The finality hit me when I turned to leave.
Dad was truly gone. I tightened my grip on the box as if holding onto it could somehow keep him with me. When I reached my car, silent tears were slipping down my cheeks.
I sat in the car and cried until my tears ran out. My phone beeped and rang several times, but it was just Matt. He was probably worried about me, but some grief you have to wade through alone.
The last thing I expected to find when I arrived home was my whole life strewn across the front lawn like some kind of unholy estate sale.
The wind picked up, scattering the memories I’d so carefully packed into boxes and hauled down from the attic.
Mom’s old recipes, her china, the worn plaid quilt Dad used to nap under, and all his books — it all lay out in the open, unprotected, as if they meant nothing. I stumbled out of my car, heart pounding.
“What in God’s name…” I muttered, my voice swallowed by the wind.
“Oh, good. You’re finally back. I was getting tired of waiting.”
There, perched on my patio furniture with her designer sunglasses and her too-bright lipstick, was Jessica. My daughter-in-law didn’t even glance up from her phone. She took a leisurely sip from her coffee, and her lips curved in a barely restrained smirk.
“Jessica… What is all this?” My eyes swept over the chaos, disbelief clamping down on my chest. “What are you doing?”
She glanced up, lowering her sunglasses just enough for me to see the disdain in her eyes. She waved a manicured hand dismissively.
“I’m doing what’s necessary. This is my home now, after all.”
A cold knot twisted in my stomach. “Your home? What are you talking about?”
“Looks like you should’ve attended the will reading.” Jessica held up a crisp piece of paper, and there was my father’s signature, clear as day, at the bottom. “Guess your dad knew who deserved it most, huh?”
I swayed, gripping the car door for support. “That’s impossible. Dad would never—”
“Oh, but he did.” She smirked, casually inspecting her perfect manicure.
“Signed, sealed, delivered. The house is mine now.” She leaned in close, her perfume, a cloying, artificial scent, invading my space. “I think it’s time you moved on, Hattie.”
A truck rumbled into the driveway, and my son, Matt, climbed out, his face twisting as he took in the scene. His boots crunched over the gravel as he approached, confusion deepening the crease between his brows.
“What the heck, Jess? First you run out of the lawyer’s office, and now you send me this weird text? What’s going on?” he asked, glancing from me to Jessica, his jaw tight.
She stretched, standing at last, looking smug and at ease in her towering heels. It made my skin crawl. “Like I said, I’m making some necessary changes, honey. And actually, there’s more you should know.”
Matt’s expression hardened with a flash of something I hadn’t seen before. “More than you throwing my mother’s belongings all over the yard?”
“Much more!” Jessica’s laugh was harsh. “I want a divorce.”
The word hung in the air like the final nail in a coffin. Matt’s mouth opened, then closed as he struggled to process. “What? You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, I am.” Her voice was dripping with disdain. “I’ve spent enough years suffocating in this house, being made to feel like I don’t fit in, like I’m not good enough!” She gestured at the house with a sweep of her arm. “I need a fresh start.”
“You have no right—” I started, but she cut me off with a scornful wave.
“Oh, save it, Hattie. You never wanted me in this family. You looked down on me right from the start, judging me just because I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. Well, now I’m finally getting what I deserve out of you people.”
Matt’s face shifted from bewilderment to anger, his fists clenched. “Everything my family said about you is true,” he said, voice low and trembling. “You really are a covetous witch.”
Jessica’s veneer cracked.
“And you’re a spineless mama’s boy!” she snapped. “Always running to her defense, always putting her first.” She sneered, pointing a perfectly manicured finger at him. “It’s pathetic. You’re just as small-minded as she is.”
“Don’t you dare talk about my son that way!” My voice cut through the silence, sharper than I’d intended.
“I’ll do whatever I want, Hattie.” Jessica set her hands on her hips, her expression smug. “And there’s nothing either of you can do about it.”
“In fact,” Jessica continued. “The two of you had best hurry and clear your stuff off MY lawn, before I call the cops and have them arrest you both.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Matt yelled.
I numbly looked on as Matt confronted Jessica. None of this made sense! Dad hadn’t even liked Jessica! My hands shook as I pulled out my phone and quickly dialed Dad’s lawyer.
His voice was a balm, calm and reassuring. “Hattie? I was just about to call you.”
“… really believed I liked you?” Jessica yelled in the background. “You were just a means to an end, a way for me to leave my old neighborhood behind. Now I have the house, I don’t need you anymore!”
