Smelly Gift, Costly Consequence: Stepmother’s Couch and Her $2,500 Demand

Nicole was shocked when her distant stepmother, Susan, offered her a “priceless” birthday gift. Curiosity turned to disbelief when she saw the gift: a smelly, tattered couch from the basement. Though frustrated, Nicole took it home to avoid upsetting her dad.

Determined not to let Susan get the last laugh, Nicole began restoring the couch. She deodorized it, cleaned stains, and repaired tears with DIY fixes. After hours of work, the couch looked brand new.

Nicole listed it online for $5,000 as a joke but was shocked when someone bought it for the full price. Days later, an enraged Susan demanded half the money. Nicole refused, saying, “You gave me garbage. Its value came from my effort.”

Susan stormed off, and Nicole hasn’t heard from her since. She’s ready to stand firm if her dad calls.