her focus is on feeling good about herself each day.

This focus also reflects on her dedication to her work. She has been photographed a couple of times on the set of “And Just Like That,” where her bold style choices in the revival series keep making waves in the fashion world. However, as we previously reported, one of Parker’s on-set outfits sparked lively discussions among fans and fashion enthusiasts.

The Golden Globe winner shared an outfit from the set of “And Just Like That” that caused quite a stir online. Parker wore a sheer nude dress, revealing bright salmon high-waisted underwear and an olive green bra underneath.

The sheer dress, featuring roses tucked into the pockets, was paired with a matching see-through coat with bubble sleeves adorned with roses. The look was completed with nude heels.

Some commenters thought this outfit was not the best representation of a more mature Carrie. “Yeah, why did they assume her style would be like this in her 50s?” asked one commenter. Another added, “She’s too old.” One person disliked the outfit entirely, saying, “Clothes are horrible, terrible fashion.”

However, not all feedback was negative. Some people loved Parker’s sheer ensemble. “This look is absolutely stunning,” expressed an Instagram user. “Oh, that outfit! Just perfect,” added another. One more person thought it was the ideal spring dress, commenting, “Very beautiful spring dress.”

Parker is not only an award-winning actress but also a renowned fashion icon. Her role as Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City” was highly influential in the fashion world. Now, with the revival series “And Just Like That,” fans get to see the evolution of Carrie.

Parker has shared several behind-the-scenes photos and sneak peeks of her character’s outfits. As an actress unafraid to make bold fashion choices, many of her outfits spark discussion.

“And Just Like That” is in the middle of shooting its third season. Fans were excited when Parker shared a picture of her script for this year’s table read. While on the “Today Show” the actress said viewers can expect many twists and turns in Carrie’s life.

While she might not reveal more about the new season, she is sharing how much fun she’s having filming the show. For instance, her next post showed her sitting in her trailer with a big smile on the first day on set, and of course, her outfit stood out.

The actress wore a mint green blouse with a scarf in a different shade of green under the collar, creating a big bow. She paired it with a voluminous pink skirt and green heels. The look was completed with a white purse embellished with rhinestones.

Parker shared another eye-catching look from the set, this time a long colorful dress. The top part was a deep maroon, while the skirt featured layers of white, pink, and blue, with the sleeves a mix of the same colors.

She paired the flowy dress with white clog sandals, but the real showstopper was her big gingham sun hat. The look was completed with a white tote bag.

Parker not only dazzles with her on-screen characters but also in her public appearances, demonstrating that her sense of style and presence extends beyond her roles.

Taking to Instagram with a heart-wrenching post about their dearly missed daughter on September 16, Brandy and Steve Gold expressed their sorrow concerning Emily Gold’s tragic demise. While they made the statement on behalf of themselves and their son, Emily’s brother, Alex Gold also penned his own words about his late little sister on his Instagram Story Highlights.

In their post, Brandy and Steve shared a beautiful photo of the former “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) contestant, who passed away at just 17 years old.

Emily, who donned a huge smile, looked radiant in a Grizzlies blue and gold cheerleader outfit, which she paired with eye-catching, sparkly pompoms.

After confirming the date of her death as September 13 in the caption, Emily’s devastated parents penned, “Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now. The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted up, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives.”

“Thank you all so much for your love and support. We will announce details of services once they have been arranged. Love, Brandy, Steve and Alex Gold,” concluded the Gold family’s statement.

Since reading what they had to say, many have flooded the comment section of Brandy and Steve’s post with heartfelt messages.

“So sorry to hear about your daughter Emily. Prayers and condolences to your family 💔🙏🙏,” expressed a commenter. Reiterating the sentiment, another echoed, “I am so sorry to hear this. Sending you and your family prayers during this difficult time. 🤍🕊️.”

A particularly emotional netizen stated, “Oh my gosh Brandy I don’t even have words. Total sadness and disbelief. Prayers for your family❤️.” Adding an extra layer of heartbreak, Emily’s older brother, Alex, drafted a tearjerking dedication to her on his Instagram account.

Emily’s tragic fate juxtaposes the incredible experience she had just last month (August) when she and her Los Osos High School dance team wowed the crowd on “AGT.”

Via an Instagram Story Highlight, Alex created a collage of beautiful pictures of him and his late sister. Photos ranged from nostalgic ones where the two were seen as little kids at the beach, to more recent ones showing touching sibling moments out on the town and at home with their dog.

One picture also showed Emily looking stunning in a striking blue dress. The capitalized text that Alex overlaid onto the photos disclosed how extremely special his sister was to him.

“Dear baby sis, the times we spent together won’t ever be enough. You were my whole childhood and the memories we made together and all the places we’ve been and seen together will always stay with me,” began Alex.

He went on to share how deeply saddened he is over losing his sister, expressing how he will miss the “little things” the most, especially because he will never be able to get those moments back.

Alex also made it a point to mention how he will always “stay up” and live life for Emily before reemphasizing his deep love for her.

“[You’re] my one and only sister. Half of my heart is gone without you but it always belongs with you. God knows how much I’ll always love you and miss you baby sis. Rest in heaven Emily Gold because it will always be your world💛💛 I love you forever twin♾️,” finished Alex.

Alex and his parents’ words come after news outlets announced that the Los Osos High School dancer was found dead by suicide at 11:52 p.m. on Friday, September 13 (2024). Her cause of death was confirmed by the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office.

According to California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez, officials from the Rancho Cucamonga California Highway Patrol had responded to reports of “a pedestrian down in lanes.”

“When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 years old, who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210. The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” reported Officer Jimenez.

In the wake of her passing, the police have asked anyone who may have seen what exactly happened on that day or who may have any additional information to contact the case’s investigator Officer S. Gonzalez.

