At 18, prom was my focus. After months of saving, I bought a gorgeous baby blue gown, feeling like a princess. My excitement was bittersweet because my mom had passed away years ago, leaving just me, Dad, and my stepmom, Carol. Carol and I weren’t close, but we were civil. On prom morning, I found my dress ruined—splattered with black paint. Devastated, I ran to Carol, who coldly said, “Maybe you weren’t meant to go to prom.” That’s when it hit me—she did this on purpose to ruin my night.

Carol’s motives were clear. My dad had promised to be at my prom, but Julia, Carol’s daughter, was getting married the same day. Carol wanted Dad at the wedding, not with me. When Dad found out, he refused to leave me. “I’m not ditching her for anyone,” he snapped at Carol.

Dad suggested I call my friend Sarah. Her aunt, a former seamstress, worked wonders on my ruined dress, transforming it into a stunning off-shoulder gown. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it turned out.
As I was about to leave, Carol called in a panic—Julia’s wedding was falling apart. I smiled, “He’s with me, like he promised.” Karma had worked its magic, and I went to prom feeling like a queen.