The Kindergarten Teacher Stole a Man

The kindergarten teacher began teaching my daughter to hate me.

She gave her candy, attention, and promises,

then whispered to her, Your mom doesnt love you. Im the one who truly cares about you.

My husband didnt stop ithe encouraged it.

My daughter cried and begged him to get a divorce, to replace me with a new mom.

It wasnt until I sent her the repayment statements that she finally understood:

my husband wasnt a man she could steal

He was a net liability I had been supporting for a full ten years.

For our 10th wedding anniversary, I bought my husband, Nathan, a silver sports car to celebrate.

The moment he saw it, his eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning.

It wasnt just any sports carit was one of only ten limited editions in the world. Not something money alone could buy.

Nathan had gushed about this car more than once, so I figured Id surprise him. After all, our anniversary also happened to be his birthday.

During the test drive, Nathan couldnt wait to snap pictures and show off to his friends. But in his excitement, he accidentally posted it in our daughter Emilys preschool group chat.

The quiet group chat immediately exploded.

Oh my gosh, isnt this one of those global limited-edition cars? I cant believe the real deal is in our group!

Emilys dad, what kind of business are you in? You must be loaded!

I quickly messaged Nathan, telling him to delete the post. But it had been over two minutestoo late to retract it. All we could do was watch as the messages poured in.

Some parents even started asking if Nathan could invest in their business ideas.

And Nathan? He was eating it up.

Oh, no, no, he replied humbly. Just a small investment here and there. Made a bit of money, so I decided to treat myself.

Small investments? Sure. The only thing he owned was a failing internet caf I paid for, and it had been hemorrhaging money since day one.

With his lack of business skills, Nathan couldnt afford a sports car in ten lifetimes.

Still, he was my husband, and I wasnt about to embarrass him in front of everyone. So, I kept quiet.

Thats when Emilys teacher, Miss Anderson, suddenly chimed in.

At first, I thought she was going to tell everyone to stop chatting about unrelated topics in a preschool group.

But instead, she directly tagged Nathan:

@Emilys Dad, Ive sent you a friend request. Please accept itI need to discuss some things about Emilys behavior at school.

Nathan immediately replied, Is Emily in trouble? Did something happen?

Miss Andersons response came quickly: Lets discuss this privately.

I started to worry. Had something happened to Emily at school? I sent Miss Anderson a private message asking if everything was okay.

She didnt reply.

Instead, she updated her profile picture.

Her old photo had been a scenic landscape. Now, it was a close-up selfieher wearing a white tank top, strategically revealing just enough skin to leave an impression.

It gave off serious pick-me vibes.

I called Nathan. What did Emilys teacher say?

He sounded casual. Nothing specific. She just asked me to stop by the school. Im heading there now.

Drive safe, I said, hanging up.

At the time, I didnt think much of it. I went back to work, assuming it was just a minor issue.

A few moments later, Mrs. Peterson, one of the moms from the group chat, sent me a private message.

Her family owned a beauty salon I frequented, so wed gotten to know each other over time.

Emilys Mom, dont you think this Miss Anderson messaging your husband is a little off?

I replied politely, brushing it off with a couple of vague responses.

Nathan and I had been married for ten years, and our relationship had always been stable.

He came from a modest background but treated me with unwavering care and devotion. Whatever I needed, he made it happen.

For me, he willingly stayed home, managing everything in the household with precision. When I came back late and drunk from work events, hed pick me up and have a steaming bowl of hangover soup waiting for me.

So I wasnt particularly worried about Miss Andersons little schemes.

Even if she was hellbent on seduction, it would only work if Nathan took the bait.

What I didnt expect was for her to target my daughter first.

Ive always been busy with work, but Ive made sure to maintain a close bond with my daughter, Emily. Lately, though, she had grown distant, and her words had taken on a strangely sharp edge.

One day, I picked her up from school, planning to take her to McDonalds for a treat.

But as soon as she saw me waiting, she started crying and whining at the school gate.

Why did you have to come? I dont want you to pick me up! I hate you!

At first, I thought she was upset because Id been so busy with work. I took a deep breath, crouched down, and tried to soothe her.

After a lot of coaxing, she finally stopped crying long enough to get into the car, her eyes red and puffy.

I smiled gently and said, Im sorry, sweetheart. Mommys been so busy with work these past few days. Thats my fault. Ill spend more time with you from now on, okay? How about going to McDonalds for some ice cream?