Emily’s tragic fate juxtaposes the incredible experience she had just last month (August) when she and her Los Osos High School dance team wowed the crowd on “AGT.”

The talented youngsters made it past the audition round and earned a spot in the competition show. They even managed to make it all the way to the quarterfinals.

However, they were eliminated in August. Despite their elimination, the dance team performed so well that they received a standing ovation from hard-to-impress judge Simon Cowell.

Of their high-energy performance, the British entrepreneur boasted, “It was absolutely brilliant. What I loved about this was first of all the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship.”

When Emily was previously asked what she thought about her experience performing on the “AGT” stage, she spoke about how she focused her thoughts on the corrections she and her teammates would receive. “So to really just think about all those so that we apply them is my biggest priority on stage,” added the late teen.

Emily Gold also mentioned that while she found it challenging to balance her time between “AGT” and attending high school, she somehow managed to make it work.

Prince Harry just turned 40, and it seems his milestone birthday came with more than just well-wishes. The Duke of Sussex is reportedly set to receive a substantial inheritance from his great-grandmother, the late Queen Mother.

It’s no small sum either—around £19 million($23 million) was tucked away for her great-grandchildren, back in 1994. At the time, that amounted to nearly two-thirds of her fortune! According to reports, Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, were expected to claim their inheritance in two installments.

One at the age of 21 and another at 40. So, now that Prince Harry has officially hit that big birthday, he is now in line to receive his second payout. The funds, originally deposited when the Queen Mother was 94 years old, cleared the seven-year inheritance tax threshold due to her passing in 2002. This means that Prince Harry’s windfall will be tax-free.

While exact details of the trust fund remain private, royal experts have suggested that Prince Harry may receive a larger share than his brother. This is believed to be a way of compensating Harry for not being in line for the throne.

A former Palace aide explained to The Times, “It was a way in which the Queen Mother could set aside money for when her great-grandchildren were older…a way of passing a slice of her estate down in a tax-efficient way.”

The two brothers are understood to have already received £6 million ($7.3 million) between them at the age of 21. Now, with Harry’s 40th birthday, a further £8 million ($9.7 million) is expected to be shared.

Still, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard has stirred up some royal drama. She suggests that Prince William might be feeling a bit “disgruntled” about the sizeable inheritance that’s coming Prince Harry’s way.

Chard told Fox News Digital that William’s frustration could stem from Harry’s tell-alls, which have certainly shaken up the monarchy. She believes William may see Harry’s candid revelations as unsupportive and even hurtful towards the royal family.

Meanwhile, Harry is expected to be over the moon about his financial windfall. This could boost his confidence and ease his long-held sense of inadequacy compared to his older brother.

Chard also noted that King Charles might breathe a sigh of relief knowing Harry will now be financially stable. This financial cushion could potentially put a pause on Harry’s memoir-writing spree that has been critical of the royals.

However, she indicated that King Charles is unlikely to be more inclined to communicate with Harry. This is due to ongoing disputes over taxpayer-funded security. Harry is reportedly seeking his father’s assistance to secure his preferred level of protection.

In an insightful remark, Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” revealed that the Queen Mother placed two-thirds of her estimated $120 million fortune into a trust fund for her great-grandchildren.

Andersen explained that she had the foresight to prepare for Prince William’s future inheritance of the Duchy of Cornwall. This is a title he gained when Charles ascended to the throne. The inheritance now boasts assets exceeding $1 billion. As for the trust fund, its value has grown significantly, meaning Harry’s share has also increased.

With Prince Harry now clocking 40, he reflected on his past anxieties about turning 30 and expressed excitement about the new decade. In a candid statement to the BBC, Harry shared, “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40.” He continued, “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”

Harry planned to mark the big day with a family celebration in California, followed by a getaway with his closest friends. Despite the ongoing tensions with the Royal Family, they made a gesture of goodwill by posting a birthday message.

Their Instagram post featured a cheerful photo of Harry, captioned, “🎂 Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”

It seems that, while Prince Harry’s 40th birthday brought him personal joy and a public nod from the Royal Family, the tensions between him and his brother, Prince William, remain unresolved.

Reports suggest that while Harry is focused on building his life in the U.S., there is one condition under which he might consider returning as a working royal—an apology from his elder brother. Until then, the rift within the royal family appears far from healed.

Harry stands by his choice to step away from royal duties, expressing satisfaction with his decision. Despite his firm stance, Harry is said to be open to a temporary role within the royal family if King Charles III requests him to.

However, friends reportedly noted to The Mirror that he is well aware of William’s attitude towards him. The brothers have reportedly not spoken for months and remain distant. They even avoided contact during their uncle Lord Fellowes’ funeral in Norfolk last month, despite being in the same room.

Furthermore, reports surfaced that the Prince of Wales believes there’s zero chance of reconciliation after his brother released his memoir “Spare.”

However, Harry appears to be moving forward without seeking his brother’s approval. According to The Mirror, he has reconnected with former trusted advisors and old friends to create a plan for potentially reintegrating into UK social circles in the future.

Nevertheless, sources close to Prince Harry reportedly suggest that any recent communication with former aides is more about seeking strategic or friendly advice rather than a plan to rejoin the royal fold.

While returning isn’t his current focus, it’s understood that Harry is open to helping if needed. This assistance would come in handy given the recent challenges faced by Charles and Prince William during their extended breaks for cancer treatment.

According to The Mirror, Harry is keen on strengthening his relationship with Charles, especially given the King’s recent health challenges. However, the 40-year-old would still seek an apology from his brother before agreeing to represent the royal family in any capacity.

In previous interviews, Harry hinted that there were events between him and his brother that were left out of his memoir.

When asked why those details weren’t shared, he suggested that he consciously chose to omit certain incidents, knowing any revelations about family members would invite criticism.

