City Woman Tried to Ruin My Life, but Losing Her Memory Changed Everything — Story of the Day

A wealthy stranger showed up uninvited, demanding my farm as if it were hers to take. He dismissed my family’s legacy as worthless. I refused, but his entitled smirk told me this fight was far from over.

The morning air was carrying the faint scent of tilled soil and wildflowers. The farm stretched before me, rolling fields kissed by the rising sun. Every corner whispered a memory: Dad hammering the first fencepost, Mom planting lilacs by the barn.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Suddenly, a low hum broke the silence. I frowned, tilting my head. The sound grew louder. A car engine. Not a truck or the familiar rattle of my brother Steven’s old sedan. Squinting, I saw a sleek, black car gliding down the dirt road.

“Great,” I muttered under my breath.

Then, the woman appeared. She was tall, elegant, and looked like she’d been dropped off from another planet. Her suit screamed money, and not a single strand of her perfectly styled hair dared move in the breeze.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Are you the owner of this farm?” Her voice was the kind that didn’t waste time with pleasantries.

“Yes. Why?”

“I am Sophia. I own the surrounding properties. I’m here to buy yours.”

“It’s not for sale.”

“Not for sale? Once my resort opens, this… farm will be worthless.”

“It’s my family’s land.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She scoffed. “Sentimental and stubborn. What a combination. We’re not finished here.”

Her car door slammed, and she drove off, leaving behind a cloud of dust. I stood on the porch, gripping my coffee mug tighter. I felt something coming.

***

The next day, I stepped outside, expecting the quiet start of my usual chores. Instead, chaos greeted me like an unwelcome guest. Chickens darted across the yard, squawking in panic. Goats were hopping over fences like it was some sort of barnyard Olympics.

Who let the animals out?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Then I saw her. Sophia.

She was perched precariously on a ladder by the barn, her hands busy with one of the old shutters. But her outfit… A sleek black dress and designer heels that had no business being anywhere near a farm.

“What are you doing up there?” I marched closer.

“Improving the aesthetic!” she shot back, not even turning her head.

Suddenly, the ladder wobbled.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Sophia…”

Her arms flailed, and for a brief, ridiculous moment, she looked like a very glamorous windmill. Then gravity won. She tumbled to the ground in a heap of expensive fabric.

I rushed over, kneeling beside her. “Are you okay?”

Her eyes fluttered open, but the vacant, confused look in them made my stomach drop.

“Who… are you?” she whispered.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

At the hospital, the doctor adjusted his glasses. Sophia sat on the exam table, staring blankly at me. She looked… lost.

The doctor turned to me. “Are you a relative?”

“Oh, no, I’m not…” I started, but then I stopped.

Relative…

I looked at Sophia again, her confusion evident in her distant stare. The doctor was still watching me, waiting for an answer, but my thoughts raced ahead.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

What if I say yes? What if I tell him we are family?

A voice in my head immediately protested. It wasn’t true. It wasn’t right. But then another thought slid in. Maybe that is fate’s way of teaching her something.

The silence stretched, and the doctor raised an eyebrow. “Miss?”

“Yes,” I said. “She’s my sister.”

The words sounded strange, leaving my mouth, but once they were out, I couldn’t take them back.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Sophia turned to me. “Sister?”

“Yes,” I said quickly, stepping closer. “You’ve been staying with me at the farm with me and Steven.”

She blinked. “I… I don’t remember.”

On the drive back to the farm, I couldn’t help but smile faintly to myself. That was a mess of my own making, no doubt about it. But it was going to be one heck of a ride.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The first morning with Sophia on the farm started with cautious optimism—and spiraled into chaos faster than I could have predicted.

“Okay, Sophia,” I said, handing her a small wooden stool and a pail. “Milking a cow is simple. You just have to…”

“Simple?” she cut in, her voice teetering between disbelief and dread. “Do you see these hands? These nails?”

What followed was a symphony of frustrated groans and a bucket that stayed empty. Sophia finally stood, tossing her hands in the air.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“This cow hates me. She’s mocking me with her… her smug mooing!”

“Move on to the chickens,” I suggested, hiding a smirk.

She stormed toward the chicken coop, muttering under her breath. Moments later, a screech pierced the air. I ran over to find her flailing her arms as chickens scattered, their wings flapping wildly.

“They’re attacking me!” she shouted, diving behind a bale of hay.

“They’re chickens, not velociraptors. Just grab the eggs and get out.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The goats, sensing fresh prey, were next. They circled her like tiny, mischievous sharks, tugging at her scarf and nibbling the hem of her jacket.

