My Father-in-Law Gave Me a Pillow as an Anniversary Gift – I Was Shocked When I Learned His True Intentions

When a mysterious package arrives at Kate and Josh’s home, they are confused to see that the sender is Josh’s estranged father. But things get even stranger when Josh finds a ticking box inside the gift — a beautiful pillow. A confrontation occurs, and Josh is left battling with the truth. Should he forgive his father, or act like their relationship is nonexistent?

Josh had just taken their daughter, Emily for a stroll around the garden when the doorbell rang, signaling that the day needed to begin.

A person holding a baby's hands | Source: Unsplash

A person holding a baby’s hands | Source: Unsplash

“I have a package for you,” the delivery man said as I opened the door.

I signed and carried the box into the kitchen. Our third wedding anniversary was this week, and Josh was always ordering things for me.

A person with a brown cardboard box | Source: Pexels

A person with a brown cardboard box | Source: Pexels

“I just want to surprise you, Kate,” he said one day while we were lounging on the couch. “It’s just the little things, you know?”

So, naturally, as I took the package to the kitchen, I just assumed that it was from him.

A couple on a couch | Source: Pexels

A couple on a couch | Source: Pexels

Until I took a pair of scissors and cut through the thick tape. Opening the package, I found a beautifully embroidered pillow, a note sticking out beneath it. It would have matched our living room décor perfectly.

Happy Anniversary, Josh and Kate! – Taylor.

A package with a pillow inside | Source: Midjourney

A package with a pillow inside | Source: Midjourney

For a moment, I reveled in the kindness of the gesture. But then I remembered that there was no way possible that Josh would accept this gift.

“Hey, what’s this?” Josh said, coming back into the kitchen with Emily on his shoulders. “Did we order something?”

A man carrying his daughter | Source: Pexels

A man carrying his daughter | Source: Pexels

“Well, it’s a gift,” I said cautiously. “From your father.”

Josh pulled the note from me, his eyes flying across the paper.

I wondered what he was going to do. Josh and his father had a very complicated relationship. When Josh was a child, Taylor had abandoned him and his mother.

He had been seeing another woman, and when it finally came down to a choice, Taylor had chosen the other woman.

A mother and son | Source: Pexels

A mother and son | Source: Pexels

Josh had been seven, and he had never recovered from it. He told me all about it one evening when we went out for dinner.

“A father is supposed to choose you, Kate. But he went ahead and left us behind so that he could start a new life with his mistress. That’s not how this works.”

A couple having dinner | Source: Pexels

A couple having dinner | Source: Pexels

I understood his point of view. Of course, he had just wanted his father to be there for him and his mother.

Instead, Taylor had other ideas.

“He said that he needed to be happy, and that my mother was too strict with him. He had a job, but he was always doing illegal things on the side. So he packed up his things and left.”

A man with packed bags | Source: Pexels

A man with packed bags | Source: Pexels

“What do you mean?” I asked, shocked that Josh had been exposed to something like that at such a young age.

“Money, swindling it. Gambling, all that,” my husband said as he picked up his glass of whiskey.

And that was it. Josh didn’t speak to him again until a year before we got married.

Taylor had heard about our upcoming wedding through other relatives, and he thought it was the perfect opportunity to try and make things right between them.

A person holding a phone | Source: Unsplash

A person holding a phone | Source: Unsplash

But Josh refused.

“I don’t want him around us on our special day, Kate. It’s not going to benefit anyone. And if anything, seeing him will spoil everything for me.”

“And you don’t think you’d regret it?” I asked as I folded wedding invitations into envelopes.

“Not at all,” Josh replied, picking up an envelope. “For all we know, someone will come and crash the ceremony because he owes them money.”

A wedding invitation | Source: Pexels

A wedding invitation | Source: Pexels

And that was that. Topic closed.

I didn’t want to push it. I knew it was up to him to deal with it later if he regretted it. I would support him, but I wouldn’t want to overstep anything, especially because Taylor sounded like a lot to deal with.

A couple embracing | Source: Pexels

A couple embracing | Source: Pexels

When Emily was born, Taylor tried to get into our good books one more time. He wanted to reach out and try to make things right with Josh so that he could have his role of being a grandfather.