Others, particularly those involving his brother and father, would cause irreparable harm and lead to unforgivable consequences. Despite this, he acknowledged that his family played an essential role in his story, making it difficult to exclude them entirely.

Some of the details about his family were included so they could provide insight into the characters and personalities involved in Harry’s life. Still, he acknowledged that even the contents he did include might already be difficult for his family to forgive.

Bringing glamor to the 2024 Emmys red carpet on Sunday, September 15, Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston, 55, dazzled in a strapless dress she opted to wear for the event. Aniston, who briefly spoke about working alongside fellow “The Morning Show” co-star Reese Witherspoon at the Emmys, garnered a flurry of online reactions for her look.

Aniston donned a stunning silver gown designed by fashion powerhouse Oscar de la Renta. The silver strapless garment was covered in beautifully intricate beadwork, which perfectly complemented the jewelry she wore.

Adding an extra layer of elegance to her look, Aniston adorned herself with a beautiful Tiffany & Co. diamond and platinum ring, bracelet, and matching vintage earrings. She left her blonde and dark-colored tresses loose.

Several pop culture outlets took to online platforms to share striking pictures and videos of the actress working up a storm on the red carpet as she posed for the flashing cameras. Netizens who saw such media coverage of Aniston did not hold back their opinions.

Some were unimpressed with her look, expressing specific qualms they had concerning the ensemble. “She has done this look so many times,” remarked a Facebooker while another noted, “It doesn’t fit in the waist. She always wears that same style. 🤷🏽‍♀️.”

Expressing a similar sentiment, someone else echoed, “Omg change YR LOOK ALWAYS THE SAME…” Reiterating the opinion that Aniston’s 2024 Emmys look is something she has done before, another observer penned, “She’s beautiful but [it’s] always the same!” A spectator on Facebook exclaimed, “Overrated!”

While some may think Aniston has frequently worn an outfit similar to the Oscar de la Renta gown she recently rocked, Page Six states that it was at the 2024 SAG Awards that the “We’re the Millers” talent decided to switch things up with a sparkling silver gown from Celine.

According to the news outlet, before this year’s Emmys and prior to the SAG Awards, Aniston would typically opt for a little black dress (LBD) for red carpets.

However, she switched her style up even more when she donned a red Reformation dress (which cost under $300) for the Emmy Awards pre-show event earlier this year (2024).

Although Aniston received a lot of critical comments concerning her 2024 Emmys ensemble, there were also opinions that praised how the “Friends” actress looked.

The official Instagram account for the Emmys/Television Academy gave the star her flowers in a post they shared about her Emmys appearance. Alongside photos of Aniston, they captioned, “She is beauty she is grace – #JenniferAniston 🤩💫.”

“She looks absolutely stunning!!” swooned a fan on Facebook. Another admirer gushed, “Perfect always yet appears effortless and always classy. Admirable especially when others are showing their underwear. She really stands out.”

Echoing the sentiment about Aniston exuding effortless beauty and style, someone else praised, “She always looks great and never appears as if she’s trying too hard.” “Stunning she’s absolutely beautiful,” added another fan.

In addition to receiving acknowledgment for how good she looked from fans online, Aniston was also revered as a nominee for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category by the TV Academy. The “Just Go with It” actress earned her nomination alongside Reese Witherspoon.

Their series, “The Morning Show,” was also up for a nomination for the Outstanding Drama Series category. Speaking briefly with E! while on the red carpet, Jennifer Aniston divulged a bit about her and Witherspoon’s working relationship.

She disclosed, “We’ve grown up together. We were kids together and now we’re grown ups together… I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

Our family has a long-standing tradition of hosting monthly dinners, a custom that dates back to when my dad was a kid. My grandmother started it all by bringing her siblings together over meals, which strengthened their bond.

As Dad and his siblings grew up, they adopted this tradition and invited each other over for dinner every month. I still remember how my siblings and I used to wait for that day each month so we could meet our cousins and have a great time.

Mind you, these weren’t just ordinary family dinners. Dad would go all out with the decorations, while Mom ensured there were at least three dishes on the table.

I remember one time Dad even ordered pizza for us kids, and it turned into one of our best nights.

Now, since my siblings and I have grown up, we have also adopted this wonderful tradition.

A few months ago, my older sister, Angela, invited us to her place and she made the most delicious chicken pie I’ve eaten! Even my wife, Megan, loved it.

Since we took turns hosting, I had also invited my siblings, along with their spouses and kids, to our place multiple times. I have two older siblings; Dan and Angela, and two younger siblings; David and Gloria.

Usually, we have around 13-14 people when everyone comes over with their spouses and kids. Occasionally, my aunt Martha joins us too. We’ve always been close to her.

My wife was excited to be part of the tradition when we first started, even before we were married. Initially, I did the cooking, but she took over after a while.

“You know I find cooking to be very therapeutic, babe,” she reassured me. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything.”

That’s just how Megan is. So understanding and helpful.

I thought everything would be fine until the day we hosted dinner and revealed that Megan had cooked the food.

“I knew it!” Angela said. “I was wondering why the food tastes so off today. It’s just… so bland!”

“I agree,” Dan muttered. “Why is the chicken so dry?”

“Maybe use less seasoning next time,” Mom added.

I’ll never forget the look on Megan’s face that day. It hurt to see her so crushed, especially after all the effort she had put in.

“I think the chicken is perfect!” I cheered for Megan. “What do you think, David?”

“Yeah, it’s really nice,” David smiled at Megan. “It’s perfect!”

“Shouldn’t you cook what everyone likes?” my aunt asked Megan. “That way, no one will complain next time.”

“Yeah, I…” Megan began in a trembling voice, almost on the verge of crying. “I’ll cook something else next time.”

