Nancy’s life is turned upside down at her husband’s funeral when she encounters an older woman holding a baby. The woman claims the child she is carrying is Nancy’s late husband’s. Is she lying? Or do more shocking revelations await Nancy?

Nancy looked at the final traces of her husband’s funeral service. She couldn’t believe Patrick was gone. He had died in a car accident. It had been a week, but she could still feel him around her. How could he be dead?

With a heavy heart, she headed toward the cemetery’s exit, telling herself she had to start figuring out the rest of her life.

Suddenly, an older woman with a baby blocked her path.

“Are you Nancy?” the woman asked while the baby in her arms cried.

Nancy didn’t recognize her. Who was she?

“I am. Who are you?” Nancy replied.

Nancy’s heart wasn’t ready when the woman, Amanda, revealed the baby in her arms was Patrick’s child.

“Only you can look after this child now,” she told Nancy. “Her mother can’t provide for her.”

A shiver ran down Nancy’s spine. She stared at the baby and backed away.

“No, it can’t be! Patrick was a loving husband. He would never do this to me!”

Nancy turned around and left. She would never doubt Patrick.

“Watch out!”

Nancy bumped into one of Patrick’s old friends, Mike. She was too lost in her thoughts to notice where she was heading.

Mike started chatting with her, offering his condolences. Nancy didn’t want to talk to anyone, but she had to be courteous. She finished the conversation as soon as she could and headed to her car.

The baby’s thoughts replayed in her mind, but she dismissed them. However, as Nancy opened her car door, she was shocked. The same baby lay in her back seat, crying.

Nancy looked around. Amanda was nowhere to be seen. “How did this baby even get here?” she wondered.

It was cold, so Nancy removed her jacket and began wrapping it around the little one.

But she froze when she noticed a birthmark on the baby’s neck. “It can’t be,” she muttered to herself.

The birthmark was exactly like Patrick’s. Nancy didn’t want to suspect her late husband of cheating. But now, she needed the truth. She needed to know if Patrick had been unfaithful to her.

Nancy drove home with the baby, took Patrick’s hair strands from his hairbrush, and went to a hospital.

“Hello, I’d like to get a paternity test done,” she told the receptionist at the counter.

“OK, ma’am. Normally, it takes a few days to get the results,” the woman said.

“Can it be done quicker?” Nancy asked. “I’ll pay extra.”

“Well, we do have expedited service. Let me see what I can do. But it will cost you more.”

“I’ll take it,” Nancy replied. She submitted Patrick’s samples and paid for the test.

Sitting in the hallway, she was awaiting the results when the baby started crying. Nancy sniffed the baby’s clothes. Her diaper didn’t need a change.

Nancy guessed she must have been hungry. There was still time before the results came in, so she drove to a supermarket and bought baby formula, bottles, and a few diapers — just in case she needed them.

She returned to the hallway and sat there, feeding the formula to the baby. After what seemed like an eternity, a nurse approached her with the results.

The woman handed her an envelope and walked away.

“This is the truth, and I’ll have to accept it whether I like it or not,” Nancy thought as she opened the results.

Her head seemed to spin when she read the words, “Paternity rate – 99%.”

Nancy looked at the sleeping baby in her arms and swallowed the tears in her eyes. Patrick had cheated on her and kept her in the dark.

Nancy decided she would not live with the proof of his infidelity forever. She would find the baby’s mother and give the baby back to her.

Pulling herself together, Nancy drove home and began going through Patrick’s things. But she didn’t find anything that could point her to his lover. She moved to his office next, searching his drawers, files, and cabinets. But nothing.

Nancy sighed. The baby was asleep in the living room. Grabbing the baby monitor, she headed to Patrick’s car. She searched under the seats, in the glove compartment, and in all the nooks and crannies of the vehicle. But she didn’t find anything significant.

Nancy sank into the driver’s seat when her eyes landed on the GPS. And it was then it hit her. Patrick was terrible at directions and always used the navigator. If he had ever visited his mistress’ house, that is where she would find her address.

Nancy went straight to recent destinations on the navigator. The list wasn’t long, mostly familiar places: local restaurants, the hardware store, and Patrick’s office. But then, one address caught her eye—it appeared more frequently than others, and she didn’t recognize it.

“This is it,” she thought. She took the baby with her and drove to the address.

***

Arriving there, Nancy found herself in front of a modest house. She scooped the baby in her arms, walked to the front door, and knocked.

“Hello? Anyone home?” she asked.

After the tenth knock, when nobody answered the door, Nancy concluded the house was empty. She looked around and decided to approach the neighbors. She started with the house next door and rang the doorbell.

The door opened with a creak, and Nancy’s eyes widened when Amanda stepped out.

“You?” Nancy asked.

“How…how did you find me?” Amanda stuttered.

“I was trying to find my husband’s…” Nancy paused. “His other woman. I wanted to return her baby.”

A strange sadness flashed across Amanda’s face. “The woman who lived next door… died a few days ago. She had a heart attack when she learned about your husband’s accident. Emma is no more.”

“Wait…did you say Emma?” Nancy asked, shocked.

“Yes,” Amanda nodded. “Did you know her?”

“Was…Was her last name Warren?”

When Amanda nodded, Nancy hung her head in shame. “Can-Can I come inside?” she asked. “There’s something I’d like to tell you. I feel I could use some talk.”

Amanda opened the door wider for her, and Nancy stepped inside. They settled in the living room. “Emma was my classmate,” Nancy began recounting her past. “She was also my friend. But I wronged her and…Patrick…”

20 years ago…

Nancy and Patrick were in their school’s hallway. She was standing next to her locker when Patrick approached her.

“Hey, Nancy,” he said quietly, and she looked at him.

“I…I need to tell you something,” Patrick added anxiously.

“Hey,” she smiled. “Yes?”

“I…I’m in love with someone else, Nancy,” he confessed. “I know you’ve been really kind and everything, but I’m sorry.”

Nancy was shocked. “Tell me it’s a joke, Patrick,” she cried. “You can’t be serious!”

But Patrick was serious. Patrick was head over heels in love with Emma, and Emma loved him, too.

Nancy was so distraught that day that she returned home in tears.

“Sweetie, what’s wrong?” Her mother immediately sensed something had happened at school.

Nancy sobbed as she told her how Patrick had broken up with her.

“I want to break them up!” she yelled. “I won’t let them be together!”

“Nancy, you won’t be able to create your own happiness by destroying someone else’s,” her mother advised her. “Revenge is never an option. Forget about him.”

But Nancy was fueled with the desire for revenge.

In the next few days, Nancy tried everything she could to drive Patrick and Emma apart—she spread silly rumors, planned coincidental run-ins where she’d flaunt newfound confidence, and even stooped to sending anonymous notes, trying to stir up jealousy.

However, nothing worked. Emma seemed happy, wrapped up in her and Patrick’s world and Nancy was left on the outside, her plans crumbling uselessly around her.

But Nancy wasn’t the one to give up. One night, she had the perfect idea to drive a wedge between Emma and Patrick.

“Hello, Nancy, how are you?” Nancy visited Patrick, and the door was answered by this mother.

“I’m fine, Mrs. White. Is Patrick home?”

“Yes, dear. Let me get him.”

Patrick was confused to see her on his doorstep. “Nancy? What’s going on?”

“I know this will come as a shock to you, Patrick, but…I’m-I’m pregnant!” she announced.

Patrick was shocked and terrified. “What…but…Are you sure?”

When she nodded, Patrick invited her inside. She told him she hadn’t told her parents yet because she was scared. Nancy said her father would definitely be against it and force her to terminate the pregnancy. So she begged Patrick not to tell anyone about it and noticed how easily he succumbed to her lie.

Patrick was a responsible guy. Nancy knew that. He held her hands and said, “I’m the child’s father, so I’ll take the responsibility for our baby. And yes, don’t worry; this will stay between us.”

Present-day…

“I used him. I lied to him. I wasn’t pregnant,” Nancy told Amanda. “I was hurt, and I couldn’t stand losing him to Emma. So I told him a lie that changed everything. He was ready to step up, leave Emma, and be…a father.”

“Lies ruin everything, dear,” Amanda shook her head. “And what after that? Did he never find out the truth?”

“He didn’t,” Nancy revealed. “I kept up the act, the morning sickness, the whole thing. But after a couple of months, I…I couldn’t carry on with it. So, I told him there was a mistake with the test and that the doctor was wrong. And by then, Emma had…moved. She was heartbroken and had left town with her parents. Patrick and I stayed together. He never went back to her, never tried to find her. We just moved on. Or pretended to…” Nancy added, looking at the sleeping baby in her arms. Now she knew Patrick had returned to Emma.

