I thought my big business trip to LA was going to be just another day until a mysterious request from the pilot left me questioning everything I knew about my past. The truth he shared would alter my future in ways I never imagined.
My flight to Los Angeles was supposed to be a smooth one, but what happened during that two-hour journey changed my life forever. But before I tell you about it, let me share why I had to reach LA that day.
A woman in an airplane | Source: Midjourney
So, I work as an architect at a well-known construction firm, and this is my dream job. Let me tell you, it wasn’t good luck that brought me here. It was my hard work and all those sleepless nights I spent in college upgrading my skills and learning new concepts.
Recently, my boss gave me an opportunity to present a big project to some of our top investors in Los Angeles.
A man in his office | Source: Pexels
It was a HUGE thing because it could lead to a long-awaited promotion, so I happily accepted the opportunity.
Honestly, I felt so grateful for it because it was also a chance to make my mom, Melissa, proud. She’s my best friend, and that’s mainly because she has raised me as a single parent. She told me my father passed away before I was born, but she never stopped me from chasing my dreams. Mom’s always been there to support me, and I love her for that.
A woman smiling at her mother | Source: Pexels
So, when I told her about the meeting in LA, she hugged me and said, “Go get ’em, sweetie! I’ll be praying for you.”
The time flew by at the airport, and soon I found myself comfortably seated on the plane, ready to take off. The flight attendants were all so welcoming, and I lucked out with an empty seat next to me!
As the plane began to ascend, I couldn’t help but feel excited. I was well-prepared for my presentation, hoping the investors would like it.
A woman in an airplane | Source: Midjourney
A few minutes into the flight, a friendly-looking flight attendant named Bethany approached me with a tray of drinks.
“Can I get you something to sip on?” she asked with a smile.
“Just orange juice, please,” I replied, raising my hand to accept the glass. As I did, Bethany glanced down at the birthmark on my wrist.
“I’m sorry, could I have your passport, please?” she asked suddenly.
A close-up shot of a flight attendant | Source: Midjourney
Well, that’s strange, I thought.
Confused but not wanting to argue, I handed it over. Bethany looked it over carefully before returning it with a nod.
“Just a standard protocol check. Thank you!”
Sounds cool.
A short while later, Bethany returned to my seat.
“Excuse me, will you be in a rush after we land?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’ve got a connecting flight to catch and I’m already running late,” I explained as I subconsciously clasped my hands together.
A close-up shot of a woman in an airplane, looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
“Well, the pilot wants to speak with you after we land.”
“The pilot?” I asked. “Why? Can’t he just talk to me now?”
“I’m afraid not,” Bethany replied in a serious tone. “He wants to talk to you in person. I know you’re in a hurry, but trust me, you’ll want to hear this. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
A flight attendant talking to a passenger | Source: Midjourney
I sat there, utterly perplexed.
What on earth could the pilot possibly need to tell me? And why did it have to wait until after we landed? My big meeting was hanging in the balance, and I didn’t want to risk missing my connection. But Bethany’s insistence made me feel like this was something important.
As the plane touched down and the other passengers began filing out, I steeled myself and waited patiently for the pilot to approach.
Passengers in an airplane | Source: Pexels
When the cabin was finally empty, a tall man with graying hair entered, his eyes immediately locking onto mine.
At that point, I literally dropped my bag and jacket. My jaw just about hit the floor because I could’ve sworn I had seen this man before.
I instantly recognized him from old photos my mom had shown me. This was Steve, her childhood friend.
But the man didn’t look happy to see me.
A pilot in an airplane | Source: Midjourney
In fact, tears were streaming down his face as he threw his arms around me in a tight embrace. I stood there, completely bewildered, as he sobbed into my shoulder.
“What’s going on?” I asked in a shaky voice. “What happened?”
He pulled away, gazing at me with red-rimmed eyes. Then, he gently took my hand and revealed a birthmark on his wrist. It was an exact match to the one on mine.
“Courtney,” he choked out, “I’m your father.”
A pilot speaking to a woman | Source: Midjourney
“Wait, what?” I looked at him with eyes wide open. “My father? But Mom said…”
Why did Mom lie to me? I thought. Why didn’t she ever tell me that Steve was my father?
“I don’t know what Melissa told you, Courtney, but this is the truth,” Steve continued. “She suddenly disappeared from my life when I was about to attend aviation school.
A stressed young man sitting on a bench | Source: Pexels
“She didn’t even tell me she was pregnant… I… I got to know through a friend but it was years after you were born.”
At that point, all I wanted to do was confront Mom. I wanted to find out why she left Steve. I wanted to know why she hid everything from me.
I immediately pulled out my phone and called her.
A woman holding a phone | Source: Pexels
“Mom, why didn’t you ever tell me about Steve?” I demanded as soon as she answered. I had her on speakerphone so Steve could hear. “Why did you keep this from me?”