What’s wrong with them? I thought. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the chicken Megan had made. Honestly, it was even better than what I’d cooked the other day.

Later that night, I found Megan crying in the bedroom.

“Babe, they shouldn’t have treated you like that,” I said, hugging her tightly. “Your cooking was amazing. I promise. Even David loved it.”

“Only David said that,” she cried. “Everyone else hated it. I won’t cook for them again.”

“Hey, don’t let them get you down,” I said, looking her in the eyes. “You’re strong, remember?”

That night, I convinced Megan to cook for my family at the next family dinner, but I guess that was the biggest mistake of my life.

Megan cooked my mom’s favorite roasted chicken with a side of veggies, and the red sauce pasta that Angela loved. She had perfected her recipe by watching a couple of YouTube videos, hoping my family would love it.

However, when it was time for dinner, Mom and Angela passed the meanest remarks. I couldn’t believe my ears because I thought the food was phenomenal.

“I don’t think you should ever make this pasta again, Meg,” Angela said, shaking her head. “It tastes awful.”

“I’ll send you my recipe tonight,” Mom said, discreetly spitting out a piece of chicken. “This isn’t what I’d call roasted chicken.”

Megan just shook her head in silence as she looked at each one of them. Then, she walked into the kitchen, and I followed. I knew she was already in tears.

“Babe, I loved the food,” I said, placing my hand on her shoulder. “I don’t get why Mom and Angela are acting this way.”

“Your sister said the pasta tastes bad!” Megan whispered as tears trickled down her cheeks. “I made the one dish she loves the most and she doesn’t even like it. What am I supposed to do?”

That’s when I heard Mom say something that sent a wave of anger up my chest.

“She’s not even trying,” Mom said in a low voice so we couldn’t hear her.

“Didn’t she learn from last time?” my father’s voice echoed through the living room.

That’s when I rushed toward the dinner table to defend Megan. I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Can’t you guys be nice to her? What’s with all this drama?” I confronted them. “Why can’t you just appreciate her a bit? She always works so hard to cook for you guys!”

“Really?” Angela raised an eyebrow. “Then why can’t she ever get anything right?”

“If she cooked better, we wouldn’t have to complain,” Mom scoffed. “We’re not asking for gourmet food, just something we can eat.”

I knew arguing with my family was pointless, so I just walked back to the kitchen. Megan stood there with her arms folded across her chest. She had heard me confront them.

“They never complained when you cooked,” she said. “Are they doing this on purpose?”

Her words made me suspicious. Could my family really be criticizing her on purpose?

A few days ago, when it was our turn to host dinner again, I suggested we secretly test them. I told Megan we’d pretend I had prepared dinner, while she would be the person cooking everything.

At first, Megan refused saying she didn’t want to feel humiliated again. But she agreed when I insisted. I was certain this would reveal the truth.

So, Megan made the same dishes again. Red sauce pasta and roasted chicken.

“I cooked everything today,” I said as soon as my family sat down for dinner. “I used your recipe for the chicken, Mom. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

And that’s precisely what happened.

Not only did Mom love the roasted chicken, but Dad, Angela, Dan, and even Aunt Martha couldn’t stop raving about it.

“This is the best pasta I’ve ever tasted!” Angela said, smacking her lips. “I love it, Brandon!”

“I’m glad you took over again!” Dad said.

“Yeah, man,” Dan added, “I never knew my brother could cook this well!”

I looked at Megan and I knew exactly what she was thinking. The food they were raving about was the same food they’d criticized just a few dinners ago. The same dishes, but they thought I had made them.

My younger siblings, David and Gloria, struggled to control their laughter because they knew what was going on. Meanwhile, everyone else had dinner like it was the best meal they’d ever had.

“Okay, I need to confess something,” I said, grabbing everyone’s attention. “But before that, I just need to confirm you all loved the food, right?”

They all nodded.

“Well, I didn’t cook anything,” I revealed. “This was all Megan’s magic. She cooked this for you all just like she’s been doing it for months.”

The room went silent.

I could see Mom’s face had flushed red with embarrassment, while Angela started focusing on her drink. Meanwhile, Dad tried to cover up, “Well… I mean… it’s just that, maybe she’s gotten better at cooking?”

They all tried to backtrack, but the damage was done. Megan and I finally understood what had been going on all this time.

Later that night, Megan and I were in the bedroom when I apologized to her for everything.

“I’m done with these monthly dinners,” I told her. “This was the last one we hosted, and the last one we’ve attended. I won’t be a part of them anymore if all they want to do is humiliate my wife.”

“But that’s part of your family traditions,” Megan said. “I think you should attend the dinners at least.”

“I don’t care about any tradition now,” I rolled my eyes. “They disrespected you, and I can’t stand that.”

We didn’t attend the next family dinners, and after two months, my parents and siblings started asking questions. I told them outright we weren’t coming back.

“You guys ruined everything by humiliating my wife,” I told Mom one day.

“Seriously, Brandon? You can’t do this!” she yelled at me over the phone. “You’re ruining your relationship with us because of her.”

I hung up, knowing that arguing with her was pointless. My family’s constant complaints made sense now. They weren’t happy with Megan, and Gloria later confirmed it.

“Mom and Angela have always been like that,” she revealed. “They always pretended to like Megan because you wanted to marry her, but the truth is that they never approved of her. They believe she’s too different, that she’s not ‘family enough.'”

Gloria’s words confirmed what I had feared all along, that I had made the right choice in standing by Megan. She deserved better than a family that couldn’t appreciate her for who she was.

As we moved forward, I realized that our little family mattered the most and that the love and support we shared were far more important than outdated traditions or hurtful opinions.

I decided that Megan and I would create our own traditions, ones filled with respect and kindness, where every meal felt like home, no matter who cooked it.