“And I guess it’s time to correct what I couldn’t back then,” Nancy said and rose to her feet.

She was leaving Amanda’s house with the baby when the older woman stopped her.

“What are you going to do with the baby?” Amanda asked.

Nancy turned around and smiled at Amanda. “I will raise her as my own child. Maybe that’ll help me seek forgiveness from Patrick and Emma.”

And Nancy followed through on her words. She raised baby Catherine with love. When Catherine turned 16, Nancy told her everything about her past. She was expecting Catherine to hate her. And she was prepared for it.

But Catherine smiled and said, “Nothing changes how I feel about you, Mom. You raised me. You were there for every scraped knee, every fever, every heartbreak. You’re my mom in every way that counts.”

Nancy cried silently and hugged her daughter. Catherine’s words had not only relieved her heart, but they’d also made her believe that Emma and Patrick had forgiven her.

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

After a long business trip, all I wanted was to get home and enjoy Halloween night. But when I stepped onto my quiet street, I noticed something unsettling across the way. Let’s just say, Halloween had one last surprise in store.

I’ll admit, Halloween is my one true love. Some people go wild for Christmas or Easter, but for me, Halloween is pure magic. I’m 32, have no kids, and recently divorced—my job keeps me pretty busy, so I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies.

But Halloween? That’s my thing. Every year, I go all out. I’m talking graveyard scenes, life-sized skeletons, lights, fog machines, the works. I start planning in August, mapping out every little detail to make my house the spookiest one on the block.

And for years, it’s worked. The “Haunted House on Thatcher Street” (that’s my house!) has become a bit of a legend around here. Neighbors actually tell their friends to drive by on Halloween night to see it. And I love it—I feel like I’m creating something that lets people feel like kids again, just for one night.

This year, though, life threw me a curveball. Right before Halloween, my boss drops a bombshell, “We need you on a flight to Boston tomorrow.” A last-minute business trip. “Really?!” I nearly shouted. Halloween was just a week away.

But there was no getting out of it. So I took one last look at my masterpiece of a front yard; a giant spiderweb, spooky inflatables, and lights painstakingly set up to create a full-on haunted graveyard scene. Then I flew out. The plan was to be back November 1, so I figured, hey, at least the neighbors could still enjoy the setup.

But fate had other plans. After some scheduling miracle, I ended up coming home early, landing right on Halloween afternoon. I was thrilled, picturing myself handing out candy to kids in their little costumes.

When I got home, though, something was… off. My house looked bare. I mean completely bare.

Then I glanced across the street and saw it: My skeletons. My graveyard tombstones. My inflatable pumpkin. And there, right in the middle of my neighbor’s front yard, was my 8-foot spider staring back at me.

I took a deep breath, clenched my fists, and told myself to stay calm. I mean, it was Halloween night, kids were running up and down the street, and the last thing I wanted was to cause a scene. But the nerve… my decorations, all of them, right there on her lawn.

As the sun dipped lower, the orange glow of my lights flickered from her front yard, casting shadows over her house. It felt surreal—like I was seeing some kind of twisted, alternate universe.

Now and then, I peeked out the window to see the scene across the street. Her house, covered in my decorations, with kids running up to her door, their parents complimenting her on the spooky setup.

I ground my teeth and imagined myself knocking on her door right now, with parents and kids watching, just to give her a piece of my mind. But no. I needed to be smarter than that.

Finally, around midnight, the street started to quiet down. Halloween was wrapping up; decorations glowed dimmer, porch lights turned off, and parents herded kids back home.

My neighbor’s house went dark, too, and I watched as her last group of visitors left, waving and chattering on their way down the street.

This was it. It was time.

I didn’t wait till morning. There was no way I’d be able to sleep with the image of my decorations plastered all over her yard. So, I grabbed my keys, threw on my jacket, and headed straight to the all-night convenience store.

Inside, the fluorescent lights hummed overhead as I stood in front of the paint aisle, scanning the cans until I found exactly what I was looking for.

A vivid, angry red paint, perfect for making a statement, and a sleek, glossy black paint. I grabbed a few cans of each and headed to the checkout, where the bored cashier barely glanced at me as I paid.

Back on my street, it was quiet—almost eerie, with a chill breeze rustling the trees and a few leftover jack-o’-lanterns grinning emptily from porches. I took one last look around to make sure no one was watching, then slipped across the street to her yard.

My heart pounded as I approached her white fence. The cool metal of the spray can in my hand felt electric. I took a deep breath, looked over my shoulder one more time, and shook the can.

With a firm press of my finger, the nozzle hissed, releasing a burst of red paint. I started slow, careful, watching as the letters took shape, each one growing bolder and louder on her pristine white fence:

“I STEAL MY NEIGHBOR’S DECORATIONS TO WIN A PRIZE FOR THE BEST DECORATED HOUSE!”

I grinned, feeling a surge of satisfaction. It was bold, just like her move, and every letter felt like a cathartic release, a little piece of my frustration spilling out in bright red paint.

I even added some dramatic dripping paint lines for effect, making it look like the words were bleeding right down her fence.

The whole time, I kept an ear out, hoping no lights would suddenly flick on. As I dotted the final exclamation point, the satisfying hiss of the paint faded, leaving only the soft sounds of the wind in the trees and my heartbeat pounding in my ears.

But just as I turned to admire my work, a light flicked on inside her house.

My stomach dropped, and I ducked, clutching the paint can close as I watched her silhouette appear in the window. I held my breath, waiting, but she didn’t look outside.

Instead, I saw her shuffle toward the kitchen, then back out of sight. I let out a shaky breath. I’d been seconds away from being caught.

Gathering my nerve, I crept back around her yard, clutching my bag of spray paint. I couldn’t help glancing at my handiwork one last time before heading back across the street. Her fence looked ridiculous, and the best part? She’d have no choice but to confront it.

The next morning, I watched from my window, sipping my coffee and feeling the sweet sting of justice. There, right in front of Sandra’s house, my bold, bright-red message still gleamed across her white fence. She hadn’t even tried to cover it up. And with the paint I used, scrubbing it off wouldn’t be easy.

Just as I was basking in the sight, a small group of judges from the neighborhood council began strolling down our street. They had clipboards in hand, eyes scanning each house as they judged our Halloween decor.

I felt a flash of nerves—would they see the humor in my act, or would they think I’d crossed a line? But one look at Sandra’s bare yard, stripped of any of her own effort, and I knew I’d made my point.

The judges stopped in front of her house, and I could see the confusion spreading across their faces. They stared, wide-eyed, at the red letters on her fence, then exchanged hushed whispers.

One of them actually snorted, barely covering a laugh with his hand. Sandra, watching from her window, paled as she saw them reading the message. She threw me a horrified glance, but I simply raised my mug in a little wave, giving her the sweetest smile I could manage.

It didn’t take long for the group to move on to my place. I could hear one of them mumble, “She really did steal them?” to another, who chuckled and nodded as they took in my yard, still a little bare after my decorations had been… borrowed.

As the judges took notes, one of them, a sweet lady named Mrs. Delaney, walked over to me. “I have to say, your dedication to Halloween is remarkable. Sandra’s decorations were lovely—until we learned they were yours!” She chuckled, a knowing twinkle in her eye.

I grinned, feigning innocence. “Oh, well, Halloween means a lot to me. I go all out every year. You know, I just wanted to give the neighborhood something spooky and memorable.”

Mrs. Delaney’s smile grew wider. “Well, you’ve certainly given us something memorable, dear. I think it’s safe to say, you’ve earned the title of Best Decorated House this year.” She winked. “Sandra’s fence really… added something, didn’t it?”

I nodded, holding back laughter. “I suppose you could say it was a collaborative effort.”

Just then, Sandra stormed out of her house, red-faced and furious. “This is absurd!” she shouted, pointing an accusing finger in my direction. “She vandalized my property!”

One of the judges turned to her with a raised eyebrow. “So, did you actually take her decorations?”

Sandra opened her mouth, but nothing came out. After a moment, she folded her arms, glaring daggers at me. “I thought she wouldn’t mind,” she mumbled, her voice barely audible.

“Well, it seems you’ve learned a little lesson about asking permission,” Mrs. Delaney said firmly, raising an eyebrow. “And we’re awarding the prize to the rightful owner of those decorations.” She turned back to me and gave a nod of approval.

Sandra stomped her foot, but the group had already moved on. She shot me one last look, her face livid, as the judges continued down the block.

I just shrugged, holding back a smile. “Happy Halloween, Sandra.”

And with that, I turned back to my house, savoring every sweet second.

If you liked this article, here is another one that you might enjoy: “My neighbors threw their rotten halloween decorations in my yard so I would take them away – but I taught them a lesson.” Click here to read the full story.