“Steve? What do you mean, sweetie?” she asked, still trying to hide the truth from me.
“Mom, please stop!” I rolled my eyes. “I just met Steve on the airplane. He’s here with me. Now please tell me everything. I need answers. He needs answers!”
A woman looking down at her phone | Source: Midjourney
After a few seconds of silence, Mom finally spoke. Her voice was thick with emotion as she began to explain.
“Oh, Courtney, I’m so sorry,” she cried. “When we were young, Steve wanted to go to aviation school and become a pilot. But then I got pregnant with you… and… and I knew that if he found out, he would give up his dreams to be with us…”
A woman holding a positive pregnancy test | Source: Pexels
“I couldn’t let him do that,” she continued after a pause. “So, I left without telling him. I thought it was the right thing to do at the time, but I can see now how much it’s hurt all of us.”
Steve’s face crumpled as he listened.
“Melissa,” he choked out, “I… I loved you so much. I would have done anything for you and our child… Why didn’t you trust me?”
A man looking down at a phone in his hand | Source: Midjourney
“Steve? Oh my…” Mom gasped. “I… I thought I was protecting you. I was scared. I’m sorry, Steve. I’m so, so sorry.”
I felt like my head was spinning. All these years, my mom had lied to me about my father’s fate, and now here he was, a complete stranger, pouring his heart out to both of us. I couldn’t process it all.
“Mom, this is… this is a lot to take in,” I stammered. “I’m already late for the big meeting with the investors… I don’t know how I’ll get to LA now.”
A close-up shot of a woman’s face | Source: Midjourney
Steve’s eyes widened as I mentioned the investors.
“You’re going to LA? What’s the meeting about?”
I quickly explained the details to Steve. I told him how I was supposed to present a major project to secure a big promotion at work.
I saw his expression shift as I told him everything about the company and the investors.
“Well then, we can’t let you miss that meeting,” he declared, “because I know those investors very well, Courtney.”
A man talking to his daughter | Source: Midjourney
“What? How?” I asked.
“I used to fly their private jet a few years ago, and they were very kind to me,” Steve revealed as he slid out his phone. “Let me make a few calls, and I’ll get you in front of them today.”
True to his word, he sprang into action, making a series of hushed phone calls. Within an hour, I found myself being ushered into a swanky conference room. I couldn’t believe it.
People in a conference room | Source: Pexels
The best part was that the meeting went better than I could have imagined. The investors were impressed and agreed to fund my project idea. Besides that, I got a call from my boss and he offered me the promotion I had been hoping for. I was super happy!
As I walked out of the room, I saw Steve waiting for me with open arms.
“You did it!” he exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you, Courtney.”
A man smiling at his daughter | Source: Midjourney
I felt a lump in my throat as I hugged him back.
This man, whom I had never known, was now an integral part of my life, and somehow, it felt right. All those years of feeling like something was missing had led me to this moment, and I couldn’t help but wonder what else the future had in store.
The next week, Steve visited our house to meet Mom.
A man standing outside a house | Source: Midjourney
It was an emotional reunion, filled with tears, laughter, and a sense of wholeness that had been missing for so long. That day, I understood what it felt like to have a complete family.
As I lay in bed that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about the incredible turn of events. Who would have thought that a routine flight to LA would lead to the discovery of my long-lost father? It was the kind of plot twist you only see in the movies. But here I was, living it.
And while it was overwhelming, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude and excitement for what the future might hold.
If you enjoyed reading this story, here’s another one you might like: My life spiraled into a nightmare after I accidentally saw a photo of my “anonymous” sperm donor. What should have been a joyful step toward starting a family with my husband turned into an impossible dilemma. How long can I carry this secret before it destroys everything?
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.
My Selfish Sister Stayed by Mom’s Side When She Fell Ill, but Everything Changed after the Doctor Shared Mom’s Last Words – Story of the Day
When Mom fell ill, my sister suddenly became the perfect daughter. She moved in with Mom and kept me away, claiming she was taking care of everything. But I knew my sister too well. Her motives were never pure. I couldn’t stop her, but everything changed when the doctor gave me Mom’s final note.
I never understood how such different children could grow up in the same family. Not until my sister and I became adults. Our mom raised us by herself, and the older I got, the more I realized how hard it was for her.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I remember the tiny apartment we lived in when I was little. It was always cold in the winter, and I could hear the wind whistling through the cracks in the windows. Mom worked two jobs just to keep a roof over our heads, but it was never enough.
Sometimes, there wasn’t much food in the house. I still remember the nights when our neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, brought us dinner.
She would kindly smile as she handed over a steaming pot of soup or a plate of pasta.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I didn’t understand back then how much it meant. I only knew that I wasn’t hungry anymore.