Do you think I did the right thing?

If you enjoyed reading this story, here’s another one you might like: When an 18-year-old college student, Brittany, feels the pangs of homesickness, a simple call to her little brother, Ian, reveals a family in turmoil. Overwhelmed by her mother’s silent struggle under her father’s constant criticism, Brittany decides it’s time for a lesson in gratitude and teamwork.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

Tom Selleck’s first wife is being compared to Jillie Mack, with many calling her “much prettier.” Apart from the two women, the veteran star’s personal life, relationships, and choices have shaped who he is today.

Selleck first rose to fame through his iconic role in the hit television 1980 series, “Magnum P.I.” At the height of his career, the actor and film producer chose to leave the show to focus on his family, having realized how stifling fame could be.

He admitted that, while he understood what public life entailed, he didn’t feel suited for it. Selleck explained that he left not because he disliked the series, but because he was exhausted and craved a more well-rounded life.

His brief hiatus turned into years when he found the roles being offered weren’t appealing. During this period, he faced rumors of his career being over but used the time to gain perspective.

In the 1990s, Selleck returned to acting, taking roles on “Friends” and “The Closer,” as well as starring in the “Jesse Stone” TV movies, before landing the role of Frank Reagan on “Blue Bloods,” alongside Donnie Wahlberg.

It was through his acting career that Selleck met actress and “Magnum P.I” co-star Jillie Mack in 1983, while she was performing in the musical “Cats” in London. The two married in August 1987 and welcomed their daughter, Hannah, the following year.

Selleck has often expressed his appreciation for the deep friendship he shares with his wife, noting that Jillie’s sense of humor is one of the things he loves most about her.

The actor, a self-described private person, values the balance between his career and family life, stating, “I’ve always treasured the balance between work and time with my family. It’s always about them.”

When he’s not filming “Blue Bloods” in New York City, Selleck spends his time at home with his wife, Mack, on their ranch in Ventura, California. Reflecting on what grounds him, the TV star shared, “My relationships and my ranch keep me sane.” Selleck is the epitome of a devoted family man. His wife, Mack, their daughter, Hannah, and his adult son, Kevin—whom he shares with his ex-wife—are always his top priority.

Selleck’s second marriage to Mack followed after his first marriage landed on the rocks. He married former actress and model, Jacqueline Ray, in May 1971, with whom he co-starred in “Magnum P.I.” However, their relationship started to unravel after several years.

In a March 1982 interview, Selleck opened up about their separation, which began in 1979 after ten years of marriage. “It’s one of the great sorrows of my life that we can’t be together—I’d always planned to be married for the rest of my life,” he shared.

Despite living apart, he emphasized that they remained close and had not pursued divorce. He also expressed sadness about being away from Kevin, Ray’s son from a previous marriage, whom Selleck called “the only child I have.”

Selleck strongly rejected rumors that their separation coincided with his rise to fame. “That’s the cliché, that’s the meaty story: Spouse Dumps Spouse After She Gives Him the Best Years of Her Life. But it’s not true, and it’s not nice, or fair, or kind,” he said, clarifying that their separation occurred “a full six months before I even shot the pilot of Magnum.”

Selleck revealed that his personal struggles influenced his role in “Divorce Wars,” where he played a lawyer going through a difficult separation. He acknowledged that while the role drew from his own experiences, it didn’t offer him any emotional release.

Additionally, Selleck admitted that his uncertainty about his life kept him from pursuing serious relationships. He explained that he was cautious about getting deeply involved while still figuring things out, even warning some women he dated that if he didn’t call for days, it wasn’t due to lack of interest but because he was “a flake.”

The Emmy Award winner and Ray finalized their divorce in August 1982 after 11 years of marriage. Now, decades later, some AmoMama users are drawing comparisons between Ray and his current wife, noting similarities in their appearance.

A side-by-side image captures Selleck with both women at different points in his life. Ray is seen with blonde hair, while Mack sports brown locks with bangs. Despite the time and differences in hairstyle, both women flash radiant smiles in the photos.

When it comes to who looks more beautiful, AmoMama readers have shared their thoughts and weighed in on the comparison. “The first wife,” said one person. Another echoed, “First wife is much prettier. No offense. Just the truth.” One individual observed, “I think the first wife is the prettiest.”

Someone else admitted, “I didn’t know he had a first wife,” adding, “I’ll have to say his first wife is prettier.” “First wife is beautiful. His current wife is pixie cute,” noted one user. Although some people believe Selleck’s first spouse is more visually appealing, others stated the two women look alike. “They look very similar to each other so does it really matter?” penned one user.

Another added, “They look alike, but the first one is cute.” Someone else assumed, “He has [a] type. They both look similar.” “He has a type because they look the same, to me!” echoed another.

In the end, while Tom Selleck’s love life has seen its ups and downs, he has found lasting happiness with Jillie Mack. Despite the comparisons between his former and current wife, Selleck’s focus remains on his family and the cherished bond he shares with them. Readers may debate appearances, but for Selleck, it’s the deep connection and friendship that matter most.

When I divorced Rob two years ago, I thought I had finally gotten rid of him. I remember the day like it was yesterday.

Sitting in the courtroom with my lawyer’s voice droning on as the judge granted me full custody of our daughter, Lily, who was only four at the time. I walked out of there with nothing but a beat-up suitcase and the freedom I had been craving for years. And most importantly, our daughter with me.

Rob was a controlling, manipulative man, and had this knack for turning everything I did into some sort of flaw.

But I was free, finally.

I moved into a little rental apartment, and Lily and I started to build a new life. It wasn’t perfect, and kind of run-down, but it was ours. For the first time in a long time, I could breathe.