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.

Snoop Dogg may be an icon on stage, but it’s his cherished role as a grandfather that reveals his softer side, one defined by joy, loss, and an unwavering love for family.

Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., has built a career that reaches far beyond music, positioning himself as a dedicated family man. Married to Shante Broadus since 1997, Snoop is a father to four children: Corde, 30; Cordell, 27; Cori, 25; and Julian, 26, from a previous relationship.

Over the years, Snoop’s family has grown, and he is now a proud grandfather, with each grandchild holding a unique place in his life. He remains especially devoted to honoring the memory of one grandchild who passed away, ensuring their legacy endures within the family.

Snoop Dogg as a Family Man & a Grandfather

In 2007, Snoop shared insights into his family values while promoting his reality show, “Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood,” aiming to highlight the often-unseen side of hip-hop artists as family men.

Speaking to “People,” Snoop emphasized, “I got kids, and I always play my music for them. I like to hear what they like. They think I’m old, but I think I’m young.”

Reflecting on his journey as a father, he added, “Ninety percent of rappers grew up without fathers, but you see ninety percent of those rappers becoming fathers to their kids. We don’t ever get commended for that. We become real men when we get to this level we’re at right now.”

The coach for Season 26 of “The Voice” has continued to be actively involved with his family as it has grown. In a 2015 interview with “Today,” he expressed humility about his parenting, rating himself as “about a 7-plus” as a father, with areas he wanted to improve.

“My relationship with my kids is more important than anything. It’s a friendship relationship … it’s based on me being a father, a mentor and a friend,” he said.

When asked about his role as a grandfather, Snoop indicated he planned to take a lenient approach, describing himself as a “gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa.”

While talking about his first experience with grandparenting, he shared, “It’s just a spark of joy just to look in his eyes and to be able to hold him. I thank my oldest son for making me a grandfather.”

The “Boss’ Life” rapper’s extended family remains central to his life. In January 2024, he spoke about his grandkids on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” explaining how each grandchild calls him “Papa Snoop,” a name that originated from a nickname his eldest grandson gave him as a young child.

Snoop said, “[My grandkids are] different ages, ranges, [and] sizes and I love them all the same way. Actually, my oldest [grandson’s] birthday is today so I’m on my way to his birthday party when I leave here.”

He recalled how his oldest grandchild initially called him “Papa Noop” due to difficulty pronouncing “Snoop” before eventually learning to say his name correctly.

How Did Snoop Dogg’s Little Grandson Pass Away?

Following the expansion of Snoop’s family, he experienced the tragic loss of one grandchild, a loss that has left an indelible mark on him and his family.

In September 2019, Snoop’s grandson, Kai Love, passed away at just 10 days old. Snoop shared a heartfelt message on social media, reposting a text that read, “If you’re facing something you don’t understand: Choose to trust God. Remember all He has done for you. His ways are higher than ours. He is always good.”

The post included a virtual heart reaction, reflecting Snoop’s enduring faith amid his family’s deep sorrow. This post received an outpouring of support, with netizens leaving empathetic comments.

One user wrote, “Soooo sorry for the loss of your grandbaby… Children are such a precious gift from God, but sometimes he takes them back… sweet precious little Kai RIP… God bless and comfort all who love him…❤️🙏🏻” Another added, “Sorry for your [loss.] God Bless🙏🏽🙏🏽.” A third user expressed, “Prayers for you and family.”

Kai’s parents, Snoop’s son Corde Broadus, and his wife, Soraya Love, were heartbroken by the loss of their son. On what would have been Kai’s fourth birthday, Soraya shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing the depth of her grief and newfound purpose.

“Happy heavenly birthday to my 1st son Kai Love who passed away 9-15-2019,” she wrote, continuing to explain the pain of losing a child due to a congenital heart defect. Soraya added, “…I know God used this painful time in our families life, knowing I will use that to help those in need of that knowledge of GOD and SELF [sic].”

Soraya’s post also described how her son’s passing motivated her to lead a purposeful life dedicated to wellness, spirituality, and community support.

She explained, “The pain of losing a child you created in YOUR body is very traumatic feeling that never goes away…since that moment God has guided my steps and shown me a deeper soul purpose…to get close to God, improve your heart health through lifestyle choices, relationship standards, family dynamic, generational curse breaking; food choices, self-love, serving those in need of help mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally [sic].”

Kai’s legacy inspired Corde and Soraya to establish the “Kai Heart Foundation,” an organization focused on spreading love and healing through community support.

Soraya shared in a March 2024 post, “we would love to partner with any Organizations that help heal -educate -assist humans with LOVE 🙏🏽this is our soul purpose and want to keep giving back to community in any way we can ♥️[sic].”

In another post from December 2022, Soraya further elaborated on the foundation’s mission, explaining, “Started Kai Heart Foundation in 2019 after my son Kai passed away at 10 days from heart defect…He inspired me to help other mothers, men, women; children in the world through acts of LOVE + healthy lifestyle [sic].”

She expressed gratitude for the guidance she felt from Kai and her faith, and invited support from the community. “Today was magical love you all and if you want to donate for next event let me know 🙏🏽💜☀️ [sic].”

Following the immense joy and heartache surrounding the loss of baby Kai, Snoop has continued to cherish his growing family, each grandchild bringing unique joy and purpose into his life.

Zion Kalvin Broadus

Snoop first stepped into the role of grandfather with the arrival of his grandson, Zion Kalvin Broadus, in January 2015. Zion, born to Snoop’s son Corde Broadus, who also goes by Kalvin Love, and then-girlfriend Jessica Kyzer, marked the beginning of Snoop’s journey as a grandparent.

Proudly sharing the news, Snoop posted a video with the caption, “Proud grandad. My son spank n grandson Zion !!🍼🙏🌟✨Jah bless.” Zion, now 9 years old, has since been a constant reminder of the family’s growth and Snoop’s commitment to his role as “Papa Snoop.”

Elleven Love Broadus

In August 2018, Snoop’s family expanded further with the birth of Elleven Love Broadus, the daughter of Corde and his wife Soraya Love.

Soraya celebrated Elleven’s fifth birthday in 2023 with a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, “HAPPY 5th BORN DAY TO MY 1st BORN E11EVEN🤩☺️😍this old soul/young Queen taught me how to be a mom when I didn’t even know how to change a diaper [sic].”

Soraya reflected on how Elleven brought healing and love to her life, describing her as a “Leo strength, nurturing Mama Mina spirit.” Elleven’s arrival marked a new chapter for Snoop’s family, with her presence adding to the family’s legacy.

Cordoba Journey Broadus

Cordoba Journey Broadus was born in March 2019 to Snoop’s son Cordell Broadus and his wife Phia. Now 5, Cordoba has had her own special public moments with Snoop, including an appearance at a Chanel fashion show in May 2023, where she accompanied her grandfather, highlighting the close-knit relationship she shares with him.

At the event, Cordoba donned a sleek black leather jacket and a white top featuring Chanel’s iconic logo, paired with pearl necklaces and white sunglasses, showcasing her budding fashion sense alongside her stylish granddad.

Sky Love Broadus

In February 2021, Snoop’s family grew once again with the birth of Sky Love Broadus, Corde and Soraya’s third child together. Snoop’s wife, Shante Broadus, affectionately known as “Mama Tae” to her grandchildren, posted a video of the newborn with the caption, “I’m So Happy My 5th GrandBaby Boy Was Born Today 💙💙 [sic].”

Sky’s arrival brought further happiness, and Soraya later reflected on the impact Sky had on her, describing how he turned her “into a warrior in all aspects of life.”

Chateau Broadus

A month later, in March 2021, Chateau Broadus was born to Cordell and Phia. Like Sky, her arrival was celebrated by Shante, who posted, “I Was Down Earlier But She Just Took All Of That Away 😍😍 My 6th GrandBaby Girl #ChateauBroaudus 😍😍 [sic].” Chateau’s birth brought joy and light to the family, marking another cherished addition to Snoop’s legacy.

Symphony Sol

In May 2023, Snoop welcomed his youngest grandchild, Symphony Sol, whom he introduced on Instagram with the caption, “Newborn member of the Broadus clan @cbroadus 👏🏿🐾🔥💖 Symphony Sol😘.”

Shante, as proud as ever, posted her own tribute. “Alexa Play “Baby, Baby, Baby” By TLC This Mother’s Day We Recieved The Best Gift! 👶🏽 Mama Tae In Full Effect. New Baby! New Blessings [sic]!”

Cordell and Phia had previously announced Symphony’s upcoming arrival with a family photo shoot in December 2022, highlighting the strong familial bonds that Snoop values deeply.