But Emily turned her head away, pouting.

I dont need you to spend time with me. I have Miss Anderson! Shes the best person in the whole world. If I want ice cream, she gives me as many as I want. Not like you, always telling me what I cant do.

Then she added, her voice trembling with tears, And Miss Anderson was supposed to take me to the zoo with Daddy today. But now you ruined everything by picking me up!

Her tears started falling again, and she looked like she was about to completely lose it.

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. My voice slipped into a sharper tone. Emily, thats no way to talk to your mother!

Emily broke down completely, wailing in the car. You dont love me! I hate you! I hate you so much!

Then she added, her voice filled with spite: Daddy said hes going to divorce you soon. You wont be my mommy anymore! I want Miss Anderson to be my new mommy!

I told myself it was just childish nonsense. Emily was too young to understand what she was saying.

But someone had clearly been feeding her these words.

When we got home, Emily jumped out of the car and ran to the front door.

She shoved it open and shouted, Daddy! Daddy!

Nathan emerged from the kitchen, wearing an apron and cleaning gloves. Emily ran up to him, tears streaming down her face.

Daddy, when are you divorcing Mommy? I dont want to spend another day with her!

Can you bring Miss Anderson home instead? Please?

At the mention of Miss Andersons name, Nathan froze for a fraction of a second, his hand instinctively rubbing his nosea telltale sign he was guilty of something.

But he quickly recovered, putting on his loving dad face.

Dont cry, Emily. Daddys heart breaks when you cry! Whatever you say, Daddy will do. You want me to divorce Mommy? Okay, Daddy will do that.

He crouched down, wiping her tears. Now, lets go try those cookies Daddy made just for you, okay?

Father and daughter both turned to look at me then.

Nathans gaze was full of helplessness, while Emilys eyes sparkled with triumphant glee.

I took a deep breath and asked, Emily, whos been teaching you to say such things? Dont you know how to tell right from wrong anymore?

Emilys tears started up again. She clung to Nathans leg like a frightened kitten and whimpered, Daddy, look at Mommy! Shes so scary, like a wicked witch!

Nathan scooped her up into his arms, giving me an annoyed look.

Isabella, shes just a child. Do you really need to argue with her?

Can you leave your work persona at the door for once? Youre so strong and commanding at work, but this is your family. Stop bringing that attitude home.

With that, Nathan carried Emily to her room, leaving me rooted to the spot in the living room.

I could still hear snippets of his soothing voice through the walls. There, there, Emily. Bad Mommy wont bother you anymore.

Alone in the silence, I realized my hands were trembling uncontrollably.

Ive always been busy with work, so Nathan has taken on most of the responsibility for our daughter, Emily.

Still, whenever I had free time, I made sure to spend it with her. Weve traveled together, baked cakes, and Ive spoiled her with pretty little dresses.

Whenever she got sick, Id drop everything to stay by her side, never letting her feel a lack of motherly love. Over the years, weve always been close.

But lately, Emily had grown distant, and her attitude toward me had turned sharp and cold. I couldnt help but wonder if Miss Andersons meddling had something to do with it.

After some thought, I decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with Emily.

I carefully pushed open her bedroom door, only to find her sitting in Nathans lap, video-calling someone.

They didnt notice me come in, as they were seated with their backs to the door.

Emily held the phone close to her face, her voice sweet and eager.

Miss Anderson, when are you moving into our house?

I gave that old witch a hard time today. As soon as Daddy agrees to divorce her, Ill make her leave! Then you can be my new mommy!

On the other end of the call, Miss Andersons voice was filled with undisguised delight.

Emily, youre such a good girl! But remember, once you pick a new mommy, theres no going back. Are you sure you wont regret it?

Emily tilted her head with a little huff.

Of course not! I cant wait to have a new mommy!

She grinned and added, Miss Anderson, Daddy already said hes going to divorce Mommy. When you move in, can you let me have as much ice cream as I want? And can we get a bunch of puppies too? Please?

Nathan sat next to her, smiling gently, not saying a word to correct her.

The atmosphere between the three of them was warm, cheerfullike a little family planning their future.

I stood there, stone-faced, as I pulled out my phone and began recording the entire scene.

Miss Anderson wasnt just overstepping her bounds; she was digging her own grave.