By midday, Sophia looked like she’d survived a barnyard apocalypse. Her once-perfect outfit was smeared with dirt, and her hands scratched.

“I can’t do this,” she said, collapsing onto the porch. I saw tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m not made for… whatever this is.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“This is your life.”

She shook her head, disbelief etched into her face. Watching her sit there, exhausted and defeated, I felt a twinge of pity, but not for long.

You think you can waltz in, tear this place apart, and reshape it into your vision without understanding it? No.

You’re going to feel what life here is like. You’re going to understand why it’s worth protecting.

***

Steven arrived later that afternoon and quickly jumped in to help.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Come on,” he said to Sophia, handing her a pitchfork. “You’ll feel better once you accomplish something. Let’s start with the chicken coop.”

To my surprise, she followed him, earning a reluctant smile from Sophia.

Over the next few days, Steven stuck around, teaching her how to carry hay bales, clean stalls, and wrangle the goats without losing her mind or her scarf.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

By the end of the week, there were small victories. Sophia even cooked breakfast for us one morning. Granted, her pancakes looked more like hockey pucks, but we ate them anyway, laughing until tears streamed down our faces.

***

At the end of the week, I decided Sophia needed a break. Life on the farm had been hard on her, and I figured a little fun might do her some good. We hosted a barbecue, inviting neighbors to join us.

To my surprise, Sophia joined in.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“This is amazing!” she said, biting into a piece of corn on the cob. “I didn’t know food could taste this fresh.”

I laughed. “Welcome to the real deal.”

A group of kids called out to her as they ran toward the lake. “Sophia, come swim with us!”

“Oh no,” she said, backing away, hands raised. “Swimming is not my thing.”

Steven, carrying a plate of burgers, chimed in. “What’s the matter? Afraid you’ll ruin your makeup?”

“I’m not wearing any!” she shot back, tossing her hair dramatically.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Then you’ve got no excuse. Go on, they won’t bite.”

The kids tugged at her hands, and with a resigned laugh, she let them drag her to the water. Minutes later, I saw her wading in, splashing around with the kind of carefree energy I’d never imagined from her.

“Never thought I’d see the day,” Sreven said, shaking his head.

As the evening wore on, Sophia drifted back toward the fire.

“You’ve adjusted pretty well,” Steven said, glancing at her. “I didn’t think you’d last a day out here, to be honest.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Wait..” Sophia said, pulling the blanket tighter around her. “But… I’ve been living here all the time.”

He chuckled. “Oh, yes, I almost forgot that you are… um, my sister.”

As I stood by the fire, listening to their exchange, Steven’s words hit me like a jolt.

A pang of doubt wormed its way into my thoughts. I couldn’t ignore the way Steven looked at her. They had a connection that was undeniably growing, but my lie…

What have I done? How long before the messy truth catches up with me?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Suddenly, a black car pulled up, and as the woman stepped out, her piercing gaze fixed on Sophia. Whoever she was, she hadn’t driven all the way for nothing.

I felt the tension crackle through the air like an approaching storm. The woman was overdressed as though she were attending a red carpet event instead of stepping onto a farm. Her stiletto heels sank into the dirt with each step, and she paused to examine the ground, wrinkling her nose in open disdain.

“Sophia, we are going home,” she said.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Sofia looked up from her plate of grilled chicken, her face smudged with dirt.

“What are you wearing? And… what is that on your face?”

I stepped forward. “Ma’am, I think we need to talk.”

Her eyes snapped to me. “I am Sophia’s mother. And who, exactly, are you?”

“I’m the owner of this farm. Sofia’s been staying with me. She lost her memory after an accident…”

“You what?! You’ve been keeping my daughter here?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Her shrill accusations echoed across the yard, silencing the neighbors. All eyes turned to us.

“It wasn’t like that. I told her she was family. I thought…”

“You thought?” she spat. “You thought you had the right to lie to my daughter? To keep her here, away from her life, her family? Do you have any idea who she is? This farm is nothing compared to the world she belongs in!”

As if triggered by those words, Sofia stiffened. The warmth in her eyes disappeared, replaced by a cold, distant look.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She turned to me. “I’ve remembered everything now. You’ve been lying to me.”

By the time she left with her mother that night, it was as if the Sofia we had known on the farm had never existed.

***

The days that followed were unbearably quiet. Her absence filled the house like a heavy shadow. I missed her clumsy attempts at chores, her dry humor, and even her dramatic outbursts. For the first time, the farm felt… empty.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I found her business card while packing up the belongings she’d left behind. An address in the city stared back at me, daring me to do something.