Through every joy and sorrow, Snoop Dogg’s commitment to his family shines through. Each grandchild represents not just a new member of the Broadus family but also a legacy of love, resilience, and unity.

From his own children to his growing number of grandchildren, Snoop’s dedication to family remains unwavering, grounding him and keeping him connected to his roots as “Papa Snoop.”

In July 2024, Prince George celebrated his 11th birthday. His new age has prompted questions about his ascent to the throne before turning 18. Yet, a crucial and intriguing British law outlines what would happen if the young royal were too young to fulfill his duties as king.

This is where a lesser-known British law comes into play. It reveals how the monarchy would function if Prince George were deemed too young to fulfill his royal responsibilities.

Prince George’s 11th Birthday

On July 22, 2024, Prince George celebrated his 11th birthday. His parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, shared the celebration on their official Instagram. The post included a striking black-and-white photo of a smiling Prince George. For the caption, they wrote, “Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!”

The post quickly garnered attention, with fans flooding the comments to express their amazement at how much Prince George had grown. One enthusiastic commenter wrote, “He’s growing up so fast! I can’t believe it! Happy birthday, George.”

Another follower shared their sentiments, saying, “Can anyone just stop the time, please? He is such a handsome boy. ❤️ Time flies so fast! Thank you for sharing, Your Royal Highnesses. 😍 I hope Prince George has a very special day with the best company. Happy birthday, Prince George. We love you so much.”

The warm wishes continued with another fan commenting, “This picture is so beautiful, he is growing up so fast! I wish the happiest birthday to Prince George. Have the best day! 🎂” A nostalgic admirer added, “He was just a little baby we were waiting for yesterday! Where did the time go? Happy Birthday, Prince George ❤️”

The joyful occasion provided a much-needed lift for the Royal Family and their supporters. The post comes after a series of difficult announcements earlier in the year. In March 2024, Princess Catherine revealed her battle with cancer through an emotional Instagram post.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family. But I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me,” the Princess of Wales shared.

By July, she updated the public on her ongoing chemotherapy treatment. “I am making good progress. But as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” the caption read in part.

Additionally, in February 2024, the Royal Family’s official Instagram account shared that Prince George’s grandfather, King Charles III, had been diagnosed with cancer.

According to the Instagram post, His Majesty was undergoing a hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement. During this procedure, a separate issue of concern was noted, and diagnostic tests identified it as a form of cancer.

The caption revealed that King Charles III was undergoing regular treatment. “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” the caption concluded.

What Happens If Prince George Becomes King before Turning 18?

In the British monarchy, a young heir like Prince George becoming King raises important questions about governance and royal duties. The Regency Act of 1937 was created to handle situations where the Sovereign was too young or unable to perform royal duties.

This law was introduced after problems during King George V’s illness. At the time, they realized the need for a clear plan for royal authority. According to this Act, if Prince George becomes King before 18, a Regent will be appointed to perform royal duties until he is old enough.

To ensure the monarchy runs smoothly, the Regent takes on all the duties of the Sovereign, acting in their place. This includes signing bills into law, representing the monarchy at official events, and performing other key royal tasks.

The Regent’s role is vital for ensuring the continuity and stability of the monarchy during this period. The Regent is typically the next adult in the line of succession who is eligible and qualified to serve.

To qualify, the individual must be British, of full age, and meet other criteria. If the next in line is a minor or otherwise disqualified, the Regent’s role will be passed to the next eligible person.

For Prince George to be next in line to be king, his father, Prince William, would have to be dead or deemed unfit, as he is next in the line of succession after King Charles III.

If this were to happen before Prince George turned 18, then Prince Harry, Prince William’s younger brother, would be the most likely candidate for Regent.

This is because Prince George’s younger siblings, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales, who are next in the line of succession for the throne after him, would still be minors, and thus would not qualify for Regent.

Prince Harry would then be considered for the role, as he is next in the line of succession after Prince George and his siblings and meets the criteria of being over 18.

His extensive experience in royal duties also makes him an ideal candidate to guide the young king through his early years. Prince Harry lived outside the UK at the time of writing. However, his eligibility would depend on his legal residence status and other factors outlined in the Regency Act.

Preparing Prince George for His Future as King

In 2023, a palace insider revealed that Prince William and Princess Catherine had already started gently preparing their son for his future role. While they focused on providing him with a normal childhood, they also ensured he understood his eventual royal duties.

Prince George, whose parents called him their “little grape” during his mother’s pregnancy, had his first formal discussion about his future destiny in 2020. Robert Lacey, a royal biographer, noted that this discussion was carefully timed.

The discussion reflected Prince William’s desire to avoid the confusion and pressure he experienced regarding his own royal future. It was reportedly a deliberate and controlled moment, aimed at managing the way Prince George learned about his future.

Children’s wear designer Amaia Arrieta, whose clothes Prince George and his siblings — Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — have worn for years, also offered some insight into the matter.

“I think George has known almost from the beginning. He has always had a more prominent role. There have been many events with his late great-grandmother or great-grandfather when it was just him, and his siblings weren’t there,” Arrieta shared.

In a 2016 interview with the BBC, when Prince George was three, Prince William spoke about whether the toddler knew of his future as king. The Princes of Wales shared that there was a time and place to inform his son about his future royal duties.

Instead, the Prince of Wales was focused on providing Prince George with a secure and stable environment filled with as much love as possible. A palace insider added, “I am sure [William and Catherine] are making George aware in the best way they can. And not making it too burdensome.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales especially wanted to make the transition into royal duties as easy as possible for their eldest son. Instead of it being something scary, the royal couple put a lot of thought into how they would normalize the reality for him.

“[…] There’s a belief to make it as unobtrusive and as normal — if you can call it normal — and as pleasant as possible,” shared royal biographer Robert Hardman.

Before it’s his turn to ascend the throne, Prince George is currently playing his part. He stepped into the royal spotlight in May 2023 at King Charles III’s coronation.

The young prince served as one of his grandfather’s Pages of Honor. During the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, Prince George helped carry the King’s robe. He also took a prominent position on the Buckingham Palace balcony afterward.

Prince William and Princess Catherine understood the pressure this role entailed. After all, Prince George became the youngest future king to play an official role in a coronation. However, they felt their son was ready for the task. “He was terrific,” remarked a close family friend.

Following the coronation, the palace released an official portrait featuring King Charles III and his heirs, Prince William and Prince George. The striking portrait symbolized the monarchy’s future.

However, despite these public moments, Prince William and Princess Catherine prioritized giving their children a normal upbringing. Their family life included outdoor play, kitchen experiments, and visits to the candy store.

“It’s a massive balancing act,” shared a palace insider. The insider believes the Prince and Princess of Wales were “doing the right thing” by protecting Prince George.

The insider added, “He’s getting firsthand experience of what it’s like to be a royal and a monarch and firsthand experience of being a normal boy.” Much of this approach stemmed from Princess Catherine’s own upbringing outside the royal circle.

A source close to the royal household shared that Princess Catherine appreciated the importance of family time. “She wasn’t brought up in that aristocratic setting where you see the children for a short time each day,” they added.

As Prince William and Princess Catherine prepared their son to rule one day, an insider shared that the adorable royal certainly had the “confident” and “outgoing” personality to be the future King of England.

By the time Prince George was 8, sources revealed that he had already “blossomed” and had a broad spectrum of interests. These included gardening, science, nature, photography, cooking, and learning languages.

The young royal was reportedly also interested in anything sports-related. Unlike some kids his age, he took his education very seriously. “He loves school and is a straight-A student,” the insider shared.

The young Prince who looks like his parents, also inherited endearing traits from them. The 11-year-old is reportedly “sensitive” like his mother, but “protective and a confident decision-maker” like his father.

The insider jokingly noted that Prince George was “definitely more outgoing and cheeky” than his parents were at his age.

“Kate and William are beyond proud of George and say they’re lucky to have such a cute and loving son. They try not to overwhelm him with too many details about his future but feel more than confident that he’ll be a great king one day,” the source shared.

As Prince George became a year older, his parents guaranteed he enjoyed the richness of a normal childhood. They are also preparing him for future responsibilities, ensuring he will make a great king one day.

My sister was the golden child, and I had to raise her baby when she got pregnant. But my parents would not give me any love and did the unspeakable years later.

By the time I was five years old, I could tell that my parents preferred my sister, Madeline, over me. Although I was younger, they barely paid me any attention. My birthdays were small and simple, whereas they would throw big events for my sister.

The worst part is that she knew it too. Madeline would laugh when my mother would scold me for something she did. I got blamed for everything that went wrong in our house, no matter who did it. Soon enough, I started fending for myself.