“Please,” I whispered to the lawyer. “Tell me she’s lying. There’s no way Dad left his home to Jessica.”
There was a pause, then a warm chuckle.
“You’re right. Your father didn’t leave her the house. It was all a test to get her to show her true colors.”
“A…test?” Relief rushed through me, and I started laughing, tears gathering in my eyes. It was the kind of laugh that came from somewhere deep, a laugh that surprised even me.
Jessica’s face twisted, her confidence faltering. “What are you laughing at?”
“Oh, Jessica,” I managed, still shaking. “You really should have waited for the real will reading.”
“What?”
I let the satisfaction roll through me as I explained. “Dad never left you the house. It was fake — a test to get you to show your true character.”
Matt turned to Jessica, his face a storm of emotions. “Looks like Grandpa’s plan worked.”
Jessica’s eyes widened. She glanced between Matt and me as the realization of what she’d done sunk in. Her confident facade crumbled, her voice turning desperate as she scrambled to save face.
“Matt — baby, please.” She reached out, but he recoiled, the finality in his eyes unmistakable.
“I swear, I never meant it!” She pleaded. “I was just…upset, frustrated. You know I love you!”
He shook his head. “Save it. You want a divorce? You’ve got one.”
As Jessica stomped off the property, her heels sinking with each step, I felt an odd peace settle over me. Dad’s wisdom lived on, a quiet, guiding presence.
Matt and I gathered the remnants of my life from the grass, and I couldn’t help thinking that sometimes the real inheritance isn’t in a house — it’s in the lessons of who truly deserves to be in your life.
Dad would have been proud.
Why Sydney Sweeney Regarded by Science As the Most Attractive Woman on Earth
Sydney Sweeney, celebrated for her performances in hit shows like Euphoria and The Handmaid’s Tale, has emerged as a beauty icon in Hollywood. But what exactly makes her so captivating? Let’s explore the science behind her allure.
She was insecure about her looks in high school.
Sydney’s journey began in high school when she made a decision she never regretted. Thinking back on her past, Sweeney mentioned that she developed earlier than other girls in middle school, leading to self-esteem issues. “I used to feel uncomfortable,” she said, considering breast reduction, but her mom persuaded her otherwise.
Playing Cassie in the show was a big confidence boost for her. Despite these challenges, she faced them bravely, growing into a successful actress in Hollywood. Later, she captured headlines due to chemistry with co-star Glen Powell, though both dismissed the dating rumors.
Some people don’t believe she has a natural look.
There’s been speculation about the extent of Syndey Sweeney’s natural beauty, prompting questions about whether she’s had plastic surgery. Two dermatology experts have weighed in on the matter.
Emma Coleman, a dermatology and aesthetic RGN at Emma Coleman Skin, suggested, “In my professional opinion, Syndey Sweeney has had Botox and possibly a brow lift.” She also noted signs of mud face rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid dermal filler and cheek implants.
However, not all professionals agree. Dr. Olya Vorodyukhina, an aesthetics trainer and founder of Angels Twelve clinic, expressed skepticism, stating that at Sydney’s young age, it’s unlikely she’s undergone any procedures.
What are the perfect body proportions?
Plastic surgeon Onur Gilleard explains it as a “golden ratio” of facial proportions. Sydney’s features, he says, embody symmetry and harmony, a hallmark of classical beauty. Dr. Gilleard elaborates: “The golden ratio in facial proportions can be applied both horizontally, known as the ‘rule of fifths,’ and vertically, known as the ‘rule of thirds.’”
For instance, a beautiful nose should have a gentle curve and proper projection. The angle between the nose and lip is critical, ideally falling between 95–100 degrees. Viewing from the front, the width of the nose should match the inner eye distance, with the nasal tip being a third of the total width.
Similarly, lips should be proportionate to the nose, with the upper lip’s vertical height matching 1:1.6 with the lower lip. The ideal chin position is around 1mm behind a line dropped from the upper lip. High, defined cheekbones also play a significant role in female attractiveness.
Analyzing Sydney’s face, Dr. Gilleard notes that she meets nearly all these criteria, earning her the title of a “classical beauty.” “Sydney Sweeney’s beauty extends beyond her facial features. Her figure, too, embodies ideal proportions, reflecting the same ‘golden ratio.’” Despite her physical attributes, Sydney advocates for body confidence, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique beauty.
People often create lists of the most beautiful women or men in the world or those with perfect bodies, whether based on science or personal opinion. However, it’s crucial to remember that true beauty comes from feeling confident and accepting yourself.
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