I Won’t Kick My Stepdaughter Out—But Only If She Obeys My Three Rules

But she also knew, deep down, it would never feel like home to Kayla—not really.

Rule Three: Bring Yourself Into This House

Nicole wasn’t asking Kayla to perform. But she wanted effort. Once a week, Kayla was to contribute something personal to the household: a meal she liked, a movie she wanted to watch with everyone, a board game, even a new song. Just something that said, “I’m here.”

That was it. Three rules.

Not meant to punish. Just to connect.

Nicole presented them over dinner the following night. She didn’t make a big deal of it—no family meeting, no printed list. Just her, Derek, and Kayla at the table after the younger kids had gone upstairs.

Kayla listened quietly. Her face was blank. She nodded slowly, then excused herself. She said nothing.

Nicole sat there, fork in hand, unsure if she’d done the right thing.

The fallout didn’t happen overnight.

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