I had a ton of chores around the house, and my father would yell at me often. But Madeline would sit around the house doing nothing. It was so unfair. I had no idea why my family didn’t like me but couldn’t do anything about it.

I secretly worked part-time and hoped that my 18th birthday would come by quickly. But when I was 16 years old, Madeline announced she was pregnant. Our parents were delighted because she could do no wrong in their eyes.

“That’s wonderful, honey,” my mother said.

“I’m just telling you so you can give me money for an abortion, Mom. I’m not going to keep it. It’ll ruin my life,” my sister replied.

“No, Madeline, you can’t do that to your baby. You’re carrying our grandchild. We’ll do anything to help you, but abortion is out of the question,” my father told her, almost angrily. It was the first time in my life that I had seen him seemingly displeased at their favorite kid.

“I don’t know, Tom. Maybe we should think about what Madeline needs right now,” my mother suggested. I knew she would cave to Madeline’s wishes quickly.

“I’m sorry, Priscilla. I support women’s choices, but that’s our grandchild. Madeline, you’re going to love your baby, and we’ll support you completely. It’s that alright?” my father continued. “Your sister will be there for you always.”

Of course, he volunteered me without my consent. “I’ll think about it,” Madeline finally answered. I knew she would cave because a baby would guarantee that our parents would support her forever. And my big sister wanted an easy life.

She decided to keep the baby, and I had to be at her beck and call during the pregnancy. But things only got worse when the baby came around. Madeline got up once or twice during those first few days to feed her son, Brandon, but then, it was all up to me.

Madeline went back to her old ways and partied all the time while I had to stay home raising her baby. Despite their promises, our parents refused to help with the baby, and it was clear that they didn’t like Brandon at all either.

So, I had to step up and eventually dropped out of school to care for him. I still worked part-time and studied to get my G.E.D. to continue my plans of moving away at 18. But one day, Madeline came home after a week away with a new announcement.

“Mom, Dad. I’m leaving,” she said.

“What do you mean you’re leaving?” I asked.

“Chloe, shut up. I’m not talking to you,” she snapped at me.

“Honey, it’s ok if you need a few days away. When are you coming back?” my mother asked her.

“I’m not coming back. That’s what I’m telling you. I’m going on the road with my boyfriend, Zak, and I’ll probably never come back,” Madeline continued.

“What about Brandon? You can’t abandon your baby,” I yelled at her, trying to make her see reason. “I’m leaving for college in a few months. Who is going to raise the baby?”

“That’s not my problem. Bye!” Madeline said and walked away. My mother started crying, and Dad could only comfort her.

“What are we going to do about Brandon?” I asked my parents.

“Chloe, can’t you see that your mother is heartbroken? Please, don’t bother us. Go away,” my father answered.

That day, I stopped considering them my family. Clearly, I was on my own, and it looked like they didn’t care about Brandon at all. I was not going to leave him with these people. I would become his mother.

A few months went by, and I had saved up enough to move away. My parents barely noticed that I was leaving and taking Brandon with me.

I worked tirelessly to provide for Brandon and signed up for online college because I needed a flexible schedule. It was hard, but I was making it work. Eventually, I made a great group of friends that would help with Brandon.

Some people judged me for raising a child at a young age, but someone had to do it. He was my biological nephew, but he was now also my son in all the ways that mattered. I would not abandon him like my irresponsible big sister and our parents.

A few years later, I met my boyfriend, Dallas. He was studying law and planned to work at his father’s law practice. He adored Brandon, and we talked about getting married when he graduated.

One day, Dallas was cooking dinner when my doorbell rang. It was Madeline. She looked rough and way older than her age. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Where’s my baby?” she asked immediately and tried to come in, but I blocked the doorway.

“Your baby? He’s not yours, Madeline. You gave him up years ago. He’s my son now, and you can’t see him right now,” I answered. Brandon was playing in his room, and I hoped he wouldn’t come out now.

“You can’t keep me from MY CHILD, Chloe. You’re the most horrible person in the world!” Madeline yelled at me. That’s when Dallas came over and asked her to calm down.

“I will not calm down! I’m going to get my child back no matter what,” she screamed again, but Dallas closed the door in her face. Madeline continued yelling outside for a while until my boyfriend threatened to call the police.

“What am I going to do?” I asked him later that night. “She’s his mother. They could take him away.”

“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll talk to my father tomorrow. He’ll tell us what to do legally so that Brandon never has to leave with that harpy,” he answered. Dallas’ father arranged everything so that I became Brandon’s legal mother.

Soon enough, Madeline returned with my parents. The three of them demanded to see Brandon and get him back, but there was nothing they could do legally. In the end, I discovered that Madeline only returned for Brandon because she wanted to get some benefits from the government.

But she couldn’t do that now that I became his official mother, and she disappeared once again. Luckily, I was not alone anymore, and Brandon would never have to feel what I felt growing up.

What can we learn from this story?

1. Don’t pick favorites. Some parents pick a favorite child, and that dynamic can only damage their familial relationship.
2. Some people are not meant to be in your life. Don’t force love where there’s none to give. Find new people who will love you no matter what. They’re out there.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

To fulfill their father’s dying wish, two little girls visit his grave on his birthday to show him their adorable outfits. Near the gravestone, they find two beautifully wrapped boxes with their names and have no idea what’s waiting for them.

Isla, 6, and Madison, 8, missed their daddy, Brian. After he went to his heavenly home, they hadn’t stolen cookies and ice cream from the kitchen at night, joined forces to bother their mother, or gone shopping. Because without Daddy Brian, those things were no fun.

“You’re spoiling those girls, Brian!” Brian’s wife, Linda, used to scold him. “Why do y’all gang up against me? I know you steal from the pantry for your little angels!”

“Well, I’ll spoil them for the rest of my life!” Brian would say with a wide grin. “They will always come first for me as long as I live! I’m sorry, honey, but you now have competition. But you know, I adore all my girls—including you,” and hug her.

That’s how Brian was. He would always balance out a situation. He was the perfect family man. But after he passed away, something changed. Isla and Madison became very quiet, and Linda, well, she was struggling to come to terms with his death too.

After all, her last memories of Brian had been nothing but terrible. He died before her very eyes, and she couldn’t help him. Stage four cancer, the doctors had told Linda. They started the treatment the right way and tried their best for Brian, but they lost the battle, and the terrible illness won.

Death cannot break the bonds built with love.

Brian’s health kept deteriorating, and one morning he didn’t wake up. Isla and Madison had slept beside him on the hospital bed the night before. He had asked Linda to leave the girls with him that night. Probably he sensed that was his last night with his little daughters.

“Time of death: 4 a.m. Tuesday…” the doctors declared that morning after Linda called, worried because Brian was not answering his cell phone. The doctors gave her an apologetic glance before they covered his once-smiling face with a white hospital sheet. Brian was gone. He wasn’t coming back, and Linda was devastated.

After Brian’s death, Linda couldn’t pull herself together, no matter how hard she tried. Her girls had been stronger than her. They had at least attended the funeral. Linda couldn’t stand to see him buried under the Earth.

“On my birthday, I want my little girls to look their prettiest, and I’m curious to see what they’ll wear. Do you promise to come to Daddy and show me your beautiful outfits, girls? You see, it’s possible that daddy won’t be with you that day, but you have to promise me you’ll look your best,” was the last thing Brian had said. It was his dying wish that his girls visit him on his birthday.

So the day before, the girls asked Linda to take them out shopping.

“Mommy,” little Isla said. “Daddy loved my red dress. He got me one for my birthday. I want a red dress.”

“You can pick for me, mom,” Madison offered. “I want it to be Dad’s favorite color.”

“I – I don’t think I have the time, girls,” Linda tried avoiding the topic. She was still grieving Brian’s loss. She was not ready for anything resembling closure.

“But we need to visit daddy!” Isla said. “He asked me to wear something beautiful on his birthday. He asked Madison too.”

Linda’s eyes welled up. She was so consumed by grief that she had forgotten Brian’s birthday.

“What did he ask you?” Linda asked, her eyes welling up with tears.

“Daddy wanted to see us in pretty dresses on his birthday. We need to visit him, mommy,” Isla said. “Hurry up! We need to go shopping!”

“When did he ask this?” asked Linda. “I – I didn’t know….” She had no idea about Brian’s dying wish.

“The night before he died, mom,” Madison revealed. “He held our hands and said he wanted to see us in nice outfits on his birthday. Mom, I think we should do this for him. I know you’re upset, but please?” She covered Linda’s ears with her hands. “I know you’re missing dad, but we need to do this for Isla. She misses daddy a lot.”

