After Dad remarried Melanie, I always felt like an outsider in my own home.
A week before Christmas, Dad gave me a stunningly wrapped box. “It’s special, Anna,” he said, smirking. “Open it exactly on Christmas morning. I trust you to wait.” Then he left for a work trip, leaving me alone with Melanie.
On Christmas morning, I came downstairs to find Melanie hovering over my gift. “Your dad spoils you for no reason, and you DON’T DESERVE this,” she sneered. “Let’s see if it’s finally something I can take from you and use myself.”
“Melanie, don’t—” But she ripped the paper open.
Inside the box was an envelope and a small black velvet box. Melanie’s face turned ghostly as she read the letter aloud. 
All reactions:
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