“It’s nice, Mom,” Lily said one morning when I gave her some jam on toast.

“What’s nice, darling?” I asked.

“This,” she said, waving her arms around. “Living here with only you. Dad was too angry all the time.”

My heart melted. We didn’t have much, but at least my child was at peace, too.

“I know, honey, but in this home, there’s no room for anger. Okay?” I said.

She grinned at me and nodded, licking the jam off her fingers.

But then, our lives took a bit of an unexpected turn.

A few months ago, Rob reappeared. At first, it was the usual stuff that I had expected after I got full custody of our daughter. He would call to ask about Lily, send over a takeout dinner that he knew we’d like, and sometimes there would be a random text asking if I needed help with something.

I ignored most of it, thinking that he would eventually move on. But then, he made me an offer that, on the surface, seemed impossible to refuse.

“I want to buy you a house. For you and Lily, Blair,” he said one day over the phone. “It’ll be in your name, of course. But Lily deserves a real home, not some rental that won’t ever be home.”

I should have known better than to trust Rob. I mean, I did know better. But a house? For Lily?

As problematic as Rob was, he was offering us a stable place where she could grow up, close to her school, with a backyard to run around in.

How could I ignore that?

The idea was hard to turn down, especially since he was offering it with no strings attached.

At least, that’s what he said.

So, Rob bought the house. And it was beautiful. It was exactly what I wanted for Lily. It was close to her school, as Rob promised. It had a huge yard and enough space for us to grow into. For a little while, it seemed like maybe Rob had changed.

Maybe he really just wanted to do something good for his daughter.

Or that was what I told myself, anyway.

But of course, that’s when things started to change.

First, it was the keys.

Rob had a set, which he justified by saying he needed to “check up on the place” while we were out.

“Look, Blair,” he said. “Wouldn’t you like to know that the basic maintenance of the house is taken care of? And you wouldn’t even have to worry about paying for it. I’ll take care of the dishwasher, I know it’s broken.”

At first, I didn’t think too much of it. But then, the “check-ups” started happening more frequently. I’d come home to find things rearranged, books on the shelves moved, dishes stacked differently, even Lily’s toys lined up in some creepy, orderly fashion.

Then came the notes.

Suddenly, there were little Post-its left all over the house, criticizing how I was keeping it.

“The floors could use a mop.”

“The garden is looking untidy and overgrown.”

And then he began commenting on my dating life, leaving notes about how “disrespectful” it was to have male friends over while Lily was home. It felt like he was in my space even when he wasn’t there.

But the final straw? The cleaning schedule he drew up.

How could I forget the day when I came home to find the cleaning schedule taped to the fridge? It was color-coded, with specific times for when I should clean the windows, vacuum, and dust the house. All down to the hour. Completely ignoring my job.

There were even instructions for how often Lily and I should shower to “maintain the house’s cleanliness.”

“What the actual heck, Rob?” I muttered as I removed the schedule from the fridge and began to make grilled chicken and veggies for our dinner.

“What’s that?” Lily asked as she came into the kitchen and saw me tearing the schedule.

“Dad left a schedule behind for us. To clean,” I said.

“Eww,” she giggled. “Why do we have to listen to Dad?”

“We don’t, darling girl,” I said, giving her a glass of chocolate milk.

But on the inside, I was livid. I couldn’t wait for Lily to go outside and play on the swing set so that I could call Rob and give him a piece of my mind.

“What the hell is this, Rob?” I demanded, holding the phone so tightly I thought it might crack.

He was annoyingly calm.

“I’m just trying to help you keep the place in good condition,” he said, that smug tone I hated creeping into his voice.

“You wouldn’t want it to fall apart, right?”

I wanted to scream. He was doing it again. I hung up instead.

Things only got worse.

Rob started calling more often, asking invasive questions about my schedule.

“Why aren’t you home yet?” he’d ask if I was out with friends.

“Why isn’t Lily in bed?” he’d call and demand if she was up past her usual bedtime.

I knew he was watching us somehow, but I couldn’t prove it. Every time I brought it up, he’d claim that he had security cameras outside for Lily’s safety.

Classic Rob, always finding a way to spin things in his favor.

Then, one afternoon, Lily came home after a weekend with Rob. Despite having full custody, I still wanted my daughter to have some sort of relationship with her father. When she was older, she could decide what she wanted to do about him.

But on that afternoon, Lily looked up at me, her eyes wide with fear.

“Daddy says that the house isn’t safe,” she said. “He said that it would be better to live with him.”

I couldn’t breathe. That was it. Rob was trying to turn my own daughter against me, using her to undermine me, just like he always had. But this time, I wasn’t going to let him win.

I called my lawyer the next day, hoping there was some way to stop Rob from pulling the stunts he was pulling. That’s when I learned the most beautiful piece of information:

Although Rob bought the house, it was in both our names. Legally, it was just as much mine as it was his.

That’s when my plan started to form.

First, I repainted the entire house. Not just any color, but a shade of purple that Rob would despise. The second he saw it, he called me, fuming.

“What the hell did you do to the walls?” he screamed.

“I’m redecorating,” I said. “Lily wanted purple.”

I could almost hear him grinding his teeth.

Next, I filled the garden with plants he was allergic to, tons of them. Lavender, ragweed, you name it.

I made sure that if he ever dared to show up unannounced again, his nose would punish him for it.

But my favorite part?

I turned the garage into an art studio. It was something I had always wanted, a place to paint, draw, and create, which is what I looked for after lecturing Art History at the university.

Rob always hated my art. He said that it was a “waste of time.” Well, not anymore.

My ex-husband lost his mind when he saw the changes. He tried to intimidate me, throwing out empty threats about taking me to court.

But I already knew that everything I did was within my legal right.

His control was slipping.