Madison was always a bright child. She understood things children her age would find hard to comprehend. And she finally convinced Linda to go shopping.

“Alright then,” Linda said. “Let’s get you, girls, the prettiest outfits, so daddy knows what he’s missing by not being with us! He will regret leaving us like this!” Linda said, bursting into tears and her girls hugged her to comfort her.

“Dad doesn’t want to see you sad, mom. I know….” Madison whispered, patting her mom’s back.

The next day, on Brian’s birthday, the little girls wore their new outfits and held hands together as they walked to Brian’s grave. Linda was walking behind them.

Once they were in front of Brian’s gravestone, the little girls noticed two beautifully wrapped boxes with their names on them, and a small sticker on top said it was from Brian.

“Mommy!” Isla turned to Linda and said, “Look, daddy sent us gifts! He is silly! He doesn’t know we should give him gifts on his birthday,” and chuckled.

Madison gave Linda a glance that said she knew Brian couldn’t have sent them that. Dead people don’t send you gifts.

“Well, maybe he was missing his daughters. Go ahead and open the box, girls,” Linda said with an encouraging smile.

As the two girls unwrapped the boxes, Linda had to hide her tears. Isla was grinning with delight while Madison was crying for the first time since Brian’s death.

There was a lovely pair of Mary Janes and a letter from Brian in each box.

“Shoes!” chirped Isla. “They are so pretty, mommy! My favorite color…pink!”

The letter said:

“My prettiest girls,

Some angels here in heaven are surprised to see how girls can be so pretty! They say you are the most beautiful girls God ever created. Daddy can see how beautiful you look in your outfits. But I wanted to make my girls look even prettier, so I bought these shoes for you. I hope you like them.

You see, daddy is not around you, but he is always there in your heart. I know that my girls no longer eat cookies and ice creams. Don’t tell mommy, but I know she’s restocked the pantry with huge cookie boxes. I saw her doing that. Next time you visit me, I want to hear stories about how you stole them successfully behind mommy’s back. Just because daddy isn’t there does not mean we won’t trouble mommy! I want you girls to be happy and smile every day. You don’t always have to be good. I’m sure even mommy doesn’t like that.

And thank you for visiting me and wishing me a happy birthday, girls. Daddy loves you and misses you.

Sending lots of love to my lovely girls,

Brian.”

“Umm…that’s too much for me to read!” Isla complained. “Madison, what did daddy write?”

Madison hugged Elsa tightly. “He said he is happy where he is, Isla, and he wants us to be happy too. He misses us. Thank you for everything, mom,” she added, knowing the boxes were from her. “We appreciate you bringing us here.”

Linda smiled and whispered, “I love both of you,” thanking her girls for helping her step out of the grief and giving her the strength to visit Brian.

What can we learn from this story?

• Death cannot break the bonds built with love. Brian is far away from his family in the skies, but he is always present inside their hearts.
• Mothers always put their children first. While Linda was not ready to visit Brian yet, she gathered the courage to do so after seeing how badly her girls wanted to visit their father.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about an orphan girl who visited her mom’s grave every week and met her mother’s carbon copy there one day.

A surprise appearance at the Titans game had country music fans doing a double take when Carrie Underwood stepped onto the field—but it wasn’t just her presence that sparked debate.

Carrie Underwood, 41, turned heads with a surprise appearance at an NFL game in Tennessee on Sunday, November 3.

The country music icon joined fellow “American Idol” judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest at Nissan Stadium, where they attended the game between the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans.

The “American Idol” crew embraced the Titans spirit, donning team gear and rallying fans with a spirited “Titan Up!” chant right from the field. The Titans shared a video of the group on social media, and captioned, “@AmericanIdol is in the house with a special surprise! Watch it all unfold in Spring ’25 on ABC!”

The post quickly gained traction, drawing both excitement and a flurry of reactions. While fans were thrilled to see Underwood at the game, some couldn’t help but comment on her appearance.

Critics surfaced, with a few suggesting that she looked unrecognizable and speculating about possible changes to her appearance. One user was quick to point out, “She has done way too much to her face. Do t look the same [sic].”

A second user stated, “Nobody can convince me that’s Carrie Underwood.” One viewer even questioned, “Who’s that blonde girl?” as others speculated it might be a “lookalike.”

Still, loyal fans of the “Before He Cheats” singer were quick to counter the criticism. Praises flooded in, with one fan declaring, “Carrie Underwood = IDOL QUEEN 😍.” Another commented, “Carrie bringing the energy 🔥” while someone else added, “QUEEN CARRIE 👑👏🏼.”

While Underwood’s surprise appearance at the NFL game sparked some mixed reactions, the singer has been open about her journey with her looks, particularly her dental adjustments.

In a past interview with Women’s Health, Underwood shared that her journey with braces began in her teens but didn’t end there. Like many, she admitted to neglecting her retainer, which led to some shifting in her teeth over time.

Determined to address the change, Carrie Underwood eventually revisited the orthodontist as an adult. “I had one tooth that was driving me crazy,” she explained to the magazine, adding, “It’s such a little thing, but it’s only gonna get worse, so let’s fix it now.”

When it comes to self-care, Underwood prioritizes consistency. She’s mindful of what she drinks, and eats, and how she stays active, recognizing these as essential to her overall well-being.

In her approach to fitness, Underwood doesn’t claim perfection. She once admitted she’s not the best at warmups and cool-downs. Still, she makes an effort to stick to her routine — even if that includes a bit of caffeine.

While keeping self-care in focus, Underwood is also reaching new milestones professionally. She recently stepped in as a judge on “American Idol,” taking over for Katy Perry and embracing the exciting path ahead. However, the change hasn’t been warmly received by all viewers, with some expressing disappointment over the switch.

Netizens voiced concerns over the show’s lack of diversity in musical genres represented by the judges. One viewer commented, “I don’t think Carrie is a good choice. We already have a country judge. So now we have two country and one contemporary? No pop genre judge.”

Another shared a similar concern, “I wish they would have replaced Katy with another pop singer, too much country in the judging.” Echoing this, a netizen pointed out the need for artists from another genre “to balance out” the judges.

Frustration grew, with one critic demanding, “Pop act please someone relevant 🙄 Carrie just isn’t adding anything [sic].”

However, some fans were thrilled about Underwood stepping into the role alongside Bryan and Richie. One supporter praised Underwood’s talent and expressed excitement about seeing her mentor contestants alongside other judges.

Another agreed,“Katy was okay but I’m so glad Carrie Underwood is the replacement. Somebody who knows real talent!”

Still, not all are convinced by the change. “No one can replace Katie [sic] Perry. Especially NOT Carrie Underwood. Won’t be watching anymore- so disappointing [sic],” one dissatisfied viewer expressed. Another simply wrote that Underwood was a “Bad replacement” for Perry.

Despite some criticism, others see Underwood’s experience as a valuable addition. One fan noted that while they appreciated Perry’s lively presence, having a former winner as a judge is a “good thing.”

At the beginning of August, it was announced that Underwood would be the new judge of the show, which launched her music career 20 years ago.

Underwood auditioned as a contestant in 2004 and emerged as the show’s winner the following year. “Today I am now one of those judges searching for someone who wants to BE AN IDOL [sic]!” she shared on her Instagram page.

Amid mixed reactions from fans, Underwood shared her thoughts on returning to the show. “It feels like going home,” she said, adding that many of the people who worked on the show years ago are still part of the team today.

Underwood also spoke about her connection to the show. “It’s part of me that’s part of my history, so hopefully I can just bring that into my advice for the people that are standing in front of us,” Underwood said.

However, Underwood acknowledged one challenge she’d be facing, revealing, “I can’t lie. I just can’t. You can tell.” She assured fans that while she intends to be truthful, she will strive to be constructive and encouraging in her feedback.

The actress welcomed her twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel, with her husband Danny Moder later than most other moms. Now that they’re all grown up, she believes they’ve taken after their father.

“Pretty Woman” star Julia Roberts and her husband are known for keeping their family life private. However, occasionally, they give fans a glimpse of their three children on social media. So, when he shared photos of the couple’s 19-year-old twins, fans couldn’t stop gushing about their looks.

At 37, Julia gave birth to Phinnaeus and Hazel, who both entered this world healthy. According to a source, the twins arrived at around 3 a.m. in November 28, 2004 at a Los Angeles hospital. On the other hand, Henry, now 17, was born on June 18, 2007.

While discussing becoming a mother in her late 30s, Julia said her kids chose her to be her steward and shepherd in life when she was ready. Still, the mom of three fears at times that she will mess up as a parent, although she believes her kids came into her life when she was ready.