But I noticed how Mom never ate with us. She would sit quietly, pretending she wasn’t hungry, but I knew the truth.
She gave everything she had to us. Over time, though, things got better. Mom found a better job, and slowly, we climbed out of poverty.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She saved enough to move us into a nicer house, and eventually, Samira and I went to college.
But Samira didn’t remember those hard times the way I did. She was too young to understand the struggles Mom faced.
Maybe that’s why she turned out the way she did. How should I put it? A little selfish and carefree.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Even after she finished college, she didn’t want to work. She kept asking Mom for money and spent it like it would never run out.
But things took a turn for the worse. One day, Mom called me and asked me to come over.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“Yes, yes, I just need to talk to you,” Mom replied.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Her words echoed in my head as I drove to her house after work. I felt uneasy. Mom never called me like that. When I arrived, the front door was open, so I walked in.
“Mom?” I called out.
“I’m in the kitchen, honey,” she called back.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I walked in and saw her sitting at the table with a cup of tea. Her hands rested on the table, but they looked tired. Her eyes, usually bright, seemed dull.
“What happened? What did you want to talk about?” I asked as I sat down.
Mom took a deep breath. “I went to the doctor today. Unfortunately, I have bad news,” she said softly.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
My heart pounded. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“My heart,” Mom said quietly. “They gave me a year, at best.”
The words hit me like a brick. “Isn’t there anything that can be done? I’ll pay whatever it takes, just tell me,” I said, my voice shaking.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“A year is the most I’ll get with treatment. Without it, I might not even make it two months,” Mom said.
“No, no, this can’t be true,” I whispered. Tears filled my eyes.
“But it’s true,” Mom said. “It looks like all the stress and overwork didn’t do me any good.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t hold back, so I moved closer and hugged her. “We’ll get through this, Mom. I’ll be here with you.”
“I know,” Mom said softly, stroking my hair like she used to when I was little. “Just don’t tell Samira anything for now.”
“Why not? She’ll keep asking you for money when you need it for treatment,” I said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“She’s living off her new boyfriend right now, so we can be calm for a while,” Mom replied.
I shook my head. “This is wrong.”
“I’ll tell her myself when the time is right,” Mom said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mom told Samira everything a month after our conversation. Samira had come over to ask for money again after breaking up with her boyfriend.
After talking to Mom, Samira came straight to me. She didn’t even knock. She walked in like she owned the place and sat on my couch.
“I don’t want you visiting Mom,” Samira said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Are you out of your mind? Mom is sick. I’ll visit her. Someone needs to help her,” I said. I couldn’t believe she was saying this.
“I know why you’re so concerned about her — to get all her inheritance for yourself. But that won’t happen,” Samira said.
“Are you serious? I don’t care about the money. I want to help Mom,” I said. “Or are you judging everyone by yourself?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Samira rolled her eyes. “I know that’s not true. Mom always loved me more because she gave me more money. So now, you want to get something after she’s gone,” she said.
“That’s so stupid if that’s really what you think. I’ll keep visiting Mom. Someone needs to help her,” I said firmly.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ve already planned everything. I’m moving in with Mom and taking care of her,” Samira said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You? Since when are you so caring? You’ve never cared about anyone but yourself,” I said.
“That’s not true. I’ve always cared about Mom, and now she needs me. So don’t even try coming over. I won’t let you in,” Samira said.
She stood up, grabbed her bag, and left without another word. I stared at the door after she was gone.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
I couldn’t believe how selfish Samira was. I knew she was doing it for herself. Only for herself.
But as it turned out, she wasn’t joking. Samira didn’t let me see Mom, always coming up with excuses like, “Mom is sleeping,” “Mom doesn’t feel well,” or “Mom went to the doctor.”
So, I texted Mom and asked her to let me know when Samira wouldn’t be home so I could visit.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
One afternoon, Mom texted that Samira had gone to the mall and I could come over. I stopped by the grocery store to get some supplies and headed straight to Mom’s.
When I arrived, Mom was lying on the couch, watching TV. She looked tired, but her eyes lit up when she saw me.
“How are you feeling?” I asked as I stepped closer.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Not too bad. I’m managing,” Mom said with a weak smile.
“I brought you some groceries,” I said, placing the bag on the floor. “I got your favorite tea and some fresh fruit.”
“Thank you, honey,” Mom said, but her face grew serious. “Why haven’t you been visiting me? Samira said you didn’t want to because I’d become a burden.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
My heart stopped. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “She said what?!” I was outraged. “I didn’t come because Samira wouldn’t let me. She always had an excuse. As soon as I had the chance, I came,” I said.
“I see,” Mom replied.
“How is it with Samira? Does she help?” I asked.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Yes, yes. She’s by my side almost all the time. She cooks, cleans, and brings me medicine,” Mom said. “I think my illness has changed her for the better,” she added.