In a few hours, I arrived at her office and braced myself for rejection. The receptionist informed Sofia of my arrival. Within minutes, she appeared.

To my shock, she hugged me tightly, tears slipping down her cheeks.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I’m sorry. For everything. For who I was.”

I pulled back slightly, searching her face. “Why now?”

She smiled faintly. “Because I miss it. The simplicity, the honesty. And most of all, I miss Steven.”

We returned to the farm together. That time, Sofia wasn’t just a visitor. She was family. She and Steven built a life here, one full of love, laughter, and the kind of grounding no luxury resort could ever provide.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: On my wedding day, everything seemed perfect until my past walked into the ceremony uninvited. A promise made years ago and a man determined to remind me of it threatened to unravel the life I’d built. Could I let go of the past, or would it destroy my future? Read the full story here.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

All Three of Brad Pitt’s Daughters, Zahara, Vivienne, & Shiloh, Have Changed Their Names 

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s daughters, Zahara, Vivienne, and Shiloh, made headlines recently as it was revealed that they have adopted new names. This decision to change their names garnered significant reactions among fans and followers of the Hollywood star and his family.

Shiloh Nouvel, Vivienne Marcheline, Angelina Jolie, and Zahara Marley attend the World Premiere of Disney's “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on September 30, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Zahara Seemingly Drops Last Name

Zahara Jolie-Pitt, the eldest daughter of Hollywood’s former power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has embarked on a new chapter in her life as an official member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha organization at Spelman College in Atlanta. This has also come with a notable drop of the name “Pitt.”

Brad Pitt and his daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt spotted at a playground in New York City on August 26, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

In a captivating video shared by Essence, Zahara’s infectious energy and enthusiasm were on full display as she introduced herself during her sorority’s probate.

Dressed in a stylish black midi dress, gloves, and pearls, she proudly declared, “My name is Zahara Marley Jolie, coming all the way from the Golden State in the city that is full of angels, Los Angeles, California. I am this line’s number seven.”

Zahara Jolie-Pitt introduces herself on stage as Zahara Jolie at Spelman College, as seen in the video dated November 2023. | Source: Instagram/essence

Fans expressed their thoughts regarding the missing “Pitt” from her name during this significant moment. One commenter expressed disappointment, noting, “That’s a shame seeing as how life could have been different for her, and he played a part in changing her life for the better.” Another fan questioned the scrutiny aimed at Brad, asking, “Why are they giving Brad such a hard time?”

Brad Pitt and his daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt visiting Central Park on August 28, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Another comment urged caution, stating, “I just hope this young lady is making decisions based on her own reality because to reject a parent is a BIG DEAL and should not be influenced by other people’s experiences or recollections.”

As she begins this new chapter in her life, it’s clear that Zahara’s name choice is eliciting thoughtful reflections on the complexities of family dynamics after her parents’ divorce.

Zahara Jolie-Pitt attends the "The Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo in London, England, on October 27, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

Vivienne Changes Name Amid Parents’ Legal Feud — Report

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt is one of the twins of Angelina and Brad. When the twins were born in 2008, Brad was “very pleased to be at the birth of his children, very moved and very emotional,” said OB/GYN Dr. Michel Sussman.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attends the opening night of "The Outsiders" at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Now 15, Vivienne is exploring her artistic side with her mom’s strong support. According to People, the Playbill for the musical “The Outsiders” lists her as “Vivienne Jolie,” notably without “Pitt.” This name change marks a significant step in Vivienne’s evolving public identity.

Brad Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on December 4, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In the musical, Vivienne Jolie works as a production assistant, and her mother, Angelina, is the producer. She often joins her mom during the musical’s promotional tour.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the opening night of "The Outsiders" at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In a recent appearance on “Today,” she was spotted watching Angelina from the crowd. Reflecting on her daughter’s role in the musical, Angelina shared that Vivienne’s enthusiasm for the project is driven by its focus on family.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt watches her mother, Angelina Jolie, being interviewed in the "Today" show for their musical "The Outsiders," dated May 2024. | Source: Instagram/todayshow

The veteran actress said, “And the same reason it responded to her, the same reason she wanted me next to her watching it, the same reason we all hugged when I came out here is because this is about family and it’s about community…”

Before the promotional tour, the mother-daughter pair were spotted attending the musical’s preview in New York City. This rare outing marked a significant public appearance for Vivienne, her first since 2021, drawing attention from fans and media alike.