Therefore, she made sure to enjoy time with them to the fullest when they were young. She once hilariously revealed that Henry thought that when people were talking about the twins in their family, they were referring to him and his siblings instead of just Phinnaeus and Hazel.

Julia, who recently stunned with her blonde hair, not only had fun with her children, she protected them from the harms of fame. When the kids were younger, they knew that their mom was famous, but never understood the true meaning of it. They would mostly see tabloid headlines when they were in stores, and the actress found such moments uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, tabloid stories that weren’t true would hurt Julia’s feelings, especially when they speculated that her marriage was ending despite being perfectly happy with Danny and still raising their kids together.

Due to these challenges, the actress and her husband decided to take their kids out of the public eye and moved away from Los Angeles. They have a ranch in New Mexico, but they used to stay in the City of Angels for work.

However, as per a friend, the parents quickly realized they didn’t want their kids to grow up in the show business culture that comes from being so close to Hollywood. Eventually, they moved to San Francisco for their family’s sake. There, Phinnaeus, Hazel, and Henry were not viewed as the children of movie stars.

Additionally, in true protective mom style, the “Ocean’s Eleven” star revealed in 2019 that she has banned her children from using social media to limit their exposure to the pressures of the modern world.

The actress also set boundaries on what they could watch on TV and implemented family meetings. These measures were to ensure her kids were safe from the pressures and resources that can be misused in a globalized world.

What’s more, Julia believed that as a parent, it was her job to keep her kids offline because they didn’t need that while growing up. Aside from protecting her kids, the actress also gave them unconditional love so they could handle any coming challenge. She also helped her kids navigate the issues of today.

When Hazel was going through a hard time and had lost hope, her mom took that opportunity to make her feel that she still had a voice. She took her to her first Women’s March in Washington and showed that she had a place in this world where she could uphold her beliefs.

According to the 57-year-old mother, Hazel is “one of a kind.” When the teen attended the 74th Cannes Film Festival in 2021 with her dad, she opted for a simple look and even shrugged off her mother’s suggestion to wear eyeliner. Hazel was just happy to participate in the event with her father.

However, the young woman has a penchant for her mom’s prized possessions. Julia revealed that her daughter once went through her closet looking for a prom dress, and she tried out the actress’ black and white Valentino gown, which Julia wore when she won an Academy Award in 2001.

Unfortunately, Hazel found the dress to be too big for her, but the actress remembers how stunning her daughter looked in it. Overall, Julia has done a lot to love, protect, and be there for her kids. Still, she says there is no mastering mothering.

She believes the best way to navigate motherhood is to know that you cannot do everything a parent and should not feel ashamed or fearful about asking for help. Still, every new challenge can be difficult.

In 2022, the “Pretty Woman” star admitted that she felt lightheaded when her twins were about to go to college. She was also fascinated and excited for them because she never had that experience.

In terms of looks, Julia often believes her kids look like her, but when her husband comes home from work, and she sees him, it dawns on her that they look most like Danny, and fans seem to agree.

On November 28, 2021, when the kids turned 17, Danny, now 55, posted a photo that had his followers talking. “They’re so beautiful,” someone expressed. Another netizen said Hazel “looks like her dad,” and others echoed those sentiments.

A year later, Julia’s twins turned 18, and the actress shared a cute picture with them of when they were just babies. Those diaper-wearing kids will be turning 20 in late 2024!

Meanwhile, Julia Roberts and Danny Moder have been married for 22 years and are happy in their union. They have chosen how to raise and protect their kids from the burdens of today’s world and their fame. By the looks of their social media, they’ve succeeded in making a joyful family.

When Elena is in hospital, ready to give birth to her and Michael’s first baby, she finds herself alone with her mother. Michael was simply nowhere to be found. Upon discharge, Elena walks into the house hoping to find Michael there with an explanation. Instead, she finds a note from Michael blaming Elena’s mother for his disappearance. Where is Michael and what happened?

I always thought that the happiest day of my life was the day I married Michael. But then we found out that I was pregnant, and I figured that the day I gave birth to our baby was going to be the happiest.

Little did I know that it would be the beginning of a nightmare. Michael had promised me that he would be there, holding my hand as we welcomed our first child into the world.

We had planned every detail together, from the music that would play in the delivery room to the tiny hat he would place on our baby’s head.

But when the time came, Michael just wasn’t there.

I remember the nurses’ sympathetic smiles as they assured me that he was probably just delayed. With each passing minute, the sinking feeling in my stomach grew worse.

I had been calling him for hours, leaving desperate voicemails, but there was no response. As the contractions intensified, so did my fear. Was I really about to do this by myself? What could have kept him from being here?

“Come on, Michael,” I said through gritted teeth.

When my daughter arrived, I was overwhelmed with joy, but it was tainted by the empty spot beside me where my husband should have been. Where was Michael? Why hadn’t he shown up?

My mother was with me throughout, holding my hand when Michael should have been, but I could see the worry in her eyes, too. And if she knew anything, she certainly didn’t tell me.

“Just relax, Elena,” my mother said. “Focus on Emily now. And yourself; your body needs a moment.”

“I know,” I said. “I’m just worried.”

After two days in the hospital, I was finally discharged. My mother helped me carry Emily to the car, and we headed home. The ride was silent, and my mother kept drumming her fingers against the steering wheel.

I tried to keep myself calm, telling myself that there must be a reasonable explanation for Michael’s absence. Maybe something happened at work. Maybe he’d had an accident and was away in another hospital.

The scenarios grew wilder with each mile we drove.

But nothing could have prepared me for what I found when we got home.

The house was eerily quiet. I pushed open the door, half-expecting Michael to be waiting inside with some excuse that I could forgive after seeing the look on his face.

“Michael?” I called out, my voice echoing through the empty rooms. “Michael, are you here?”

No answer.

“Be quiet, Elena,” my mother said. “Emily is sleeping.”

I ignored her and hurried upstairs. I had to check the nursery; maybe he was in there, just waiting for us to come home. We had spent weeks perfecting our daughter’s nursery to exactly how I envisioned it throughout my pregnancy.

But when I opened the door to the nursery, my breath caught in my throat.

The room was almost empty. The crib was there, but all the decorations, the stuffed animals, our daughter’s outfits, and the blankets we had lovingly chosen together were gone. All that remained was a single piece of paper, placed neatly inside the crib.

I love you and our baby, Elena. But I have to leave forever. Ask your mom why she did this. I’ve taken some of Emily’s things to remember you both.

I stared at the note, my mind struggling to make sense of the words. What did Michael mean? Why did he have to leave? And what did my mother have to do with any of this?

“Mom!” I shouted, trying to get down the stairs as fast as my postpartum body would allow. I clutched onto the note tightly as I thundered into the living room where she was sitting on the couch with Emily asleep in her arms.

“What is this?” I demanded, thrusting the note at her. “What did you do? Where is my husband?”

She looked at me with heavy eyes. And for a moment, I saw a flicker of something I couldn’t quite place. Guilt? Regret?

“I didn’t want you to find out this way…” she said quietly.

“What? Find out what?” I nearly screamed at her. “What are you talking about? Tell me now!”

She took a deep breath as if steeling herself for what she was about to say.

“I found out something about Michael, honey. And it was just too big to keep to myself. He needed to know that I knew.”

“Knew what? Why are you talking in riddles?” I asked closing my eyes, suddenly exhausted.

“He’s been having an affair, darling,” she said. “With someone from his office. Imagine the nerve.”

The words hit me like a physical blow, and I had to sit down quickly.

“No, Mom,” I found myself saying. “That can’t be true at all. Michael wouldn’t do that to us. He loves me! And he’s been so excited about our baby and growing our little family!”

“I wish it wasn’t true, darling. Do you think I enjoyed being right?” she asked softly. “I overheard him talking to someone on the phone. They were talking about meeting at a motel. I confronted him about it, and he admitted it. He’s been seeing his boss, a woman who’s much wealthier than we could have ever dreamed. She’s been offering him things he couldn’t refuse.”

“You mean… the promotion? It wasn’t just hard work? And the car wasn’t just because he made a big deal for the company?” I gasped.

My chest felt tight, like all the air had been sucked out of the room.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, tears streaming down my face as my lower pelvis ached. “Why didn’t you give me the chance to talk to him? A chance to fix it?”

“Oh, honey,” my mother said soothingly. “I gave him the chance. I told him that he had to tell you everything or leave, for good. I knew that if he told you everything, it would mean that he was still a good man with redeeming qualities. But see this? He chose to leave you, to leave Emily.”

For a moment, I didn’t want to believe my mother. I wanted to believe Michael, and that there was more to this story. How else could my mother have sat there during my labor, holding my hand while knowing the truth?