“I don’t want him around us. I don’t want him around our child. Please, Kate, don’t fight me on this one. This man is bad news,” my husband said, carrying our baby.

A newborn baby's feet | Source: Pexels

A newborn baby’s feet | Source: Pexels

So that was it.

Which brings us back to the present.

Josh picked up the pillow and felt it up and down; he even put it to his ear, his eyes widening.

“Sweetheart, we can’t keep this pillow!” he said.

A shocked man | Source: Pexels

A shocked man | Source: Pexels

Without another word, he rushed over and threw it out the back door.

“Josh, what’s going on?” I exclaimed, leaving Emily in her high seat with fruit slices.

“It’s ticking, Kate! There’s something inside. He’s up to something.”

A person cutting fruit | Source: Pexels

A person cutting fruit | Source: Pexels

“Ticking?” I said. “What do you mean?”

We both went outside.

We stood over the pillow lying innocently among our garden flowers. I hesitated, then reached down to listen.

Sure enough, there was a soft ticking sound.

Yellow garden flowers | Source: Pexels

Yellow garden flowers | Source: Pexels

“Oh,” I said, shocked. I had been convinced that Josh had been hearing things that weren’t there.

Why would Taylor want to hurt us in any way?

“Take out your phone and video this entire thing,” Josh said as he bent to pick up the pillow. “Just in case something happens or there’s something illegal in there.”

A woman holding a phone | Source: Pexels

A woman holding a phone | Source: Pexels

With a deep breath, Josh tore the pillow open to reveal a small, mysterious box equipped with a timer.

“What the hell is that?” I murmured, dread creeping up my spine.

“Let’s find out,” Josh’s jaw was set. “Call him.”

I dialed Taylor’s number, my hands trembling.

A man holding a box | Source: Unsplash

A man holding a box | Source: Unsplash

“Hi, Kate,” he said, his voice cheery. “Did you get my package? I didn’t know what to get you, but I knew that I had to get something.”

“There’s something inside the pillow,” Josh said. “A box. It’s making a sound. What is it?”

“Please be honest,” I said.

“It’s a gift, Kate. For your anniversary,” Taylor’s voice was calm, almost soothing to me.

A woman on the phone | Source: Pexels

A woman on the phone | Source: Pexels

“The sound is probably the timer; it’s supposed to make a sound and open on the day,” he said. “There’s something in there.”

My husband snatched the phone from my hand.

“Do you really think we want anything from you? What’s really in the box, Dad? Is there something that shouldn’t be there? Something illegal?” Josh demanded.

An angry man on the phone | Source: Pexels

An angry man on the phone | Source: Pexels

“Please, Josh,” he said. “It’s just a gesture. I mean absolutely no harm.”

“If you truly mean that, then stay out of our lives.”

“Wait, Kate,” Taylor said. “Just open the box, okay?”

Taylor sighed deeply, and Josh reached out and cut the call.

I looked at my husband; he seemed confused by it all. I knew that he was curious about what was inside the little box, but he was traumatized by everything his father had done.

An expressionless man | Source: Pexels

An expressionless man | Source: Pexels

“What do you want to do?” I asked him.

“I don’t know,” he said, holding his head.

“Let’s open it,” I said. “If he wanted me to open it, then there’s no way that he’s trying to hurt us, darling. Okay?”

Josh nodded slowly, finally accepting it for what it was. His father had simply wanted to reach out to us and give us a gift. That maybe everything was as easy as it seemed.

A man holding a phone | Source: Unsplash

A man holding a phone | Source: Unsplash

“But record it, okay?” Josh said.

I picked up my phone again and began recording.

My husband pried the box open, revealing its contents: a check for $100,000.

Josh stared at the check, his emotions flying across his face as he tried to make sense.

“What is he playing at, Kate?” Josh asked, stunned. “There’s no way that this is clean money. He must be trying to cover up for something.”

But before we could process this further, Taylor called back.

An uncertain man | Source: Pexels

An uncertain man | Source: Pexels

I answered, hesitant.

“We found the check,” I said. “Why did you do that?”

“Because I’m dying, Kate,” he confessed quietly. “I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, and I know that Josh hates me. But that money is for you guys. And if Josh doesn’t want it, then keep it for Emily’s future. For school. Nobody needs to know that it came from me.”

