Jess always suspected her icy mother-in-law, Debbie, had it out for her. So when Debbie gifted her an expensive pair of yellow patent leather shoes, Jess hesitated—but wore them on a business trip anyway. At the airport, the TSA discovered a hidden package inside one of the shoes, leaving Jess terrified and humiliated.

The tests revealed no drugs, but what Jess later uncovered was even more disturbing. The package contained herbs—mugwort, yarrow, and St. John’s Wort—ingredients used in old folk magic spells to drive people away. It was clear: Debbie hadn’t just been cruel, she’d tried to cast Jess out of Arthur’s life.

When Jess confronted her husband, Arthur, his anger was swift. Debbie’s stunt had nearly gotten Jess arrested. “She crossed a line,” he said firmly. “I won’t let her destroy our marriage. You’re my family now.” His resolve gave Jess the strength she needed to face the truth.

The shoes now sit untouched in their closet, a chilling reminder that not all dangers come in obvious forms. Jess knows Debbie may never accept her, but she also knows that every attempt to break them apart only draws her and Arthur closer together.