Then came the final move. After saving up for months, I put the house on the market. The day it sold, I told Rob. But it was too late for him to do anything.

“You destroyed everything, Blair,” he shouted.

“Good. That’s what I wanted,” I said.

With the money from the sale, I bought a new place, one that was completely mine. Mine and Lily’s.

We moved in last month, and I haven’t heard from him since.

I think I finally have my freedom.

What would you have done?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you:

I Came Home to All My Mugs Turned Upside Down – When I Found Out the Reason, I Immediately Called the Police

When Lauren gets home after her shift at the hospital, she expects to have a quiet evening with her family. Instead, she finds strange things in her home, like the mugs turned upside down, the silverware rearranged, and other strange occurrences…

Yesterday was supposed to be any old regular day. As a nurse, and after finishing a grueling 12-hour shift at the hospital, all I wanted was a night of peace and a long bath. While driving home, I had visions of coming home, making a cup of tea, and relaxing a bit before diving into the chaos of dinner and bedtime with the kids.

But what I walked into completely shattered my sense of safety.

The house was eerily quiet when I got home. My husband was out with the kids for their respective sports practices, so I looked forward to a bit of solitude before the noise began when the kids got home.

I dropped my bag on the counter and put the kettle on while reaching for the cabinet to grab my favorite mug. It was a cute one that Summer, my daughter, had gotten me with “World’s Okay-est Mom” printed on it.

But when I opened the cabinet, I froze.

“What the heck is this?” I muttered.

All of my mugs were turned upside down. Every single one of them was perfectly lined up in the cabinet like little soldiers on parade. I stood there while the kettle boiled, dumbfounded.

Read the full story here.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

Richard tapped his fingers nervously against the steering wheel as he drove. Deidre used to drive down every Thanksgiving, but that stopped after his wife’s funeral four years ago. Now, there were only weekly calls.

Richard spread his arms wide as Deidre appeared in the doorway. “Surprise!” he yelled.

“Dad? What are you doing here?” she asked, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“I came to celebrate my birthday with you…it’s the big eight-o!” Richard replied, but the joy in his voice trailed off quickly. “What’s wrong, honey? Why are you crying?”

“It’s nothing; everything’s fine,” Deidre quickly wiped her tears and smiled a little. “I just…I wasn’t expecting you, and this isn’t really a good time. Sorry, Dad, but I, uh, need to focus. On my work. Look, I’ll call you. We’ll have dinner later, okay? Sorry.”

Deidre shut the door, leaving Richard hurt and confused. Something was terribly wrong. Was Deidre in trouble?

Richard stepped back from the front door but didn’t leave. He stepped over the short, flowering shrubs lining the path and snuck up to peek through the windows.

Two rough-looking men were in the sitting room with Deidre.

“Who was that?” One of them asked in a rough voice.

“Nobody,” Deidre lied in a shaky voice. “Just a neighbor’s kid…pulling a doorbell prank and running away.”

“Back to business then,” the second man said. “You’re now six months behind on your loan repayments, Deidre. Mr. Marco’s getting impatient.”

“I just need more time. Business is sure to pick up again in the winter,” she pleaded.

“Time is one thing you haven’t got, sweetie,” the man replied, pulling out his gun. “People who owe Mr. Marco money don’t have a great life expectancy and end up feeding the fishes in the lake…” He pointed the weapon at her.

Terror froze Richard in place. But soon, the man stepped back with a look of disgust and tucked the gun away in the waistband of his trousers.

“Look around this dump and see if there’s anything valuable we can take to Mr. Marco, Danny,” he ordered. “She’s a businesswoman, so there must be a computer or some kind of equipment around here.”

”But I need those things!” she cried. “I can’t make money without my equipment!”

The man patted the butt of his gun. ”Boo-Hoo. I can still change my mind, you know. Don’t be ungrateful, now.”

The men ransacked her home before they stormed out, leaving Deidre curled up sobbing on the floor.

Nothing made sense to Richard because Deidre’s business was doing well. At least that’s what she had told him. But now, Richard could sense something was amiss. Deidre needed his help.

The men loaded several appliances from Deidre’s home in their vehicle.

When they finally drove away, Richard followed them.

The men stopped at a two-storeyed brick building downtown that looked like a bar. While it was closed, the door was unlocked. No one on the staff stopped Richard as he entered the building.

The men had joined a large table where several other rough-looking men were seated. One of them stood and swaggered toward him.

“The club’s closed,” he growled. “Come back later.”

“I’m here to discuss Deidre’s debt,” Richard announced.

“Oh?” The man seated at the head of the table rose and stared at Richard. He looked like a gentleman except for a nasty scar above his left eye. Richard guessed he was Mr. Marco.

”How much does she owe you?” Richard asked.

Mr. Marco smirked. “A good samaritan, huh? Deidre took out a business loan of $80,000 from me. She was supposed to pay me back from her monthly profits, only she never made any.”

”I have around $20,000 in my savings,” Richard gulped fearfully, shaken Deidre had borrowed such a big sum.

”That’s only a quarter of what she owes us.” Mr. Marco sighed. “But there’s something you can do to make up the difference.”

Richard didn’t like the sound of that, but he had to do whatever it took to save his daughter from the mess she’d gotten herself into.

”What do you want me to do?” he asked.

Mr. Marco grinned at Richard and beckoned him closer to the table.

”My partner and I recently started a small business importing cars to Canada, but some of the paperwork has been delayed, so we’re having difficulties getting the…’merchandise’…across the border. A kind, innocent-looking Grandpa like you should have no trouble crossing the border in one of our cars.”

Richard had no choice but to agree. Later that night, he pulled into a gas station near the border town to use the bathroom and parked beside a patrol.

“Jesus!” he gasped as the German Shepherd in the back of the police cruiser began barking at him and pawing at the window.