A bank cheque | Source: Flickr

A bank cheque | Source: Flickr

I walked inside the house, realizing that we had left Emily alone for too long. Not that it mattered, because our daughter was sitting quietly by herself and eating her fruit.

Josh was right behind me.

“Dad,” he said, taking the phone from me. “If you’re really serious about your health, then please, we need to talk. No more games.”

A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

“Thank you, Josh,” Taylor’s voice came through the phone. “You tell me when.”

We arranged to meet Taylor at a park later that week; it wasn’t far from us, and we often took Emily there.

As the day arrived, Josh was visibly nervous, fidgeting as we waited on a secluded bench.

When Taylor arrived, he looked frail and worn.

A secluded park bench | Source: Pexels

A secluded park bench | Source: Pexels

“I’m so sorry for everything. I was a terrible father. I don’t have much time left, but I want to spend it making amends.”

Josh took a long breath.

“It’s not easy, Dad. But I’m willing to try. For Emily’s sake, so that one day, she’ll know that her grandfather carried her through school.”

A smiling little girl | Source: Pexels

A smiling little girl | Source: Pexels

While Josh and my father-in-law spoke, I set up the picnic that I had brought along with me. I figured that if anything awkward happened, we all still needed to eat.

As we left the park, Josh squeezed my hand, a weight lifted from his shoulders.

“Maybe it’s good that pillow showed up, after all,” he mused, a small smile breaking through.

Things could only get better from here, right?

A picnic setup | Source: Pexels

A picnic setup | Source: Pexels

What would you have done?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one 

Leighton, after witnessing how her parents celebrated their anniversary, is sure about one thing — when she gets married, she will do just that. But when her anniversary rolls around, her husband skips their romantic dinner and lies about a meeting.

A newlywed couple at the beach | Source: Pexels

A newlywed couple at the beach | Source: Pexels

Curiosity prevails, and Leighton follows Josh, only to find him at a motel with the first person he ever loved. Is there a hidden truth, or is the story exactly what it looks like?

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.

‘Classic and Chic’: Fans Gush Over the ‘Best Dressed’ Lady at Donald Trump’s Inauguration – Photos

Aside from a pivotal figure dazzling netizens with the widely praised ensemble she wore at Donald Trump’s inauguration, other esteemed women attended the prestigious event in eye-catching outfits.

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States during his second inauguration in Washington, DC. Amid the elite and elegantly dressed people in attendance was a certain First Lady who garnered swoon-worthy compliments from social media users, dubbing her the best dressed.

Fan comment about a woman who attended Donald Trump’s inauguration, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: X/@hikingatrail

Fan comment about a woman who attended Donald Trump’s inauguration, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: X/@hikingatrail

The public figure who stole the show at the inauguration was none other than First Lady of the US (FLOTUS) Melania Trump. Her outfit — a sleek, double-breasted navy coat with sharp lapels and a structured silhouette — exuded sophistication and timeless elegance.

Melania Trump during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony at Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony at Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Melania paired her ensemble with black closed-toe heels and gloves. Topping off her look was a bold, wide-brimmed navy hat with a white band, adding a modern yet classic flair to her appearance.

Melania Trump with her hand on her chest and Donald Trump saluting during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump with her hand on her chest and Donald Trump saluting during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony. | Source: Getty Images

The designer behind her stunning outfit, Adam Lippes, boasted about his creation on Instagram with a heartfelt post.

Alongside a photo of Melania standing beside a soldier in uniform, Adam wrote, “The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy, and today we had the honor to dress our First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen, and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”

Equally noteworthy was Melania’s striking hat, designed by Eric Javits, who shared his enthusiasm on Instagram through a carousel of images showcasing the item from various angles.

A close-up view of Melania Trump’s hat, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits

A close-up view of Melania Trump’s hat, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits

The carousel also included an intimate behind-the-scenes video of Eric meticulously crafting the piece from scratch.

Eric Javits crafting Melania Trump’s hat from scratch. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits

Eric Javits crafting Melania Trump’s hat from scratch. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits

In his caption, he revealed his admiration for the First Lady, writing, “It was my great honor and privilege to create the hat our First Lady, Melania Trump, wore for the inaugural swearing-in of our 47th President! She has the inner grace, beauty, and presence to transform what was really a very simple, restrained hat style into what became a ‘wow’ moment. The First Lady’s hat was made with love.”