“Yeah, right,” I muttered under my breath. “And do you have enough money?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
“For now, yes, although Samira spends a lot. I’m afraid we won’t have enough for the medicine soon,” Mom said, her voice filled with concern.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll talk to the doctor and take care of everything,” I said firmly.
“Alright, thank you,” Mom said with a tired smile.
I stayed with her for a while longer. We talked about small things. I didn’t want to leave, but Mom said she was tired and wanted to go to bed. I helped her to her room, guiding her gently.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Nicole,” Mom softly said when she lay down. “I’ve lived a long life, and I understand everything.”
I just nodded. Her words didn’t make sense to me, but I thought she was just tired.
I put away the groceries and quietly left. But I didn’t go home. I couldn’t. I drove straight to the hospital.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I knocked on Dr. Miller’s office door, and after hearing, “Come in!” I entered.
“Hello, I’m the daughter of one of your patients, Martha…”
“Oh, you must be Nicole,” said Dr. Miller, not even letting me finish Mom’s full name. “Have a seat. Martha talked a lot about you.”
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I sat down across from Dr. Miller. “I want to talk about Mom’s treatment. From now on, send all the bills to me, for anything,” I said.
“I thought Samira was paying for everything,” Dr. Miller said, his eyebrows raised.
“Yes, with Mom’s money, but she spends a lot too. I don’t want Mom worrying about finances,” I said.
“Alright, we can arrange that,” Dr. Miller said with a nod.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I felt some relief knowing I could finally help Mom without interference. But I knew this was just the beginning.
When I started receiving the hospital bills, I was shocked by the amounts. Each bill was higher than I expected.
I couldn’t believe Mom had enough money for all of it, considering how much Samira was spending.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I wondered where the money was coming from. I knew Mom’s savings were running low.
With each passing month, Mom’s condition worsened. Her strength faded, and she spent more time in bed.
She had to be hospitalized, and I was finally able to visit her whenever I wanted. Samira couldn’t stop me from going to the hospital.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I spent every evening by Mom’s side. I read to her, held her hand, and made sure she was comfortable.
Samira watched me with resentment. Trying to win Mom’s attention, she practically moved into the hospital and never left her side. But I knew her reasons were not pure.
One evening, Samira came up to me while I was sitting with Mom. Her expression was serious.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Can we talk?” she asked.
I followed her into the hallway. I crossed my arms and waited.
“Look, Mom’s money is running out. I don’t know how much longer it’ll last,” Samira said. She avoided my eyes.
“I’m paying all the medical bills. How can the money be gone?” I asked.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Well, there are other expenses too. Groceries, utilities… I need money to live too,” Samira said. Her voice was softer now, almost like she was trying to make me feel guilty.
“That’s the problem,” I said firmly. “You spend it all on yourself. I’m not going to support you.” I turned and went back into Mom’s room.
A few days after that conversation, I got a call from the hospital. My heart sank as I answered. Mom was gone.
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I was devastated. I rushed to the hospital, my hands trembling. When I arrived, Samira and her lawyer were already there.
“Since I took care of Mom, all the inheritance goes to me,” Samira said instead of greeting me. Then, her lawyer handed me a will.
I shoved the will back into his hands. “Mom just died, and you’re thinking about money?!” I yelled at Samira.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t want any conflicts later,” she said, her tone flat.
“You’re unbelievable,” I said and walked away.
I went straight to Dr. Miller’s office. As soon as he saw me, his serious expression softened.
“I’m so sorry. Your mother loved you more than anyone,” he said gently.
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“Thank you,” I replied, barely holding back tears.
“Before she passed, your mom gave me something to give you,” Dr. Miller said. He took an envelope out of his drawer and handed it to me. Mom’s handwriting on the envelope read: “For My True Daughter.”
“Do you mind if I step outside to read this?” I asked.
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I stepped out of his office and sat on one of the chairs in the hallway. My hands were shaking as I held the envelope.
I took a deep breath and opened it. Inside was a will. I read through it carefully, and my heart pounded.
It was more recent than the one Samira had, and it was valid. Mom had left everything to me.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
There was also an account I didn’t know about. The balance was more than I had ever imagined. She had thought of everything.
A small note was attached to the will. I recognized Mom’s handwriting instantly.
I told you I understand everything. I can see real care and distinguish it from selfish motives. That’s why I’m leaving everything to you, Nicole.
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I hope you keep that kindness and humanity in your heart. I love you, Mom.
Tears filled my eyes as I read her words. I covered my face and cried. Even after her death, Mom had protected me.
I felt a wave of gratitude. I didn’t know what lay ahead, but I was certain I would honor Mom’s memory. I would live how she had lived — with love, kindness, and strength.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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