Service dogs were trained not to bark at random people unless…Oh, man.

He quickly climbed back in the car, a Valiant, and started reversing as the police dog went crazy.

Two cops hurried out of the gas station store and yelled at him to stop as they glanced at him. The GPS app voiced directions, but Richard shoved it in his pocket to silence the darn thing.

He pushed the Valiant to its limits as he wove through traffic, leaving a trail of outraged drivers and narrowly avoided collisions in his wake. The sirens blared behind him.

Richard soon spotted a narrow, unmarked dirt road veering into the forest ahead. He sharply turned, leaving the road behind him as he raced into the forest. The muddy trails were awful to navigate, but Richard pushed on.

He turned down a narrow track leading downhill. Then, he turned up a slight rise and instantly regretted it.

The car was now stuck in a precarious position, balanced on a narrow rise above a wide river. Richard tried to reverse back the way he came, but the tires spun without getting traction.

In fact, the car was sliding closer to the water.

“No!” Richard desperately pulled up the parking brake, but it didn’t work.

The car’s nose hit the river with a loud splash, sending a wave of dark water flooding over the bonnet. Richard shoved the car door open, desperate to escape the sinking vehicle.

The pressure from the water started to push the car door shut against Richard’s legs. Richard splashed around in panic as the river filled the interior.

As the water level crept up his face, he tipped his head back, took one last breath, and pulled himself underwater.

Richard squeezed himself out of the opening and pushed himself up toward the surface. He took in a lungful of air and swam toward the river bank.

Reaching land made Richard realize how close he was to death. He was thankfully breathing. But he still needed to do something about the $80,000. So Richard hitchhiked home.

”I need to mortgage my house,” he told the bank assistant. ”And I need the cash in my bank account fast.”

Richard waited impatiently as the bank employee processed the paperwork. He jumped in fright when Deidre called him.

“Some thugs from a local gang were just here asking about you, Dad…what is happening?”

“Tell them I’ll be there soon. I arranged to pay off your debt for you. I don’t understand why you didn’t come to me first, Deidre, but this isn’t the time to discuss that.”

Richard ended the call and signed the paperwork. He didn’t want to give up the home where he had created memories with his family, but it was the only way to help Deidre.

A few hours later, he pulled into the club’s parking lot in a rented car and headed toward the entrance.

”Dad, wait!” Richard looked back as Deidre ran toward him.

”I won’t let you face those thugs alone,” she said. ”I still don’t understand how you found out about this mess or how you got the money to repay them, but the least I can do is stand by you while you save me.”

Richard studied the determined look in Deidre’s eyes and knew he couldn’t convince her to leave. As they entered the club, the thugs herded him and Deidre toward the table.

Richard placed his duffel bag, which contained the cash he’d withdrawn after the mortgage went through, and put it on the table.

”Here’s the $80,000 Deidre owed you plus another $15,000 to cover the cost of your car. I, uh, got into some trouble, and the car ended up in a river.”

Mr. Marco’s mouth twisted angrily, and he thumped his fist against the table.

“You have the audacity to offer me a measly $15,000? After you come in here and tell me you sank the $100,000 shipment hidden in that car? That doesn’t even BEGIN to cover what you now owe me.”

The gangster grabbed the duffel bag and threw it to one of his thugs.

”You know, Deidre, I really believed in you, but sometimes, in business, you’ve got to know when to cut your losses.”

He removed a gun from his suit jacket and pointed it straight at Deidre’s forehead.

Richard pulled Deidre behind him. “No, please! This is all my fault! Don’t punish her!”

”Well, you made a good point.” The gangster shrugged, and the next moment, Richard was staring down the gun barrel.

But suddenly, they heard police sirens outside.

Mr. Marco turned and ran toward the back of the club as loud gunfire boomed and shook the place.

Father and daughter crawled under the table. There was chaos in the club, and as Richard looked into his daughter’s fear-filled eyes, he knew he had to get her to safety, no matter what.

Richard and Deidre pulled one of the tables over and barricaded themselves in a corner. They hid there until the police escorted them to safety. Thankfully, Mr. Marco was apprehended.

”Are you certain you don’t have any heart-related health issues?” Richard shook his head at the paramedic while in the ambulance.

Richard swallowed hard when the police detective approached the ambulance.

“Sir, what were you and your daughter doing in this club today?” the detective asked sternly.

Richard explained about Deidre’s loan and how they’d come to the club that day to repay it. He hoped he might get away with not mentioning the car he sank in the river.

The detective glanced at Deidre. “If we hadn’t found a car full of contraband in the river, we wouldn’t have been here to rescue you. You shouldn’t be taking loans from such disreputable people, miss.”

“A car in the river?” Richard asked nervously.

“It was registered to Mr. Marco’s cousin, which was exactly the lede we needed to take this gang down,” replied the officer.

Richard sighed in relief. He was in the clear.

The cops let him and Deidre go once they provided their statements.

”I owe you a huge apology, Dad. I dragged you into this whole mess,” Deidre apologized as they walked to the front, where Richard’s car was parked.

Tears filled her eyes. “I didn’t know how to tell you. How does anyone tell their father that they’re a huge failure?”

“You are not a failure!” Richard put his hands on Deidre’s shoulders. ”Maybe your business idea didn’t work out as well as you’d hoped, but you tried, Deidre. I wish you’d felt comfortable enough to tell me what was really going on in your life. Heck, I just wish you felt you could be as close with me as you were with your mother,” he continued. ”I don’t think you’ve been ‘fine’ for quite a while now.”

Deidre burst into tears, and Richard put an arm around her. “It’s okay, honey,” he whispered soothingly. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who spots her husband taking his wedding ring off before leaving for work. She decides to follow him, only to discover something shocking.

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