Angelina Jolie and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at the Walter Kerr Theatre for the Broadway show "Hadestown" in Times Square on August 19, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Vivienne’s reported name change and recent public appearances highlight the evolving dynamics of the Jolie-Pitt family, especially after a third child, Shiloh, chose to follow in the footsteps of Zahara and Vivienne.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt attends the Los Angeles premiere of MSNBC Films' "Paper & Glue: A JR Project" at Museum Of Tolerance on November 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Turned 18 and Unveiled Her New Moniker

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, who turned 18 on May 27, has filed legal documents to drop her father Brad’s surname and use her mother, Angelina’s surname. She now wishes to be known simply as “Shiloh Jolie,” making this one of her first actions as an adult.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the premiere of "Maleficent : Mistress of Evil" on October 7, 2019, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

TMZ recently reported that Shiloh filed the paperwork on Memorial Day, which coincided with her birthday. The request for the name change has yet to be officially granted, but it is expected to be a matter of time before it becomes official.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt attends the "Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Shiloh’s decision follows a trend within the family, as her sisters, Vivienne and Zahara, have also reportedly omitted “Pitt” on separate occasions. These changes in the children’s names come amid court documents suggesting Angelina may have influenced their strained relationship with Brad.

Angelina Jolie, daughters Zahara and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attend the gala screening of "The Eternals" at the BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Recent claims against the actress surfaced through a statement from Tony Webb, owner of SRS Global, a security company that provided personal protection for Angelina. Webb, employed under Jolie from 2000 to 2020, shared insights from his experience.

Angelina Jolie during the Service of Commemoration and Dedication at St Paul's Cathedral in London on June 28, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

“One of the two individuals, Ross Foster, specified that he intended to testify regardless of the NDA if he received a court subpoena,” Webb stated. He further revealed disturbing details about the potential testimony.

Angelina Jolie at the ICC in The Hague on May 19, 2009. | Source: Getty Images

“When Mr. Foster told me this, he also told me that if asked, he would testify about statements he overheard that Ms. Jolie made to the children, encouraging them to avoid spending time with Mr. Pitt during custody visits,” he claimed.

Maddox, Vivienne, Angelina Jolie, Zahara, Shiloh, and Knox Jolie Pitt during the world premiere of Marvel Studios' "Eternals" at the Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

This revelation sparked a fierce reaction across social media platforms, with many expressing dismay at Angelina. Others showed concern over the potential impact on the Jolie-Pitt children.

Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie Pitt, Brad Pitt, and Maddox Pitt walking at the seafront promenade in Mumbai on November 12, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

“The fact that she cannot see the harm this is doing to their kids is just shocking,” one person commented. This was echoed by another commenter who noted, “It’s probably why Shiloh is moving in with her father now… She’s realized her mother is vindictive and has been trying to alienate them from Brad for years.”

Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina Jolie, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

One called Angelina’s alleged move “the worse possible thing a person can do… alienate their children from a parent.” Meanwhile, another declared “Shame on her.”

Angelina Jolie, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at Haneda Airport on June 21, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images

The debate over Angelina’s actions led some to reflect on the cyclical nature of such behavior, attributing it to her tumultuous upbringing. “Her childhood was similar from what I read. Maybe she can’t break that perpetual cycle or doesn’t want to,” one claimed.

Brad Pitt, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on July 30, 2013 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images

Besides Vivienne, Shiloh, and Zahara, Angelina is a mother to Knox, Pax, and Maddox. She shares all of them with Brad and despite the public’s critical perception, Angelina Jolie has continually strived to embody the role of a nurturing, attentive mother. This is, a commitment deeply rooted in the lessons taught by her own mom, Marcheline Bertrand.

Marcheline Bertrand at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, California, on July 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images

In a candid revelation made back in 2011, Angelina shared insights into her parenting approach, which is heavily influenced by the relationship she cherished with her mother. Angelina emphasized the importance of not just being a parent but also a friend to her children.

Angelina Jolie, Marcheline Bertrand, and Jacqueline Bisset at the premiere of her new film "Original Sin" in West Hollywood, on July 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images

She highlighted the invaluable connection she experienced through open communication and shared activities with her mother. This foundation has guided her in fostering a similar bond with her children, ensuring that despite their diverse backgrounds, they feel united as a family.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, and Knox Jolie-Pitt during the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil European Premiere held at Imax Waterloo in London on October 9, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Remembering her mother’s gentle spirit and unwavering generosity, Angelina aspires to emulate these traits. Her aim is clear: to be as good a mother to her children as her mother was to her.

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