At one point, Nathan glanced at the screen and caught sight of my skirt in the background. His expression froze immediately.

He gently set Emily down and stammered, Isabella, wait, its not what you think! Were just trying to make Emily happy

Before he could finish, Emily jumped in front of him like a little guard dog, her tiny fists clenched.

Mommy, youre just a mean old witch! Dont you dare bully Daddy!

My anger flared. I snatched the phone from Emilys hands and addressed Miss Anderson directly.

Miss Anderson, do you think its appropriate to poison a childs mind against her own mother? Dont you find your tactics a bit pathetic?

Miss Anderson covered her mouth in fake surprise, her eyes gleaming with smugness.

Oh, Emilys Mom, she said sweetly, we were just trying to make Emily happy. Why do you have to take everything so seriously?

She smirked and added, No wonder Emily keeps telling me you act like a wicked witch. Growing up in such a tense household must be so hard for her.

Then, as if she hadnt insulted me enough, she added with a condescending smile, And Ive heard youre out wining and dining for work all the time. A woman should know how to carry herself. Unlike meId devote myself entirely to my family if I had one.

Her smugness made my blood boil. I wanted nothing more than to reach through the screen, grab her by the hair, and drag her off her high horse.

But I wasnt about to stoop to her level.

I straightened my back, my face calm and cold. Miss Anderson, as a teacher, you should be ashamed of yourself for trying to destroy someone elses family. Youre unworthy of your position, and youre unworthy of the trust parents put in you.

I paused, then delivered my final warning.

If you keep meddling in my family, youll face consequences you wont be able to handle.

Miss Anderson didnt seem fazed by my threat. If anything, she doubled down, pretending to look concerned for Emily.

Emilys Mom, she said with a sigh, even if you dislike me, you should think about whats best for Emily. With your temper, youre bound to hurt her emotionally.

She shook her head and added, Sometimes, people should stop blaming others and reflect on their own shortcomings. If your family was truly happy, thered be no room for anyone to meddle, as you put it.

Then, she turned to Emily, her voice soft and pitiful.

Emily, sweetheart, you know I love you like my own daughter. But your mommy really doesnt like me. If she makes a big fuss about this, I might lose my job. So, from now on, dont call me when youre at home, okay? But at school, Ill still treat you like my real daughter.

With that, she sniffled dramatically, her shoulders shaking as if she were crying, and hung up the call.

Emily immediately burst into tears, screaming at me and kicking my legs.

Bad mommy! I hate you! I dont want to live with you anymoreI want to go live with Miss Anderson!

She stormed out of the room, sobbing.

Nathan gave me a helpless look before running after her, leaving his phone abandoned on the bed in his rush.

I picked it up and unlocked it, scrolling through his messages with Miss Anderson.

At first, their chats had seemed innocent enough. Miss Anderson would send pictures of Emily at school, along with comments like:

Mr. Miller, Emily said her hair hurt today, so I fixed it for her. Looks like her mom doesnt really know much about these things, huh?

Emily often tells me what a great dad you are, but she doesnt mention her mom much. Is she not very involved?

Today, Emily cried because all the other kids had their moms pick them up. Maybe you could remind your wife to spend more time with her?

But as time went on, the tone changed. Miss Anderson started sending pictures of herself with Emilyher holding Emily on her lap, gazing at her with a soft smile. In some of the photos, her low-cut tops revealed far more than necessary.

Then there were videos of Emily calling her Mommy, and even casual questions about Nathans job and income.

Nathan, of course, had exaggerated the truth, claiming he ran a chain of restaurants and a public companyconveniently omitting the fact that it was my hard work that had built everything.

Miss Anderson, clearly impressed, began sending him more revealing selfies.

I clenched the phone tightly, anger bubbling inside me. I wanted to smash it into pieces and kick Nathan out of the house.

But no. That would be too easy.

If I was going to deal with them, Id take them both down together.

The next day, I met with the director of Emilys preschool over coffee. After showing him the messages, his face turned pale.

Ms. Miller, I sincerely apologize. Miss Andersons behavior has seriously violated our schools code of conduct. If youre dissatisfied, we can terminate her immediately.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and added, And I can assure you, no reputable preschool will ever hire her again.

I smiled, satisfied.

Miss Anderson probably didnt know that I was a major shareholder in the school.

And I wasnt afraid to use my power.