It made no sense to me.

Well, one thing made sense to me. My mother had never really taken to Michael in the way I had hoped. She tolerated him and liked that he took care of me. But there was nothing beyond that. They had no other relationship beyond me.

What if my mother just wanted him out?

Unknowingly, I said all these thoughts out loud.

“Really? Elena! You think I’d purposely hurt my daughter and jeopardize her relationship with her father?” my mother cried. “He hurt you by choosing to have an affair. I can tell you everything you need to know, but I need you to believe me.”

This couldn’t be happening. My husband, the man I had trusted with my life, had betrayed me, and my mother had forced him to leave without giving me the chance to even hear him out.

“You shouldn’t have taken that choice away from me,” I said. “You should have let me decide what to do!”

My mother gripped my thigh tightly.

“I’m so sorry, Elena,” she said. “I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn’t want you to suffer more than you already did; this pregnancy was a lot on your body and mind, my darling.”

She seemed earnest enough, but I couldn’t help but be angry with her. All I could think about was how everything I had known, everything I had believed in, had been ripped away in an instant.

My husband was gone, and probably off with his mistress, my mother had betrayed my trust, and I was left alone with a newborn and a broken heart.

Emily’s eyes opened, and before I knew it, her little mouth twisted into a cry.

“She’s hungry,” my mother said. “Maybe one day, when Emily goes through something where she needs her mother to protect her more than give her a choice, you’ll understand why I did what I did.”

I nodded.

“I’m sure you’re right, Mom,” I said, slipping my shirt off my arm to feed my little girl. “But I need some space for a little while. I need to adjust to being a single parent right now.”

“But you’re not alone, Elena!” my mother exclaimed. “Michael may have chosen to leave you, but I’m still here. I’m right there to love and support you. And your little girl.”

“I know that,” I said. “But this is the choice I’m making.”

“I’ll make you some food and then I’ll leave,” my mother said. “Please, let me do that. Let me plan meals for a week. Okay?”

“Fine,” I said, grateful for the assistance even though I didn’t want to look at her.

In the days that followed our hospital return, I thought about Michael’s behavior closer. Of course he was having an affair. There were endless late nights and shared dinners with “colleagues over business.” It was clear now, that during those intimate hours, Michael and his boss were becoming closer.

I tried to contact Michael many times, but it always went to voicemail. Until one day, when he answered by accident. I could tell he had no intention of answering the phone because his voice was thick with sleep.

“Michael?” I asked.

“Elena?” he gasped.

“Is it true?” I asked.

“Yes. All of it,” he said. “I’m not coming back. I was excited to start my life with you and our baby, but I’ve grown to love Gretchen and our lives together. I have to give this a chance. And the least I can do is transfer the house to your name only. Gretchen’s lawyers will do it soon.”

I couldn’t believe my ears.

Michael never contacted me again, and I didn’t reach out either. He disappeared from my life as quickly as he had entered it. But at least my daughter didn’t meet him and get to experience any of that.

She was safely away from Michael.

What would you have done?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you:

My MIL Thought I Was Cheating on Her Daughter and Tried to Teach Me a Harsh Lesson

When Mike plans a surprise weekend away for his and Steph’s anniversary, he hires an event planner to do most of the work. But when a nosy mother-in-law catches wind of Mike with another woman, things get out of control…

So, let me set a scene for you. It’s hilarious now, but it was anything but when it actually happened.

I’m Mike and I’ve been happily married to my wife, Steph, for ten years. We had a perfect little life with our eight-year-old son, Jack. Steph and I are the kind of couple that people envy.

As lame as it sounds, we have been completely in sync since we got married, finishing each other’s sentences, the whole deal.

Or at least, we were until my mother-in-law, Karen, got involved.

“I’m going to surprise Mom for our anniversary,” I told Jack when we were kicking a ball around outside one afternoon.

“Just don’t decide on having another kid,” Jack said, giggling as he spoke.

Well, I didn’t plan on that, but I did want to surprise Steph with a romantic weekend getaway to celebrate our anniversary.

I wanted everything to be perfect, so I hired an event planner to hold down the fort.

“Catherine,” I told her when I sat across from her in her office. “I need this weekend to be perfect. I know that it’s small scale compared to the events you plan, but I need it to be perfect for Steph. She deserves this.”

Catherine beamed, and I thought she actually looked quite beautiful. Not as beautiful as my wife, but lovely nonetheless.

She was great to work with too. She was professional, attentive, and yes, attractive.

Read the full story here.

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.

Tom Jones was one of the most popular artists in the mid-’60s, spanning more than five decades. However, his love for women equaled his talent.

Some of his songs like “It’s Not Unusual,” “Green Green Grass of Home,” “Delilah,” “Till,” and “A Boy From Nowhere” are still popular tunes decades after he released them.

Jones was not only a great singer, but he was also a passionate lover. He was wedded to Melinda Rose Trenchard for nearly six decades, yet his love for her did not prevent him from cheating on her.

His followers adored Jones, and his relations with them occasionally crossed moral boundaries. Jones had a thing for ladies; he struggled to resist the allure of the numerous women who came to him.

Jones and Trenchard had a remarkable love story. In his 2015 memoir, “Over the Top and Back,” the singer revealed that he first fell in love with her in his pre-teen years.

Jones had tuberculosis at the time and spent two years healing in bed. After he recovered, he rebuilt his connection with Trenchard, who he said never failed to smile at him while she walked to school in Treforest, South Glamorgan. But, despite his passionate young love, she refused to date Jones until she turned 15.

The couple decided to follow their hearts and tied the knot in their little Welsh village in 1957. She was only 16 at the time, and Jones was a far cry from the man the world would come to admire, although he always had the talent.

Jones and Trenchard wasted no time in starting their family. Soon after they got married, the couple welcomed Mark, who would become their only child together. Mark grew up to be a massive part of their lives and, at some point, worked as his father’s manager.

Jones and His Affairs

Shortly after getting married, Jones released his first set of songs, and these chart-topping tunes quickly made him a household figure. Jones’s career carried him worldwide but largely away from his wife and his plethora of female fans.

His female admirers were said to have had a legendary relationship with him, with some even hurling their panties on the platform in an attempt to gain his attention. During his tours, the singer’s dressing room became a place for him to have casual sex with fans.

Despite all his multiple affairs, Jones did not consider any of them serious and said leaving his wife was never an option. Jones claimed to have slept with about 250 women in a year at the height of his fame, but he harbors no regret.

Jones once said, “I don’t regret anything. All in all, no matter what happened, my marriage is still solid, and my son still loves me. I haven’t done anything bad in my life.”

However, one of the most significant affairs of his life came in 1987 with model Katherine Berkery. The duo met while he was on tour in the US, but things turned sour after she shared big news with him.

Jones Got Caught

After many rumors of his affairs went unnoticed, Trenchard finally reacted to her husband’s infidelity after he was photographed kissing former Miss World Marjorie Wallace.

Recalling the incident, Jones confessed that his wife was heartbroken and hit him while he stood there taking the beating because he felt he deserved it. However, Jones continued his cheating ways.

Jones Rejects Son

Trenchard was already suffering from her husband’s adultery, but in 1987 she found out Jones had fathered a kid with another woman. The singer had a four-day romance with Berkery on his US tour, which resulted in the birth of his son Jonathan.

At first, Jones denied being the child’s father despite paternity tests confirming he was the father. Jones maintained his position for 20 years. The 82-year-old believes he was scammed into fathering the boy and has never had anything to do with him.

Jones later paid Berkery a £50,000 out-of-court settlement. Jonathan, now grown up, shares a striking similarity with his father, but all he wants is to be acknowledged by the renowned singer.

Losing His Partner

For many years, Trenchard suffered several fears, one of which was her fear of traveling. She became more reclusive while her husband toured the world, and soon, her health took a turn for the worse.

She passed away in 2016 after a long fight with cancer. She died at the age of 76, leaving her longtime spouse heartbroken. Jones postponed his tour so he could be at her bedside when she passed away.

Years after her death, the singer still has difficulty coping with her death, but he credits music with assisting him in his recovery. When asked if he would consider remarrying, the actor responded that he had no other memories left to forge with anyone else.

Jonathan Still Wants His Dad

Although it’s been decades of having no contact with his father, Jonathan still keeps his dream alive. The 34-year-old is a singer just like his dad, but he has never been able to count on Jones’s support.

The absence of his father led him into several vices, including drugs and other abuses. Jonathan said he mixed with the wrong crowd and found himself homeless, living in the street.

Jonathan never received a phone call or birthday card from his dad, which ruined his childhood, causing him to grow into an angry kid. However, he has put those days behind but still hopes for a relationship with the legend.