Melania’s inauguration ensemble sparked a whirlwind of online admiration, as netizens flooded social media with praise for her impeccable style.

“Jaw-dropping high fashion returns to DC. Melania Trump was born for this moment. Magnificent!” exclaimed a fan, whose comment was accompanied by a striking photo of Melania in her iconic hat.

Melania Trump at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Another declared, “She was the best dressed [sic] lady at the inauguration,” while a fellow admirer added, “Melania Trump is always the BEST dressed woman in any room. I adore her style & grace 😍.”

Melania Trump looks on during the inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump looks on during the inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

“Melania’s Outfit and Hat stole the show at the Trump Inauguration! STYLE POINTS! #melania #melaniatrump #firstlady #firstladymelania #melaniahat #melaniaoutfit #melaniafashion #FashionoftheFirstLady #TrumpInauguration2025” penned a supporter.

Donald and Melania Trump looking on during his inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Donald and Melania Trump looking on during his inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Admiration for Melania’s elegance was unanimous, with fans raving about her poise and timeless fashion sense. Yet another supporter enthusiastically declared, “Classy as always!”

Someone else echoed, “Melania looked very chic,” while an admirer swooned, “Absolutely, beautiful and elegant!” “Very regal! 👸 ❤️🤍💙,” gushed another.

Melania Trump at a luncheon following Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump at a luncheon following Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

One fan expressed heartfelt relief and joy at Melania’s return to the public eye, sharing, “Elegance, grace, and beauty. I am so relived [sic] and happy that First Lady Melania is back. Her outfits have been a pleasure to witness thus far.” Another summarized the online consensus perfectly, writing, “Classic and chic. Stunning.”

Melania Trump smiling at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump smiling at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

While Melania Trump appeared to be the belle of the ball, other prominent women also stood out with their stunning ensembles, including the Second Lady and wife of Vice President JD Vance, Usha Vance.

Making her entrance with effortless grace, Usha captivated onlookers in a custom-designed outfit by Oscar de la Renta.

Second Lady Usha Vance standing with Vice President JD Vance during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Second Lady Usha Vance standing with Vice President JD Vance during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

The ensemble featured a soft peony cashmere coat with a built-in scarf wrap, paired elegantly with a complementing tea-length dress.

She completed the look with suede knee-high boots and a delicate clutch, creating a polished and feminine aesthetic. The fashion house celebrated the moment on Instagram by sharing photos of Usha’s look.

Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the newly inaugurated president, also stood out in her outfit, as she made a striking entrance alongside her husband, Jared Kushner, and their son.

She donned a forest green ensemble featuring a cinched-waist peplum jacket that accentuated her figure, and paired this with a matching pencil skirt. The monochromatic look was completed with a beret, sleek black heels, black leather gloves, and a structured handbag.

Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and their son Joseph departing from the East Front of the United States Capitol. | Source: Getty Images

Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and their son Joseph departing from the East Front of the United States Capitol. | Source: Getty Images

Tiffany Trump, Donald’s youngest daughter, turned heads in a striking navy velvet coat. The floor-length design featured a double-breasted silhouette and a cinched waist. She paired the look with black, heeled boots.

Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos after her dad’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos after her dad’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Lauren Sanchez, partner of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made a chic statement at the inauguration in a tailored white blazer. Her sophisticated outfit was complemented by a sheer top underneath and sparkling drop earrings.

Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sanchez at the US Capitol. | Source: Getty Images

Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sanchez at the US Capitol. | Source: Getty Images

Priscilla Chan, wife of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, opted for a cozy yet polished look. She wore a light blue cardigan with delicate gold buttons and accessorized with stunning pearls.

Priscilla Chan looking at Mark Zuckerberg’s phone as they stand next to each other during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Priscilla Chan looking at Mark Zuckerberg’s phone as they stand next to each other during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump, donned a sophisticated yet bold outfit. She wore a navy textured coat with fringe detailing at the hem and sparkling silver buttons running down the front.

Lara and Eric Trump leaving after Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Lara and Eric Trump leaving after Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

The outfit highlighted her sleek silhouette, while the thigh-high slit added a touch of modernity. Completing the look, Lara paired the ensemble with black heels.

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