When Anna’s dad gives her a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift with strict instructions not to open it until morning, she never expects her manipulative stepmother, Melanie, to tear into it first. But Melanie’s greed sets off a chain of events that she never saw coming… Karma, anyone?

Christmas had always been my favorite time—twinkling lights, gingerbread cookies, and the fresh scent of pine. But things had changed since Dad remarried Melanie a few months ago. She didn’t exactly act evil, but her smile was always paired with a biting remark that chipped away at my confidence.

“Oh, Anna, is that what you’re wearing?” or “I’m sure Dad will spoil you again. It won’t last.”

It was always wrapped in a sickly-sweet tone that made my stomach churn. But I kept quiet, for Dad’s sake. He looked so happy, and I didn’t want to ruin it. After all, it had just been the two of us since Mom passed when I was seven, and if Melanie made him less lonely, maybe I could bear it.

But that was before everything changed.

A week before Christmas, Dad handed me a stunning gold-wrapped gift with a red velvet bow. “I’ve got something special for you, love,” he said, his eyes glinting mysteriously.

“What is it, Dad?” I asked, wide-eyed.

He smiled and said, “It’s a surprise, but you need to promise me something.”

“What?”

“Don’t open it until Christmas morning.”

Then, Melanie tore into the gift before I even had the chance, triggering a series of events that led to her own downfall.